Tourist Places in Kuttanad

Introduction

Kuttanad contains a large part of the Alappuzha district and a small part of the Kottayam. It is situated at the heart of the backwaters of Kerala and is surrounded by a vast network of lush green rice fields separated by dykes. It is the "rice bowl" of Kerala and offers a glimpse of the traditional rural life of the state. The environment is unique to this region, as it is the country's lowest elevation, about 2 meters below the central sea level.

Kerala provides substantial daily food from fields, separated by several large and small rivers and streams. These streams are perfect for travelers to traverse and experience the best of the region's scenery during a one-hour houseboat tour or canoe trip. These excursions offer unforgettable and captivating views, making them ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and romantic adventurers. Following is a description of several tourist attractions there.

Tourist Places

1. Backwaters

The Alleppey backwaters were formerly utilized for fishing, farming, and transportation, but they transformed into a popular tourist destination with time. The overnight trip aboard the well-known Kerala houseboats is the Alleppey backwaters' major draw. These houseboats are just as cozy as any hotel room and occasionally even more wealthy, and you have an open deck.

Alleppey offers a variety of experiences, like watching the sunset, watching birds, visiting villages, gazing up at the stars, and observing farmers' and fishermen's daily routines. It also offers the chance to go to several locations specializing in producing toddy, coir, and handicrafts.

2. Canoe Rides in the Water Inlets

Houseboats can reach the larger streams; you would notice the little inlets leading into the most charming and picturesque locations. Even though these little boats or canoes go a shorter distance in a given amount of time, they transport you directly to Kuttanad's genuine rusticity and allow you to observe local culture up close.

These boats frequently take tourists on village excursions upon request, which usually include traditional Keralite food and the opportunity to see fishing, boat construction, and gardening. A great and filling dinner is available at the neighborhood shacks.

3. Champakulam and River Pamba

A little hamlet called Champakulam is seen in the Kuttanad area. It is split by the Pamba River, which has rice fields and the distinctive coconut palms characteristic of Kerala on both sides. River Pamba is regarded sacred and has been given the epithet Dakshina Ganga, emphasizing its significance in Kerala by comparing it to the sacred Ganges.

St. Mary's Forane Church is a noteworthy location to explore in this community. One of the first Christian churches in India, it has written documents dating back to 427 AD. It is a calm and serene location where you can unwind, observe nature, interact with people, and stroll along the river.

4. Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is a branch of Alleppey's Vembanad Lake. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a highly well-known boat race, is frequently held on the lake. The race draws numerous visitors worldwide and occurs during the celebrated Onam festival.

5. Karumadi Kuttan

This location is significant historically because it has a Buddha idol renowned for its historical significance in presenting a former Buddhist era. There are many intriguing stories associated with this Buddhist pilgrimage location. The Kerala Archaeological Department currently takes care of its protection. The residents of the area think that this statue possesses potent healing abilities.

Kerala was one of the southern Indian places where Buddhism could be seen. Alleppey's Karumadi Kutta is one such instance. The sole Buddhist religious site in Kerala is this one, situated on Lake Punnamada's shores. Despite minor damage to the statue, it is regarded with great respect. This idol has numerous traditions attached to it, and every year, it draws many tourists and archaeologists to Karumadi.

6. Chavara Bhawan

From Kuttanad, it is a location that is around 56 kilometers away. This location is both a resort and a center of worship. Since it has been conserved for 250 years, it houses an original light beacon. Since this place is a sacred sanctuary, many worshippers come here to pray. Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara was born here.

7. Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathi Temple

A Hindu temple devoted to the Goddess Durga is called Chakkulathu Kavu. It is one of Kerala's most well-known temples. Durga is one of the most revered gods in the area and draws visitors from around South India. This well-known temple is located 22 kilometers away from Kuttanad. It is a reputedly three-thousand-year-old temple. Mother Goddess, a strong deity, is revered in this place.

Alappuzha District is home to a well-known Devi Temple. The temple's open roof allows the Devi to sense the changing weather. Visited during the monsoon and witnessed raindrops dripping from the ceiling in front of the god.

8. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Kerala is located 1.2 km from here in Apalapuzha. The temple was constructed using the traditional architectural design of Kerala and is well-known for its famous rice pudding, Pal payasam (sweet milk rice pudding).

It is said that the temple was built during the 15th and 16th centuries AD by a regional king named Chembakkassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran. The main deity who rules the temple is a black granite stone deity called Parthasarathy (another name of Lord Krishna). The deity has a weapon in the right hand and a holy conch in the left.

9. Mullakkal Rajarajeshwari Temple

Mullakkal Devi Temple is a one-of-a-kind temple with no roof over the sanctum sanctorum, leaving the deity exposed to the sun and rain. In addition to the main Goddess, the temple has minor shrines dedicated to Hanuman, Subramanya, and Nagas (serpents). There is also a dedicated idol of Lord Ayyappa and Lord Krishna. A celebration lasts forty-one days, starting on the first of the Vrishchikam months (November- December). Alappuzha Chirappu, a well-known celebration in this region, is known as the Chirappu festival and lasts eleven days.

This temple's festival dedicated to women is held on the first Sunday in December. Only women are allowed to perform all temple duties on that day. On that day, in the evening, women traveling great distances light thousands of lamps. The eleven days after the chirappu are when the town is at its busiest and with the most lighting and decorations. The temple also celebrates Navaratri (Dussehra). One hundred fifty young girls are given new clothing on Maha Navami Day and are adored as Kumaris.

10. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is the name of a small fishing community situated on the Arabian Sea coast in Kerala. It is located 30.2 kilometers from the coastal town of Kuttanad. It is an ideal destination for visitors visiting Kerala's backwaters wishing to spend time on the beach.

Marari Beach is an unspoiled, natural haven. It is named after Marari, a tranquil fisherman's village. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is located in the most secluded and peaceful part of the Alleppey area of Kerala. Here, you can experience privacy and peace at their best because the beach isn't usually crowded with people.

This beach is the perfect spot. You can sit on the sand for hours to relax and let your moods take over. You can join the Snake boat race here during the busiest travel times.

11. Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is located in Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Vembanad Lake is also known as Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol (in Kochi, it is known as Kochi Lake and Punnamada Lake). It is the biggest lake in the state of Kerala and the longest lake in India. The lake is a charming picnic place and a rapidly growing backwater tourism destination. It offers thrilling boating, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities. With the greatest surface water supply, it is a component of a vast wetland system.

The lake is deep and big because several rivers feed into it. A saltwater barrier separates the lake's two sections, and the brackish and freshwater can be distinguished. The structure was built to keep saltwater from getting inside. A bird sanctuary lies on the lake's eastern shore, close to the well-known tourist destination of Kumarakom.

12. Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is a palace and museum situated 35.6 km from Kuttanad. It was built when Kayamkulam was part of the ancient state of Travancore under the rule of Anizham Thirunal Martanda Varma. The palace is famous for its unique Keralan architecture, such as gabled roofs, confined corridors, dormer windows, and roofs.

The "Gajendra Moksha" mural is 53 square feet and is one of Kerala's biggest single-panel paintings. The stone and wood sculptures, bronze, replica mural paintings, coins and megalithic relics, stone inscriptions, and other historical and archaeological artifacts are preserved at the archaeological museum.

The Hill Palace is located on top of a small hill and is surrounded by a long, tiered garden with fountains, ponds, and lawns. The Hill Palace is one of the palace complexes. Ettukettu, a single-story building with a pond, temple, and Urappura, is the oldest structure in the area. It dates back to about 1850 AD. Other structures are traditional and Western, and the newest structure in the complex was constructed in a Western style. This three-story structure, which houses the office, was built in the 1950s.

The Archaeology Department has declared The Hill Palace as a Protected Monument today. Recently, The Hill Palace underwent further renovation using the techniques recommended by science to preserve historic structures. Exploring this beautiful mansion will reveal many valuable artworks.

13. Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum

The Revi Karunakaran Museum is located near the powerhouse bridge on National Highway 47, which runs through Alappuzha. It is 15.6 km from Kuttanad. The museum was established based on reverend Karuna Karan's lifelong collection of artifacts and relics.

While reverend Revi Karuna Karan was well-known in the Alappuzha business, his real passion lay in collecting old and unusual artifacts. It is hard to ignore the collector's goods of extraordinary creative value as you walk through the museum's lanes. The museum's collection of precious crystal objects is incomparable, and anyone who comes across it will be mesmerized by its artistry.

The collection of Ivory, which symbolizes the Monarchy, is equally esteemed. Its beauty is such that it leaves a lasting impression on the memory. The Crystal and Ivory artifacts collection is incomparable in quantity and beauty. The museum has a large collection of Ivory artifacts.

The museum also has a good collection of Paintings, especially the famous Tanjore Paintings. The "Kerala room" is dedicated to Architecture and Design marvels. The museum has more than 3,800 paintings on display. Other creative items, such as porcelain and antique furniture, are also available for the guests. Another interesting attraction is the 1946 model "Buick Super," owned by the late Mr. Revi Karuna Karan.

The Best Time to Visit Kuttanad

Kottayam has scorching summers, and the high humidity levels make travel difficult. Therefore, between October and March is the ideal time to travel there. The cultural legacy and green backwaters of Kuttanad are factors that enhance its charm as a tourist destination. Due to its breathtaking beauty and proximity to Kerala's backwaters, despite being the lowest region in the nation, travelers find this a fantastic destination to explore.

How to Reach

• By Train
  Changanacherry and Alappuzha are the closest railway stations. You can also travel from the station by boat.
• By Air
  Cochin International Airport is a neighboring airport that can also be reached through Thiruvananthapuram Airport, 150 kilometers south.
• By Water
  The Alappuzha, Edathua, and Ambalappuzha route regularly offers boat services.
• By Road
  There are more buses and vehicles available from Alappuzha.