View source for Alappuzha district

{{about|the district in Kerala|other uses|Alappuzha (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Alappuzha district
| other_name         = Alleppey district
| settlement_type    = [[List of districts of Kerala|District]]
| nickname           = [[Venice]] of the [[Eastern world]]<ref name="Venice"/> King of [[Backwater (river)|Backwater]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
 | photo1a      = Alappuzha Boat Beauty W.jpg
 | photo2a      = Krishnapuram palace1.jpg
 | photo2b      = Thottappally.jpg
 | photo3a      = Alappuzha Bypass Aerial View 1.jpg
 | photo3b      = Alleppey beach.jpg
 | photo4a      = Cherthala infopark.jpg
 | spacing      = 1
 | color_border = black
 | color        = white
 | size         = 210
 | foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:'''<br/>''[[Kettuvallam]]'', [[Thottappally]], [[Alappuzha Beach]], [[InfoPark, Kochi|Infopark Campus, Cherthala]], [[Alappuzha Bypass]], and [[Kayamkulam|Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam]].
}}
| image_map          = India Kerala Alappuzha district.svg
| image_map1         = {{maplink |frame=yes
|frame-width=260 |frame-height=280|frame-align=center
|text= '''Alappuzha district'''
|type=shape |id=Q928959
|stroke-colour=#C60C30
|stroke-width=2
|title= Alappuzha district of Kerala
|type2=line|id2=Q1186|stroke-width2=1|stroke-colour2=#0000ff|title2=Kerala
  }}
| map_caption        = Location in [[Kerala]]
| pushpin_map        = 
| pushpin_label_position = 
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|9.49|76.49|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{Flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Kerala]]
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = 
| seat_type          = Headquarters
| seat               = [[Alappuzha]]
| parts_type         = [[Subdivision (India)|Subdivisions]]
| parts_style        = Para
| parts              = {{collapsible list|title=Revenue divisions (2)|Alappuzha|Chengannur|}}
{{collapsible list|title=Taluks (6)|Cherthala| Ambalappuzha|Kuttanadu|Karthikappally|Chengannur|Mavelikkara|}}
| government_type    = 
| governing_body     = 
| leader_title1      = District Collector
| leader_name1       = Alex Varghese, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| leader_title2      = District Police Chief
| leader_name2       = MP Mohanachandran IPS
 <ref name="Alappuzha Home">{{cite web |title=Home |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in |website=Alappuzha District |access-date=21 February 2021}}</ref>
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="AlappuzhaProfile">{{cite web |title=District Profile |url=https://alappuzha.gov.in/district-profile/ |date=2018 |website=Government of Kerala: Alappuzha |access-date=11 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141447/https://alappuzha.gov.in/district-profile/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| area_rank          = [[List of districts of Kerala|14th]]
| area_total_km2     = 1,414
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_total   = 2,127,789
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_rank    = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = 
| population_note    = 
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code        = 
| iso_code           = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-KL]]
| registration_plate = '''KL-04''' [[Alappuzha]],<br/> '''KL-29''' [[Kayamkulam]],<br/> '''KL-30''' [[Chengannur]],<br/> '''KL-31''' [[Mavelikara]],<br/> '''KL-32''' [[Cherthala]],<br/> '''KL-66''' [[Kuttanad]]
| blank_info_sec1    = {{nowrap|{{increase}} 0.794<ref name="unhdi-gdl">{{Cite web|url=https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/library/hdr/human-development-reports/State_Human_Development_Reports/Kerala.html|title=Kerala &#124; UNDP in India|website=UNDP}}</ref> ({{color|Green| High}})}}
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2005)}}
| website            = [https://alappuzha.nic.in alappuzha.nic.in]
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Alappuzha district''' ({{IPA|ml|ɐːlɐpːuɻɐ|lang|Alappuzha.ogg}}), is one of the 14 [[Districts of Kerala|districts]] in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. It was formed as '''Alleppey district''' on 17 August 1957, the name of the district being changed to ''Alappuzha'' in 1990.<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory">{{cite web |title=History |url=https://alappuzha.gov.in/history/ |date=2018 |website=Government of Kerala: Alappuzha |access-date=11 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162125/https://alappuzha.gov.in/history/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alappuzha is the smallest district of Kerala.<ref name="SPB Alappuzha Profile">{{cite web |title=District Profile |url=http://spb.kerala.gov.in/index.php/district-profile-alappuzha |date=2015 |website=Kerala State Planning Board – District Planning Office, Alappuzha |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=17 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217053355/http://spb.kerala.gov.in/index.php/district-profile-alappuzha |url-status=dead }}</ref> Alleppey town, the district headquarters, was renamed [[Alappuzha]] in 2012.

A town with [[canal]]s, [[Kerala Backwaters|backwaters]], [[Alappuzha Beach|beaches]], and [[lagoon]]s, [[Alappuzha]] was described by [[George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston|George Curzon]], the [[British Raj|British]] [[Governor-General of India]] in the beginning of the 20th century CE, as the "[[Venice]] of the [[Eastern world]]."<ref name="Venice">{{cite web|title=History {{!}} District Alappuzha, Government of Kerala {{!}} India|url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/history/|access-date=2020-09-08|language=en-US}}</ref> The district is best known for its picturesque [[Kerala Backwaters]], by which it is well connected to other parts of [[Kerala]], including the tourist destination of [[Kumarakom]], the district being a well known tourist destination in India. It is also known for its [[Alleppy Coir|coir]] factories, as most of Kerala's coir industries are situated in and around the Alappuzha town.

The [[Vembanad lake]], which lies below the sea level, is the longest lake in the [[Indian peninsula]], and the district of Alappuzha lies between this lake and the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref name="Mathrubhumi"/> [[Kuttanad]] region of the Alappuzha district, which lies below the sea level, is the point of least [[elevation]] in the entire [[India]].<ref name="Mathrubhumi"/> [[Kuttanad]], also known as ''The Rice Bowl of Kerala'', has the [[List of extreme points of India#Altitudes|lowest altitude in India]], and is also one of the few places in the world where cultivation takes place below sea level.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kerala Boat Ferries Lone Passenger To Help Her Take Exam|url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/coronavirus-lockdown4-kerala-government-boat-ferries-lone-passenger-sandra-babu-to-help-her-take-exam-2238752|agency=Press Trust of India|date=1 June 2020|access-date=17 November 2020|work=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2003/07/13/stories/2003071300600200.htm|title=Thirst below sea level|last=Suchitra|first=M|date=2003-08-13|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2020-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922101804/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/thirst-below-sea-level/article28523147.ece |archive-date=2019-09-22}}</ref>

The district was home to the [[Communist Party of India|Communist]]-led [[Punnapra-Vayalar uprising]] against the [[Divan]] of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]] in the 1940s.<ref name="ReferenceA">Manorama Yearbook 2011, ISSN 0970-9096</ref>


[Mariners club Alleppey (MCA)] established in the year 2024, By a group of seafarer sailing in merchant navy.] [https://www.instagram.com/mca_alleppey?igsh=MWV2c2R2ZWZndDZ0dg==]
<ref name="ReferenceA">Manorama Yearbook 2011, ISSN 0970-9096</ref>

== Etymology ==
[[File:Alappuzha Bypass Aerial View 2.jpg|thumb|Alappuzha beach road view]]
Carved out of the erstwhile [[Kollam]] and [[Kottayam]]  districts, most of the modern-day [[Alappuzha]] district was part of the [[Kollam|Quilon]] district of the [[Travancore|Travancore Kingdom]], with a small portion in the northern Alappuzha were part of the [[Kottayam]] district of the [[Travancore|Travancore Kingdom]] until 1957.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shungoonny Menon |first=P. |url=http://archive.org/details/ahistorytravanc00menogoog |title=A history of Travancore from the earliest times |date=1878 |publisher=Madras, Higginbotham |others=University of California}}</ref> when the modern Alappuzha district was formed. Alappuzha district was formed on 17 August 1957 and consisted initially of seven [[taluk]]s, namely [[Cherthala]], [[Ambalappuzha]], [[Kuttanad]], [[Chengannur]], [[Karthikappally]] and [[Mavelikkara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com|title=taluks in Alappuzha 1957|publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14}}</ref>

The name Ᾱlappuzha is a toponym. ‘Ᾱlayam’ means ‘home’ and ‘puzha’, according to Dr. Herman Gundert's dictionary, means ‘watercourse’ or ‘river’. The name refers to the network of waterways and backwaters in Alappuzha and its surrounding areas. 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 (Kerala)|Kunnathur]] and [[Karunagappally]] taluks of [[Kollam district]] and on the west by Laccadive Sea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com|title=boundaries |publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14}}</ref>

Present-day Alappuzha district comprises six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alleppeyonline.com/|title=taluks in Alappuzha|publisher=Alleppeyonline.com|access-date=2021-02-14}}</ref> The area of the district is {{cvt|1414|km2}}. Its headquarters is located at Alappuzha.

==History==
[[File:Raja Kesava Das Statue in Alleppey - Changanassery Road @ Changananassery Junction.jpg|thumb|[[Raja Kesavadas]] Statue at [[Changanassery]]]]

The present-day town of [[Alappuzha]] owes its existence to [[Raja Kesavadas]] during the second half of the 18th century CE. However the district of Alappuzha had an important position  in the classical [[Malayalam literature]]. [[Kuttanad]], the [[breadbasket|rice bowl]] of Kerala, was well known from the early [[Sangam period]] itself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History {{!}} District Alappuzha, Government of Kerala {{!}} India |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/en/history/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Classical antiquity===
[[File:Light House Alleppey,Kerala.jpg|left|thumbnail|The [[Lighthouse]] at [[Purakkad]]]]
History records that the region which now constitutes the modern-day [[List of districts of Kerala|district]] of [[Alappuzha]] had trade relations with the ancient [[Ancient Greece|Greece]], the ancient [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], the ancient [[Levant]], the ancient [[Arabian peninsula]], and the [[Ancient Egypt]] during the [[Sangam period]] in the early centuries of the [[Common Era]].<ref name=AlappuzhaHistoryOld>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://alappuzha.gov.in/pages/aboutalpy-history.htm |website=Official Web Site of Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India |publisher=Collectorate, Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India |access-date=3 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820193526/http://alappuzha.gov.in/pages/aboutalpy-history.htm |archive-date=2016-08-20 }}</ref>

The ancient port town of ''Barace'' which is recorded as an important centre of the [[Indian Ocean trade]] in the ancient [[Greco-Roman world|Greco-Roman travelogues]] such as the ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' (written around 50 CE) is often identified with the modern-day coastal town of [[Purakkad]] on the mouth of the [[Pamba River]] in the Alappuzha district.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> This river is also the third-longest river in [[Kerala]] only after to the [[Periyar river]] and the [[Bharathappuzha]] river.<ref name="Mathrubhumi">{{cite book|title=Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus – 2019|publisher=P. V. Chandran, Managing Editor, Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Company Limited, Kozhikode|year=2018|location=Kozhikode|last=Chandran |first=VP |language=ml|edition=Malayalam }}</ref>

Early members of the [[Chera dynasty]] had their home in Kuttanad and were sometimes known as the  ''Kuttuvans''.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> However the regions south of the [[Pamba River]] was ruled by the [[Ay kingdom]] during the ancient period. Pamba is mentioned as ''Baris'' in the ancient Greco-Roman travelogues.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> There are archaeological evidences of the early period of this district, including ancient fossils, stone inscriptions and monuments, in the archeological sites like the excavation sites, the caves, the temples, etc. The literary works of the [[Sangam period]] also help to take a look into the ancient period of the district.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

Alappuzha district was once a prominent centre of [[Buddhism]] in [[South India]] prior to the arrival of [[Nambudiri]] [[Brahmin]]s into the region.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> [[Sri Mulavasam]] was then a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the [[Indian peninsula]]. Numerous remnants of once flourished [[Buddhism]] have been found from the [[List of taluks of Kerala|taluks]] of [[Ambalappuzha]] and [[Mavelikara]].<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

===Medieval history===
The regions included in the district had a prominent position in the medieval [[Malayalam]] literary works such as ''[[Unnuneeli Sandesam]]''.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> One among the famous literary works of this period was the ''Ascharya Choodamani'', a [[Sanskrit]] drama written by [[Sakthibhadran|Sakthibhadra]] who was a scholar from [[Chengannur]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nayar|first=V. R. Prabodhachandran|date=2011-02-11|title=Gem of a play|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/theatre/Gem-of-a-play/article15379095.ece|access-date=2020-09-08|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The feudal monarch of Chempakasseri was at its zenith during the reign of Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan, a great scholar and a poet who was also the author of the literary work ''Vedantha Ratnamala''. It is said that [[Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple]], at [[Ambalappuzha]], was constructed and the idol of [[Lord Krishna]] installed during that time. Chempakassery was ruled by [[Brahmin]] monarchs during the medieval period.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

It is believed that [[Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri]], Kumaran Namboothiri, and Neelakanta Deekshithar were eminent scholars who patronized his court.<ref name=AlappuzhaHistoryOld />

===Feudal principalities during the medieval period===
The southern regions of the modern-day Alappuzha district once formed part of the erstwhile "kingdom of [[Odanad]]" (also known as the "kingdom of [[Kayamkulam]]" or known by the name "Onattukara"), which was later invaded by the [[Travancore|Travancorean forces]] in the year 1746.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala">{{cite book|last1=Sreedhara Menon|first1=A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FAlXPgAACAAJ&q=%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%87%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%B3+%E0%B4%9A%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%B0%E0%B4%82|title=''Kerala Charitram''|date=January 2007|publisher=DC Books|isbn=9788126415885|edition=2007|location=Kottayam|access-date=10 June 2022|language=ml}}</ref> It was a branch of the ancient [[Ay kingdom]].<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> It was also known as the ''Chirava Swaroopam'', where the word ''Chirava'' derives from the combination of two [[Malayalam]] words, ''Cheru'' and ''Aayi'', which means "a smaller branch of the [[Ay kingdom]]".<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> It included some parts of the modern-day [[List of taluks of Kerala|Taluks]] of [[Chengannur]], [[Mavelikara]], [[Karthikappally]], and [[Karunagappally]].<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

The northernmost region of the district, which curresponds to the present-day Taluk of [[Cherthala]], was ruled by the "Kingdom of Karappuram" prior to the 1762 treaty that was signed between the kingdom of [[Travancore]] and the [[Kingdom of Cochin]].<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> Karappuram was a tributary of the [[Kingdom of Cochin]] until 1762 when it was handed over to the kingdom of [[Travancore]]. The headquarters of the "Madathingal branch" of the [[Cochin Royal family]] was situated at Madathinkara in Karappuram.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

South of Karappuram lied the "Chempakassery kingdom" which was also known by the name the "Kingdom of [[Purakkad]]" prior to the [[Travancore|Travancorean conquest]] of 1746.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> The kingdom of Chempakassery included the modern-day Taluks of [[Ambalappuzha]] and [[Kuttanad]]. The monarch of Chempakassery was known by the title "Chempakassery Deva Narayanan".<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> [[Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri]] and [[Kunchan Nambiar]], who originally hailed from the [[South Malabar]] region, were court poets of the Chempakassery kingdom at times.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

[[Karthikappally]] was a small [[Feudalism|feudal kingdom]] that lied between the feudal kingdoms of [[Odanad]] and Chempakassery until the Travancorean invasion of the mid-18th century CE, which curresponds to the modern-day Taluk of Karthikappally.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/> The southernmost portion of the district had been once part of the erstwhile feudal kingdom of [[Karunagappalli|Karunagappally]], which had been subordinate to the ''Chirava Swaroopam'' ([[Kayamkulam]]) at times.<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>

===Progress and Social Reformation during the Travancore era (1746–1947)===
{{See also|Travancore}}
[[File:Travancore 1871.JPG|thumb|A map of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]] published in 1871]]
In the 17th century the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese power]] declined on the [[Malabar Coast]] and the [[Dutch Malabar]] gained a predominant position in the principalities of this district.<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory" />  The church located at [[Kokkamangalam]] or Kokkothamangalam is believed to be  one of the seven churches founded by St. [[Thomas the Apostle]], one of the twelve disciples of [[Jesus Christ]] according to the oral traditions. The picturesque [[Church of South India|CSI]] Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1816 by the first CMS ([[Church Missionary Society]]) missionary to India, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first [[Anglican]] [[Church (building)|Church]] to be established in the erstwhile state of [[Travancore]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

It was during the mid-18th century CE that the Maharaja [[Marthanda Varma]], popularly known as the ‘Architect of the Modern Travancore’, interfered in the political affairs of the smaller feudal principalities who ruled parts of the district. [[Marthanda Varma|Marthandavarma Maharaja]] had a remarkable role in the internal progress of the district. The [[Krishnapuram Palace]], which is now a protected monument of the State Archaeology Department, was constructed during his administrative period. He was known as the "Architect of the Modern Alleppey" and played a key role in making [[Alappuzha]] a premier port town of [[Travancore]].<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory" />

During the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, [[Velu Thampi Dalawa|Velu Thampi Dalava]] took keen interest in the development of the town and the port. He brought whole area of the [[Pathiramanal|Pathiramanal island]] into coconut cultivation and it's larger tracts into paddy cultivation. The role of Velu Thampi Dalava in the development of Alappuzha is worth mentioning. In the 19th century the district attained progress in all spheres.<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory" />

[[Kayamkulam Kochunni]] was a heroic outlaw from [[Kayamkulam]] who lived during the 19th century CE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ml.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%B4%90%E0%B4%A4%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%B9%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%AE%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%B2/%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%AF%E0%B4%82%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%B3%E0%B4%82_%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8A%E0%B4%9A%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9A%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%A3%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%BF |title=Wikibooks Malayalam- Aithihyamala- Kayamkulam Kochunni |publisher=Wikibooks-Malayalam |date=7 June 2011 |accessdate=10 June 2011}}</ref> The 19th century [[Kerala reformation movement|social reformer]] [[Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker]] hails from the modern-day district of Alappuzha.<ref name="osella">{{cite book |title=Social Mobility In Kerala: Modernity and Identity in Conflict |first1=Filippo |last1=Osella |first2=Caroline |last2=Osella |publisher=Pluto Press |year=2000 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rMRw0gTZSJwC |pages=156–157|isbn=9780745316932 }}</ref>

The first modern factory for the manufacture of [[Coir]] mats and mattings was also established in 1859 at Alappuzha. The Alappuzha Town Improvement Committee was set up in 1894.<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory" /> During the [[Travancore|Travancorean administration]], [[Cherthala]] taluk was included in the [[Northern Division (Travancore)|Northern division]] ([[Kottayam]] division) while rest of the Taluks which together constitute the modern-day district of Alappuzha was placed under the [[Central Division (Travancore)|Central division]] ([[Kollam]] division) of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]].<ref name="1931_census">{{cite book|title=Census of India, 1931, VOLUME XXVIII, Travancore, Part-I Report|publisher=Government of Travancore|year=1932|location=Trivandrum|url=https://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/handle/10973/18998 }}</ref>
[[File:Allepeymartyrscolumn.JPG|thumbnail|The [[Communist]] memorial column in memory of the [[Punnapra-Vayalar uprising]] which occurred in 1946 against the [[Divan]] of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]].<ref name="feudal states in early 18th century Kerala"/>]]
This district played a prominent role in the freedom struggle of [[Travancore]]. The campaign for the eradication of [[Untouchability]] was organized much earlier in this district by [[T.K. Madhavan]], a journalist and in 1925 the approach roads to the temples, especially to the [[Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple]], were thrown open to the [[Hindus]] of all castes. The district also witnessed the 'Nivarthana' movement which was started as a protest against the constitutional repression in 1932. The first [[Political activism in Kerala|political strike in Kerala]] was held at Alappuzha in 1938.<ref name="AlappuzhaHistory"/> The district was home to the [[Communist Party of India|Communist]]-led [[Punnapra-Vayalar uprising]] against the [[Divan]] of the [[British Raj|British]] [[Princely state]] of [[Travancore]] in the 1940s.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

==Geography==
[[File:Kerala backwaters, Vembanad Lake, India.jpg|left|thumbnail|The [[Vembanad Lake]]]]
Alappuzha is on a peninsular landmass between the Arabian Sea and the Vembanad lake. Major rivers are the [[Manimala River|Manimala]], the [[Pamba River|Pamba]], and the [[Achankovil]]; their branches and tributaries flow through Alappuzha and empty into the Vembanad lake. The most important lake is [[Vembanad]].<ref name="AlappuzhaRiversLakes">{{cite web |title=Rivers and Lakes |url=https://alappuzha.gov.in/about-district/rivers-lakes/ |date=12 June 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142148/https://alappuzha.gov.in/about-district/rivers-lakes/ |archive-date=2018-06-12 |website=Government of Kerala: Alappuzha |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref>

==Forest and wildlife==
[[File:Pathiramanal island - view from muhamma.jpg|thumbnail|The [[Pathiramanal]] island – a view from [[Muhamma]]]]
Alappuzha was the only district in Kerala without public forest land. But that changed in 2013, when {{convert|14.5|acre}} of land at [[Veeyapuram]] was declared as reserved forest by the Forest and Wildlife Department.<ref>{{cite news |last=Paul |first=Biju E |title=Alappuzha gets a canopy |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2019/jun/05/alappuzha-gets-a-canopy-1986058.html |date=5 June 2019 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

[[Pathiramanal]] island on the Vembanad lake of Alappuzha district is famous for rare migrating birds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pathiramanal in Alappuzha |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/pathiramanal-alappuzha/536 |date=2017 |website=Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala |access-date=9 March 2020}}</ref>

==Administration==
{{Main|Administration of Alappuzha district}}
[[File:Alappuzha loves Wikimedia IMG 7589.JPG|thumb|Alappuzha District Court]]
[[File:Alappuzha loves Wikimedia IMG 7599.JPG|thumb|Alleppey Bar Association]]
[[Alappuzha]] city is the administrative headquarters of the Alappuzha district. The district is divided into two revenue divisions-Alappuzha and Chengannur.<ref name="SPB Alappuzha Profile" />

===Municipal towns===
{{Main|Municipalities of Kerala}}
There are 6 municipal towns in the district. They are:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Municipalities {{!}} District Alappuzha, Government of Kerala {{!}} India|url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/municipalities/|access-date=2021-11-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* [[Alappuzha]]
* [[Chengannur]]
* [[Cherthala]]
* [[Haripad]]
* [[Kayamkulam]]
* [[Mavelikara]]
}}

===Legislative representation===
{{See also|Kerala Legislative Assembly|Lok Sabha}}
There are two [[Lok Sabha]] constituencies in Alappuzha: [[Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency)|Alappuzha]] and [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)|Mavelikara]].

There are nine [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] seats in Alappuzha district.<ref>[http://www.niyamasabha.org/codes/members.htm Niyamsabha official site]</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%;"
|+ [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] Constituencies from Alappuzha district (9)
!width="20px" |Sl no.
!width="75px" |Constituency
!width="85px" |Member
!width="35px" |Party
!width="35px" |Alliance
|-
| 1 || [[Aroor (State Assembly constituency)|Aroor]] || [[Daleema]] || style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 2 || [[Cherthala (State Assembly constituency)|Cherthala]] || [[P. Prasad]] || style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India}}; color:white;" |'''CPI''' || {{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}} |[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]] | border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 3 || [[Alappuzha (State Assembly constituency)|Alappuzha]] || [[P. P. Chitharanjan]] || style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 4 || [[Ambalappuzha (State Assembly constituency)|Ambalappuzha]] || [[H. Salam]] ||style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 5 || [[Kuttanad (State Assembly constituency)|Kuttanad]] || Thomas K. Thomas || style="background:{{party color|Nationalist Congress Party}}; color:white;" |'''NCP''' ||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 6 || [[Haripad (State Assembly constituency)|Haripad]] || [[Ramesh Chennithala]] ||style="background-color:{{party color|Indian National Congress}}; color:white;"|'''INC''' || {{legend2|{{party color|United Democratic Front (Kerala)}}|[[United Democratic Front (Kerala)|UDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 7 || [[Kayamkulam (State Assembly constituency)|Kayamkulam]] || [[U Prathiba]] ||style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 8 || [[Mavelikara (State Assembly constituency)|Mavelikara]] || [[M. S. Arun Kumar]] ||style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;"|'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|-
| 9 || [[Chengannur (State Assembly constituency)|Chengannur]] || [[Saji Cherian]]|| style="background:{{party color|Communist Party of India (Marxist)}}; color:white;" |'''CPI(M)'''||{{legend2|{{party color|Left Democratic Front}}|[[Left Democratic Front|LDF]]|border=solid 1px #AAAAAA}}
|}

===Taluks===
{{Main|List of taluks of Kerala}}
The district is divided into two revenue divisions which together incorporate six [[List of taluks of Kerala|Taluks]] within them.<ref name="alprvn"/>

*Taluks in the '''Alappuzha Revenue Division''' are:<ref name="alprvn"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Cherthala]]
| [[Ambalappuzha]]
| [[Kuttanad]]<ref name="alprvn">{{cite web |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/en/villages/ |title=Revenue villages, Taluks, and Revenue divisions in Alappuzha district |website= |publisher=National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India |access-date=10 June 2022}}</ref>
|}

*Taluks in the '''Chengannur Revenue Division''' are:<ref name="alprvn"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| [[Karthikappally]]
| [[Mavelikkara]]
| [[Chengannur]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
|}

===Revenue villages===
Alappuzha district is divided into 93 revenue villages for the ease and decentralisation of its revenue administration.<ref name="alprvn"/> They are further incorporated into 6 [[List of taluks of Kerala|taluks]] as eludicated below.<ref name="alprvn"/>

====Cherthala Taluk====
{{See also|Cherthala}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Arookutty]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Aroor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Arthunkal]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Cherthala]] North<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Cherthala]] South<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Ezhupunna]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kadakkarappally]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kanjikuzhi (Alappuzha)|Kanjikuzhy]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kodamthuruth]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kokkothamangalam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kuthiathode|Kuthiyathode]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mararikulam]] North<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pallippuram, Alappuzha|Pallippuram]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Panavally]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pattanakkad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Perumbalam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thanneermukkom]] North<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thanneermukkom]] South<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thuravoor, Cherthala|Thuravoor]] South<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thaikkattussery]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Vayalar]] East<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Ambalappuzha Taluk====
{{See also|Ambalappuzha}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Alappuzha]] West<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Ambalappuzha]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Ambalappuzha]] North<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Aryad]] South<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thumpoly]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kalavoor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Karumady]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Komalapuram]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mannancherry]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mullakkal]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Paravur, Alappuzha|Paravur]]-[[Alappuzha]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pathirappally]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pazhaveedu]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Punnapra]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Purakkad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Kuttanad Taluk====
{{See also|Kuttanad}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Champakulam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Edathua]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kainakary]] North<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kainakary]] South<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kavalam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kunnumma]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Muttar]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Nedumudi]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Neelamperoor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pulinkunnoo]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Ramankary]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thakazhy]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thalavady]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* Veliyanad<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Karthikappally Taluk====
{{See also|Karthikappally}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Aratupuzha|Arattupuzha]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Cheppad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Cheruthana]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Chingoli]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Haripad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kandalloor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Karthikappally]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Karuvatta]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kayamkulam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Keerikkad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Krishnapuram, Alappuzha district|Krishnapuram]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kumarapuram, Alappuzha|Kumarapuram]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Muthukulam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pallippad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pathiyoor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Puthuppally, Alappuzha|Puthuppally]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thrikkunnapuzha]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Veeyapuram]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Mavelikara Taluk====
{{See also|Mavelikara}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Bharanikkavu]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Chennithala]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Chunakkara]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kannamangalam (Alappuzha)|Kannamangalam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kattanam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mavelikara]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Nooranad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Palamel]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Perungala]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thamarakkulam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thazhakkara]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thekkekara, Kerala|Thekkekara]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thriperumthura]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Vallikunnam]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Vettiyar]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

====Chengannur Taluk====
{{See also|Chengannur}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Ala, Alappuzha|Ala]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Chengannur]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Cheriyanad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Ennakkad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Kurattissery]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mannar, Alappuzha|Mannar]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Mulakuzha]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Pandanad]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Puliyoor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Thiruvanvandoor]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
* [[Venmony]]<ref name="alprvn"/>
{{div col end}}

===List of district collectors===
List of Collectors of Alappuzha District according to length of tenure in descending order. The longest serving District Collector of Alappuzha was K. Balakrishna Kurup and the shortest serving District Collector was [[Sriram Venkitaraman]].

K. Balakrishna Kurup served for 1146 days from 2 June 1980 to 23 July 1983, but from July 26, 2022, to August 2, 2022, [[Sriram Venkitaraman]] served for only 7 days from 26 July 2022 to 2 August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former District Collectors|website=alappuzha.nic.in |url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/en/district-collector/former-district-collectors/ |access-date=2022-08-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!#
!Collector
!Number of days
|-
| 1 || [[Sriram Venkitaraman]] || 7
|-
| 2 || P. Venugopal || 20
|-
| 3 || P. M. Abraham || 38
|-
| 4 || V. Retheesan || 42
|-
| 5 || V. K. Vasudevan || 73
|-
| 6 || K. J. John || 85
|-
| 7 || Mini Antony || 100
|-
| 8 || P. Venugopal || 102
|-
| 9 || [[Adeela Abdulla]] || 141
|-
| 10 || Renu Raj || 144
|-
| 11 || K. R. Viswambharan || 170
|-
| 12 || R. Girija || 176
|-
| 13 || M. Anjana || 196
|-
| 14 || Paul Antony || 212
|-
| 15 || K. B. Warrier || 228
|-
| 16 || Saurabh Jain || 230
|-
| 17 || P. Venugopal || 240
|-
| 18 || Romanus Horo || 261
|-
| 19 || T. V. Anupama || 281
|-
| 20 || E. Shahul Hameed || 282
|-
| 21 || K. M. Abraham || 305
|-
| 22 || V. R. Padmanabahan || 309
|-
| 23 || P. Velayudhan nair || 315
|-
| 24 || N. C. Surendran || 350
|-
| 25 || P. Sreedhara Menon || 352
|-
| 26 || M. N. Gunavardhanan || 363
|-
| 27 || Veena N. Madhavan || 371
|-
| 28 || Suhas S. || 377
|-
| 29 || K. B. A. Hameed || 379
|-
| 30 || A. K. K. Nambiar || 396
|-
| 31 || S. Ayyappan Nair || 397
|-
| 32 || Pradeepkumar || 416
|-
| 33 || M. N. Gunavardhanan || 419
|-
| 34 || Kshatrapati Shivaji || 439
|-
| 35 || K. Ramunni Menon || 444
|-
| 36 || N. Kaleeswaran || 462
|-
| 37 || K. Narayanan || 463
|-
| 38 || M. Dandapani || 463
|-
| 39 || V. J. Kurian || 481
|-
| 40 || T. V. Swaminathan || 530
|-
| 41 || K. Rose || 590
|-
| 42 || A. Alexandar || 637
|-
| 43 || P. Venugopal || 646
|-
| 44 || K. R. Muraleedharan || 649
|-
| 45 || K. Bhaskaran Nair || 684
|-
| 46 || V. K. Balakrishnan || 686
|-
| 47 || C. P. Ramakrishna Pillai || 695
|-
| 48 || Jose Cyriac K. || 760
|-
| 49 || R. Narayanan || 795
|-
| 50 || T. G. Rajendran || 895
|-
| 51 || K. M. Ramanandan || 931
|-
| 52 || P. Bharathan || 988
|-
| 53 || K. Sivasankaran Nair || 993
|-
| 54 || N. Padmakumar || 1039
|-
| 55 || K. Balakrishna Kurup || 1146
|}

==Demographics==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=5,09,545|13=1911|14=5,85,094|15=1921|16=6,93,538|17=1931|18=8,65,222|19=1941|20=9,83,184|21=1951|22=11,65,845|23=1961|24=14,04,269|25=1971|26=16,71,286|27=1981|28=18,65,455|29=1991|30=20,01,217|31=2001|32=21,09,160|33=2011|34=21,27,789|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=center}}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| '''Area'''
| 1414&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> – 3.64% of area of the state
|-
| '''Population'''
| 2,127,789 – 6.61% of the population of the state (2011)
|-
| '''Population density''' || 1504/km<sup>2</sup> (2011)
|-
| '''Literacy''' || 97.36%–94.24% (2011)
|-
| '''[[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]''' || 1100 females/1000 males
|-
| '''Urbanization''' || 29.46%
|}
<ref>{{Cite web|title=Demography {{!}} District Alappuzha, Government of Kerala {{!}} India|url=https://alappuzha.nic.in/demography/|access-date=2021-11-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Alappuzha district has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 2,127,789,<ref name=districtcensus2011>{{cite web |title=District Census Hand Book: Alappuzha |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/642/download/2216/DH_2011_3211_PART_A_DCHB_ALAPPUZHA.pdf |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref> roughly equal to the nation of [[Namibia]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 2011-10-01 | quote = Namibia 2,147,585 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 2011-09-27 }}</ref> or the US state of [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |title=2010 Resident Population Data |publisher=U. S. Census Bureau |access-date=2011-09-30 |quote=New Mexico – 2,059,179 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101090833/http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |archive-date=1 January 2011 }}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 216th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).{{citation needed|date=December 2020|reason=not given in 2011 census reference, pp. 14–16}} The district has a population density of {{convert|1504|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}} .<ref name=districtcensus2011 /> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001–2011 was 0.88%.<ref name=districtcensus2011 /> Alappuzha has a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 1100 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus2011 /> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 95.72%. 53.96% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 9.46% and 0.31% of the population respectively.<ref name=districtcensus2011 />

[[Malayalam]] is the predominant language, spoken by 99.00% of the population. There is a small minority of [[Konkani language|Konkani]] speakers in urban areas.<ref name="languages">{{Cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Kerala |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10209/download/13321/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-3200.XLSX |website=www.censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

It has the highest [[Population Density|population density]] among all districts of the state. It is 29.46% urbanized,<ref>[http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm Census GIS India<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111052456/http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm |date=2010-01-11 }}</ref> and is the smallest district in [[Kerala]].

===Religion===
{{bar box
|title = Religions in Alappuzha district (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Kerala|Hinduism]]|darkorange|68.64}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Kerala|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|20.45}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Kerala|Islam]]|green|10.55}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.36}}
}}

[[File:Entrance of Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple.jpg|thumb|Entrance of [[Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple]]]]

In the 2011 Indian Census, the [[Hindu]] population is 68.64%, [[Christians|Christian]] (Orthodox, Marthoma, Pentecostal and Latin Catholic are majority and Syro Malabar Catholics) 20.45, and [[Muslim]] 10.55.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Table C-01: Population by religious community: Kerala |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11379/download/14492/DDW32C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

==Major Towns==
*'''Cherthala taluk:''' [[Aroor]], Thuravoor, [[Cherthala]], Arookutty, Ezhupunna, Kanjikuzhy, Arthunkal, Vayalar
*'''Ambalapuzha taluk:''' [[Alappuzha]], Ambalapuzha, Kalavoor, Purakkad, Aryad, Thumpoly, Valavanadu, Pathirappally, Punnapra
*'''Kuttanad taluk:''' [[Champakulam]], Edathua, Kainakary, Thakazhy, Thalavady, Nedumudi, Mankombu, Kavalam, Muttar
*'''Karthikappally taluk:''' [[Kayamkulam]], [[Haripad]], Cheppad, Chingoli, Karthikappally, Muthukulam, Pathiyoor, Pallippad, Krishnapuram, Arattupuzha
*'''Mavelikkara taluk:''' [[Mavelikara]], Chennithala, Chettikulangara, Bharanikavu, Charumood, Nooranad, Mavelikkara Thekkekara, Edappon, Thazhakara
*'''Chengannur taluk:''' Chengannur, Budhanoor, Pandanad, [[Puliyoor]], Venmoney, Cheriyanad, Mulakuzha, Mannar

==Transport==

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

====National Highways====
[[National Highway 66 (India)]] is one of the longest national highways in India. It connects [[Panvel]] to [[Kanyakumari]] passes through the city and allow to connect other major cities like [[Mumbai]], [[Goa]], [[Udupi]], [[Mangalore]], [[Kannur]], [[Kozhikode]], [[Guruvayur]], [[Ernakulam]], [[Kollam]], and [[Trivandrum]]. The construction of the [[Alappuzha Bypass]], to route the national highway around city centers between Kommady and [[Kalarkode]], is completed; and the highway was opened on 28 January 2021. Alappuzha is also well connected by road. There is a plan to upgrade [[State Highway 11 (Kerala)]] to national highway status which helps to connect Alappuzha to [[Kodaikanal]] as part of promoting coastal-hill tourism project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150809/nation-current-affairs/article/jawahar-thayankari-lifts-nehru-trophy|title=Jawahar Thayankari lifts Nehru trophy|date=9 August 2015|website=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927182906/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150809/nation-current-affairs/article/jawahar-thayankari-lifts-nehru-trophy|archive-date=27 September 2016}}</ref>

====State Highways====
[[File:AC Road SH-11.JPG|thumb|[[State Highway 11 (Kerala)]]]]
There are eight state highways in Alappuzha district and three of them originates from Alappuzha town. [[State Highway 11 (Kerala)]] is a state Highway that starts in [[Kalarcode]], Alappuzha and ends in [[Perunna]], [[Changanassery]]. The road is popularly known as AC road (Alappuzha Changanassery) road and it has 24.2&nbsp;km length. It's an important busy road which connects Alappuzha city with [[Kottayam district]].
[[State Highway 40 (Kerala)]] is an interstate state highway in Alappuzha district which connects with Alappuzha town to [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. It's the only interstate state highway in Alappuzha district. [[State Highway 66 (Kerala)]] is a state highway which originates from Alappuzha town and terminates at [[Thoppumpady]], [[Ernakulam]]. 
[[File:Main Central Road - SH1.JPG|thumb|Main Central Road near Chengannur]]
[[Main Central Road]] is the arterial State Highway in the Travancore region of Kerala state. It is designated as SH 1 by the Kerala Public Works Department. It passes through [[Chengannur]] town of Alappuzha district and helps it to connect with other parts of [[Kerala]]. [[State Highway 5 (Kerala)]] is another State Highway that starts in Kayamkulam and ends at Pulimukku junction. The highway is 42.5&nbsp;km long. [[State Highway 6 (Kerala)]] starts in [[Kayamkulam]] and ends in [[Thiruvalla]]. This highway has 30.8&nbsp;km length. [[State Highway 10 (Kerala)]] is a State Highway that starts in Mavelikkara and ends in Kozhencherry. The highway is 28.7&nbsp;km long. [[State Highway 12 (Kerala)]] that starts in [[Ambalappuzha]] and ends in [[Thiruvalla]] and has 27.2&nbsp;km length.<ref>{{cite web |title=State Highways in Kerala |url=http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=SH&pageId=249 |date=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721161434/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=SH&pageId=249 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |website=Kerala Public Works Department |access-date=11 December 2020}}</ref>

====Vehicle registration====
[[File:Aroor bypass.jpg|thumb|Aroor bypass]]

Following are the vehicle registrations in Alappuzha District:
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-04''': Alappuzha RTO (''Ambalappuzha Taluk'')
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-29''': Kayamkulam SRTO (''Karthikappally Taluk'')
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-30''': Chengannur SRTO (''Chengannur Taluk'')
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-31''': Mavelikkara SRTO (''Mavelikkara Taluk'') 
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-32''': Cherthala SRTO (''Cherthala Taluk'')
* '''[[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-66''': Kuttanad SRTO (''Kuttanad Taluk'')
*SRTO ('''HARIPPAD''')KL 88

Old structure:-
Following are the old registration numbers in Alappuzha District:-
* KLA
* KLY
* KRA
* KRY

===Water===
Because of the abundance of waterways, boats and ferries are integral to the transportation system in Alappuzha.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Koshy |first=Sara |date=17 January 2025 |title=Photo essay: A deep dive into Alappuzha's water transport system |url=https://idronline.org/article/livelihoods/photo-essay-a-deep-dive-into-alappuzhas-water-transport-system/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=India Development Review |language=en-US}}</ref> [[National Waterway 3]] also passes through the area.<ref name=":0" /> There is an SWTD boat jetty in the city that lies opposite to the [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] bus stand. It is served by boat services to towns like [[Kottayam]], [[Kollam]] and [[Changanassery]] besides to other small towns and jetties.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

===Rail===
[[File:Kayamkulam Railway Station.jpg|thumb|[[Kayamkulam Junction railway station]]]]
Alappuzha district has two railway lines. [[Ernakulam–Kayamkulam coastal railway line]] primarily links with [[Haripad railway station]], [[Alappuzha railway station]], [[Cherthala railway station]] and [[Kayamkulam Junction railway station]], Whereas [[Ernakulam]]-[[Kottayam]]-[[Kayamkulam|Kollam]] line connects the eastern region of district and that is [[Chengannur railway station]] and [[Mavelikara railway station]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Alleppey Railway Station Details |url=http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code%3DALLP%26name%3DALLEPPEY |date=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041400/http://www.indiantrains.org/station-details/?code=ALLP&name=ALLEPPEY |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=7 October 2016}}</ref>

===Air===

The city is accessible by air, rail, road and water. [[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 this facility to reach Alappuzha. The other nearest airports are at [[Kozhikode]] ({{convert|236|km|mi}}) and [[Coimbatore]] ({{convert|254|km|mi}}). A helipad in the city is reserved for government uses.

==Culture==
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2024}}
''[[Snake boat races]]'' are the most significant traditional event in Alleppey. These [[regatta]]s are usually held between August and October, and involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen. One such snake boat race is the [[Nehru Trophy Boat Race]].

[[Chemmeen]] was filmed in two villages in Alappuzha. In the opening credits, a written statement in [[Malayalam]] thanks the people of both villages.

===Tourism===
[[File:Alleppey canal 3.jpg|thumb|Commercial canal walkway in Alleppey west]]
[[File:Sunrise Beauty of Nature.jpg|thumb|A sunrise from the [[Aroor]] bridge]]

The name Alappuzha is derived from ''Aal'' ([[Sea]])+ ''puzha'' ([[River]]-mouth) ("The joining place of a river and the sea") ([[Malayalam]]). Alappuzha is one of the most important tourist centres in the state, with a large network of inland canals, earning it the [[sobriquet]] "Venice of the East". These large networks of canals are Alleppey's lifeline. Alappuzha was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past, with one of the best-known ports along the [[Malabar Coast|Malabar coast]]. Even today it retains its charm as the center for the [[Coir]] carpet industry and [[prawn]] farming.

Alappuzha, the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism, as well as for visits to the church-filled town of [[Kottayam]] and the town of [[Aranmula]], which are known for their historic annual Aranmula Snake Boat Race. [[Chengannur]], in Alappuzha, is the nearest railway station to [[Sabarimala]].

The [[Krishnapuram Palace]] is in [[Kayamkulam]].

The [[Buddha]] idol and Saradha Mandiram are the main attractions of [[Mavelikkara]]. The Buddha statue is in a seated posture, resembling [[Lotus position|Padmasana]]. A feature common to the idols is that hair has not been engraved on the head. Studies by the archaeology department have not been able to explain the absence of hair, which is common to Buddha statues of the Gandhara and Mathura traditions. The head has markings resembling headgear. Although the department has made a [[pagoda]]-like structure for the statue, no information on the idol is available to tourists who visit the area. Local people in the area light lamps before the idol. The idol at Mavelikara is {{convert|4|ft}} high and is perhaps the biggest. The engravings on the head resemble a helmet of Greek statues. The mark of a sacred thread is visible on the body. Another feature is the marking of a [[shawl]] on one shoulder. Here the archaeological department has put up a sign specifying the age of the statue. Saradha Mandiram was the residence of [[A. R. Raja Raja Varma|Kerala Panini]].

Alappuzha is also known for its snake-boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition; the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], which was inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake-boats, each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind.

The Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum features displays of art and artifacts. [[Revi Karunakaran]] was the architect of a modernized [[Coir]] industry that still employs more than 500,000 people in the state of Kerala. The objects displayed at the Museum were collected by his family over three generations and feature unique artistic pieces from all parts of the world.

[[Alappuzha]], the district headquarters, is a town with picturesque [[canal]]s, [[Kerala Backwaters|backwaters]] and [[lagoon]]s, was described as the "Venice of the East" by [[Lord Curzon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alappuzha.nic.in/|title=Official Website of Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India|website=alappuzha.nic.in|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110629084130/http://alappuzha.nic.in/|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref>

===Festivals===
Chettikulangara Bharani is the most important festival in Alappuzha district. The festival is one among the important temple festivals of Kerala. A Chettikulagara Bhagavathi Temple, a temple dedicated to the Goddess [[Bhagavathi]] is about four kilometers from [[Mavelikkara]] and six kilometers from [[kayamkulam]]. The festival occurs on the Bharani [[Asterism (astronomy)|asterism]] in February/March. The main rituals of the festival are the 'Kuthiyottam' and 'Kettukazcha'. The 'Kuthiyottam' features a procession of young boys who have observed rigorous ritual penance. Traditional drums, music and glittering ornamental parasols accompany this procession of boys who dance in a trance.

The [[St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal]] & [[St. Thomas Church, Thumpoly]] in Alappuzha District is noted for the annual feast, popularly known as Arthunkal Perunnal, Thumpoly Perunnal (perunnal means feast). The feast is held in December & January every year.

'Chirappu Mahotsavam' is an important occasion at [[Mullakkal Temple|Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple]] in December. Christmas comes in between the festival and Alappuzha town is a really happening place at the time. The streets are full of wandering markets and entertainment ventures like circuses and exhibitions. The streets are crowded throughout the month and there is a 'Shiveli' or the magnificent display of nine Tuskers accompanied by the 'Chenda' and the 'Panchavadyam' music.

[[Padanilam]] [[Sivarathri]] is another important religious event in Alappuzha district. This festival is held every year in the [[Padanilam Parabrahma Temple]]. The temple is situated in the small town of [[Padanilam]]. Padanilam is situated 'about 16&nbsp;km from [[Mavelikkara]] town.  
[[File:Edappon Nandikeshan Padanilam.jpg|thumbnail|right|Nooranad [[Padanilam]] Sivarathri]]
A grand annual festival is celebrated at the unique Nagaraja Temple ([[Mannarasala Temple]], Vettikodu Nagaraja Temple) in October/November. Another festival celebrated by the temple is a one-day Thaipooyan [[Kavadi]]. The Chandanakudam is celebrated at the Kidangam-Parampu Temple during December every year. Kottamkulangara Temple in Alappuzha has two festive seasons in February and March, because of the two deities with separate flag masts in the same compound wall.

The Kandamangalam Rajarajeshwari Temple is located in Kadakkarappally, Cherthala 1&nbsp;km west of Thankey junction on NH 47. The annual festival comes in March–April. Chikkara, offering of children to the mother goddess during the festival, is the major attraction. The Chamanju Valathu of children starts on the 2nd day of the festival and lasts until the 8th day. Procession named [[Thalappoli]] start on the flag-hoisting day itself. The holy bath (Aarattu) of the goddess is held in a pool within the temple compound on the 10th day of festival. [[Elephant]] processions, [[fireworks]], stage shows, etc. are major events that attract thousands of devotees and others.

The churches here celebrate grand annual feasts. The 'Arthunkal Perunnal' feast is celebrated at the Arthunkal Church. Also, the big major Christian feast are the feast's at Edathwa(Edathua) Church and Thumpoli Church Alappuzha, Pallipuram church cherthala. The [[regatta]] forms part of many festivals here in many places. The annual [[Vallam Kali]] ([[Nehru Trophy Boat Race]]) is held in the [[Kerala backwaters|backwaters]] in the month of September associated with the [[Onam]] festival. The main attraction is the [[Chundan Vallam]] (Snake Boat) race, in which a number of contestants are in the running for the Prime Minister's trophy. Another celebration in Alappuzha is the "Beach Festival", held from 30 December to 2 January. The annual festival conducted in Champakulam "Valiya Palli" is another big festival.

==Education==
===Medical colleges===
[[File:Alappuzha Medical College.jpg|1050px|center|thumb|[[Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha]]]]
* [[Government T D Medical College, Alappuzha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tdmcalappuzha.org/|title=Government TD Medical College Alappuzha, Kerala|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010163817/http://www.tdmcalappuzha.org/|archive-date=10 October 2013|access-date=18 February 2016}}</ref>

====Paramedical Colleges====
* KVM Institute of Paramedical Science, Cherthala.

====Nursing Colleges====
* Government College of Nursing, Vandanam.
*KVM College of Nursing, Cherthala.

====Arts and Science colleges====
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* [[Bishop Moore College]], Mavelikkara
* Government Arts and Science College, Ambalappuzha
* [[Sree Ayyappa College, Eramallikkara|Sree Ayyappa College]], Eramallikkara
* Sree Narayana College, Chengannur
* [[Mar Gregorios College Punnapra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://margregoriospunnapra.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019133501/http://margregoriospunnapra.org/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-10-19|title=Mar Gregorios College}}</ref>
* MSM College, Kayamkulam<ref name=MSMHome>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.msmcollege.in/ |website=Milad E Sherif Memorial (MSM) College |access-date=21 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623192027/http://www.msmcollege.in/ |archive-date=23 June 2016 }}</ref>
* N. S. S. College<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grotal.com/e/NSS-College-Alappuzha-C4791 |title=NSS Alappuzha |publisher=Grotal.com |access-date=2013-09-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928101857/http://www.grotal.com/e/NSS-College-Alappuzha-C4791 |archive-date=28 September 2013 }}</ref>
* St. Aloysius College, Edathua<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aloysiuscollege.org/ |title=St Aloysius |publisher=Aloysiuscollege.org |access-date=2013-09-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829023214/http://www.aloysiuscollege.org/ |archive-date=29 August 2013 }}</ref>
* [[St. Joseph's College for Women, Alappuzha]]<ref name="SJCW">{{cite web |title=Welcome to St.Joseph's College |url=http://www.stjosephcollegeforwomen.com/ |date=2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109222048/http://stjosephcollegeforwomen.com/ |archive-date=9 January 2016 |website=St. Joseph's College for Women, Alappuzha |access-date=3 April 2022}}"</ref>
* St. Michael's College, Cherthala<ref name="SMC">{{cite web |title=St. Michael's College |url=http://www.keralauniversity.edu/stmicheals.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527094214/http://www.keralauniversity.edu/stmicheals.htm |archive-date=27 May 2010 |website=University of Kerala |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref>
* [[Sanatana Dharma College]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sdcollege.in|title=Welcome – Sanatana Dharma College|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220080909/http://sdcollege.in/|archive-date=20 February 2016|access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref>
* [[Sree Narayana College, Cherthala]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sncollegecherthala.in|title=SN COLLEGE CHERTHALA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222082800/http://www.sncollegecherthala.in/|archive-date=22 February 2016|access-date=24 April 2018}}</ref>
* [[T. K. Madhava Memorial College]]<ref name=TKMHome>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://tkmmcollege.org/ |website=T. K. Madhava Memorial College |access-date=21 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624105428/http://tkmmcollege.org/ |archive-date=24 June 2016 }}</ref>
}}

====Engineering colleges====
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* Archana College of Engineering, Panamel, Alappuzha
* Carmel College of Engineering and Technology Alappuzha<ref>{{cite web|url=http://carmelcet.in|title=Carmel college of Engineering and Technology|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222054844/http://carmelcet.in/|archive-date=22 February 2016|access-date=24 April 2018}}</ref>
* Cochin University College of Engineering, Kuttanad, Pulincunnoo, Alappuzha
* College of Engineering, Cherthala, Pallippuram, Alappuzha.
* College of Engineering, Chengannur, Alappuzha.
* [[College of Engineering and Management, Punnapra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cempunnapra.org|title=CEMPunnapra – HOME|website=www.cempunnapra.org|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222015703/http://www.cempunnapra.org//|archive-date=22 February 2016}}</ref>
* K. R. Gouri Amma College of Engineering for Women, Cherthala, Alappuzha
* Mount Zion College of Engineering for Women, [[Kozhuvalloor]], Chengannur, Alappuzha.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://mountzionwomenengg.com/ |website=Mount Zion College of Engineering for Women |access-date=8 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606103203/http://mountzionwomenengg.com/ |archive-date=6 June 2016 }}</ref>
* Providence College Of Engineering, Chengannur
* Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Nooranadu, Pattoor P O, [[Padanilam]], Alappuzha
* Sree Vellappally Natesan College of Engineering, kayamkulam, Alappuzha
* University Institute of Technology (UIT), Alappuzha
}}

===Schools===
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* A.G.R.M. Higher Secondary School, [[Vallikunnam]]
* Aiswarya Pradayini LPUPS, Ramapuram
* Al-Ameen Public School, Chandiroor (northern Alappuzha district)
* Aravukad Higher Secondary School, Punnapra
* Aryakkara Bhagavathi Vilasam Higher Secondary School, Muhamma
* [[Bishop Moore Vidyapith Cherthala|Bishop Moore Vidyapith]], Cherthala
* Carmel Academy English Medium Higher Secondary School, Pazhavangady
* Carmel International School, Punnapra
* Carmel Polytechnic College, Punnapra
* Gayathri Junior School, Mannancherry
* Georgian Public School and Junior College, Edathua<ref>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.georgianpublicschool.org/ |website=Georgian Public School |access-date=27 August 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910154029/http://www.georgianpublicschool.org/ |archive-date=10 September 2016 }}</ref>
* Government UP School, Erickavu
* Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kaymkulam
* Government Sanskrit High School, Charamangalam, Muhamma
* Higher Secondary school, VHSE and Girls High Schools, Kanichukulangara Devaswom, Kanichukulangara
* Holy Family Higher Secondary School, Kattoor
* St. Thomas High School, Thumpoly.
* K.K.K.V.M. Higher Secondary School, Ananthapuram, Haripad
* Krist King High School, Cheppadu
* [[Kalavoor]] Government High School
* Leo XIII English Medium Central School, Kalath
* Leo XIII Higher Secondary School
* Lourdes Matha Higher Secondary School, Pacha, Edathua 
* Mahakavi Kumaran Asan Memorial Higher Secondary School, Pallana
* MGM (Mar Gregorius Memorial) Central School, Karuvatta, is a CBSE School in Karthikappally taluk
* Matha Senior Secondary School, Thumpoly
* Morning Star English Medium School, Convent Sq.
* Naga Raja Vilasam Upper School (N.R.V.U.P.S.), Vetticode
* Padanilam Higher Secondary School, Padanilam P.O., Nooranad 
* Panchayath High School, Pathiyoor
* Pope Pious XI Higher Secondary School, Kattanam
* St. Aloysius Higher Secondary School, Edathua 
* St. Thomas High School, Karthikappally
* SDV (Sanatana Dharma Vidyasala) Boys High School
* SDV Boys Higher Secondary School
* SDV English Medium Higher Secondary School
* SDV Girls High School
* S.N.D.P. ([[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP)|Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana]]) High School, Mahadevikadu
* S.N.L.P. School, [[Ambalappuzha]]
* Sree Sankara English Medium CBSE School, Kuruppamkulangara, Cherthala
* St.Mary’s Residential Central School, Alappuzha
* V.V. Higher Secondary School, Thamarakulam
}}

== Notable people ==
{{Main|List of people from Alappuzha}}V. S. Achuthanandan

Former Chief Minister of Kerala.{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
* [[A. K. Antony]]
* [[A. M. Ariff]]
* [[A. V. Thamarakshan]]
* [[Abey Kuruvilla]]
* [[Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker]]
* [[Ashokan (actor)|Ashokan]]
* [[Ayyappa Paniker]]
* [[Balachandra Menon]]
* [[Baselios Marthoma Didymos I]]
* [[Beeyar Prasad]]
* [[Bhima Bhattar]]
* [[C. M. Stephen]]
* [[C. T. Ravikumar]]
* [[Chelangatt Gopalakrishnan]]
* [[Chenganoor Raman Pillai]]
* [[Dulquer Salmaan]]
* [[Eleanour Sinclair Rohde]]
* [[Erickavu N. Sunil]]
* [[Fahadh Faasil]]
* [[Farhaan Faasil]]
* [[Fazil (director)|Faazil]]
* [[G. Sudhakaran]]
* [[Gauthami Nair]]
* [[Gayatri Arun]]
* [[I. C. Chacko]]
* [[Itty Achudan]]
* [[J. Sasikumar]]
* [[James Kalacherry]]
* [[Jomon T. John]]
* [[Joy J. Kaimaparamban]]
* [[K. Madhu]]
* [[K. Shankar Pillai]]
* [[K. M. Cherian (doctor)|K. M. Cherian]]
* [[K. M. Mathew]]
* [[K. M. Panikkar]]
* [[K. P. Appan]]
* [[K. P. Sasidharan]]
* [[K. P. A. C. Lalitha]]
* [[K. R. Gouri Amma]]
* [[K. S. Manoj]]
* [[Karunakara Guru]]
* [[Kavalam Narayana Panicker]]
* [[Kavalam Sreekumar]]
* [[Kayamkulam Kochunni]]
* [[Kunchacko]]
* [[Kunchako Boban]]
* [[Kuriakose Elias Chavara]]
* [[Lopamudra R.]]
* [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]]
* [[M. G. Sreekumar]]
* [[Madhu Muttom]]
* [[Mallika Sukumaran]]
* [[Mammootty]]
* [[Manu S. Pillai]]
* [[Maqbool Salmaan]]
* [[Mavelikkara Prabhakara Varma]]
* [[Mavelikkara Velukkutty Nair]]
* [[Minon]]
* [[Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai]]
* [[Nagavally R. S. Kurup]]
* [[Narendra Prasad]]
* [[Navodaya Appachan]]
* [[Navya Nair]]
* [[Nedumudi Venu]]
* [[P. Parameswaran]]
* [[P. C. Alexander]]
* [[P. S. Sreedharan Pillai]]
* [[Padmarajan]]
* [[Palani Subramaniam Pillai]]
* [[Pallithanam Luca Matthai]]
* [[Parappurath]]
* [[Prakash Varma]]
* [[Prasanth Parameswaran]]
* [[Rajan P. Dev]]
* [[Ramesh Chennithala]]
* [[Ratheesh]]
* [[Riaz M. T.]]
* [[Rupesh Paul]]
* [[S. Ramachandran Pillai]]
* [[Saranya Mohan]]
* [[Saranya Ponvannan]]
* [[Sebastian Xavier]]
* [[Shanimol Usman]]
* [[Sibi Malayil]]
* [[Sreekumaran Thampi]]
* [[Sukumara Kurup]]
* [[T. J. Anjalose]]
* [[T. K. Madhavan]]
* [[T. M. Thomas Isaac]]
* [[Tessy Thomas]]
* [[Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai]]
* [[Thomas Chandy]]
* [[Thomas Kurialacherry]]
* [[Thoppil Bhasi]]
* [[V. S. Achuthanandan]]
* [[Vayalar Ramavarma]]
* [[Vayalar Ravi]]
* [[Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma]]
* [[Vidya Pradeep]]
* [[Vinayan]]
}}

==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
File:Kerala backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Houseboats, India.jpg|Houseboats on Vambanad Lake
File:Kerala backwaters, Canal, Palm trees, India.jpg|[[Kerala Backwaters|Backwaters]] in Alappuzha.
File:Kerala backwaters, Cruise, India.jpg|Houseboat in Alappuzha
File:Kerala Water Transport DS.jpg|Public Transport Boat service in Kerala.
File:CSIALP.jpg|{{center|[[Church of South India|CSI]] Christ Church, Alappuzha}}
File:Palamel_kara_nandikeshan.jpg|Nooranad [[Padanilam]] Sivarathri.
</gallery>

==Towns and villages==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a location to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order ♦♦♦--->
* [[Cherthala North]]
* [[Kurattikkadu]]
* [[Mazhukeer]]
* [[Padanilam]]
* [[Pathiyankara]]
* [[Poomala Chaal]]
* [[Vettakkal]]
* [[Punnapra]]

==See also==
* [[Administration of Alappuzha district]]
* [[Kottayam district]]
* [[Chengannur]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Citation
 | author = U. Sivaraman Nair | year=1952
 | title= 1951 Census Handbook- Quilon District | publisher=Travancore-Cochin Government Press
 | location = Trivandrum
 | url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5607/1/20626_1951_QUI.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5607/1/20626_1951_QUI.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = M. K. Devassy | year=1965
 | title= 1961 Census Handbook- Alleppey District | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala and The Union Territory of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands
 | url= http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5669/1/22618_1961_ALL.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/5669/1/22618_1961_ALL.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = Government of India | year=2014–15
 | title= District Census Handbook – Alappuzha (Part-A) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
 | url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3211_PART_A_ALAPPUZHA.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3211_PART_A_ALAPPUZHA.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live
}}
* {{Citation
 | author = Government of India | year=2014–15
 | title= District Census Handbook – Alappuzha (Part-B) 2011 | publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala
 | url= https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3211_PART_B_ALAPPUZHA.pdf
}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://alappuzha.nic.in/ Official website of Alappuzha District]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141217005939/http://bestkeralaresorts.com/ Alappuzha Hotels & Resorts]
* [https://www.shappees.com Shappil House – Ancient Family in Mavelikara]

{{Geographic location
| Centre    = Alappuzha district
| North     = [[Ernakulam district]]
| Northeast =
| East      = [[Kottayam district]]
| Southeast = [[Pathanamthitta district]]
| South     = [[Kollam district]]
| Southwest =
| West      = ''[[Lakshadweep Sea]]''
| Northwest =
}}

{{Alappuzha district}}
{{Kerala}}
{{Districts of Kerala}}
{{Central Travancore}}
{{Hindu temples in Kerala}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alappuzha District}}
[[Category:Alappuzha district| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1957]]
[[Category:Districts of Kerala]]
[[Category:1957 establishments in Kerala]]