Kerala
- Alleppey
 Also
known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of
southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches,
and lagoons, it was described as the List of places known as Venice of
the East by Lord Curzon. It is the administrative headquarters of
Alappuzha District. Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present
town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the
second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in
classified Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the
unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush
green coconut palms , was well known even from the early periods of
the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with
ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well as with
other parts of India.
Alleppey is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. House boats
locally
 called
"kettuvallam" are available on hire on a daily basis as well as for
longer duration to take visitors on the old waterways. These house
boats in general have 2 bed rooms and attached bath rooms. Some of the
boats have the bedrooms fitted with airconditioners. A routine trip
includes food cooked on board in the traditional Kuttanad style. The
leisurly cruises show a microcosm of life on the water side with
breath taking views of the water, land, birds and human habitations.
Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries. The unique distinction of
alappuzha is that, it is the only district in kerala without forest.
The Poomkavu Church is situated in the out-skirts of Alleppey. Snake
boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha.
These spectacular regattas are usually held between August and
October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. The
most famous snake boat race is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
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