
Alappuzha
figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centres for
backwater boat trips, served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in
particular. One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it
is often referred to as the Venice of the East.
Alappuzha has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in
level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look
at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride.
Sailing along in a kettuvallam (houseboat) through the
enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to rob your heart. Palm
fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields
and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are
sights one can never forget. One can glimpse Chinese fishing nets,
flocks of ducks swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across
the sky. It is as close as one can get to feel the vibrant life in the
countryside of Gods own country.