With the Arabian Sea on the West and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the 'Venice of the East' by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice-bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Pathiramanal (Backwater Island)

This little island in the middle of Vembanad Lake is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.

Boat races

Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada backwaters in Alappuzha (2nd Saturday of August) Alappuzha Tourism Boat Race (9th January) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race [Moolam day in the Malayalam month of Midhunam (July-August)] Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day - August/September) Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September).