Etymologically speaking the word Alappuzha is derived from two words, Ala and Puzha. According to Dr. Gundert the German Lexicographer, Ala means broad and Puzha is river. It is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of rivers flowing into it. In the early first decade of the 20th Century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the Scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, 'Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties'. In his exhilaration, it is said, he exclaimed, Alleppey, the Venice of the East.
Alleppeyy beach is an ideal picnic spot comprising the sea bridge carrying the memories of ancient pride. The beach houses a 1,000-ft long ancient pier locally called as Kadal Palam (Sea Bridge) about137 years old. The 148-year-old lighthouse, near the beach, which is also a curiosity for tourists. The swimming pool carrying the memories of the Raja Kesavadas, who built the town.On the southern side of the beach lies the Vijaya Park run by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Constructed for entertainment purpose of families, this park offers facilities like swimming pool, toy train and bicycle. There is another park known as the sea view park and both these parks have boating facilities.
Thus the sobriquet found its place in the world Tourism Map. The presence of a port and a pier, criss -cross roads and numerous bridges across them, a long and unbroken sea coast
might have motivated him to make this comparison. Of course Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious. Diwan Rajakesavadas in
the second half of 18th century, District of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature. History says it had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages.
