ALAPPUZHA

Alappuzha referred to as the venice of the East. It has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboast holidays , beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below seal level.

Kuttanad: Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 TO 2 m below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this region.

Alappuzha beach: This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here. is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors. Sea View park: The park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Boat rentals for 10 minuites. Round boat (4 seater): Rs.10. Pedal boat(2 seater):Rs. 15/-. Pedal boat(4 seater): Rs.25/- Photography and videography charges are Rs. 15/- and Rs. 100/- respectively.

Pathiramanal: (11/2 hours by motor boat/30 min. by speed boat from Alappuzha): According to mythology a young brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sand of midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. Karumadikuttan: (3 km east of Ambalapuzha): Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.

Conducted tours:

Daily backwater tours of the DTPC- Alappuzha-Kollam/Kollam-Alappuzha backwater cruise (8hours) Departure: 10.30 hrs from DTPC boat jetty. Fare:Rs.150/-. Half way journey from Alappuzha to Alumkadavu/Alumkadavu to Kollam:Rs. 100(Concession of fered to International Student Card Holders) Tour Covers Karumadikuttan Buddha Idol, Kumarakody, Matha Amrithanandamayi madom, Alumkadavu.

Explore Kuttanadu Boat Cruise:

Alappuzha-Kumarakom-Alappuzha:(departure 10.00 hrs from the DTPC BOAT JETTY) fARE rS. 75/-per head.

Tourist boat cruises:

The mechanised and motorised tour section of DTPC has a wide range of luxury boats and speed boats for backwater cruises on the Vembanadu backwaters.

Boat Races:

Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Punnamada(2nd saturday of Auguest) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race(Last Saturday of Auguest). Champakulam Moolam Boat Race(Moolam Day of Midhunam-July). Payippad Jalotsavam(4th Onam day-Auiguest/September). Neerettupuram Boat Race(Onam-Auguest/September).

Post& Telegraph Office:

Head Post Office	Ph:245367.  
Iron Bridge P.O.,	Ph:251145. 
Mullakkal P.O.,	Ph:252494.  
Collectorate P.O.,	Ph:252205.
Zilla Court P.O.,	Ph:252759

HOSPITALS:

Medical College Hospital		 Ph:251611.
District Hospital			 Ph:253324.
W&C Hospital, Beach		 Ph:251151.
Sahrudaya Health Centre Cum Hospital	 Ph:244269.
Medical College Hospital Vandanam	 Ph:272367

KATHAKALI PERFORMANCES:

SD Pharmacy Blds, Near Iron Bridge (daily Kathakali show:18.30hrs) Ph:241468.

Swimming pool:

Swimming pool, Beach. Alleppey Prince Hotel. Kayaloram Lake Resort.

Accommodation:

Keraleeyam Ayurvedic	Tariff(Rs.)	Tel:
Lake Resort		1050-1300	241468
Alleppey Prince Hotel	1150		243752
Cherukara Nest		550-950		251509
Palm Grove		875		245004
Tharayil Tourist Home	400-800		243543
Sona Tourist Home		450-600		235211
Mutteal Holiday Home	300-600		242365
Aditya Resort		250-350		244610
Hotel Komala		172-990		243631
ENKEYS Tourist Home	250-500		258462
Arcadia Hotel		150-750		251354
Kayaloram			1900-2500		242040
Mankotta Island		5000		212245
Marari Beach Resort	4085-11825	863801
Coir village Lake Resort   1500-2000		243462
The Green Palace Resort	475-750		736262
Alleppey Beach Resorts	1500-2500	263408

House Boat Operators:-

ATDC- Komala Road,					  243462
Pullickal Tour Links Jetty Rd.			  251877
Lakes & Lagoon Tour Co., East of K.S.R.T.C. Bus Stand,	  244279
Soma House Boats Opp. Boat Jetty,   			  261017
KTDC Kumarakom,					  524258