Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar reach Alappuzha backwaters as World Cup football spirit grips Kerala

Football gods are walking on the Kerala backwaters this World Cup season in Alappuzha. At Pallikkadavu backwaters in Vayalar near Cherthala, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar stand tall at 15 feet, inspiring the youngsters on the adjacent football ground and frequent visitors to love 'The Beautiful Game' this tournament season.

The cutouts were installed by the local football club, Churchill Brothers Vayalar, which had set up similar standees during the previous World Cup season as well. People from far off are also making it to the spot now to click selfies and enjoy the view.

According to Sharon Shaji, Secretary of the football club, the cutouts floating in the water are best viewed from the wayside cross of the adjacent St Francis Xavier Church, Vayalar.

"It's only been a few days since we set them up. The World Cup spirit has been spreading quickly in Alappuzha as well, as reflected in the cutouts. We are also planning to stream the match on big screens, once the telecast begins, though we haven't decided on the spot yet," he says.

The club members are spread across different parts of the country, but they come together to celebrate the game in whatever ways they can, they say. 

How to reach the spot
From Vayalar, take the Kandathilkadavu-Kuruvarukadavu Road to reach the wayside shrine of the St Francis Xavier Church. The cutouts are adjacent to its football ground.
Nearby spots
The cutouts are just about 2 km from the renowned writer Vayalar Rama Varma's family home. It is also 4 km from the Punnappara-Vayalar Memorial, 15 km from the Andhakaranazhi Beach and the Marari Beach. The newly opened Perumbalam Bridge is just 20 km from this spot.