VENICE OF THE EAST

Alappuzha, a tourist paradise gets the name by its geographical position and physical features, as the word Alappuzha literally means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it. The water locked district has emerged as one of the major tourist destination of the country, as the unique backwaters are mesmerizing and cannot be experienced in any other part of the country. The backwaters are the real wealth of Kerala, and has immense untapped tourist potential. The district comprises of six taluks, with its headquarters at Alappuzha. It is bounded on the north by Ernakulam district, on the east by Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, on the south by  Kollam district and on the west by Arabian Sea. It is also an important centre of Christianity since 1st century, as it is believed that the church at Kothamangalam, was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ who preached Christianity in Southern India.The district is a sandy strip of land woven by lagoons and an array of rivers, canals and lakes fit for boat cruise. The prominent rivers are Achankovil, Pamba and Manimala. The Vembanad lake covering an area of 204 sq. km. stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake with an area of 59.57 sq. km. extends to both the districts of Alappuzha and Kollam, these lakes are widely used for the inland water transport of cargo and passengers in the region. Alappuzha has been an important trading and commercial centre since time immemorial. It is also a major centre of coir and carpet industry. The economy of the district is based on agriculture and marine products.

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Alappuzha
Alappuzha, the'Venice of the East', has emerged as a major tourist attraction due to the amazing backwaters and renowned snake boat races. Nehru trophy Boat Race , the most important tourist event of Alappuzha. Boats sponsored by different villages compete fiercely in the competition.   The highlight of this prestigious event is "Chundan Vallam",  these  130 feet long snake boats have about 100 rowers, 4 helmsmen, and  25 cheer leaders decorated with colourful silk umbrellas. Thousands of spectators from all over the world watch avidly from the banks. Tickets for the race are available on the day from numerous ticket stands on the way to the lake where race is held. The race is now repeated during the tourist season on the third day of the Great Elephant March in mid January, and is called  as 'Tourism Snakeboat Race'.