Our Neighborhood
Location
Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, Alleppey, Kerela, is situated at Muhamma, Alleppey with a magnificent view of Lake Vembanad. Just a 90 minute drive from the Cochin International Airport, the resort is located at the very edge of the lake.
Airport and Railway Station
Directions from Airport
Drive towards Alleppey on NH 47. After 60 kms, you will see a town called Cherthala. After Cherthala, there is a junction called 11th mile. Take the first turn towards left after the junction and drive 5 kms towards the "T" junction, and then take the right turn and drive 4 kms towards Muhamma. You will see a signage of Grand Nirvana Lake Resort on your left. Take the left turn and drive 800 meters to reach the resort.
Restaurants and Shopping in Alleppey/Cochin
Restaurant: Travancore Palace, Cherthala
Cuisine: Traditional Kerala Cuisine
Phone: +91 478 2814948
Restaurant: Vembanad Restaurant, Alleppey Prince Hotel, Alleppey
Cuisine: Traditional Kerala Cuisine
Phone: +91 477 2243752
Restaurant: Arcadia, Alleppey
Cuisine: Multi Cuisine
Phone: +91 477 2230413
Restaurant: Chinese Garden, Cochin
Cuisine: Chinese
Phone: +91 484 2312888
Restaurant: History, Brunton's Boat Yard Hotel, Cochin
Cuisine: Multi Cuisine
Phone: +91 484 2215461
Restaurant: Lagoon, Le Meridien Hotel, Cochin
Cuisine: Seafood
Phone: +91 484 2705777
Alleppey as a Destination
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha, lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi (Vembanad) Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Alleppey, is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons. It was described "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classical literature. History says Alappuzha (Alleppey) had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India. Alleppey has a lighthouse, which is a major tourist attraction. 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.
Alleppey offers enjoyable boat cruises to Kollam along the scenic Vembanad Lake. The never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, shimmering water and long canals around Alleppey make a delightful setting for the town. All the traditional festivals and pastimes of Kerala continue to flourish. It has played an important part in the development of the time honored temple arts Kathakali, 'koothu', 'koodiyattam', and 'ottamthullal', all of which are cherished and still performed here.
Attractions in and around Alleppey
Trivandrum - 159 kms
Cochin - 64 kms
Kovalam - 175 kms
Thekkady - 164 kms
Munnar - 192 kms
Calicut - 287 kms
Kumarakom - 20 kms
Backwaters of Alleppey
Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala. Simply standing on the banks, enjoy the rhythm of backwaters. Then opt for a boat cruise getting sublime views of coconut palms, paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and toddy tapping. Request the boat pilot to arrange a glass of sweet toddy right from the palmhead to electrify the system. The cruise goes past the canals and islands bestowing the picturesque and scenic views.
Snake boat races are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These spectacular events 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.
Muhamma is a census town in Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is home to the famous Cheerappanchira kalari, where Lord Ayyappan had his training in the martial arts.
Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is India's longest lake, and is the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also one of the largest lakes in India.
The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km². The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. It lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes to the north and south. The Vembanad Lake is approximately 14 kilometres wide at its widest point.
A unique characteristic of the lake is the location of the Thannermukkom salt water barrier. The Thannermukkom salt water barrier was constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low-lands. It is the largest mud regulator in India. This barrier essentially divides the lake into two parts - one with brackish water perennially and the other half with fresh water fed by the rivers draining in to the lake. This barrier has helped the farmers in Kuttanad - where farming is done below sea level. It has however also created ecological problems, primarily, the rampant propagation of the water hyacinth in fresh water.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and has become a major tourist attraction.
Pathiramanal
According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanadu lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made way for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of (sands of midnight) Pathiramanal . This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat. This is at less than a kilometer from the resort.
R-Block & QST Block Islands
These regions are wonders of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how of Kerala and remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland. Extensive areas of land have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes built all around. Here cultivation and habitation are made possible four to ten feet below sea level. A leisurely cruise along the canals that surround these Kayals is a memorable experience.
Karumadikuttan
Many fascinating legends are associated with this 11th century statue of Lord Buddha.
Kumarakodi
20 km south of Alleppey, Mahakavi Kumaranasan, one of the greatest poets of modern Kerala is laid to rest here.
Saradha Mandiram, Mavelikkara:
A.R Rajaraja Varma was a great poet and grammarian, The Malayalam literature is much indebted to Sri. A.R Thampuran. Saradha Mandiram was built by him as his residence. Now it is bought by the State Government and kept as a memorial.
Krishnapuram Palace
This 18th century palace of the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of architecture. On display are antique sculptures, paintings and bronze artifacts. The mural Gajendra Moksham, on the ground floor of the double storied palace is one of the largest of its kind in Kerala.It is the palace of Travancore kings. This is situated 47 kms from Alleppey.
Alappuzha Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
The Poomkavu Church is situated on the out-skirts of Alleppey, and is a famous destination for Christian Pilgrims.
Edathua Church
Situated 24 kms. away from Alleppey, on the Alappuzha-Thiruvalla Road. Established in 1810, the church is dedicated to St George. It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th, and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.
Aranmula
This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha is famous for its traditional Kerala architecture and delicious palpayasam (sweet porridge made with milk). At a distance of 3 kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha. This is 14 kms away from Alleppey. The Sri Krishna temple here is famous for the boat race held annually in August-September. Aranmula is famous for its Kannadi, hand-made mirrors made of polished metal.
Champakulam
14 km southeast of Alleppey in the middle of the backwaters. Some of the tourist attractions include the Church of St. Mary's dating back to 1579 built by the Portuguese and it is believed to have been one of the seven founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle. It has an ornate Rococo interior dripping with gold leaf and elaborate murals. Chamapkulam boat race held in the month of June-July is yet another crowd puller.
Aruthunkal
The ancient St. Sebastian Church was built by the Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the Christians of Kerala. The feast of St. Sebastian is held every January. This is 22 kms north of Alleppey.
Chettikulangara Bhagawati Temple
This temple of Bhadrakali (form of Parvati) possesses miraculous powers. The festival is celebrated during February/March every year and the festivity 'Kettukazhcha' is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots in which effigies of horses, bullock and epic heroes, the Pandavas and various scenes from the puranas are displayed.
Mannarsala
One of the most important centers of serpent worship in Kerala. The festival is celebrated on the day of Ayilyam in September/October. This is situated 32 kms away from Alleppey near Harippad.
Kuttanad
Known as the rice bowl of Kerala. The taste of rice, the staple food of Kerala, with red-hot fish curry or vegetable made with coconut and chilly lingers in the tongue for long. The slant swishing rubber plantations, low spaced life and the deceptively calm atmosphere are real rewards to the visitors. Not only for historical importance, but also for sheer beauty. Kuttanad's cultivation is below sea-level. The world's rarest' rare.
Cheppaud
This place is situated 24 km from Ambalapuzha. Cheppaud is shot into fame due to the famous St George Orthodox Syrian Church built in 13th century. This beautiful Church was built by two prominent families of Cheppaud. It was re-built in 1952, keeping the original frescoes intact. The scenes from Bible depicted here looks magnificent.
Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam's fame stems from its lake. A number of canals sprout from lake. Many tourists converge to this destination. Women fishing with bamboo poles, men fishing mussels and women spinning coir are interesting common sights here. Criss-crossing boats keep the water engaged all the while.
Thakazhi
Thakazhi is a village located 6 km from Karumadi. Thazhi was shot into fame due to its celebrated son, Thakazhi Shivasankaran Pillai, the late novelist. His novel Chemmeen, narrating the life of fishermen and centering on a romance and tragedy won him Sahitaya Academi Award. He was a Padma Bhushan award winner. His residence, Sankaramangalam House, acquired from his living widow Kamalakshiamma by the Kerala government has transformed into a museum where his several awards, personal effects, pen, spectacles and a typewriter are put on display.
Haripad
Haripad town is located 15 km from Ambalapuzha. A several thousands years old Subramanya Swami temple here is very famous.
Cherthala
Cherthala, a major coir weaving centre in Kerala, is located 20 km north of Alleppey town. Cherthala town is small. North of the town a famous and ancient Bhagawathi temple is there.
Vayalar
Vayalar is situated about 2 km away from Cherthala. Vayalar was rocketed into fame following an agrarian revolt against land-lords in 1946. The revolt was spearheaded by the community party. It was crushed by Travancore State police . The balance sheet of the revolt was the creation of few martyrs. A Martyrs Memorial amongst bullet marked coconut palms welcomes the visitors.
Trikkunnapuzha
Trikunnapuzha is an island located south of the Lock separating the freshwater of the backwaters from the saltwater of Kayamkulam region. The island on the waterway connecting Kollam to Kochi is a tourists' destination enshrined with natural beauty and stay facilities in cottages with modern facilities.
Chakkulathukavu
This place is located 20 km from Ambalapuzha. Chakkalathukavu shot into fame because of the Bhagawathi temple here. Here, a peculiar system prevails. The feet of all the females get washed by priests on the first Friday of the month of Dhanu (December/January). On this day all female devotees visiting the temple are considered as the incarnation of the deity, devi (Bhagawathi)
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Agriculture, fishing and tourism are the major economic activities. The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals of the Meenachil river. Kumarakom has a wide variety of houseboats with different cost. The regions specialties are Karimeen, considered the tastiest fish available in Kerala, and fresh Toddy (local wine). The 14 acre bird sanctuary on the eastern shores of the lake with its varied and rich species of birds is another major attraction here. Birds from distant lands like the Siberians Storks migrate here every year. Kumarakom is a cluster of fishing villages 14 kilometers from Kottayam.
God of Small Things: Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things is set in Ayemenem or Aymanam village, which adjoins Kumarakom. The explosive success of this novel has given some added touristic impetus to this area. The Ayemenem house, where Arundhati Roy spent part of her childhood (like the twins in the story), can also be visited in the village, which can be reached by boat along the Meenachil river that figures prominently in the story.
Cochin
Kochi formerly known as Cochin, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Kochi (Fort Cochin) is known as the Queen of Arabian sea. Till early 16th century it was a lagoon. An eponymous flood transformed Kochi into a natural harbour. Today Kochi is the finest natural harbour in the world. Fort Cochin is richly sprinkled with Lusitanian churches, Dutch mansions and stately Raj era bungalows that rise from a waterfront lined with red tiled sprawling warehouses.
The ideal way to discover Kochi is a cruise along backwaters from Ernakulam to Perumbalam. The city is one of the principal seaports of the country and is located in the district of Ernakulam, about 220 kilometres north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, and one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India.
Major business sectors include gold and textile retailing, seafood and spices exports, information technology (IT), tourism, health services, banking, shipbuilding, and the fishing industry. The economy is mostly dependent on trade and retail activities. As in most of Kerala, remittances from non-resident Indians (NRIs) is a major source of income. The city also houses Kerala's only bourse-the Cochin Stock Exchange.
Kochi is a major destination for IT and ITES companies, ranked by NASSCOM as the second-most attractive city in India for IT-based services. Various technology and industrial campuses including the government promoted Info Park, Cochin Special Economic Zone and KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park operate in the outskirts of the city. Eloor, situated 17 kilometres (10.5 mi) north of the city, is the largest industrial belt in Kerala, with more than 250 industries manufacturing a range of products including chemical and petrochemical products, pesticides, rare earth elements, rubber processing chemicals, fertilizers, zinc and chromium compounds, and leather products.
Exports and allied activities are also important contributors to the city's economy. The Cochin Port currently handles export and import of container cargo at its terminal at Willington Island. A new international container transshipment terminal-the first in the country-is being commissioned at Vallarpadam. Kochi's historical reliance on trade continues into modern times, as the city is a major exporter of spices and is home to the International Pepper Exchange, where black pepper is globally traded. The Spices Board of India is also headquartered in Kochi.
Kochi also has an oil refinery-the Kochi Refineries (BPCL) at Ambalamugal. Central Government establishments like the Coconut Development Board, the Coir Board and the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) have head offices located in the city.
Attractions in Cochin
St. Francis Church
Believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India, it is the principal landmark in Fort Kochi. This historic church was constructed around the site of St. Bartholomew's, a wooden structure erected by the five Portuguese priests who accompanied Alberqueque to Kochi in 1503. The fact that the church was also the original burial site of Vasco da Gama before his remains were shipped to Lisbon in Portugal, has added to its historic value. Only his tombstone remains today.
Preserved inside the church are several inscriptions on leaves, which shed some light on the life and times of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers. In the interior of the church, a plain arch separates the chancel from the nave.
Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles.
Pierce Leslie Bungalow
This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.
Old Harbour House
This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.
Loafer's Corner/Princess Street
One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm. The best view of this quaint street can be had from Loafer's Corner, the traditional meeting place and hangout of the jovial fun loving people of the area.
Vasco House
Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi. Built in the early sixteenth century, Vasco House sports the typical European glass paned windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of the times.
VOC Gate
The large wooden gate facing the Parade Ground, with the monogram (VOC) of the once mighty Dutch East India Company carved on it, was built in 1740.
Cherai Beach
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.
Bolghatty Island
This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.
Willingdon Island
Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British Viceroy of India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centers, the Port Trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.
The Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
10 km from Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, was built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.
Vamanamoorthy Temple
Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.
Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:
The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.
Leisure Activities (available at the resort)
The Cruising Villa (House Boat): The first of its kind to cruise the backwaters of Alleppey. The Cruising Villa has 2 elegant rooms, a spacious sitting room with large windows and doors that open to the bow of the boat, a kitchen and an upper deck with an open-air jacuzzi.
Water Sports: Velocity packed water rides on Lake Vembanad.