Unique Attractions of Alappuzha

It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place which means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it. It is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.

The present Alappuzha district comprises of six taluks namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, chengannur and Mavelikkaara. total area of this district is 1414 sq. kms. The district head quarters is located at Alappuzha.

Unique Attractions of Alappuzha

Water Sports
When you've had enough of lazing in the sun and are ready for some action and fun, you can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Indian beaches! For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball!

Water sports are one of the most thrilling beach activities, and Alappuzha beach have the best of aqua-sport equipment such as water-scooters and high-speed boats. In fact, India is fast emerging as an Asian adventure sports destination with immense scope in various kinds of water sports.

Water loving speed freaks will not be able to resist getting into a speedboat. Sleek with a growling, throaty engine, these thoroughbred speedboats are compelling machines that make the sea your road.

Boat Races
It is in the months of August and September that the moist, rain-drenched earth and the glorious everflowing backwaters burst into song together, as over hundred thousand men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular water regatta - the SNAKE BOAT RACES. Boat race crews begin to practice for the race months before the great day. They live together, eat together, toil together to work themselves into a smooth, co-ordinated team.

Nehru Boat RaceA splendid procession unfolds with all types of 'Kali-Vallangal' or RACING BOATS, led by the largest and the most majestic of them, the 'Chundan'. Its rowers sing songs known as ' vanchi pattu ' to the rhythm of the oars - a feast for the eyes and the ears. The largest of the 'Chundan' boats the length of which varies between a hundred and a hundred and thirty feet can seat a hundred and twenty rowers, sixty on each side. Like the neck of an angry snake it curves to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. The prow is pointed and stands four feet above the water with its glistening brass embellishments. The main steerman of the boat stands on the amaram with specially made long oars. The efficiency with which they handles the oar is what establishes the speed of the boat and its balance. They claim that a single strong plunge of the oar into the water can take the boat three leaps forward to a distance of thirsty feet.

The most famous of these is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race"
On the Second Saturday of every August There are a dozen other Snake Boat Races. The latest addition is the one in connection with the GREAT ELEPHANT MARCH held on 19th of January every year.Champakulam, Kavalam, Karichal, Jawahar Thayangari, Kallooparamban, Pacha, Pulincunnu, Nedubhagam, Cheruthana, Kandangari and Paippad are the chief competitors for the trophies. Large and spectacular chundans glide towards the finishing line like meteors in the sky with water splashing violently on both sides like streaks of lightning. An unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport one of the most dynamic.

Other Boat Races are

* Tourism Boat Race, 11th January connected with Great Elephant March.
* Pulimkunnu, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, August Last Saturday
* Champakulam Boat Race, June-July Connected with the Asterism "Moolam" of Midhunam, a malayalam month.
* Neerattupuram Boat Race, August-Sep. conducted during Onam days.
* Chettikulangara, Kettukazhcha, February-March
* 'Kettukazhcha' is very famous and it is a procession of tall decorated tructures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullocks are displayed.
* Thiruvalla, Pamba Boat Race
* Haripad, Karuvatta Boat Race
* Mannar Boat Race