Alappuzha religion is a district administrative center and port on the Arabian Sea. Coconuts are the mainstay of the economy; spices are also exported. A network of canals links the town to Thrissur to the north and Thiruvananthapuram to the south.
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty, Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists, each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region Kuttanad called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea is over 137 years old. Sea View Park offers boating facilities and a swimming pool. Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It is now a holy shrine and spiritual resort where thousands of devotees gather for prayers, receive favours and feel amply gratified. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple built in the typical Kerala architectural style, is famous all over Kerala for the Palpayasam offering. It is also in this temple that Pallipana is performed by Velans once every twelve years.
The St. Sebastians Church here is an important pilgrim centre. Edathua Church established in 1810, is dedicated to St. George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is an ancient shrine which is internationally renowned .Pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed come to pray here. Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Mavelikkara is one temple where the Kettukazhcha festival draws large crowds of devotees. Processions of tall decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performances make a spectular pageant. Krishnapuram Palace built by Marthanda Varma, is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham, based on the story of how the Lord comes to the rescue of His devotees when they pray with a sincere heart. The palace museum houses antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. At the Karumadikuttan temple, many fascinating legends are associated with the 11th centuary statue of Lord Buddha believed to be incarnated by devotees as Karumadikuttan.
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