Aluva is well known for its large banks of the Periyar River. The town is divided into two halves by the river, making the commercial town towards southern side of river and residential areas towards northern side. The Shiva Temple at the banks is the main attraction of the town due to the traditions and legends associated with it. The temple gets submerged under river during monsoon season (May–September).

Aluva has a major historical significance. The town ceded to Travancore by Cochin as part of Travancore–Cochin Treaty of 1790. Due to which, the town became a first major defence line for Travancore-Kochi Kingdoms from any external aggressions. The Northern side of Aluva (Travancore Aluva), thus became famous for its extensive Nedumkotta lines (Frontlines Fortifications) of Travancore Army, whereas Southern Aluva (Cochin Aluva) turned into commercial port which received boats and ferry from Travancore's High ranges loaded with spices and other commodities of high value.

The formation of Modern Aluva started, when H.H Maharaja Chitra Thirunal, then-the Maharaja of Travancore started his industrialization program in 1930s, making Travancore Aluva, one of the major centers for various industries. More than a dozen heavy industries were opened, creating the largest industrial belt in Kerala. A large bridge across Periyar made easy connectivity between Cochin and Travancore sides of Aluva, which helped the town to grow and diversify its economy into non-agrarian areas.

After independence, both sides of town merged into a single municipality and merged into Ernakulam district. Again, Aluva got a shot in the arm, when Kerala's largest private bank - The Federal Bank made the town as its Headquarters. Several small and medium sector financial institutions soon started its operations from this town, boosting its local economy.

Aluva is well connected by air, road and rail from all parts of the country

Map of Aluva

Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per km. Bus are cheaper at ₹7.00 for three km.

• 10.1136476.355651 Aluva Palace (Kadavu Kottaram), Palace Rd. Once the summer palace of Travancore Royal family, today its one of the largest archeological palaces in Kerala. Built in English-Travancore style, the palace offers one of the best views of river. The tranquility, offered by large palace gardens and verenadas offers a unique romantic mood. A part of the palace is Government Guesthouse. 
• Marthanada Varma Bridge (Aluva Palam), NH 47. The Marthanada Varma Bridge is considered as icon of the town. Though nothing special about this bridge, this bridge was the first bridge laid across the mighty Periyar. The design soon became model for several similar bridges in Kerala. 
• Mangalassery Papal Seminary. 
• 10.1075776.345662 Shiva Temple (Manalpuram), Manalpuram Rd. The Shiva temple of Aluva is one of the most famous Shiva temples in south India. Legend says, the idol (Lingam) has risen out of the sand of the river bank, naturally. Thus the idol was located in the river channel, hence used to get submerged under the river most of the year, except during summer season. However for past few years, the volume of the river got reduced drastically, thus one can see the idol throughout the year, except during monsoon season (May-Sept), when volume in the river increases multi-fold. There is no formal temple structure, rather a make-shift structure made out of weaved palm leaves and bamboo sticks. The most celebrated event is the annual Shivarathri festival, when thousands all over Kerala and other parts of India rush to the temple. This season is famous for post funeral rites of Hindu known as Shraddhham or Tarpanam, done in banks of the river. 
• Shivarathri Manalpuram. 
• Uliyanoor Temple. Uliyanoor Temple is a historical Temple believed to have been built By Perunthachan 

• Go Karting @ Airport. A short karting circuit is at the city side of Cochin Airport, opposite the airline complex. Regular karting competitions are held on weekends and a few rallies are also organised.
• 10.15091676.3751151 CIAL Golf Course and Country Club (On the way to Cochin Airport and very near it.), ☏ +91-484-2611117. A golf course managed by the Airport themselves. Not very amateur friendly but seasoned players can enjoy the place. A restaurant exists too (updated Jun 2023)

The Aluva Sivarathri festival is the best time to shop in Aluva. It boasts of the largest cultural fair in the state. There will be One month long sale of various products along with the fair. For Clothing, Aluva has exclusive outlets of Reebok, Raymond, Reid & Taylor. Several other local dress boutiques are located inside the city. Seemas Textiles operate a 7-floor big textile showroom in Aluva.

• Amma Pothi Parcel Point, Companypadi Aluva. Once parcel contains Naipathil, Pepper chicken and an egg. (updated Jan 2021)

• Bambino Cafeteria, Hospital Junction (1 km), ☏ +91 98460 70608. Daily 1–11:30PM. (updated May 2015)
• Chicking Restaurant, Thikavukochi, ☏ +91 484 322 8412. Daily 9AM–9PM. (updated May 2015)
• Indian Coffee House, Sub Jail Road, ☏ +91 484 322 3213. Daily 9AM–9PM. (updated May 2015)
• Kamath's Restaurant, Harihara, ☏ +91 98957 70775. Daily 8AM–9PM. (updated May 2015)
• New Thalassery Roaster, Market, ☏ +91 484 262 2674. Daily 9AM–6PM. (updated May 2015)
• Shenoys Restaurant, Kunnathery Thikavu (1 km), ☏ +91 98954 06573. Daily 7AM–8PM. (updated May 2015)
• Surya Hotel, Pump Junction, Railway Road (1 km), toll-free: +91 484 262 6390. Daily 9AM–10PM. (updated May 2015)
• Swamy Vegetarian, Near Railway Station. (updated Apr 2015)
• Muthalali Dosa Shop (On Aluva Paravur Road). 100 year old restaurant famous for Dosa, Kappa, Pappad, Tea and Onion Chammanthi. Breakfast and dinner is available. The shop remains closed during lunch time. ₹50 per plate. (updated Dec 2016)
• The Grand Restaurant, Grand Junction. Vintage restaurant popular for their crisp parottas. (updated Jan 2021)

softdrinks There are a lot of shops that offer different type of fruit juices and bottled soft drinks. You can find tea shops very easily. They offer snacks like banana fry (pazampori), vada like. Two or three vegetarian restaurants offers offers veg. meals with more than 5 or 6 curries and they serve you good south Indian masala dosa also.

• Premier Bar, Periyar Nagar. (updated May 2015)

• Aroma Hotel, Near KSRTC, ☏ +91 484 2623631, +91 484 2627618. ₹260. (updated Apr 2015)
• Hotel Mahanami, One km from Railway station (Ask for old PWD Rest House). ₹1,200. (updated Apr 2015)
• Madaparambil Residency, Sub Jail Road, Near Railway Station, ☏ +91 484 2625232. Check in/check out 3PM. ₹160. (updated Apr 2015)
• Manjooran Hotel, Near Railway Station. ₹120. (updated Apr 2015)
• Periyar Riverside Hotel, ☏ +91 484 2625024. good rooms ₹800. (updated Apr 2015)
• Railway Retirement Room. ₹300. (updated May 2015)

Aluva is a Safe town.There are good enough facilites and it's safe after Kochi Metro has started.

There are plenty of internet centres available. Wire line and wireless internet connections available. Reliance offers 3.1 Mbit/s Broadband service in city call +91 9349040010

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