With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousand of foreign tourist each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the the region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Kettuvallams, the stitched boats are the traditional house boats of Kerala. They provide the best way to experience the colourful backwaters of Kerala.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is the most famous of the boat races of Kerala. This annual regatta is held on the Punnamada Backwaters of Alappuzha district on the second Saturday of August.

The event is a commemoration of the visit to this place by the late Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1952.

The spectacular races features magnificent snake boats or 'Chundans'. The boisterous and rhythmic boat songs or Vanchipattu work the spectators to a state of frenzy.

Kuttanad is an expanse of water-logged land lying below sea level. It bears strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features.

Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old.

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.

Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this BackwaterCountry is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Champakulam Boat Race, Champakulam Alappuzha

The Champakkulam boat race is the first of the season and is one of the few, which are centuries old. The festivities include spectacular water floats, decorated boats, Vanchipattu or the song of the oarsmen and the most thrilling Chundanvallom race. Chundans are a category of boats that are over 100 feet in length with raised prow. They were called snake boats by the colonial rulers and continue to be known so till date.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha about 24 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms away from Alappuzha town.

Disclaimer : In Kerala, some of the festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam Calendar. Local practices also influence the dates of some traditional, customary and auspicious events. Being the case, the dates appearing in this section are approximate, which the users need to confirm with the local authorities.