Chennamkary, a charming village nestled in the backwaters region of Kerala in India, is a unique destination that weaves together nature, culture and history. This tranquil corner, set in Alappuzha district, sits within the Kuttanad zone—one of the country's most celebrated regions, renowned for its intricate network of canals and enchanting waterscapes. For those seeking to escape the frenzy of India's major cities and discover a lesser-known yet equally captivating facet of Kerala, Chennamkary is unmissable.

Location

Chennamkary lies approximately 12 km east of Alappuzha town, the district capital. This quaint village sits just 4 km from Champakkulam and 141 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's state capital. It's bordered by several taluks—Veliyanad to the east, Ambalappuzha and Alappuzha to the west, and Aryad to the north. Chennamkary falls within Champakulam Panchayath and belongs to South Kerala division.

St. Joseph's Church

Chennamkary boasts a rich religious and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Kerala's Christian tradition. The village is home to St. Joseph's Church, a historic Syro-Malabar Catholic church and one of the region's oldest religious structures. This spiritual landmark was consecrated in 997 AD, making it a significant site in India's Christian history.

St. Joseph's Church is also intimately connected to the revered figure of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a Keralan priest and social reformer celebrated for revitalizing Christian education and religious practices throughout the region.

Culture and Festivals

To experience Kerala's festive soul, plan your visit during one of its most emblematic celebrations. Onam, celebrated annually in August or September, stands as one of the region's most vibrant and significant events. The festival is marked by traditional boat races known as Vallam Kali, often held during monsoon season. Beyond the thrilling water competitions, Onam brings cultural revelry through dance, music and sumptuous feasts.

Another ideal time to visit is Vishu, celebrated in April, marking the beginning of Kerala's new year. This festival bursts with fireworks, traditional feasts and family gatherings—a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and share moments of warmth with the people.

Chennamkary Today

Chennamkary's economy is anchored in agriculture and fishing, both intimately tied to the natural rhythms of the backwaters that crisscross the region. Rice cultivation, the primary agricultural pursuit, thrives in the fertile lands that lie between the canals. Chennamkary's residents practice time-honoured farming methods, perfectly adapted to the backwaters' unique environment.

While tourism has gained some traction, agriculture and fishing remain the lifeblood of the local community. Fishermen employ ancestral techniques—nets and dugout canoes—to harvest a variety of fish, including karimeen (Kerala perch), a prized delicacy emblematic of local cuisine.

Beyond this, Chennamkary's dramatic landscapes and vast backwater expanses have also made it a coveted location for film shoots, television series and music videos. Filmmakers and content creators are drawn to its stunning natural settings.

What to Do and See in Chennamkary?

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Chennamkary is a houseboat cruise—an ideal way to navigate the winding canals and witness daily life along the waterways. These boat journeys reveal lush rice fields, traditional homes perched on riverbanks and local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Beyond cruising, Chennamkary offers a spectrum of cultural and natural experiences. Visitors can wander through the village, experience the warmth of its people and join cooking classes to master traditional Keralan dishes.

For nature enthusiasts, Chennamkary is a prime spot for bird watching, thanks to its rich avian diversity. The backwaters, rice paddies and surrounding forests are home to an extraordinary range of bird species, making this a true paradise for ornithologists.

Reaching Chennamkary is straightforward from Kerala's major cities—Kochi, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram—thanks to solid road infrastructure. What truly sets the village apart, however, is its proximity to Kuttanad's canals, a navigable network threading through this agricultural and aquatic heartland.