Alappuzha

Carved out of the erstwhile Kottayam and Kollam districts, Alappuzha district was formed on 17 August 1957 and consisted initially of seven taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara.{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|title=taluks in Alappuzha 1957|publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14|archive-date=18 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118145124/http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|url-status=dead}}

The district is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Laccadive Sea.{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|title=boundaries|publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14|archive-date=18 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118145124/http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|url-status=dead}}

The present Alappuzha district comprises six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara.{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|title=taluks in Alappuzha|publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14|archive-date=18 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118145124/http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|url-status=dead}} The area of the district is {{cvt|1414|km2}}.{{Cite web |title=Alappuzha district profile |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/en/district-profile/}} Its headquarters is located at Alappuzha.

The name Ᾱlappuzha is a toponym. ‘Ᾱlayam’ means ‘home’ and ‘puzha’, according to Dr. Herman Gundert's dictionary, means ‘watercourse’ or ‘river’.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The name refers to the network of waterways and backwaters in Alappuzha and its surrounding areas. Alleppey's backwaters are a network of serene water bodies, including lakes, canals, and rivers, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of nature.{{Cite web |last=S |first=Anandu |date=6 December 2023 |title=Discover the Ultimate Houseboat Experience in Alleppey |url=https://boatsnbeds.com/alleppey-houseboats/houseboat-experience-alleppey/ |access-date=22 February 2025 |website=Boats N Beds}}

{{More citations needed section|date=February 2023}}

File:Stone bridge, Alleppey 1900.jpg

File:Alleppey canal.jpg

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, with its paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age.{{cite web|url=https://www.alappuzha.com/pages/kuttanad|title=Kuttanad|website=www.alappuzha.com}}

Literary works such as Unnuneeli Sandesam give some insight into the ancient period of this district. Archaeological antiquities, such as the stone inscriptions, historical monuments found in the temples, churches, and rock-cut caves, also emphasise the historic importance of Alappuzha District.

Christianity had a foothold in this district, even from the 1st century AD. The church located at Kokkamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St Thomas,{{Cite news |last=Goswami |first=Arunansh B. |title=Saint Thomas the Apostle to Us Indians |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/weltanschauung/saint-thomas-the-apostle-to-us-indians/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. It is generally believed that he landed at Maliankara in Muziris Port, presently known as Cranganore or Kodungallur, in 52 AD and preached Christianity in South India.

The district flourished in religion and culture under the second Chera Empire, during 9th to 12th centuries AD. The literary work `Ascharya Choodamani`, a Sanskrit drama written by Sakthibhadran, a scholar of Chengannur, enables us to know many pertinent facts. Further, the temple on Lord Ayyappan, in Mukkal vattam near Muhamma in Alappuzha District, is called Cheerappanchira, for the Kalari from which Lord Ayyappa learnt his martial arts. A recent album by P. Unni Krishnan on Lord Ayyappa, titled 'Sabarimalai Va Charanam Solli Va', has songs illustrating the history of this temple and Lord Ayyappa's stay here before he went to conquer the Mahishi Demon.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/%E2%80%98Swamiyae%E2%80%A6-Saranam-Aiyappa%E2%80%99/article15616424.ece|title='Swamiyae… Saranam Aiyappa'|first=S.|last=Shivpprasadh|newspaper=The Hindu |date=29 November 2012|via=thehindu.com}}

Since landing in Kozhikode in 1498, the Portuguese started playing an influential role in Alappuzha. They began by spreading Catholicism and converting already existing Christians into Catholics. St Andrew's Basilica was built during this period.{{cite web | url=http://arthunkal.bizhat.com/arthunkal_church_history.html | publisher=Arthunkal Church | title=Arthunkal Church history}}

In the 17th century, as the Portuguese power declined, the Dutch gained a predominant position in the principalities of this district. They built many factories and warehouses for storing pepper and ginger, relying on several treaties signed between the Dutch and the Rajas of Purakkad, Kayamkulam and Karappuram. In course of time they also delved into the political and cultural affairs of the district. At that time Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1706–1758), who was the 'Maker of modern Travancore', intervened in the political affairs of those princedoms.

Travancore Dewan Ramayyan Dalawa (d. 1756) resided in Mavelikkara where he had a palace built by Marthanda Varma. After the death of his wife, Ramayyan consorted with a Nair lady from Mavelikkara of the Edassery family (PGN Unnithan, a member of this family, later became the last Dewan of Travancore in 1947). After his death Ramayyan's descendants left Travancore to settle in Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu. His Nair consort was given gifts and presents and special allowances from the Travancore government in recognition of his services to the state while his own descendants were bestowed with the honorific title of Dalawa.

In the 19th century the district saw progress in many spheres. One of the five subordinate courts opened in the state in connection with the reorganization of the judicial system by Colonel George Monro was located at Mavelikkara. The first post office and first telegraph office in the former Travancore state were established in this district. The first manufacturing factory for the coir mats was established in 1859. In 1894 the city Improvement Committee was set up.

The district played a role in the freedom struggle of the country. The struggles of Punnapra and Vayalar in 1946 arrayed the people against Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer, who was Dewan of Travancore. This led to Ramaswami Iyer's exit from the political scene of Travancore. A popular Ministry was formed in Travancore on 24 March 1948 after India's independence. Travancore and Cochin states were integrated on 1 July 1949.{{Cite news |date=2016-06-30 |title=Princely states of Travancore and Cochin join the union post independence |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/Joining-hands/article14410304.ece |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} This arrangement continued until the formation of Kerala State on 1 November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act 1956. The district came into existence as a separate administrative unit on 1 August 1957.{{Cite web |title=Alappuzha District formation |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/en/history/}}

Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of Travancore during the reign of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma in 18th century was well known for his planning skills and administrative acumen. He was the master mind in developing the Alappuzha town.{{Cite web|title=Alappuzha: A detailed Study for PSC {{!}} PSC Arivukal|url=https://www.pscarivukal.com/2020/02/alappuzha.html|access-date=2021-07-20|website=www.pscarivukal.com}}

He found Alappuzha as an ideal location and began constructing a well planned port city in Travancore. Alappuzha was most suitable, because of the geographical and oceanic reasons. He constructed two parallel canals for bringing goods to port from backwaters and offered infrastructural facilities to merchants and traders from Surat, Mumbai and Kutch to start industrial enterprises, trading, and cargo centres. Alappuzha attained progress and became the financial nerve centre of Travancore during his time.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=isbn:8170990262|title=isbn:8170990262 - Google Search|website=www.google.com}} The port was opened in 1762, mainly for the export of coir-matting and coir-yarn. Kesavadas built three ships for trade with Calcutta and Bombay, and alleppey afforded a convenient depot for the storage and disposal of goods produce in the east.{{cite web|url=http://prd.kerala.gov.in/d_alappuzha.htm|title=Alappuzha - A brief history|access-date=23 April 2020|archive-date=30 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930221743/http://prd.kerala.gov.in/d_alappuzha.htm|url-status=dead}}

{{wide image|File:VembanadAlleppey.jpg|800px|Vembanad Lake}}

Alappuzha is located at {{Coord|9.54|N|76.40|E|}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Alappuzha.html |title=Maps, Weather, Videos, and Airports for Alappuzha, India |publisher=Fallingrain.com |access-date=2013-09-25}} The average elevation is {{convert|1|m|ft}}.[http://population.mongabay.com/population/india/1278985/alleppey elevation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116031902/http://population.mongabay.com/population/india/1278985/alleppey |date=16 November 2011 }} Alappuzha covers an area of {{convert|1414|km2}} and is flanked by {{convert|2195|km2}} of Vembanad Lake, where six major rivers spread out before joining the 80 km coast line of the district. The city of Alappuzha is crisscrossed by a system of canals, which is a part of the National Waterway 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehouseboatkerala.com/the-best-time-to-visit-alleppey.html|title=Alleppey|website=thehouseboatkerala.com}}

The district is a sandy strip of land intercepted by lagoons, rivers and canals. There are no mountains or hills in the district except some scattered hillocks lying between Bharanikkavu and Chengannur blocks in the eastern portion of the district. There are no forest area in this district.

Alappuzha is bounded by the Laccadive Sea on its west. The town has a network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers. The richness of the coastal Alappuzha waters is expressed annually in the blooming and consequent deposit of a huge quantity of fishes and prawns on the Alappuzha coast called ‘[Chakara]’. This annual shifting of sandbank appears during the post-monsoon period and contributes to the local economy and is a festive season for the people of Kerala. The annual floods rejuvenate and cleanse the soil and water due to which there is abundance of marine life like prawns, lobsters, fishes, turtles and other flora in the sea.

The backwaters and wetlands host thousands of migrant common teal, ducks and cormorants every year who reach here from long distances. A major feature of the area is the region called Kuttanad, the 'granary of Kerala'. Kuttanad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.{{Cite web |title=Kuttanad - the Rice Bowl of Kerala in Alappuzha |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/kuttanad-alappuzha/59/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=www.keralatourism.org |language=en}} The paddy fields lie about 0.6 to 2 m below mean sea level.

Owing to its proximity to the sea, the climate of Alappuzha is humid and hot during the summer, although it remains fairly cool and pleasant during the months of October and November. The average monthly temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. The district gets the benefit of two seasonal monsoons, as in other parts of the state. Alappuzha town experiences a long monsoon season with heavy showers as both the Southwest and Northeast monsoon influences the weather of Alappuzha. The South-west monsoon affects the climate in the months from June to September. On the other hand, the North-east monsoon brings rain from October to November. The average rainfall received by the region is 2763 mm.{{cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/annualrainfall.htm|title=Annual Rainfall Map of India, Rainfall in India|website=Maps of India}}

{{Weather box

| location = Alappuzha (1991–2020, extremes 1944–2012)

| metric first = Y

| single line = Y

| Jan record high C = 36.7

| Feb record high C = 37.4

| Mar record high C = 37.9

| Apr record high C = 38.2

| May record high C = 36.7

| Jun record high C = 37.2

| Jul record high C = 34.0

| Aug record high C = 34.2

| Sep record high C = 34.8

| Oct record high C = 35.6

| Nov record high C = 35.4

| Dec record high C = 36.6

| year record high C = 38.2

| Jan record low C = 17.3

| Feb record low C = 18.7

| Mar record low C = 18.8

| Apr record low C = 19.2

| May record low C = 20.0

| Jun record low C = 19.5

| Jul record low C = 19.9

| Aug record low C = 19.4

| Sep record low C = 20.4

| Oct record low C = 19.3

| Nov record low C = 20.0

| Dec record low C = 17.8

| year record low C = 17.3

|Jan high C = 32.7

|Feb high C = 33.0

|Mar high C = 33.6

|Apr high C = 33.7

|May high C = 32.8

|Jun high C = 30.4

|Jul high C = 29.4

|Aug high C = 29.6

|Sep high C = 30.5

|Oct high C = 31.3

|Nov high C = 32.0

|Dec high C = 32.5

| year high C = 31.8

|Jan low C = 22.5

|Feb low C = 23.6

|Mar low C = 25.0

|Apr low C = 25.4

|May low C = 25.3

|Jun low C = 23.9

|Jul low C = 23.2

|Aug low C = 23.5

|Sep low C = 23.8

|Oct low C = 23.8

|Nov low C = 23.8

|Dec low C = 22.9

| year low C = 23.9

| rain colour = green

| Jan rain mm = 16.3

| Feb rain mm = 42.1

| Mar rain mm = 62.7

| Apr rain mm = 131.7

| May rain mm = 274.1

| Jun rain mm = 592.0

| Jul rain mm = 485.9

| Aug rain mm = 349.8

| Sep rain mm = 296.5

| Oct rain mm = 357.4

| Nov rain mm = 175.8

| Dec rain mm = 48.2

| year rain mm = 2832.4

| Jan rain days = 1.0

| Feb rain days = 1.9

| Mar rain days = 3.3

| Apr rain days = 6.7

| May rain days = 11.6

| Jun rain days = 21.3

| Jul rain days = 21.4

| Aug rain days = 16.6

| Sep rain days = 13.8

| Oct rain days = 15.0

| Nov rain days = 8.5

| Dec rain days = 2.9

| year rain days = 123.9

|time day = 17:30 IST

| Jan humidity = 68

| Feb humidity = 70

| Mar humidity = 73

| Apr humidity = 74

| May humidity = 78

| Jun humidity = 86

| Jul humidity = 88

| Aug humidity = 87

| Sep humidity = 84

| Oct humidity = 81

| Nov humidity = 78

| Dec humidity = 71

|year humidity = 86

|source 1 = India Meteorological Department

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| archive-date = 8 April 2024

| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf

| title = Station: Alappuzha Climatological Table 1991–2020

| work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| access-date = 7 July 2024}}

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| archive-date = 5 February 2020

| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf

| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)

| publisher = India Meteorological Department

| date = December 2016

| page = M105

| access-date = 19 February 2020}}

}}

{{bar box

|width=250px

|barwidth=100px

| title = Religion in Alappuzha City (2011)

| left1 =

| right1 = Percent

| float = right

| bars =

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|49.85}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|26.23}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|23.62}}

{{bar percent|Others|black|0.30}}

}}

File:JainTempleAlappuzhaFrontPrd.jpg

{{Historical populations

|state=collapsed

|align=right

|1991 | 174,666

|2001 | 239,384

|2011 | 240,991

|footnote = Sources:

• 1991-2011{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/kerala/3211__alappuzha/|title=Cities and towns in Alappuzha district|website=citypopulation.de}}

}}

According to the 2011 census, Alappuzha Municipality+Outgrowths had a population of 240,991 with 116,439 men and 124,552 women. The City spreads over Alappuzha municipality and the outgrowths of Punnapra and Kalarcode villages with an area of {{cvt|65.57|km2}} and population density of 3,675 persons per square kilometre. There were 22,361 persons under six years of age. The literacy rate of Alappuzha city stands at 95.81% with 209,201 literates where 101,927 are males (97.3%) and 107,274 are females (94.43%). Alappuzha had a sex ratio of 1070.[https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11379/download/14492/DDW32C-01%20MDDS.XLS Census India 2011]

The population is predominantly Hindus, and there are sizeable numbers of Christians and Muslims. The most widely spoken language is Malayalam, although many people speak Konkani.

Malankara Orthodox Christians in the town of Alappuzha are covered by the Diocese of Niranam of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The largest Orthodox Church in the town currently is Saint Thomas Orthodox Church, Alappuzha which also runs Mar Gregorios Karunya Theeram Guidance Centre in Alappuzha.{{cite web |title=St. Thomas Church, Parish |url=https://alappuzhaorthodoxchurch.org/parish.html |website=Alappuzha Orthodox Church |access-date=31 January 2025}}

The standard dialect of Malayalam spoken is Central Travancore dialect.{{cite web|url=http://www.jaimalayalam.com/maladialect.htm |title=dialect |publisher=Jaimalayalam.com |date= |access-date=2021-02-14}} Konkani is a language that is spoken in the Konkan region. During the Portuguese and Dutch invasions of the 16th and 18th centuries, many Konkanis migrated southwards to Thuravoor, Cherthala and Alappuzha in the state of Travancore as well as other places in Kerala like Cochin, Kodungalloor, and Kollam. A majority of these people got settled in Alappuzha.{{cite web|url=http://www.gosripuram.org.in/Community4.htm |title=migration of konkanis |publisher=Gosripuram.org.in |access-date=2013-09-25 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927053619/http://www.gosripuram.org.in/Community4.htm |archive-date=27 September 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://gsbkonkani.net/OurHistory.htm |title=migration of konkanis |publisher=Gsbkonkani.net |access-date=2013-09-25 |archive-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919072443/http://www.gsbkonkani.net/OurHistory.htm |url-status=dead }}"migration of konkanis

File:Alleppey Boat houses.jpg in Alleppey]]

The economy of the district is based on agriculture and marine products. The agricultural activities predominantly revolve around the Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala. Though the district is industrially backward, some traditional industries based on coir and coir products, marine products, handlooms, different types of handicrafts, toddy tapping have been active from the very early times. The district is known as the traditional home of coir industry in Kerala.{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/56052689/Final-Body|title=Final Body|website=Scribd}}

File:Coco Boat Allapphy Kerala.JPG

The availability of raw materials and the existence of backwaters and canals suitable for the getting of green husk and accessibility of transportation are the main factors of the development of this industry. Arabs had carried on trade in coir products from very ancient period. The manufacture of mats and mattings were first introduced in 1859 by James Durragh."mats {{cite web|url=http://www.deputycollector.in/uploads/sub_sub_cont/1103151300189140KERALA%20ECONOMY.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409171842/http://www.deputycollector.in/uploads/sub_sub_cont/1103151300189140KERALA%20ECONOMY.pdf |archive-date=9 April 2011 |df=dmy }}"

The Coir Board was established by the Central Government under the provisions of the Coir Industry Act in 1955.{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/40081419/Coir-Board-today|title=coir board|access-date=8 September 2017|archive-date=19 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119115131/http://www.scribd.com/doc/40081419/Coir-Board-today|url-status=dead}} A coir research institute functions at Kalavoor."coir research {{cite web|url=http://www.ccriindia.org/Portal/web%20home%20page/CCRI%20frond%20icon%20file.htm |title=Central Coir Research Institute |access-date=2011-06-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912002921/http://www.ccriindia.org/Portal/web%20home%20page/CCRI%20frond%20icon%20file.htm |archive-date=12 September 2011 |df=dmy }}" The National Coir Training and Designing Centre was established at Alappuzha in 1965.

Coir is the most important commodity manufactured in Alappuzha, Kayamkulam, Kokkothamangalam, Komalapuram, Mannancherry, Muhamma and Vayalar.{{cite web|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/56052689/8/INDUSTRY-PROFILE |title=coir |publisher=Scribd.com |access-date=2013-09-25}} Coir products are available in Cherthala and Mannancherry, lime shell in Arookutty and Kodamthuruth, plywood in Chengannur, Keltron controls in Aroor,"Keltron Controls {{cite web|url=http://www.veethi.com/Alappuzha-Computers-and-Electronics--yellowpages_list_details-list_id-156071.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727000954/http://www.veethi.com/Alappuzha-Computers-and-Electronics--yellowpages_list_details-list_id-156071.htm |archive-date=27 July 2011 |df=dmy }}" potassium chloride in Mavelikkara, and coconuts and coconut oil in Thanneermukkom. Other important commodities manufactured in these towns are copra, glass, mats and matches."coir mat {{cite web|url=http://coirboard.gov.in/dir_manufacturers_mats.htm |title=Resources|access-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813201755/http://coirboard.gov.in/dir_manufacturers_mats.htm |archive-date=13 August 2011 |df=dmy }}"

In recent times, tourism has become a major source of revenue. This is mainly due to the presence of houseboats that provide the tourists with a view of the scenic backwaters of the town. Another reason is the proximity to other tourist spots like Munnar, Varkala and Wayanad. Furthermore, as per the Tourist Statistics by Kerala Tourism, there is a 74.55% increase in tourists arriving in Alleppey between 2021 and 2020 while the average for the entire state stands at 51.09%.{{Cite web |last=Tourism |first=Kerala |title=Kerala Statistics – 2021 - Highlights |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/tourismstatistics/tourist_statistics_202120220530122636.pdf |access-date=12 January 2023 |website=Kerala Tourism: Official Website |language=English}}

{{More citations needed section|date=February 2023}}

Image:Kerala Kuttanad2.jpg

The major occupation in Alappuzha is farming. The Rice Bowl of Kerala, Kuttanadu is located in Alappuzha. Large farming areas near Vembanad Lake were reclaimed from the lake. In earlier times, the reclamation was done mainly from the shallow part of the Vembanad Lake or from the periphery of river Pamba. These reclamations constituted small areas of paddy fields called Padsekharam. The bailing out of water from those fields were done manually using water wheels (Chakram). Gradually the manual method used for bailing out of water gave way to steam engines.

Three stages can be identified in the reclamation of lands from the Vembanad Lake. In the first stage it was carried out by private entrepreneurs without any financial support from the part of the government. The Pattom Proclamation, made by the Travancore Kingdom in the year 1865, gave a great boost to the reclamation activities between 1865 and 1890. During this period de-watering of the polders were done manually, using waterwheels, restricting large-scale reclamations. Only about 250 hectares of land were reclaimed during this period. Venadu Lake and Madathil Lake that were reclaimed during this period are considered as the first Kayal Nilam (lake-reclaimed land) which were reclaimed from Vembanad Lake.{{cite news

|author=M.S. Swaminathan, FRS

|title=The Kuttanadu Below Sea Level Farming System, India

|newspaper=FAO Website

|date=May 2013

|page=8

|url=http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/giahs_assets/Information_Resources_Annexes/Japan_Forum/Kuttanad_Below_Sea_Level_Farming_System.pdf

|access-date=8 October 2013

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611175117/http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/giahs_assets/Information_Resources_Annexes/Japan_Forum/Kuttanad_Below_Sea_Level_Farming_System.pdf

|archive-date=11 June 2015 }} The pioneering reclamation activity of lake-reclamation and cultivation was made by Pallithanam Luca Matthai.{{cite news

|author=G S Unnikrishanan Nair

|title=Kuttanad; Our Heritage Our wealth

|newspaper=KERALA CALLING

|date=September 2013

|pages=16–20

|url=http://www.kerala.gov.in/docs/publication/2013/kc/september_13/16.pdf

|access-date=26 Sep 2013

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927092458/http://www.kerala.gov.in/docs/publication/2013/kc/september_13/16.pdf

|archive-date=27 September 2013 }} The period between 1865 and 1890 is usually considered as the first phase of lake-cultivation.

The introduction of kerosene engines for dewatering resulted in the reclamation of wider areas of the lake for cultivation. It made the farmers consider venturing into the deeper parts of the lake. During the period between 1898 and 1903, reclamation activity was led by Pallithanam Luca Mathai (alias Pallithanathu Mathaichen) who reclaimed the Cherukara and Pallithanam Moovayiram kayals.

The second phase (1890 to 1903) of reclamation activities came to a halt because of the ban on lake reclamation imposed by the Madras Government in 1903. Cherukali Kayal, Rama Rajapuram Kayal, Aarupanku Kayal, Pantharndu Panku Kayal, and Mathi Kayal were the other major reclamations during this period.

In 1912, the Madras Government approved a proposal from the Travencore Government for further reclamations in three stages. Under this reclamation scheme areas were notified for reclamation in blocks each named by an alphabet letter. Out of the total area of 19,500 acres of reclaimed land 12,000 acres were reclaimed between 1913 and 1920. The reclamations between 1914 and 1920 are known as new reclamations, which were carried out in three periods. In the first period Blocks A to G measuring 6300 Acres were reclaimed. C Block, D Block (Attumukham Aarayiram (Attumuttu Kayal), Thekke Aarayiram and Vadakke Aarayiram) and E Block (Erupathinalayiram Kayal) F Block (Judge's Aarayiram Kayal) and G Block (Kochu Kayal) are the major reclamations during this period. During the second period of new reclamation, blocks H to N measuring 3600 acres were reclaimed. During the third period of new reclamation, R Block measuring 1,400 acres were reclaimed.

Due to the steep decline in the price of rice during 1920 to 1940, the reclamation activities became sluggish, but they gained momentum again in the early 1940s. During this period, in order to increase the agricultural output, government initiated a Grow More Food campaign and provided incentives to encourage new reclamations. The advent of electric motors made the reclamation easier, cheaper and less risky as compared to the earlier periods. The last tract of the reclamations namely Q, S and T block were made during this period.{{cite web|last=Studies Society|first=Thiruvananthapuram Economic|date=August 2017|title=Agricultural Development of Kerala From 1800 AD to 1980 AD: A Survey of Studies|url=http://keralaeconomy.com/admin/pdfs/A%20Survey%20of%20Studies.pdf|website=keralaeconomy.com}}

The iconic Muppalam,{{Cite news |last=Viswam |first=Vishak |date=March 13, 2025 |title=Can Nalpalam fill the big shoes of Alappuzha's iconic Muppalam? |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Mar/13/can-nalpalam-fill-the-big-shoes-of-alappuzhas-iconic-muppalam |url-status=live |work=The New Indian Express |pages=1}} or Triple bridge, in the heart of Alappuzha town was once a major attraction for tourists and filmmakers.

Reconstruction began to build a new four-lane bridge, popularly referred to as Nalpalam. The bridge connects two major canals, Vada Canal and Commercial Canal and has been an integral part of Alappuzha’s road network and identity.

The bridge has featured in over 100 films across various Indian languages Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, highlighting its cinematic appeal.

The Muppalam was dismantled to make way for a more modern, four-lane replacement known locally as Nalpalam. The project led by the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD), while preserving the cultural and visual significance of the location.

{{wide image|Pallathuruthi bridge pano small.jpg|1200px|align-cap=center| Pallathuruthy bridge}}

Nation Highway 66, connecting Panvel to Kanyakumari runs through the Alappuzha city centre. The Alappuzha Bypass was built to route the national highway around city centers between Kommady and Kalarkode. National Highway 66 connects Alappuzha city to other major cities like Mumbai, Udupi, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. There is a plan to upgrade State Highway 11 to a national highway in order to help connect Alappuzha to Kodaikanal as part of promoting the coastal-hill tourism project.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150809/nation-current-affairs/article/jawahar-thayankari-lifts-nehru-trophy|title=Jawahar Thayankari lifts Nehru trophy|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle|date=9 August 2015}}

File:KSRTC Bus stand Alappuzha.jpg

File:AC Road SH-11.JPG

There are eight state highways in Alappuzha district, of which three of them originates from Alappuzha town. State Highway 11 starts from Kalarcode and ends at Perunna. This highway is locally known as AC road (Alappuzha-Changanassery road) and it covers a distance of 24.2 km. It is an important road which connects Alappuzha town with Kottayam district. Stateway High 40 is an interstate highway in Alappuzha district which connects Alappuzha town with Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is the only interstate highway in Alappuzha district. State Highway 66 originates from Alappuzha town and terminates at Thoppumpady.{{cite web|url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=maps&pageId=248|title=PWD Public Site|access-date=7 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201055331/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=maps&pageId=248|archive-date=1 December 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

Alappuzha has two main bus terminals. TheKerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station (situated near state water transport corporation headquarters, boat jetty road) serves government-run buses and the V K soman memorial municipal bus stand (situated near Vazhicherry) is used by private buses and contract carriage services operating to other states.

KSRTC buses connect Alappuzha with, among other places, Banglore, Mysore, Kollur, Mangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thiruvalla. Additionally SETC and TNSTC operate several daily services to and from the town. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation reportedly run two daily services originating from Alappuzha.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

A new KSRTC depot and bus station are under construction in Valavanadu along National Highway 66. This development aims to enhance connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the region

The presence of a lot of backwaters and canals makes water transport a popular means of transport. National Waterway-3 passes through Alappuzha. There is a SWTD boat jetty in the city that lies opposite to the KSRTC bus stand. It is served by boat services to Kottayam city and besides other small towns and jetties. Availing an SWTD boat is a cheaper alternative to houseboats for visiting tourists.

File:The Public Transport Through Waters in Kerala.jpg

Alappuzha is linked by Ernakulam–Kayamkulam coastal railway line and connects to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, Bokaro and Mumbai. The railway station is about {{convert|4|km|mi}} from the heart of the city.Trains from Alappuzha {{cite web|url=http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code%3DALLP%26name%3DALLEPPEY |title=Indian Trains: Alleppey (ALLP) Railway Station Details |access-date=2011-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906084048/http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code=ALLP&name=ALLEPPEY |archive-date=6 September 2011 |df=dmy }} A total of four trains originate from Alappuzha to cities like Kannur, Chennai, Dhanbad and Tatanagar. There are a lot of local trains running throughout the day, which connect Alappuzha to other towns near by. Since Alappuzha is a prime destination, trains from important cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore, Kozhikode and Amritsar pass through this station."Trains passing through Alappuzha {{cite web|url=http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code%3DALLP%26name%3DALLEPPEY |title=Indian Trains: Alleppey (ALLP) Railway Station Details |access-date=2011-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906084048/http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code=ALLP&name=ALLEPPEY |archive-date=6 September 2011 |df=dmy }}"

Cochin International Airport, which is {{convert|78|km|mi}} to the North, is the closest airport. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, {{convert|159|km|mi}} to the South, is the other airport that links the district with other countries. International tourists use these airports to reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports are Calicut ({{convert|236|km|mi}}) and Coimbatore ({{convert|254|km|mi}}) airports. A helipad in the town is reserved for government uses.

File:Alappuzha loves Wikimedia IMG 7599.JPG

The two administrative systems prevailing in the district are revenue and local self-government. Under the revenue system, the district is divided into two revenue divisions, six taluks and 91 villages. The two revenue divisions are Alappuzha division comprising Cherthala, Ambalappuzha and Kuttanad taluks consisting of 47 villages and Chengannur division comprising Karthikapally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara taluks consisting of 44 villages. For census purposes, Aroor, Arookutty, Kodamthuruth, Thanneermukkom Vadakku, Thaneermukkam Thekku, Vayalar East and Kokkothamangalam village, except the portions included in Cherthala municipality are treated in the 1981 census as census towns based on the threefold criteria adopted for treating a place as census town.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Under the local self-government system, the district is divided into five statutory towns and development blocks consisting of 71 panchayats. The jurisdiction of a Development Block includes the areas falling in census towns also.{{cite web|url=http://www.alappuzha.nic.in/admin.htm |title=Official Web Site of Alappuzha, Kerala, India |access-date=2011-06-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162712/http://www.alappuzha.nic.in/admin.htm |archive-date=21 July 2011 |df=dmy }}

There were nine legislative assembly segments in Alappuzha district for the 2011 Assembly elections. They are Aroor, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Haripad, Kayamkulam, Mavelikkara and Chengannur.{{cite web|author=Kerala Legislature |url=http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/members.htm |title=Niyamsabha official site |publisher=Niyamasabha.org |date= |access-date=14 February 2021}}

Alappuzha assembly constituency is part of Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency). The other Lok Sabha constituency of the district is Mavelikkara.{{Cite web |url=http://eci.nic.in/archive/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf |title=constituency |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718054105/http://eci.nic.in/archive/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:St. Joseph's College for Women Alappuzha.jpg]]

File:Alappuzha Medical College.jpg]]

File:Leo XIII HSS, Alappuzha.jpg

There are schools, computer institutes and colleges all over the district, with nine training schools, 405 lower primary schools, 105 high schools and 87 higher secondary schools."education in Alappuzha {{cite web |title=Official WEBSITE of Alappuzha, Kerala, India - Education Department |url=http://alappuzha.nic.in/dept.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807061328/http://alappuzha.nic.in/dept.htm |archive-date=7 August 2011 |access-date=2011-06-10 |df=dmy}}"

The first school in Alappuzha, the Church Missionary Society (CMS) School, was established in 1816. The school was established by the Rev. Thomas Norton, the first CMS missionary to India. The school is run by the CSI Christ Church, Alappuzha. The first higher secondary school in Alappuzha was the Leo XIIIth Higher Secondary School, which was opened on 1 June 1889 by Portuguese Bishop John Gomes Pereira of Cochin. The first polytechnic college in Alappuzha was the Carmel Polytechnic College, established by Fr. Gilbert Palaekunnel, and it is managed by the CMI Congregation. Carmel is still the academically top-ranked polytechnic in the state."Leo 13 school {{cite web|url=http://alleppeydiocesanschools.org/php/schoolsDetails.php?sId%3D1%26linkid%3D21%26type%3DH |title=Higher Secondary Schools |access-date=2011-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426064244/http://alleppeydiocesanschools.org/php/schoolsDetails.php?sId=1&linkid=21&type=H |archive-date=26 April 2012 |df=dmy }}"

File:Cemp2.jpg]]

Colleges in Alappuzha offer both graduate and postgraduate courses for their students."colleges in Alappuzha {{cite web |title=Official WEBSITE of Alappuzha, Kerala, India - Colleges of Alappuzha |url=http://alappuzha.nic.in/college.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807061232/http://alappuzha.nic.in/college.htm |archive-date=7 August 2011 |access-date=2011-06-10 |df=dmy}}"

• College of Engineering, Cherthala{{cite web|url=http://www.cectl.ac.in/ |title=College of Engineering, Cherthala |publisher=Cectl.ac.in |access-date=25 September 2013}}
• Cochin University College of Engineering Kuttanad{{cite web|url=http://cusat.ac.in/dept.php?deptcode=cucek|title=Official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220094858/http://cusat.ac.in/dept.php?deptcode=cucek|url-status=dead}}
• Sanatana Dharma College{{cite web|url=http://www.sdcollege.in|title=Welcome - Sanatana Dharma College|accessdate=26 February 2023}}
• S. D. V. College of Arts and Applied Science{{cite web|url=http://www.sdvcollege.in|title=Welcome: S. D. V. College of Arts and Applied Science|accessdate=26 February 2023}}
• Sree Narayana College Cherthala-SN College Kanjikkuzhy{{cite web|url=http://www.sncollegecherthala.in/|title=SN COLLEGE CHERTHALA|accessdate=26 February 2023|archive-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222082800/http://www.sncollegecherthala.in/|url-status=dead}}
• N.S.S. College, Cherthala{{cite web|url=http://www.grotal.com/e/NSS-College-Alappuzha-C4791 |title=NSS Alappuzha |publisher=Grotal.com |access-date=25 September 2013}}
• Government College, Ambalappuzha{{cite web|url=http://www.ambalapuzhagc.org|title=Government College, Ambalapuzha|accessdate=26 February 2023}}
• College of Engineering and Management, Punnapra{{cite web|url=http://www.cempunnapra.org|title=CEM Punnapra|accessdate=26 February 2023}}
• Mar Gregorios College Punnapra{{cite web|url=http://margregoriospunnapra.org|title=Mar Gregorios College|access-date=7 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019133501/http://margregoriospunnapra.org/|archive-date=19 October 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}
• College of Engineering Chengannur{{cite web|url=http://www.ceconline.edu |title=College of Engineering (Chengannur) |publisher=Ceconline.edu |access-date=25 September 2013}}
• College of Applied Sciences, Mavelikkara{{cite web|url=http://casmvk.kerala.gov.in|title=Profile of the College - College of Applied Sciences, Mavelikkara|accessdate=26 February 2023}}
• Carmel College of Engineering and Technology Alappuzha{{Cite web|url=https://www.carmelcet.in/|title=Carmel College of Engineering and Technology|website=www.carmelcet.in}}
• Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha{{Cite web|url=https://tdmcalappuzha.org/|title=TD Medical College – Alappuzha}}
• St Joseph's College for Women, Alappuzha{{Cite web |url=http://www.stjosephcollegeforwomen.com/ |title=SJCW |access-date=10 June 2011 |archive-date=9 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109222048/http://stjosephcollegeforwomen.com/ |url-status=dead }}
• St Michael's College, CherthalaSMC {{cite web|url=http://www.keralauniversity.edu/stmicheals.htm |title=St. Michael's College, Cherthala |access-date=18 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527094214/http://www.keralauniversity.edu/stmicheals.htm |archive-date=27 May 2010 }}
• T. K. Madhava Memorial College{{cite web|url=http://www.keralauniversity.edu/tkmadava.htm |title=T.K. Madhava Memorial College, Nangiarkulangara |access-date=18 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926212337/http://www.keralauniversity.edu/tkmadava.htm |archive-date=26 September 2011 |df=dmy }}
• St. Aloysius College Edathua{{cite web |url=http://www.aloysiuscollege.org/ |title=St Aloysius |publisher=Aloysiuscollege.org |access-date=25 September 2013 |archive-date=29 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829023214/http://www.aloysiuscollege.org/ |url-status=dead }}
• Bishop Moore College Mavelikkara
• Milad-E-Sherief Memorial College, Kayamkulam (MSM)
• Christian College, Chengannur

File:Mar Sleeva Forane Church.jpg

• Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
• Anandeshwaram Mahadeva Temple
• Chakkulathukavu Temple (Bhagavathy Temple)
• Chettikulangara Devi Temple
• Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
• Cheriyanad Sree Balasubrahmanya Swami Temple
• Chunakkara Thiruvairoor Mahadevar Temple
• Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
• Kanichukulangara Devi Temple
• Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple
• Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala
• Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, Mavelikkara
• Karayamvattam Hanuman Temple
• Mannarasala Temple (Sree Nagaraja Temple)
• Maruthorvattom Sri Dhanwanthari Temple, Cherthala
• Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
• Mavelikara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
• Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, Nooranad
• Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple
• Thrikkunnappuzha Sree Dharmasastha Temple
• Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple
• Thuravoor Mahakshetram
• Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple, Cherthala
• Valiyakulangara Devi Temple, Karthikappally
• Varanad Sree Devi Temple
• Vettikodu Sree Nagararaja Temple, Kayamkulam
• Mararikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple
• Thiruvanvandoor Goshalakrishnan temple Chengannur

• St Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal
• St. George/Paul Forane Church
• Basilica of St Mary, Champakulam (Chambakulam kalloorkadu Basilica)
• St Thomas Church, Thumpoly (Thumpoly pally)
• Our Lady of Assumption Church, Poomkavu
• St. Mary's Forane Church, Pulinkunnoo
• St Mary's Forane Church, Thankey
• St Mary's Forane Church, Pallipuram
• Mount Carmel Cathedral Church, Alappuzha
• St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Karthikappally
• St. Michael's Church, Thathampally, Alappuzha

• Maqam Masjid, civil station ward, Alappuzha.{{Cite web |last=SUNNIVOICE |date=2021-12-31 |title=ആലപ്പുഴ: കനാൽ കരകളിലെ പൈതൃകക്കാഴ്ചകൾ |url=https://sunnivoice.net/%e0%b4%86%e0%b4%b2%e0%b4%aa%e0%b5%8d%e0%b4%aa%e0%b5%81%e0%b4%b4-%e0%b4%95%e0%b4%a8%e0%b4%be%e0%b5%bd-%e0%b4%95%e0%b4%b0%e0%b4%95%e0%b4%b3%e0%b4%bf%e0%b4%b2%e0%b5%86-%e0%b4%aa%e0%b5%88%e0%b4%a4/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |language=ml}}
• Saukar Masjid, a mosque built in 1850.{{cite news |title=ആലപ്പുഴ പൈതൃകപദ്ധതിയിൽ മുഖംമിനുക്കി ' സൗക്കാർ മസ്ജിദ് ' |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/news/alappuzha/sawker-masjid-timeless-beacon-of-spiritual-heritage-in-alappuzha-local18-649587.html |work=News18 മലയാളം |date=14 January 2024 |language=ml}}
• Makidusha Jumah Masjid Alappy
• Kizhake Masthan Jumah Masjid

File:Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2012 7791.JPG is a popular sport held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha]]

Alappuzha is globally famous for snake boat races, especially the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha.{{Cite web |title=The Nehru Trophy Boat Race |url=https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/nehru-trophy-boat-race#:~:text=The%20Nehru%20Trophy%20Boat%20Race%20is%20one,there%20is%20an%20interesting%20story%20behind%20it.}} In 1952, when Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, visited Kerala, the people of Alleppey decided to give a special entertainment for their prestigious guest and conducted a snake boat race. Nehru got so excited by this event and he jumped into 'Nadubhagam Chundan' (a snake boat), ignoring the security officials. By this excitement of sailing in a snake boat he donated a rolling trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race. Other than this snake boat race cricket, football, basketball and rowing are among the most popular sports in town. In 2015, the Kerala Cricket Association inaugurated the KCA Cricket Stadium Alappuzha, which is an A-class cricket stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.keralacricketassociation.com/Alappuzha-cg|title=SD College- KCA Cricket Ground- Alapuzha}} Another stadium named as EMS Stadium or municipal stadium is under construction as of 2021.

{{main list|List of people from Alappuzha}}

{{alumni|residents|date=February 2021}}

• Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai - Novelist and short story writer, recipient of India's highest literary award, the Jnanpith.
• Vayalar Ramavarma - Malayalam poet and film lyricist
• Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker - Social reformer in Kerala
• M. K. Sanu – writer, critic and social activist, a permanent member of the International body for Human rights
• Irayimman Thampi - Carnatic musician as well as a music composer from Kerala
• Kavalam Narayana Panicker - director, poet
• S. D. Shibulal - chief executive officer and managing director of Infosys
• Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru - Founder of Santhigiri Ashram
• Ganesh Puthur - Writer, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award Winner
• P. S. Karthikeyan - Former Secretary, S. N. Trust, former Director of SNDP Yogam, former Member of the Legislative Assembly (Aroor), Chief Editor of Dinamani daily
• P. Narayana Kurup - Malayalam Poet
• Joy J. Kaimaparamban - English and Malayalam author
• Itty Achudan - the major contributor of ethno-medical information for the compilation of Hortus Malabaricus
• Eleanour Sinclair Rohde - British gardener and writer on horticulture
• V. P. Sivakumar - short story writer
• Justice C.T.Ravikumar - Supreme Court Judge.
• M. G. Sreekumar - Musician, singer and music director
• Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma - Poet and lyricist
• Kavalam Sreekumar - Classical musician, playback singer, composer
• Rajeev Alunkal - lyricist, poet and orator

• Karunakara Guru - founder of Santhigiri Ashramam
• Palackal Thoma Malpan - founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
• Mgr. Joseph C. Panjikaran - founder of the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph
• Antony Theodore - Christian educator, poet, social worker
• Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara - Christian saint

• A. K. Antony - three times Chief Minister of Kerala in UDF Ministry, former Indian Defence Minister
• V. S. Achuthanandan - former chief minister of Kerala and one of the most senior communist politicians of India
• Ramesh Chennithala - former Home Minister and Former Leader of the opposition of Kerala, current legislative assembly member of Haripad constituency.
• Suseela Gopalan- Former Kerala Industries Minister and Communist Leader
• K. R. Gowri - Revenue Minister in first Kerala LDF ministry, initiated the land reforms in Kerala, Agriculture minister in Kerala UDF Ministry
• Vayalar Ravi - former Home minister of Kerala in UDF Ministry, former Union Cabinet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs
• C. K. Chandrappan - communist leader and former Member of Parliament
• S. Ramachandran Pillai - Politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and General Secretary of All India Kisan Sabha (Peasants Union)
• G. Sudhakaran - member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former PWD minister of Kerala
• P. Parameswaran - Director of Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram; philosopher

• Sreekumaran Thampi - lyricist, director, producer and screenwriter in Malayalam cinema
• Jomon T. John - Indian cinematographer
• Ratheesh - Malayalam film actor
• Kunchacko - Indian film producer and director
• Nedumudi Venu - Malayalam film actor.
• Fazil - Malayalam film director
• Kunchacko Boban - Malayalam film actor
• Riaz M T - Malayalam film actor
• Fahadh Faasil - Malayalam film actor
• Jagannatha Varma - Kathakali artist, actor in Malayalam film and serial
• Ashokan - Malayalam film actor
• Rajan P. Dev – Malayalam film actor and drama/theatre person
• S. L. Puram Sadanandan - Malayalam playwright and film scriptwriter
• Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan - writer and film critic
• Radhika (Malayalam actress) - Malayalam film actress
• Navodaya Appachan - Malayalam movie producer and businessman
• Jijo Punnoose - film director
• Padmarajan - film director
• Narendra Prasad - film actor, writer and critic
• KPAC Lalitha - Malayalam film actress
• Beeyar Prasad - Indian Malayalam lyricist and poet
• Madhu Muttom - Screenwriter of Manichitrathazhu, Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal
• Samantha Ruth Prabhu- Actress
• Navya Nair - Actress
• MG Sreekumar - Playback Singer
• Shahi Kabir - Malayalam film director and writer

• Prasanth Parameswaran - Kerala first class cricketer (Indian Premier League and Royal Challengers Bangalore player)
• Saji Thomas - sportsman and Arjuna awardee
• K. Udayakumar - India men's national volleyball Player, Arjuna Awardee

• Alappuzha East
• Alappuzha West
• Alappuzha Lighthouse
• Alappuzha Beach
• Ernakulam-Kayamkulam coastal railway line
• KCA Cricket Stadium, Alappuzha
• List of people from Alappuzha
• Technical Higher Secondary School, Cherthala, Pallippuram
• Travancore Labour Association

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Wikivoyage inline|Alappuzha}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100217035703/http://www.swtd.gov.in/ Kerala State Water Transport Department official website]
• [http://alappuzha.nic.in/ Official website of Alappuzha District]
• [https://alteredgoal.com/https-alteredgoal-com-backwaters-of-alappuzha/ Backwaters of Alappuzha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219075158/https://alteredgoal.com/https-alteredgoal-com-backwaters-of-alappuzha/ |date=19 December 2019 }}
• [https://www.keralatourism.org/article-venice-of-the-east.html Venice of the East, Alleppey]

{{Authority control}}

{{Alappuzha district}}

{{Central Travancore}}

{{Kerala|h}}

{{Kerala topics}}

{{Municipalities of Kerala}}

Category:Cities and towns in Alappuzha district

Category:Populated coastal places in India

Category:Port cities in India