Photo credits: Ramesh Kidangoor

Situated at the south-western tip of Lake Vembanad, Allappuzha had its heyday as a commercial hub in 1775-76 when Dewan Raja Keshavadas built it as a major port of the erstwhile Travancore state. Allapuzha had the dual advantage of cheap inland water transport on its eastern end and calm seas suitable for an all-weather port on the west.

The beginning of commercial development in the town began in 1862 when the British constructed a 100-meter long pier with trolley car rails.