Alappuzha
Venice of the East

Spread over 14 hectare, the Kumarakom aviary is found on the banks of Lake Vembanad in Kottayam. it’s a well-liked destination for birdwatching as migratory birds flock here in large numbers from Siberia and therefore the Himalayas. the simplest season to go to the sanctuary is between June and August because it is that the breeding season for wetland birds like white ibis, herons, egrets, little cormorants, Indian darters and kingfishers. another not-to-be-missed avian species are wood beetles, larks, flycatchers, parrots, teals, Siberian cranes, owls, water duck and waterfowls.

An intriguing thanks to visit the sanctuary is on a ship trip that provides a better look of the birds flocking round the water body. For a more comprehensive experience, tourists can stay in independent cottages on stilts at the backwater resort of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Tourists also can head to Vembanad Lake, which is one among the most important freshwater lakes in Kerala. A serene spot for a family picnic, boating, angling and sightseeing, it makes for an ideal conclusion to your visit to the aviary .

The backwaters of Kerala, running parallel to the Arabian Sea , are one among the foremost popular tourist destinations in India. Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is particularly popular for its houseboat cruises. The tranquil backwater cruises in Kerala are a singular experience, be it short ones in small canoes or boats, which meander through narrow canals, or longer stays on luxurious houseboats, which allow you to float along the emerald waters fringed with palm and coconut trees, because the serene countryside glides by.

The houseboats that ply here are modified kettuvallams or large traditional trading vessels used for transportation of rice and spices to nearby towns. As road transport gained importance, these graceful sailing behemoths faded away, only to re-emerge as floating hotels offering tourists all the luxuries of recent life. While the scenic beauty round the waterways is mesmerising, these spacious and well-decorated houseboats increase the charm of the experience.

Traditionally, a kettuvallam would be around 60 ft long and about 15 ft wide at the beam. a number of the new houseboats have a length of quite 80 ft! Constructed from locally sourced natural materials like jackfruit wood, palm wood, coconut fibre, bamboo poles, ropes, bamboo mats etc, these boats offer guilt-free tripping. they’re constructed by tying together (rather than nailing) wooden planks with coconut coir. The planks are coated with resin extracted from cashew shells. Bamboo poles and palm leaves are used for constructing the roof. a number of these boats even have solar panels for generating electricity. If carefully maintained, these boats can last for many years . Cruises around Alappuzha happen within the waters in and round the Vembanad Lake, which is one among the most important freshwater lakes in Kerala. Surrounded by mangrove forests and coconut trees, the lake features a mirror-like sheen, and cruising along its surface fills one with contentment and peace. These cruises let tourists explore the interiors of the region, taking one to tiny hamlets and lagoon islands. Taste traditional cuisine, enjoy Ayurvedic massages and let the spirit of Kerala rejuvenate you.

Lying around 13 km from Alappuzha, the scenic and little island of Pathiramanal floats on the backwaters of Kerala. one among the simplest spots to observe rare migratory birds, it boasts around 50 species of exotic and 91 sorts of endemic birds. a number of the common birds one can sight here include common teal, pintail ducks, cormorant, night raven , darter, Indian shag, whistling duck, little cormorant and whiskered tern. The island is additionally home to several medicinal plants.

Pathiramanal is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, which stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi, and lake Kayamkulam. Thus, it can only be accessed by boat. A 30-minute trip via a speedboat or a 1.5 hour ride on a motorboat will take one to the island from Alappuzha. Moreover, the island makes for a perfect stopover while undertaking a houseboat ride.

Perched on alittle hill, the Krishnapuram Palace is surrounded by ponds, lawns and fountains. it’s been constructed within the Kerala sort of architecture with a gabled roof, dormer windows and narrow corridors, accentuating its grandeur. The complex also houses a well-landscaped garden that’s home to a spread of flora, a Buddha mandapam that has been newly erected and a recently recovered statue of Lord Buddha. The palace may be a protected monument under the state archaeology department.

The palace has now been converted into an archaeological museum with the most important single band of mural paintings discovered within the state of Kerala. The 49 sq m Gajendra Moksham (a scene from a Puranic legend), is its most prized exhibit. Other displays include coins, inscriptions, megalithic remains, wooden artefacts, stone and brass sculptures and paintings.

The residence of the erstwhile Kayakulam rulers, it had been built during the reign of the Travancore king, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729-1758). it’s located about 47 km from Alappuzha.