Alappuzha Off The Beaten Path

Try cooking some local stuff. While on our mad shopping spree in Alleppy, we were invited to the kitchen of the bakery to see for ourselves the miracle called banana chips!!

Fish being the local delicacy in Aleppy, banana chips and home-made chocs is something you will find all over Kerala

Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Kochi. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair, which attracts travellers from all parts of the globe.

Champakulum Lake- Champakulum Moolam Boat race. It is one of the oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala. It is held in June - July.

...........a unique boat race

Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallomkali is conducted in the Pamba River in front of Sri Parthasarathi Temple. Though, large snake boats take part in this festival they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to be present in each boat. Since 1971 this procession has taken the present form of a race conducted by the Palliyoda Seva Sangh.

Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100 men.

It si a beautiful small island in the Vembanadu Lake. It can be reached only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma.
I felt it is an ideal picnic spot..( we had a great time of packed lunch and evening tea on the same place.).

This famous Sri Nagarjuna temple is dedicated to the king serpents. It is situated near Haripad, amids thick forest. (45 min drive from Alappuzha).
It is believed that if a childless couple pray and do "uruli Kamizhthal " here, they will be blessed with a child.. .

Krishanapuram palace is situated at kayamkulam (1 hour drive from Alappuzha towards south).
It is the centre of attraction here and was built by Marthanda Varama, the king of of Trvancore during the 18th century. It contains one of the largest mural piantings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham measures 14 feet by 11 feet. The palace also has a museoum of antique sculptures, paintings and bornzes.

It is famous for its Krishna Temple bulit with Kerala Architectual style. It is also famous for its 'Palpayasam' a milk prrodge of exceptional sweetness.
From Aleppey 25 min drive towards south (TVM)