Ambalapuzha, the capital of the erstwhile Chempakassery princely state, is located 14 km south of
Alappuzha on the
National Highway 47. It was formerly known as Chempakassery and the name was derived from a ship named Chempaka. The name Ambalapuzha came into existence only after the construction of the present Sri Krishna Swami Temple in the 16th century by Pooradam Thirunal Thampuran.
The
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Swami Temple is a major pilgrim center. It is one among the main five Krishna temples in
Kerala. This temple is famous all over India for
Ambalapuzha Palpayasam, a divine prasadam of sweet milk porridge offered daily in the temple. An image of Buddha at Karumadi is also another attraction.
Other places of worship nearby are Moodampadi Devi Temple, Erattakulangara Mahadev Temple, Pallikkavu Devi Temple, Puthukulangara Devi Temple and Kayippalli Sree Devi Temple. Alappuzha Beach and Kuttanad are nearby attractions.
Buses ply frequently on the Alappuzha-Ambalapuzha route. The nearest railhead is Alappuzha Railway Station. Ambalapuzha is about 120 km from Thiruvananthapuram and about 108 km from Ernakulam.
