For the town with the same name, see Alappuzha.
Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala in India. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well-known for its coir factories. Most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. The district is also known for its communist traditions. It is home to the Punnapra Vayalar strikes against the British and also the revolt against feudal raj. Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.
It has the highest population density among all districts of the state. It is 29.46% urbanised. [2]
For administrative purposes, the district is divided into two revenue divisions viz:
- Alappuzha division comprising Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad taluks with 47 villages and
- Chengannur division comprising Karthikapally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara taluks with 44 villages.
The panchayats in the district are Arookutty, Aroor, Aryad, Chennam Pallippuram, Cherthala South, Ezhupunna, Kadakkarappally, Kanjikkuzhi, Mannanchery, Mararikulam North, Mararikulam South, Kodamthuruth, Kuthiathode, Muhamma, Thaikattussery, Thanneermukkom, Thuravoor, Panavally, Pattanakkad, Perumbalam, and Vayalar.
Alappuzha, the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters and lagoons, was described as the "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon[1].
Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Chemmeen was filmed in two villages in Alappuzha. In the opening credits, a written statement in Malayalam thanks the people of both villages.
| Area | 1414 km² - 3.64% of area of the state |
| Population | 2,109,160 - 6.61% of the population of the state (2001) |
| Population density | 1492/km² (2001) |
| Literacy | 83%-94% (2001) |
| Sex ratio | 1050 females/1000 males |
| Urbanization | 29.46% |
The church located at Kokkamangalam or Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Another church in Edathua attracts thousands across the country. St. George Ferona church is believed to be a centre for so many miracles.
The picturesque CSI Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1818 by the first CMS (Church Missionary Society) missionary to the erstwhile state of Travancore, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first Anglican Church to be established in Travancore.
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Tourism
Alappuzha is one of the most important tourist centres in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alappuzha was one of the busiest centres of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alappuzha the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.
Alappuzha is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.
Kuttanadu
Kuttanad or Kuttanadu is an area of Alappuzha District, densely covered with waterways. Kuttanad is famous because of its paddy fields and farmers dedicated to the growth of paddy. It was once called the "Keralathinte Nellara", which means "rice bowl of Kerala". Many factors such as expense, labour shortage etc. seriously affected the agriculture in this region. Many former rice fields are now used for other crops which require much lesser investment. Kuttanadu is the birth place of literary legend Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai.
The biggest college in Alappuzha is Sanathana Dharma College; popularly known as S.D College. The St. Joseph's College is the exclusive college for girls; it is run by the Canossian Sisters. The Carmel Polytechnic College at Punnapra has been instrumental in the formation of thousands of technicians during the past 50 years; Rev. Fr. Gilbert, C.M.I. was its founder. The Carmel International School at Punnapra is a recent addition to the educational map of Alappuzha; Rev. Fr. Cyriac Thundiyil, C.M.I. is the present principal of this school.
Festivals
A grand annual festival is celebrated at the unique 'Nagaraja Temple' here in October/November. 'Chirappu Mahotsavam' is a big occasion at Mullackal Temple in December. Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one-day Thaipooyan Kavadi. The famous Chandanakudam is celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during December every year. Kottamkulangara Temple in Alappuzha have two festive seasons in February and March, because of two deities with separate flag masts in same compound wall.
The churches here celebrate grand annual feasts, an occasion to regale and rejoice. The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' is celebrated at the Arthunkal Church. The famous regatta forms part of many festivals here at many places. Annual Vallam Kali (Nehru Trophy Boat Race) is held in the backwaters in the month of September associated with the Onam festival. The main attraction is the Chundan Vallam (Snake Boat) race, in which a number of contestants are in the run for the famous Prime Minister's trophy, a trophy donated by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. Another important celebration in Alappuzha is "Beach Festival" held from December 30 to January 2.
References
This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Alappuzha (district) |
Photo gallery
 Backwaters in Alappuzha. |
 Houseboat in Alappuzha |
 Communist Martyrs Column |
 Public Transport Boat service in Kerala. |
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