Alappuzha where the sea and the backwaters unfold its enthralling beauty is definitely one of the major tourist destinations in the country. Known for its local delicacies, Alappuzha is a paradise for seafood lovers. The sight of small makeshift shops on the roadside which sells dried prawns, locally sourced duck eggs and large clam meat caught from the lake gives a hint of the unique gastronomical experience one would enjoy in Alappuzha. Food lovers throng the ‘Venice of the East’ just to grab a plate of steaming hot 'puttu' accompanied by delicious duck mappas, a local dish in which tender duck meat floats in thick coconut gravy seasoned with lots of black pepper.
Thakazhi Museum
The ancestral home of the legendary Malayalam writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai at Sankaramangalam was took over by the government and turned into a museum in 2000. This museum built is 22 km away from the Alappuzha town. Museum functions on all days from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, except on Mondays when it will be closed.
Karumadikuttan
This Buddhist statue is one of the unique features of Alappuzha which draws hundreds of tourists. Found by Sir Robert Bristow from the nearby Karumady stream in a withered state, the statue has attracted the attention of historians from all over the world. The historians assume that it is the statue of Lord Buddha as Karumady was once a Buddhist centre.
Ambalapuzha Temple
The famed Ambalappuzha temple which is just 13 km away from Alappuzha is a major spiritual and cultural centre which is popular for art forms like Velakali and Chakyarkoothu. Even travellers from outside Kerala seek the blessings of Lord Krishna who is the main deity here, and to taste the legendary Ambalapuzha ‘paal payasam’ (milk kheer). The temple built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala is also known as the ‘Guruvayoor of South Kerala.'
Krishnapuram Palace
The palace situated a Kayamkulam was built by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. An incredible collection of rare mural paintings, ancient objects, weapons and old coins are exhibited here. Built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, the palace has 16 courtyards. Visitors are allowed inside the Krishnapuram palace from 9 am to 5 pm.
St. George church, Edathua
The church at Edathua in Kuttanadu is one of the oldest in the state. The church festival conducted to celebrate the feast of St. George draws thousands of devotees every year. The church is in fact one of the few structures in Kerala which boasts of European architectural style.
Alappuzha beach
The incredibly beautiful Alappuzha beach is one of the major tourist destinations in the district. The remnants of the withered sea bridge give an old world charm to the coast. The nearby children’s park and the lighthouse too are visited by tourists. Enjoying a beautiful sun set at the beach would be most perfect way to end the trip to Alappuzha.
