Alleppey

Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, occupies a significant place in the tourist map of Kerala. Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges, this waterlocked district has immense potential for backwater tourism. Alappuzha, a centre for coir and carpet industries is an ideal headquarters for backwater touring. The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. It has a long sandy beach which is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape.

Punnamada Kayal:The interesting places of attraction for the tourists are Punnamada Kayal where Nehru Trophy Boat takes place every year and Pathiramanal which is a beautiful Island in Vembanad lake. The boat journey in Kuttanad taluk is a fascination for the foreign tourists.
Alappuzha district can be proud of being the cradle of boat races. all the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held on or around the Onam holidays at different parts of the district. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

Krishnapuram Palace:The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Pathiramanal (An Island):This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma.

Ambalappuzha (Pilgrim Centre):The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alappuzha is among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam - a sweet milk porridge offered to the deity. The temple's main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Karumadi:Close to the Ambalappuzha. the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century.

Arthunkal (Pilgrim Centre):Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.

Punnapra:A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.