Alappuzha being the backwater hub of Kerala, offers a host of water related treats to the tourists in the form of Houseboat cruises or Kettuvalloms, Backwater holidays, Backwater resorts, Boat Races etc. Since all the important boat races, including the Nehru Trophy boat race are held at different parts of the district during August-September months annualy, Alappuzha is also called ‘the Cradle of Boat Races’. Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

Alappuzha also contains numerous pilgrim centers which attracts vast crowds on festive days and also has some of the best ayurvedic rejuvenation centers in Kerala. Alapuzha is also famous for its coir and carpet industries in addition to many other attractions of tourist importance.

Alappuzha beach with imposing buildings of colonial past overlooking the shores with a beautiful garden, a 140 year old pier jutting into the sea with dense palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house on the other are a rare sight one must not miss. Vijay Park and Sea-view park are other picnic spots in the area. Boating Facility is available in both the Parks.

Backwater cruises is a breathtaking experience in itself.

Krishnapuram Palace built in 18th century is noted for its typical Kerala architecture, gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors. The famous mural ‘Gajendra Moksham’ which is the largest mural in Kerala, is in this palace. The palace museum also contains antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles.

Kuttanad Region known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala' is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.

Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeswari. The nine day 'Navarathri' festival is celebrated twice a year and is of special significance to the people of Alappuzha. Another important festival of the temple is 'Thaipooyakavadi'.

Pathiramanal is a small captivating island in the Vembanad Lake which is a favourite spot for hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.

Ambalapuzha Temple again a symbol of typical Kerala architecture, is famous for its ‘Palpayasam’, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years.

Arthunkal Church the St. Andrews Church here built by Portuguese missionaries is a famous Pilgrim centre near Cherthalai north of Alappuzha.

Champakulam Church the St. Mary's Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is said to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas.

Chavara Bhavan the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, draws thousands of devotees to his shrine. It can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, at Mavelikkara is known for the Kettukazhcha festival, which attracts a large number of devotees.

Edathua Church dedicated to St. George is believed to help in healing all kinds of mental disorders and other ailments.

Karumadikuttan a small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates back to 9th or 10th century.

Mannarsala near Haripad is famous for the ancient temple of Sree Nagaraja, the King of Serpents.

Punnapra is a village heaped in history for the bitter and heroic fight between the communists and Travancore State Police during the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.

Mararikulam is a quiet beach adjoining a fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic treatments are the leisure time activities one can avail here.

Getting here
The nearest airport is Cochin which is 64 kms to the North and Thiruvananthapuram International airport 159 kms to the south. Alappuzha being on the NH 47 highway is well connected to all important towns in South India. Alappuzha is also linked by rail to all major cities like Cochin, Chennai, Kolkota, Bangalore and Bokaro.