The name Alappuzha is derived from the geographical position and physical features of the place. It means the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it. The district is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.

Manimala River
It originates from Mothavara hills in Kottayam district enters the district at Thalavadi village in Kuttanad taluk and passes through Edathua and Champakulam villages and joins the Pamba river at Muttar.The villages of Manimala, Mallappally, Kaviyoor, Kalloppara, Thalavadi, Kozhimukku and Champakkulam lie in the course of the river Manimala. It has a length of 91.73 Km and drainage area of 802.90 Km.

Pamba River
Pamba, the third longest river in Kerala is formed by several streams originating from Peerumedu plateau in Idukki district, enters Alappuzha district at Chengannur and flows through Pandanad, Veeyapuram, Thakazhy, and Champakulam through a distance 177.08 Km and plunges into vembanad lake through several branches such as Pallathuruthi Ar, Nedumudi Ar and Muttar. The river has a length of 117 Km and is navigable to a length of 73 Km. The catchment area of this river is 1987.17 Sq.Km. The main tributaries of the river are Pambayar, Kakki Ar, Arudai Ar, kakkad Ar and Kallar.

Achankovil River
This river often known as Kulallada river, originates from Pasukida mettu, Ramakkal Theri and Rishimalai of Kollam district enters the district at Venmony and has a catchment area of 1155.14 Sq.Kms and a marginable length of 32.19 Km.It passes through Cheriyanad, Puliyoor and Chengannur villages, enters Mavelikkara Taluk at Chennithala, flows through Thriperumthura and pallippad villages and joins Pamba at Veeyapuram.

Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad lake, the most important of the west coast canal system has a length of 84 Km and an average breadth of 3.1 Km. It covers an area of 204 Sq.Km. Stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi it borders Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad Taluks of Alappuzha district, Kottayam, vaikom and Changanasserry taluks of Kottayam district, Kochi and Kanayannur Taluks of Ernakulam district. Pamba, Achankovil , Manimala, Meenachil and Muvattupuzha rivers discharge into this lake. Pathiramanal, often called the mysterious sand of midnight, having coconut palms and luxuriant vegetation is situated in the centre of this lake. Perumbalam and Pallippuram are the other islands in this lake. The Thannermukkom regulator constructed across Vembanad lake between Thannermukkom and Vechur is intended to prevent tidal action and intrusion of saline water into the lake. It is the largest mud regulator in India.

Kayamkulam Lake
Stretching between Panmana and Karthikappally, Kayamkulam lake is a shallow lake which has an outlet to sea at Kayamkulam barrage. It has an area of 59.57 Sq.Km., a length of 30.5 Km and an average breadth of 2.4 Km. It connects Ashtamudi lake by the Chavara Panmana canal.

Canals
Alappuzha has a network of canals included in the west coast canal system which are used for navigation. The important canals are Vadai canal, Commercial canals and the link canals between these two canals. Apart from these, there are many inland canals which are mainly used for passenger navigation and commercial purposes. The lakes are used for inland water transport of passengers and cargo. Inland fisheries have also been flourished in these regions.

Sea Cost
Alappuzha has a flat unbroken sea coast of 82 Km in length which is 13.9 % of the total coastal line of the state. An interesting phenomenon of this seacoast during the month of June is the periodic shifting of mud bank popularly known as "Chakara" within a range of 25 Km in Alappuzha-Purakkad coast due to hydrolic pressure when the level of backwater rises during south-west monsoon.

Vijaya Beach Park
The Vijaya beach park was constructed for entertainment purpose of families. It offers facilities like Boating, a children's park, toy train and bicycle riding.

Kuttanad
Kuttanad is an expanse of water-logged land lying below sea level. It bears strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features.

Picnic Spot
The Alappuzha beach offers great picnic spots. The beach is also famous for its boat races, holidays, marine products and picnic spots. There is a lighthouse on the beach, which attracts a lot of tourists.

Karumudi
Situated near Ambalapuzha, the sleepy hamlet of Karumudi boasts of a black granite idol of Lord Buddha that dates back to around the 9th century. The image of Lord Buddha is referred to as Karumad Kuttan in this place.

Mannarsal
Located near Haripad, Mannarsal is noted for the Sri Nagaraja Temple. Interestingly enough, it is the king of serpents who is worshipped in this temple. The annual festival of Ayilyamtakes place during the months of September and October. A not-to-be missed sight is the procession in which all idols of the serpent are taken out and carried by the temple devotees.

Krishnapuram Palace
The Krishnapuram Palace is an amazing monument in the district. Constructed during the reign of the Travancore ruler, Marthanda Varma, this magnificent palace is a tribute to the Kerala style of architecture. The structure of the palace is a tasteful blend of gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. The palace houses a museum within its premises, which is a treasure trove of exquisite mural paintings and antique sculptures.

Arthunkal Palli
Situated near Sherthallai, it is one of the most renowned Christian pilgrimage centres in Kerala. Popularly known as St. Sebastian Church, the Portuguese had established this impressive church as the St. andrew’s Church.

Chavara Bhavan
Once the ancestral home of the Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara, it is now revered as a holy shrine and spiritual resort. Thousands of devotees gather here to pray and be blessed. Preserved in its original form is a beacon of light that is 250 years old.

Edathua Church
The church was constructed in 1810 in honour of St. George. It is believed that all ailments including mental disorders could be cured if one shows single-minded devotion through prayers and offerings at the church. The annual feast, held in the month of May attracts hordes of pilgrims irrespective of caste or creed.