Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:
Located on the eastern side of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary stretches over an area of 14 acre land. The sanctuary is home to a large variety of birds, of different species, and also provides shelter to migratory birds, such as Siberian storks. It gives an impetus to the beauty of Kumarakom.
Backwater Cruises:
Kumarakom backwater cruises are a unique experience, which would leave a person thrilled and overjoyed. The tranquility of the waters and the freshness of the greenery around would give a lasting impression in the minds of the visitors. The place offers a lot in terms of boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing – something which you cannot afford to miss once you are here.
Vembanad Lake:
Vembanad Lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking, youngsters can opt for fishing and boating.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls:
Nature seems to be at its best in Kumarakom. Apart from tranquility of the lake and chirpiness of the birds, the place also offers its tourist an opportunity to view a waterfall. Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls are located 18 km from Kottayam town and are an absolute delight to watch, as water tinkles from the height of 100 feet to the ground.
Pathiramanal:
Located near Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal is also called ‘Sands of Night’. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists. The island is home to some rare varieties of migratory birds, serving as a bird watcher’s paradise.
Tourist Attractions in Alappuzha:
Krishnapuram Palace:
The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormar windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Pathiramanal (An Island):
This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma.
Ambalappuzha ( Pilgrim Centre):
The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala’s more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam – a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple’s main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.
Karumadi:
Close to the Ambalappuzha. the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century.
Arthunkal (Pilgrim Centre):
Arthunkal known for the St. Andrews Church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 22 km north of Alappuzha.
The feast of St. Sebastian is held here in every January.
Punnapra:
A short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.
