By  Theerdha G pillai and Krishnaveni U.R

 

The place of honest and straightforward people whose regional language is Malayalam. The district Alappuzha of Kerala is known for its backwater. Today it’s known as  “Alleppey backwater” which attracts thousands of tourists. Lord Curzon named Alappuzha as “the Venice of the East”. The foodie world of karimeen and mutton biryani and many more spiciness opens in Alappuzha. Recently, the flood and droughts mainly affected in the district  as it is covered by backwater. Therefore, Alappuzha peoples are generally  hardworking and gone through many survival aspects. The district shows a moderately warm climate in general.

Let’s get into a little background before the exciting journey. The story behind the name “the Venice of the East” is interesting in the late 19^th century when Lord Curzon the viceroy of the Indian empire made a visit to the state Alleppey (earlier). He is fascinated by the conjoined beauty of the coconut plains and the backwaters. He exclaimed:

“Here nature has spent upon the land richest bounties”

“Alleppey the Venice of the east!”

Alappuzha is well known for its trade relations during the middle ages with Greece and Rome.

The early Chiras, who had their home in Kuttanad  were called Kuttuans , named after this place. The district is also known for the archaeological antiquities such as stone inscripts, monument temples, churches, rock, cut caves etc. Religions and cultures flourished under the 2^nd chera empire. And also played a role in the freedom struggle of the country “punnapara and vayalar”in 1946 against the Congress ministry thus gave a strong birth for the Communist party too!.

*A little background check is good for   enjoying the trip to its fullest.

 So, let’s start the next half of this Travelogue.

There are even new restaurant recently serving meals at Rs. 25 at Mannancherry by the state Government. An interesting fact is that Alappuzha now has more than five hotels including one serving free food four times daily. Talking about the places, the tourists review show’s the shops like Gafoor store which is a place for chilling snack time, the Cafe Catamaran- gives another impression of Alappuzha, the Pulickattil-the handicraft shop, the Ambalappuzha temple which is a great sight of Alappuzha tradition which are some examples of the people’s choices. It is a must to watch the boat racing or at least to get the ride of House boating of Alappuzha, if you are currently in the destination or seeking for Alappuzha as a visiting point.

 The story of Nehru escorted in a huge snake boat given a boost up for boat racing for the people hence on 1^st July 1969 the trophy of boat racing is renamed as “Nehru trophy”. The race gives the spirit and refreshment of Alappuzha just like the Alleppey beach, which is our next important spot. The beach is not a place of swimming because the current is very strong and the water is very deeper. But still, don’t miss the sight. There are mainly two main Indian Coffee Houses, one in the centre (Mullackal Road) and another at Alleppey beach. They serves the cheap, tasty and intact the original south Indian food, ice-cream and their signature Coffee which can match up a perfect evening vibe.