Alappuzha, washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, occupies a significant place in the tourist map of Kerala in South India.  Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges, this water locked district has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism. Alappuzha is  also a major centre of coir and carpet industry. There are about 4000 production units including a few big factories with mechanized looms. The 'Nehru Cup' the largest snake boat race in the state is held here.