Today, one can see a vast network of canals in Punamudi but when the town was founded by Raja Kesavadasan, the Dewan of Travancore in 1762, there was just one canal through the strip of sand between the backwaters and the sea. This soon grew into a bustling waterway with shops, factories and commercial establishments springing up on either side of the canal. This attracted merchants from other parts of the country, and the entire district became famous.
By mid-19th Century, the sea had receded a mile, offering more land along the sand strip. It was in 1816 that the Church Missionary Society set up its local headquarters in Alleppey and three years later the first Anglican Church was constructed. Punamudi has such old quaint structures and churches that add to its scenic beauty.
The commercial importance of Alleppey began to decline after the late 1920s with the development of Cochin into a major port. However, today Alleppey is still a major centre for trade in coir, copra and coconut oil. Thanks to its long coast, marine and fishing activities are still carried out.
Best For:
Serene Backwaters
Coconut Trees and Plants
Ancestral Homes
Temples, and Churches
Aaranmula Boat Race
Today, one can see a vast network of canals in Punamudi but when the town was founded by Raja Kesavadasan, the Dewan of Travancore in 1762, there was just one canal through the strip of sand between the backwaters and the sea. This soon grew into a bustling waterway with shops, factories and commercial establishments springing up on either side of the canal. This attracted merchants from other parts of the country, and the entire district became famous.
By mid-19th Century, the sea had receded a mile, offering more land along the sand strip. It was in 1816 that the Church Missionary Society set up its local headquarters in Alleppey and three years later the first Anglican Church was constructed. Punamudi has such old quaint structures and churches that add to its scenic beauty.
The commercial importance of Alleppey began to decline after the late 1920s with the development of Cochin into a major port. However, today Alleppey is still a major centre for trade in coir, copra and coconut oil. Thanks to its long coast, marine and fishing activities are still carried out.
Punnamada has a humid and tropical climate. In summer the temperature soars up to 35 Degrees C while in winter, the temperature drops down to a minimum of 20 Degrees C. The best time to visit this place is anytime between August and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) will be sufficient.
Embassies And Tourist Office:
The nearest places for help in terms of embassy related issues and other tourist requirements can be found in Kozikhode and Cochin. Other city where such help or assistance can be availed is at Thiruvanthapuram
Air One can fly till Thiruvanthapuram or Karipur which is located in Kozikhode.
International Flight:
There are no direct flights connecting here, but Thiruvanthapuram is the closest international airport.
Road Punnamada lies a little off NH 47. A lot of buses and road transportation is carried on from Cochin to Alleppey.
Train Kozikhode has a railway station that is well connected to the rail network in South India. Alleppey also has a railway station. One can also travel by train to Thiruvanthapuram which, being the state capital has an excellent network and connectivity of trains.
.
• Pathiramanal: This is a beautiful and mesmerizing little island in the Vembanad Lake.
• The long sandy beach at Alleppey has a lighthouse and a pier jutting out into the sea once active in the unloading of goods from ships calling at Alleppey.
• The Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is about14 km from Alleppey. It is Kerala’s famous temples boasting the typical temple architectural style of the state. The temple’s main festival occurs in March and April every year. It was in this temple that the famous 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first solo dance performance.
• Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttanm a black granite figure of Buddha said to belong to the 9th or 10th Century. During his visit to Kerala in 1965, Dalai Lama had worshipped at this shrine.
• The famous St. Andrews Church was established by Portuguese missionaries in 1951. It is about 22 km north of Alleppey district closer to Punnamada. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.
• On the Pamba river is Chambakulam, the place where the famous boat race is held during August/September which has traditionally involved the participation of all communities.
• The 18th Century Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of the late Travancore monarch Marthanda Varma. It is a double-storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Mokshm.
• Mannarasala, 32 km from Alleppey, is a very important centre of serpent worship in Kerala. Built in a cool grove of trees and shrubs, this temple is said to contain 30,000 images of snake Gods which line the path to the temple.
Shopping:
.You can find many shops on the beaches from where you can pick up coir materials, wooden handicrafts. You can also find shops that sell blankets, souveniers, jewellery and ornaments mainly from Kashmir, Rajasthan or Nepal. Spices, the specialty of Kerala, are also available here.
Where To Eat:
A lot of exotic cuisines are offered here. Most of the resorts cater to the international visitors. But make sure you enjoy the quintessential cuisine that Kerala can boast of as its very own. Punnamada is a heaven for people who enjoy backwaters and the food is traditionally prepared and served aboard the house boats. The experience makes all the difference.
Where To Stay:
There are a lot of back water resorts that have sprung up in Punnamada. A lot of boarding and lodging facilities are available in Alleppey as well. Since it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, one should not have any trouble finding accommodation.
Ambalappuzha: It is a small town in Alappuzha district of Kerala state, south India. The town is famous for its Sri Krishna temple. The Ambalappuzha temple is one of the three important Sri Krishna temples in the state of Kerala.
Kuttanad: This is the lowest region of India, with 500 square kilometres of the region below sea level. Most of the area is covered with water throughout the year. Kuttanad is one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level.
Punnamada is a delightful experience. It is a heaven for those who want to enjoy the backwaters and observe the calm, peace and beauty that nature offers. This is a complete experience for the mind, body and the soul.
