Alappuzha – Kerala’s Enchanted Water World

Alappuzha -- the name means “broad river” in Malayalam -- is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, boat races, temples and seafood. These attractions have earned it the moniker “Venice of the East.” Founded in 1762 by Raja Keshavadasan, Diwan of the princely state of Travancore under Maharaja Raja Rama Varma, it is considered to be the oldest planned town in the region. This year Alappuzha, formerly known by its Anglicised name of Alleppey, celebrates its 250th anniversary. Yahoo! reader J MADHU RANTHAKAN presents a compilation of captivating images of this enchanting town.

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Yahoo Lifestyle Entertainment Photo by J MADHU RANTHAKAN Mon 18 Jun, 2012 2:30 PM IST

You pass by vibrantly painted houses located just a few steps away from your boat, with colourful clothes drying on clotheslines. You pass close enough to hear the alarmed clucking of chickens in their coops and to see women wading in waist-deep paddy fields. Fishermen row towards your houseboat hoping to sell their catch of fresh fish and crabs, caught right before your eyes. On the banks, you can glimpse the occasional temple or church, and ... more
You pass by vibrantly painted houses located just a few steps away from your boat, with colourful clothes drying on clotheslines. You pass close enough to hear the alarmed clucking of chickens in their coops and to see women wading in waist-deep paddy fields. Fishermen row towards your houseboat hoping to sell their catch of fresh fish and crabs, caught right before your eyes. On the banks, you can glimpse the occasional temple or church, and shops and hospitals with small boats parked in front of them. less