Alappuzha is a magnificent destination in Kerala with mix of Backwaters and Beach. At a distance of 152 Kms from Trivandrum and 63 Kms from Kochi, Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey) is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake (which is spread between Alappuzha and Kochi). It is the headquarters of Alappuzha district.

Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is the most famous Backwater destination in Kerala. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make it a delightful destination. It is popularly known as the 'Venice of the East'.

Alappuzha is also known for the famous Boat Races (especially, snake boats) that are conducted during Onam and other seasons. Kuttanad, known as ?The rice bowl of Kerala? is part of the Alappuzha district. Kuttanad is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

The beach is lined with dense palm groves at one end. The bridge on the beach is close to 150 years old. With Arabian Sea on west and several lakes (including Vembanad Lake), lagoons and several freshwater rivers, Alappuzha is a place with breathtaking natural beauty.

The children park at northern end of the beach is a good place to hang out for kids. There are no water sports facilities at the beach. The beach has considerably less commercial activity.

At a distance of 5.5 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake is the most competitive and popular boat race of Kerala.

The race is held on second Saturday of August every year. The boat race was introduced in 1952 to celebrate Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Alappuzha visit. Several snake boats participate in the competition, each representing different village of Kuttanad region. Each boat is accompanied by about 150 oarsmen, showcasing their skills on 1.5 KM race track.

Around 200,000 visitors including foreign tourists participate in these breathtaking celebrations.

At a distance of 16 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Mararikulam Beach is a cute little known beach situated in Mararikulam village. This white sand beach is filled with several coconut trees providing unique appearance to the beach.

The beach is about 3 Kms from NH47 junction (called Mararikulam-Kalithattu Junction) before Kanjikkunzhi, between Alappuzha and Kochi. The NH47 Junction is connected by frequent buses travelling between Alappuzha and Kochi.

There are several home stay options just on the shores of the beach. This beach is safe for swimming

At a distance of 13 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Champakulam is a beautiful village on the banks of Pampa River in Alappuzha district, with green paddy fields, coconut groves and water fowl. It is part of Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala.

Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is the oldest snake boat races in Kerala. The race is held in Pampa River on the moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam (June/July), the day of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.

Champakulam Church is one of the oldest churches in India, built in 427 AD. This church has seen many changes and undergone several enhancements. There are many inscriptions around the church describing its history. The annual festival is celebrated on October 3rd.

Kuttanad is a region in Alappuzha district that is known as 'Rice Bowl of Kerala' for the vast paddy fields. With seven rivers flowing through it (Pampa, Manimala, Achencoil, Meenachil, Moovattupuzha, Chalackudy & Periyar), Kuttanad is breathtakingly beautiful. Kuttanad is also popular as a backwater destination. It is one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level.

The most popular route taken to explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha - Changanassery route. This road takes you through the heart of Kuttanad region demonstrating the daily life of people in the region. The possible activities for the tourists in this region are to visit villages and enjoy the daily life of villagers, walk along the rivers/streams and enjoy the nature or take a boat trip between villages.

Nedumudy (11 Kms from Alappuzha - near SH11), Kavalam (20 Kms from Alappuzha) & Champakkulam (13 Kms from Alappuzha - on SH11) are best places to experience the uniqueness of Kuttanad