Alapuzzha

Talking about tourism in this region, Kuttanad is considered to be the backwaters paradise of India where backwater cruising is concerned. Kuttanad’s geographical peculiarities along with its paddy fields are what make it edgy and interesting. The vast stretches of paddy fields are beautifully and enchantingly interlaced by backwaters, providing incredible sights. Here, farming is done below the sea level, usually 4 to 10 feet, which is interesting for travellers who seek to learn more about Kerala’s tourism.

Here, four major rivers – Meechil, Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala flow, making this region a hub for travellers who like natural beauty and the swaying of coconut trees. One of the best things to do in Alleppey is to visit these backwaters and enjoy the swish of winds and trees.

The beach has beautiful stretches, making the visit to this beach quite ecstatic and enjoyable. It is also in close proximity to several others places to visit, including the Vijay Park, which is a hub for couples and those who wish to enjoy some solitary time.

The beach is also close to the Sea View Park, which offers an opportunity to enjoy and have fun through different types of boat rides. A picnic spot is located close-by, therefore families can enjoy a day off at the beach and picnic at that spot. Bishop’s House, another popular place of interest is also located close to Alleppey Beach.

A village situated just a few kilometers from Alappuzha or Alleppey, Karumady or Karumadi is one of the places to visit in Alleppey that explorers would love. The place plays a pivotal role in the history and development of Buddhism as a religion and is perhaps best known for the black granite statue of Sri Buddha.

What makes this statue even more alluring is the fact that the left hand side of this Sri Buddha Statue is missing. Several theories have been created regarding that missing hand and how it must have been either cut off or broken over a period of time.

This beautiful destination is known for being a beach symphony, thanks to its glistening sands and crystal clear waters. Watching sunrise and sunset here is quite a romantic experience that couples would love to enjoy. The place is rated as one of the World’s Top Five Hammock Beaches by the National Geographic Survey.

The Marari Beach is known for providing unique experiences to the travellers. Taking them away from the modern life, this beach gives them an opportunity to unwind and to enjoy the different facets and bounties of life and nature.

Deriving its name from the Pandavas in the epic Indian tale of Mahabharata, the Pandavan Rock is known for being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It is widely believed that this was the cave inside which the Pandavas stayed during the time of their exile. Currently, this beautiful rock serves as a backdrop for a picnic spot.

Tourists are supposed to walk to the destination, but with family or friends, the walk becomes quite interesting and an incredible learning experience. Along the trails, travelers can easily enjoy the stunning views of hills and forests.

Pathiramanal, which means “Sands of the Night”, is a small lake island located on the backwaters of Alappuzha in Lake Vembanad. It is a bird watcher’s paradise since it is supposed to hold approximately 91 local species of birds and 50 species of migratory birds.

The location of the island is extremely scenic, making it a lovely space to observe birds and the water. It is also completely uninhabited so you don’t have to worry about the crowd and hawkers disrupting the beauty.

This is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey that you absolutely cannot miss. Vembanad Lake is Kerala’s longest lake and is also among the largest in India.

Several canals empty their water into the lake at several points along its wide expanse. Since it is a long lake, it covers many districts of Kerala and goes by different names in each district like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, Kochi Lake in Kochi.

Ambalapuzha Temple is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Alleppey. The temple is the oldest Krishna temples in Kerala and among the oldest in India too. The temple was built around 15th to 17th century AD and has been one of the strongholds of Krishna devotees for centuries. The temple has a lovely, soothing ambience which will calm you down and make you simply want to sit in the temple for hours on the end.

Since there is no entry fees and everyone is allowed to enter inside. Ambalapuzha Temple is also a favourite hangout spot of foreigners. And it deserves all the attention it gets. The inner sanctum is decorated with paintings of Sri Krishna and the other incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Karumadikkuttan is a major Buddhist tourist spots in Kerala. It is an ancient statue of Buddha, made of black granite stone and believed to have been sculpted by Buddhist monks visiting Alleppey around the 9th to 14th centuries AD.

The statue is believed to have healing powers and it is a powerful mainstay of Buddhism in the region. As a result of these combined factors, the ancient statue draws a lot of crowd.

Nothing gets better than a bird sanctuary located within the lush green lands of Kerala. Situated on the banks of the well-known Vemband Lake of Kerala in Kumarakom, this sanctuary is a favourite of both birds and bird-watchers.

It is a beautiful place full of the chatter of birds from all parts of India and the world. As important as it is to visit the backwaters when in Kerala, it is equally important to visit some of the forests in the state which give it its awe-inspiring lush green landscape.

Kayamkulam Lake used to be a lake, before the authorities decided to break the bar separating it from the Arabian Sea to build a fishing harbour. As a result, it is now a lagoon. It is a place full of activity including fishing, races or other touristic activities.

The aquatic life in this lagoon is very viable commercially, hence the popularity of the spot as a fishing ground. Alongside the fish, many birds also make themselves at home in the environs surrounding the waterbody.

Located in Kumarakom, a district in the vicinity of Alleppey, this is one of the best destinations for those who wish to enjoy the perks of wildlife. Providing a rendezvous with the wild, this bird sanctuary is perhaps best known for its migratory birds and animals which make it a paradise for ornithologists.

Set in Kerala’s backwaters, this bird sanctuary was initially built as a rubber plantation and then slowly turned into a sanctuary by an Englishman. Spread over 14 acres, this sanctuary is located on the Southern Bank of the Kavanar River, which serves as a hub for travellers from all over the world.