It is assumed that the name of  Alappuzha was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place which means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it.  It 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.

The present Alappuzha district comprises  of six taluks namely Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, chengannur and Mavelikkaara. total area of this district is 1414 sq. kms. The district head quarters is located at Alappuzha.

Alappuzha district is a sandy strip of land intercepted by lagoons, rivers, and canals. There are neither mountains nor hills in the district except some scattered hillocks lying between Bharanikavu and Chengannur Block in the eastern portion of the district. Cherthala , Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad and Karthikappally fully lie in lowland region. There is no forest area in the district. The soil found in this district is classified as sandy, peaty or kari, alluvial and laterite. The two most important minerals which occur in large quantities in the district are glass and foundry sand. Lime shell is exploited commercially.

Alappuzha has several canals and lakes fit for boat cruise. Three prominent rivers in the Southern grid to Kerala viz.   Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala empty into the lakes.The Vembanad Lake streching from Alleppey to Cochin and Kayamkulam Lake which lies in both Alleppey and Quilon districts are used for inland water transport of cargo and passengers.