Alappuzha, which is formerly known as Alleppey is one of the 14 districts in Kerala. The district is formed on August 17, 1957 which is bordered by Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts on east, Kollam district on south, Ernakulam district on north and the Arabian Sea on west. It is located between the latitudes of  9^o 05^‘ & 9^o 54^‘ N and longitudes of 76^o 17^‘ 30^“& 76^o 40^‘ S. The district consists of an area about 1414 km², which means 3.64% of area of the state. Alappuzha consisted of six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Thiruvalla, Chengannur and Karthikappally in which Cherthala, Ambalappuzha and Kuttanad came under the Alappuzha division with 47 villages and the rest under the Chengannur division with 44 villages.

Alappuzha is a widely known tourist place, especially it is well-known for its coir factories. The tourist destinations in Alappuzha includes Alappuzha Beach, Pathiramanal, Krishnapuram Palace, Punnapra, Mararikulam and the Kuttanad Region. There are several famous religious places also and this includes Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple, Arthunkal Church, Champakulam Church, Chavara Bhavan, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Edathua Church etc. Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Alappuzha is also famous for its spectacular snake – boat races and the Back water Cruise. The most famous snake boat races are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Champakulam Moolam Boat Race were held at different parts of the district during August-September. It is the most significant and traditional event in Alappuzha

Alappuzha district has a proud educational history also. There are several arts and Sciece colleges including one Medical college and an engineering college. Alappuzha is the place where the Kerala State Library Council was born on September 14, 1945. This district had a prominent role in the freedom struggle of the country.  The campaign for the eradication of untouchability was organized much earlier  in this district by T.K. Madhavan, a fearless journalist and in 1925 the approach roads to the temples, especially to Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swami temple were thrown open to the Hindus of all castes.  The district also witnessed the ‘Nivarthana’ movement which was started as a protest against the constitutional repression of 1932.  the first political strike in Kerala was held at Alappuzha in 1938.

The best tourism spots in Alappuzha are shown in the Alappuzha Map below.

Alappuzha Map

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