Alappuzha otherwise known as Alleppey, is the district which functioned as the main commercial center of the state of Travancore, Alappuzha was developed as a port by the Diwan Raja Keshavadas, who was the Diwan of travancore during the reign of Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, after it was developed as a port, export of spices like pepper and timber wood flourished. Traders from all around India came here and settled to do trading. Alappey, is a town in the Alappuzha district enriched with beautiful backwaters canals and beaches, it is the administrative capital of Alappuzha district, Alleppey known as the Venice of the east, it was given the name by lord curzon, who was the British conservative statesman and was the viceroy of india.

Kuttanad is a place in Alappuzha district with abundant backwaters and paddy fields, kuttanad is known as the Rice Bowl of kerala, about 50% of crops in kerala are cultivated in the kuttanad region. Kuttanad has a geographical specialty that the region is located below sea level, it is rich with coconut grooves, small streams and canals. The greenery of the paddy field resembles a green carpet on the floor. Everyone who comes and visit this place will have a soothing effect on their eyes.

Alappuzha was once the major trading center in kerala, domestic and international trade was once common in the ports of Alappey. The export of spices, wood and coir products gained popularity of Alappuzha district. The coir made from the coconut fibers are used in making ropes and carpets, Alappuzha is the center for coir production, it has gained popularity in the local and international market. The light house in Alappuzha is one of the oldest and has a great tourists attraction, it is still a manned station.

Kerala tourism finds its destination in Alappuzha, it is considered as the main attraction backwater tourism, there are many tourist destination in Alappuzha, the main attraction on cultural events are chambakulam moolam boat race, chettikulangara Bharani and Nehru Trophy boat race. Another main attraction of Alappuzha is the “kettuvallam”, kettuvallam is a kind of huge cargo boat, people used it to transport cargo domestically, now the kettuvallom is irrelevant as many other faster transportation medium arrived, now kettuvallom are customized to house boats. It provide comfort and safety, now it is considered as the most perfect way to cruise through the Alappuzha backwaters.

As in all other districts in kerala, Alappuzha also have Hindus, Christians and Muslims as their majority. There are many religious pilgrimages in Alappuzha, some of them are:

• Mullackal Raja Rajeshwari Temple

• Champakulam church

• Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple, Mavelikkara

• Edathuva church

• AmbAlappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

• Pazhveedu Sree Krishna Swami Temple

• East Juma Masjid (near Dutch Square) and West Juma Masjid (near Iron Bridge)

• Kottangulangara Devi and Maha Vishnu Temple (1800 years old)

• Mararikkulam Mahadeva (Shiva) Temple

• Kanichukulangara Devi Temple

• Korthusseril Bhagavathi (Devi) Temple

• Vallya Kalavoor Sri Krishna Swami Temple, Kalavoor.

• Velikkattuthara Devi Temple, Kuttanadu, Govenda.

• Elangumatom Sri Khnda Karna Swami Temple, Talavadi.

• Kottamkulangara Vishnu and Devi Temple

• Kalarcode Major Mahadeva Temple

• Pathiyamkulangara Sree Bhagavathi Temple

• Mannarasala Temple

There are many prestigious educational institutions in Alappuzha, education is always considered important by the people, there are more than 10 arts and science colleges in Alappuzha district. There are many schools that were built long ago. CMS school in Alappuzha was established in 1816, LEO XIII th higher secondary school was established in1888. University Institute of Technology (U I T), St. Joseph College for Women, and Sanathana Dharma College (S D College) are other famous colleges of Alappuzha.

The main Taluks of Alappuzha are:

• Cherthala

• AmbAlappuzha

• Mavelikkara

• Kuttanad

• Chengannur

• AmbAlappuzha