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

It is a pleasure to escape the noise and pollution of urban life and listen to birdsong and the calls of children as they wave to your houseboat on their way to school. As evening sets in, young boys often sit at the edges of their homes, fishing for the evening meal. A famous saying goes about the children of Alappuzha: "Children learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row before they bicycle. They learn their first lessons from the ... more
It is a pleasure to escape the noise and pollution of urban life and listen to birdsong and the calls of children as they wave to your houseboat on their way to school. As evening sets in, young boys often sit at the edges of their homes, fishing for the evening meal. A famous saying goes about the children of Alappuzha: "Children learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row before they bicycle. They learn their first lessons from the school of fish.” less