Champakulam

"Water Gateway of Alleppey"

Champakulam, Alleppey Overview

Champakulam is a beautiful and serene village situated on the banks of the River Pampa in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is part of the Kuttanad region, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala, and is surrounded by lush greenery, rice-paddy fields, waterfowl, and coconut palms. One of the main attractions of the Champakulam village is the famous Moolam boat race, which takes place annually on the Pampa River. It is the oldest snake boat race in Kerala that attracts many visitors to the village on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month.

Champakulam is also home to the Kalloorkad St. Mary’s Basilica, also known as the Champakulam Church, which is said to be one of the 7 churches that St. Thomas established in 427 AD and is considered one of the oldest churches in India. One can also consider visiting other nearby sights like the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. Moreover, the Champakulam village offers one to enjoy the scenic beauty of the village and indulge in activities such as boating, and photography, enjoying a stay at Champakulam and the local cuisines.

The ideal time to visit Champakulam is from October to February during the winter, and from June to August during the slack season when hotels and other accommodations could be less expensive. Champakulam can be reached easily by road and boat, with the nearest railway station being Ambalapuzha and the closest airport being Cochin International Airport.

Must Know Before You Visit Champakulam

Must know before you visit Champakulam : One should also avoid smoking or drinking in public places, as the village has a strong religious tradition, and many residents are deeply religious.

Champakulam Highlights

1. Annual Feast of Champakulam Valia Palli Festival

The Annual Feast of Champakulam Valia Palli Festival, held at the Kalloorkad St. Mary’s Basilica Champakulam Church, is a significant religious event for the people of Champakulam and surroundin (Read More)g areas. During the festival, the church is beautifully decorated with colorful lights and flowers.

Religious ceremonies, including Holy Mass and processions, are held throughout the day. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession, in which the statue of St. Mary is carried on a beautifully decorated chariot, accompanied by devotees singing hymns and prayers. This annual feast at this church is celebrated every year on the 3rd Sunday of October. Moreover, the feast of St. Joseph is annually celebrated on 19th March.

2. Paddy Fields and Canals

Paddy fields and canals are an enchanting highlight of Champakulam village. The lush greenery of the paddy fields is a sight to behold, especially during the monsoon season when the fields are flooded (Read More) with water.

Moreover, one can also take a leisurely boat ride along the canals to soak in the serene surroundings and witness the everyday life of the villagers. The stunning view of the paddy fields and canals also provides an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture the essence of rural life in Kerala.

3. Traditional Houses

Champakulam village is known for its beautiful traditional houses, built in the Kerala style of architecture. These houses are made of wood and clay and are a sight to behold. The intricate carvings o (Read More)n the wooden pillars and doors, sloping roofs with clay tiles, and verandas are some of the features of these houses. Many of these houses are also surrounded by lush green paddy fields and canals, adding to the charm of the village. Visiting these traditional houses is a great way to experience the local culture and learn more about the history and lifestyle of the people in Champakulam.

4. Art Emporium

Champakulam village has some excellent art emporiums. One such popular emporium is the St. Thomas Art Emporium, which is known for its exquisite collection of high-quality wooden statues. Many of thes (Read More)e statues are also exported to other countries.

5. Coir Industry

The village has a rich tradition of coir production, and visitors can observe how the skilled local women craft a range of coir products such as ropes, mats, and baskets using traditional techniques. (Read More)The coir products made in Champakulam are known for their high quality and are sold not just in the local markets but all across India.

6. Houseboat cruises

Champakulam village offers visitors the opportunity to take a leisurely houseboat cruise along the serene backwaters of the area, providing a unique and comfortable experience. The houseboats are equi (Read More)pped with modern amenities and allow visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the village and its surrounding areas.

Read More on Champakulam

What is the history of Champakulam village?

Champakulam is an ancient village in Kerala with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is believed that the village was established during the reign of King Rajaraja Chola of the Chola dynasty. Champakulam was an important center of trade and commerce during the ancient period due to its strategic location on the banks of the Pamba River, which was a major waterway for transporting goods and people.

Why is Champakulam famous?

Champakulam is famous for its historical significance and cultural heritage, as well as its natural beauty. The village is renowned for the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race which is one of Kerala's oldest and most popular boat races. It is also home to the Kalloorkad St. Mary's Basilica, which is one of the most prominent Christian pilgrim centers in India.

Champakulam is also known for its traditional industries such as coir making, weaving, and toddy tapping. Additionally, the village is surrounded by backwaters and lush green paddy fields, making it a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of Kerala.

Best time to visit Champakulam

If you're planning to visit the beautiful village of Champakulam, October is the best time to do so. This is the time when the village comes alive with two grand events - the Moolam Boat Race and the Annual Feast of Champakulam Valia Palli. Witness the exciting boat race and immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the village during the annual feast.

However, if you prefer milder weather, the months of October to February are ideal for a visit. During this time, the climate is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. You can explore the village, take a leisurely boat ride, or simply relax amidst the serene surroundings.

For those looking to save some money on accommodation, the months from June to August are ideal as it is the slack season and hotels and other accommodations are likely to be less expensive. So, plan your visit to Champakulam accordingly and experience the beauty and culture of this charming village at its best.

How to reach Champakulam

Champakulam village can be easily reached through various modes of transportation.

By Air: The nearest airport to Champakulam is Cochin International Airport, which is located about 98 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village.

By Train: Ambalapuzha is the nearest railway station to Champakulam village, which is located about 10.7 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village.

By Water: Champakulam can also be reached by waterways. You can take a ferry or a houseboat from cities like Kochi and Alappuzha to reach the village.

What is the history behind the Champakulam Boat Race?

The Ambalapuzha Temple Festival is known for its unique and captivating boat races, called Chundanvallom boat races, which are a thrilling spectacle to witness. The water floats adorning the river are a sight to behold and add to the beauty of the event. In addition to the boat races, there are also vibrant cultural performances like Ottan Thullal, Chakiyarkuthu, Krishnanattam, and Velakali dance that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

The festival is an excellent opportunity to witness the cultural and religious traditions of the region and experience the enthusiasm and energy of the locals. It's a great time to visit Ambalapuzha and soak in the festive atmosphere, while also enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Also referred as: Ambalapuzha Temple Festival, Moolam Boat Race Festival, Snake Boat Race, Champakulam Moolam Water Festival, Chundanvallom Boat Races Festival.

Are there any accommodations available in Champakulam village?

Yes, there are a number of accommodations available in Champakulam ranging from budget-friendly houseboats to luxury resorts as it is an important tourist spot.