Alleppey

Backwater Cruise: This constitutes a must-do in Alleppey. Don't miss out on a backwater cruise through the vast network of the Punnamada Lake, which takes you through the scenic views of paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and old-world bungalows. There are houseboats fitted with all amenities that even let you stay here for a night or two. This lake is the site for the famous Snake Boat Race held in August.

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple: Located 14 km south of Alleppey, this temple is built in typical Kerala style. Its highlight is the daily palpayasam offered to the Lord. Paintings of Dasavatharam or ten incarnations of Vishnu adorn the walls.

Pathiramanal Island: A popular haunt of several migratory birds, this Island literally means Sand of Midnight. Accessible only by boat, the journey is truly scenic as the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alleppey to Kochi and the Kayamkulam Lake, surrounds it. The island is just the place to head out for a relaxing time and enjoy a backwater cruise.

Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples, known for its miraculous and wish-granting powers. The annual Kettukazhcha festival is attended by a large number of devotees, who take part in processions, where bright effigies of horses and bullocks are taken around.

Arthunkal: This is home to the St. Sebastian Church, which is an important Christian pilgrimage centre and the site of the annual Arthunkal Perunnal Festival.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: A renowned temple, it is dedicated to the Serpent God Nagaraja. This is one of the only temples, where all religious rites are performed by a Brahmin priestess. It is also believed that 30,000 images of snake-gods line the entire path to the temple.

St. Mary's Church: Said to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala, it is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas. The annual feast of the church falls on the 3rd Sunday of October every year and the feast of St Thomas is celebrated on March 19th.

Punnamada Kayal: Another most visited site in Alleppey, the annual Nehru Boat Festival is held here during August/September. Thousands of spectators from across the country come to the backwaters to watch this spectacular event. The boats show includes a fascinating display of huge snake-boats manned by over 100 rowers and competing against each other.

Kuttanad: Literally meaning the rice bowl of Kerala because of the profusion of green paddy fields, the scenic countryside of Kuttanad, with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams. Inland waterways, which flow above land level are an amazing feature of the unique landscape where farming is done below sea level.

Karumadikuttan: Associated with legends of Buddhism, Karumadikuttan is home to an ancient black granite statue of Lord Buddha in a seated position. Believed to belong to the 11th century, this statue is located on the banks of the Punnamada Lake.

Edathua Church: Located 24 kms from Alappuzha, this church is dedicated to St. George. Believed to have miraculous powers, this church is believed to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. The annual feast is held in May and pilgrims from across South India visit and seek the blessings of the saint.