Alappuzha district

For the town with the same name, see .



Alappuzha is one of the 14 in. It was formed as Alleppey District on,. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well-known for its factories. Most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha. The district is also known for its traditions. It is home to the Punnapra Vayalar strikes against the and also the revolt against feudal raj. Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination,.

It has the highest among all districts of the state. It is 29.46% urbanised. 

For administrative purposes, the district is divided into two revenue divisions viz:
 * 1) Alappuzha division comprising, and  taluks with 47 villages and
 * 2) Chengannur division comprising Karthikapally, and  taluks with 44 villages.

, the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque s, and s, was described as the "Venice of the East" by.

 are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These spectacular s 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.

was filmed in two villages in Alappuzha. In the opening credits, a written statement in thanks the people of both villages.

The church located at or  Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of  Jesus Christ.Another church in Edathua attracts thousands across the country. st George Ferona church is believed to be a centre for so many miracles

Tourism
Alappuzha is one of the most important tourist centres in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alappuzha was one of the busiest centres of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the Malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for carpet industries and prawn farming. Alappuzha the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of, and the town of , famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

Alappuzha is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alappuzha give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

Kuttanadu


or Kuttanadu is an area of Alappuzha District, densely covered with waterways. Kuttanad is famous because of its s and farmers dedicated to the growth of paddy. It was once called the "Keralathinte Nellara", which means "rice bowl of Kerala". Many factors such as expense, labour shortage etc. seriously affected the agriculture in this region. Many former rice fields are now used for other crops which require much lesser investment. Kuttanadu is the birth place of literary legend.

The biggest college in Alappuzha is Sanathana Dharma College; popularly known as S.D College.

Festivals
A grand annual festival is celebrated at the unique 'Nagaraja Temple' here in October/November. 'Chirappu Mahotsavam' is a big occasion at Mullackal Temple in December. Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one-day Thaipooyan. The famous Chandanakudam is celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during December every year.

The churches here celebrate grand annual feasts, an occasion to regale and rejoice. The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' is celebrated at the Arthunkal Church. The famous regatta forms part of many festivals here at many places. Annual  is held in the  in the month of September associated with the  festival. The main attraction is the (Snake Boat) race, in which a number of contestants are in the run for the famous Prime Minister's trophy, a trophy donated by, the first Prime Minister of India.

Another important celebration in Alappuzha is "Beach Festival" held from December 30th to January 2nd.