Alappuzha: Backwaters, Culture and Craftsmanship

Alappuzha combines the scenery of the backwaters with boat races, vibrant crafts and a rich cultural heritage. This gives you plenty of options when planning your trip: you can focus on nature and the water, or explore historic buildings, museums and local traditions.

The Backwaters and the Landscape Around Kuttanad

Kuttanad lies at the heart of the backwaters in Alappuzha district. It is said to be the only place on earth where farming takes place up to two metres below sea level. This below-sea-level farming shapes Kuttanad’s landscape. A houseboat trip is considered the best way to experience the backwaters of Kuttanad.

Vembanad Lake borders the Cherthala, Ambalappuzha and Kuttanad taluks in Alappuzha district. Punnamada Lake is an extension of Vembanad Lake. Pathiramanal, a ten-acre green island in Vembanad Lake, is home to around 90 bird species and 30 butterfly species. The island is also a sanctuary for hundreds of rare migratory birds. If birdlife is a particular interest, it offers a distinctive natural highlight within the backwater landscape.

Boating Traditions and Special Dates

Punnamada Lake has been the permanent venue of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race since 1955. The racecourse is approximately 1,370 metres long. The race takes place every year on the second Saturday in August; the exact date may vary depending on the calendar and official announcements. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the announced dates before making arrangements.

Champakkulam Church also takes part in the Champakkulam Moolam boat race each year; its dates may vary from year to year. The church stands on the banks of the Pamba River in Alappuzha and is a Syro-Malabar church. Boat races give the region a different focus from quietly observing the landscape: they connect the waterways with a local tradition.

Boats to and from Karumadi Kuttan travel across Punnamada Lake. At the jetty there, you can find houseboats, canoes, motorboats and Kashmiri boats called “shikaras”. Check locally before your trip to find out which boats and services are available.

Crafts, Cuisine and Cultural Heritage

In Alappuzha’s canal-side villages, visitors can watch artisans making ropes and mats from coconut husks. Mannar, known as the “Bell Metal Town” in Alappuzha district, is renowned for brass, bronze and silver crafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work around the forges, making traditional lamps, large bells and brass cooking vessels. Access to individual workshops may vary.

Regional cuisine is also closely linked to the water and local eateries. In Kuttanad, dishes on offer include Karimeen Pollichathu and Kuttanadu Tharavu Curry. At the eateries along Alappuzha’s canals, you can find tapioca with fish curry and toddy, a local palm wine. The dishes served at individual eateries may change.

Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. It showcases Kerala’s architecture and the history of the rulers of Odanadu. The palace houses the 49-square-metre mural “Gajendra Moksham”. Together, the building and the mural tell different parts of the region’s cultural heritage.

Karumadi Kuttan is a Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the village of Karumadi near Ambalappuzha. The statue there is believed to have been created between the 9th and 14th centuries AD. Another historical tradition is associated with Champakkulam Church: according to tradition, it is one of seven churches founded by Thomas when he came to Kerala in 427 AD. The first performance of Ottanthullal, a satirical folk art form, is associated with Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.

In Alappuzha, the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum features, among other things, Swarovski crystals, ivory carvings and porcelain treasures. The museum covers 28,000 square feet and includes a Kerala Room; its artefacts represent Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The Thakazhi Museum and Smritimandapam is dedicated to the writer Thakazhi Sivasankaran Pillai. His work includes 35 novels and 600 short stories.

Choose a Holiday Rental to Suit Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday rental, first consider what you want your days to revolve around: the backwaters and boat trips, wildlife watching, crafts, cuisine or cultural history. Choose your base according to the activities that matter most to you, and check the specific routes and visiting options as part of your planning.

Discover more destinations:

Nedumudy, Eramalloor, Vayalār, Alappuzha, Pallipuram, Kodamthuruth, Vaduthala, Thalavady, Champakulam, Kannady, Thamarakulam, Chengannur, Mannanchery, Moncompu, Aryad South, Mararikkulam North, Kainakary South, Thuravoor Thekku, Panavally.

For the main travel overview: Kerala.