Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.The tiny town has been given the sobriquet of the 'Venice of East' because of its uncanny resemblance with the Italian city in terms of intricate maze of backwaters, canals and rivers.It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Alleppey has a wonderful past.
The present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature.History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages.Alappuzha was once a busy port, serving as the entrance point of Kerala for boats that brought goods from other regions and also carried the same from the town. The port was the brainchild of Raja Kesava Das, the Deewan of Travancore in the 18th century.
Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Alappuzha beach in Kerala is located on a thin strip of land, sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada backwaters.Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore.
The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a rare sight.The lighthouse and the 1000-ft long pier, built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862, which once helped the boats ferry across and augmented trade in their own way,it also provided shelter and protection to the boats and ships that came in.
Hugh and Mary Ann Crawford
Lighthouse at Alleppey circa AD 1892
Light House as seen Today
Evening sunset view form the alappuzha "kadal palam", an soothing view for families and tourist who spend their leisure time.About 2km from Alappuzha railway station, this beach offers ample parking. There is an open air stage where cultural events are conducted and a walkway artistically lined with plants and seating arrangements for people to sit and enjoy the view and the sea breeze.
The pier now stand as a mere skeleton of the past.It was already in ruins when a large part of it was washed away in the 2004 Tsunami.
Allepey's Beach is one of the most beautiful of its kind throughout the entile Malabar Coast. It is more spectacular to view the beach during dusk.
A few years ago, you could walk some distance out to Arabian Sea at Alappuzha beach in kerala, on the wooden boards of the dock, and see the blue waters through the clefts.
The ebullient waves would then tell you a story, of the proud 'Venice of the East' that was once the gateway to Kerala, much before Kochi signed off as a harbour of choice.
Over the pages of history, Alappuzha dropped its past and blended with the future.Everything about this town flaunts that by gone feeling - the colonial era government mansions, still grand and graceful despite the years, the canals, green and coated with weeds, beautiful beach and paddy fields...
Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house built by the British near the sea bridge still functioning which illuminates the path of ships in the darkness of night,Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. The Vijaya beach park consist of picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities.
With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
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