The roaring waves of the sea breaking on the endless stretches of sandy beaches invite you to witness the blue and green beauty that is Alleppey.
Set in this heavenly place, Alleppey (now known as Alappuzha) is a beach town along the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea. What adds to the irresistible beauty of this town are the charming backwaters, a cruise along which will be an experience forever etched in memory. Only about 50 km from the bustling city of Kochi, this 'Venice of the East' which boasts sparkling sea beaches, quaint houseboats floating idly on the green backwaters and a host of temples and churches is thronged by tourists throughout the year. Easy accessibility and urban amenities with a touch of rural charm make Alleppey a must-visit when on a trip to Kerala.
Must VisitSpend a night in a houseboat cruising in the serene backwaters. Enjoy parasailing, surfing, or a picnic at Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach and Vijaya Beach Park. Receive traditional Ayurvedic massages, try Kerala Sadya and Puttu Kadala and buy coir souvenirs like carpets and rugs. Visit Pallipuram Fort and Ambalapuzha Temple for their historical and cultural essence.
Best time to visitWith an average monthly temperature of 27 °C, Alleppey can be enjoyed and explored throughout the twelve months. The optimal time to visit Alleppey is from October to February when the weather is cool but without that nip in the air. Monsoons are not the most practical time to visit, the swelling backwaters and the refreshing green of nature around are worth all the trouble.
TriviaThe Viceroy of India, George Curzon dubbed Alleppey the "Venice of the East" and it has since earned the moniker "Venetian Capital" of Kerala.
InterestAlleppey offers an adventurous escape into the backwaters with water sports like kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, and speedboating. You can even go windsurfing, jet skiing, or play volleyball on its stunning beaches.
Alleppey allows you to take a deep dive into the culture of Kerela. Its annual snake boat races, traditional Kathakali performances, vibrant festivals like Onam, along with ancient temples, colonial churches, and local crafts, display its cultural heritage.
Swaying on the gentle backwaters of Alleppey in a houseboat while taking in the lush landscape is possibly as romantic as it gets for a honeymoon. Sailing through the interlaced canals and lagoons while enjoying the luxurious warmth of a houseboat makes this the perfect holiday.
Alleppey's speciality is its traditional massages, Panchakarma therapy, and yoga retreats. Some Ayurvedic resorts that promise these rejuvenating treatments are Keraleeyam and Ayurville. The calm of the backwaters and the greenery around amplify the effects of these therapies.
Nothing spells scenic as well as the backwaters. Alleppey's luxury resorts and houseboats and picture-perfect backdrop provide the ideal space for conferences, team-building activities, and retreats. Some venues worth a mention are Lake Palace Resort and Ramada Alleppey.
Experience spectacular vistas and serenity
A beach with a stunning view and golden sand
A fun beach park with scenic views
Escape into the peaceful embrace of the pristine sands and tranquil waters
A shrine of tranquil devotion & heritage
An expansive lake with a spectacular view
An exquisite palace of history & culture
A fascinating store of cultural artifacts
A unique market experience with a local charm
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Digha, Purba Medinipur, Kolkata, West Bengal 721428
Digha is a small coastal hamlet, covered by the sands of the shore almost completely. The New Digha beach is one of its attractions, found after a quick stroll through the town. Enjoy the large waves rushing past each other on the water on their way to meet the powdery sands.
Chandpur Sea Beach, Chandapur, West Bengal 721423
While the traditional beach invokes the image of blue waves on ochre sands, Chandpur Beach creates an illustration of the passage of time. It invites all those looking to spend quiet moments amidst the myriad shades of nature.
Starting Point, Kadavil house, Punnamada, Kottankulangara, Alappuzha, Kerala 688006
In the ‘Venice of the East’, the palm-fringed canal is the ultimate place for wish fulfillment. The intricate maze of glistening lakes and canals is dotted with ornamental houseboats offering a variety of tours of the landmarks of the town, from temples and churches to the lush green paddy fields, which turn into a delightful golden during the harvest season.
Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012
Barely a kilometre away from the city centre, Alleppey Beach is known for its ancient lighthouse and a wooden pier which gently leads to the mighty waters of the Lakshadweep Sea. This heavenly beach forms the backdrop of colourful festivals such as the Sand Art Festival, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and the annual Alappuzha Beach Festival. If you are looking for an exciting time filled with fun, then a visit to the nearby Vijaya Beach Park is a must.
Alappuzha Bypass Rd, Vellappally, Sea View Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala 688007
Vijaya Beach Park adds an aspect of fun to the otherwise calm Alappuzha beach. With the azure waters of the Lakshadweep Sea in the background, this amusement park has something for all age groups. Complete with swing sets and a cute toy train, this park is a heavenly place for the younger ones. Maintained and managed by the Government of Kerala, it is also a popular ground for festivals and mini-concerts.
South.P.O, SH40, Mararikkulam,Mararikkulam, Cherthala, Kerala 688523
Around ten kilometres from Alleppey, Marari Beach is famous for its fishing community and a wide array of fishing activities. This beach is what comes to mind when describing soulful peace. Apart from surfing and parasailing, you can also try your hand at fishing and deep-sea fishing. A gorgeous coconut farm near the beach adds to the natural beauty of the beach making it truly one of a kind.
SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala 688561
Built sometime between the 15th and 17th AD by King Chembakkassery Pooradam, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol residing in the sacred structure resembles closely the Parthasarthi form of Vishnu, wielding a whip in his right hand and holding a holy conch in the left. It is believed that the idol belongs to the Guruvayur temple in Thrissur and was brought to Ambalappuzha to protect it from Tipu Sultan's raids.
Kerala
Vembanad Lake forms the heart of the water channels supporting not just Alleppey but also the neighbouring cities of Kottayam, Kuttanad, and Kochi. The glittering expanse of the lake is dotted with many tiny islands which can be accessed easily from Kochi. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, this serene lagoon forms a major part of the Kerala backwaters and ornate houseboats light up the lake at night, twinkling like stars.
Oachira Rd, near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam, Kerala 690533
Built to honour the power of the then king of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, the stately Krishnapuram Palace was built in Kayamkulam. Constructed in the 18th century, this palace has marvellous sloping roofs and dormer windows. A beautiful landscaped garden, the sacred Buddha Mandapam, and the view from the top of the small hill of the museum make the place more worthy of a visit.
XVIII/990-A, VCSB Road, near Power House Bridge, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012
It was built in 2003 in memory of industrialist Revi Karunakaran by his wife Betty. Initially for private use, the museum was made open to public display after the death of the industrialist. Sections of the museum exhibit important artifacts belonging to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. It also has a ‘Kerala Room’ which charts the history of the State.
National Highway 47, Kalarcode, Thookkukulam, Paravur, Kerala 688003
The interconnected canals and lakes of Alleppey have allowed a unique shopping experience for tourists. Boats, which are usually used to transport produce and goods within the city by the locals are also used by many as shopping stalls; instead of being on the solid ground, here they float on the aquamarine waters! The Floating Triveni is one such floating market which consists of several boats carrying a variety of goods for sale.
Spring is a blend of the cool and the warm and therefore presents a pleasant weather to enjoy the beaches and all its shenanigans. There’s greenery all around to complement the blue waters and the flowers are in bloom.
Its proximity to the sea makes the summer seasons humid, but with a refreshing breeze blowing in from the sea at all times.
Kerala welcomes the monsoon winds first in the Indian subcontinent. Alleppey receives adequate rains through the monsoon period which is necessary for its agriculture to thrive.
Autumn feels the impact of the heavy monsoons and the oncoming chilly winds of winter positing the perfect weather to revel in the beachfront and relish the water sports while also going around discovering all the nearby attractions.
The winter months are, without a doubt, the best time to visit Alleppey. The weather is cool and pleasant but not chilly, the skies are clear azure, and the sun mellow. This is also the time when the city is most crowded as it is a peak time for the tourists.
While Alleppey does not have its own airport, the nearest international airport of Cochin is hardly ninety kilometres from central Alleppey. It is a two-hour drive from the airport (via NH 66) and the roads are well-built with good connectivity of cars and buses. Direct flights to Cochin are available from all major domestic airports. Being an international airport, Cochin is connected with major global cities, like Dubai, Singapore and London.
Unlike flight connectivity, Alleppey does have its own railway station with trains running to Alleppey from most major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Trivandrum railway station, which is a bigger station than Alleppey, is only four hours away from the city of Alleppey. Trains also run regularly from Trivandrum to Alleppey.
Apart from trains and cars, Alleppey also has a well-connected system of buses, both Government-run and private. Under the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), buses ply at regular intervals from Chennai and Bangalore to Alleppey. Private corporations such as Atlas Travels and Kerala Lines have buses (even luxury buses) plying from Hyderabad and Mangalore to Alleppey. Frequent stops made by the buses make the period longer and a car ride is more comfortable and faster.
While the most common way to travel in and around Alleppey is by boat, private buses also ensure good connectivity between the major spots of tourist interest. The main bus stop of Alleppey is the KSRTC Bus Depot near the Boat Jetty. Government buses also ply but they are not as frequent. While taxis are not common, cab companies such as Alleppey Cabs, Savaari, and Uber ply cabs throughout the city. The locally popular method of transportation is auto-rickshaws, most of which have now become prepaid.
Alleppey’s most prominent tourist attractions are Alleppey Backwaters, Houseboat cruises, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island and Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is roughly 75 kilometers away. Alleppey (Alappuzha) has its own railway station, which is easily accessible from major towns such as Kochi, Trivandrum, and Bangalore. Road transportation options include buses and taxis.
The best time to visit Alleppey is between November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon season (June to September) brings severe rains but also provides a unique experience with lush flora and full backwaters. The warmer months (March-May) can be hot and humid.
Alleppey provides a variety of accommodation options, including houseboats, resorts, hotels, and homestays. Popular choices include backwater houseboats, Lake Palace Resort, Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey, and more affordable options such as Cosy Houseboats and Sreekrishna Houseboat.
Cruise on a houseboat in the backwaters, visit the Alappuzha and Marari beaches, explore the traditional villages and paddy fields. Show reverence at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, take a canoe or shikara ride for a closer look at the backwaters and sample the local Kerala cuisine to please your stomach!
Yes, Alleppey is a family-friendly destination that offers activities for all ages, such as houseboat tours, beach trips, and cultural exploration.
Some nearby attractions from Alleppey are: • Kumarakom (approx. 33 km away) • Kochi (approx. 55 km away) • Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, approx. 140 km away) • Varkala (approx. 117 km away) • Munnar (approx. 172 km away)
Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing appropriate for the tropical climate. During the rainy season, pack rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats. Don't forget sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Insect repellant is also recommended.
Alleppey has a number of local festivals and events, including the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in August, the Onam (harvest festival) in August/September, and the Ambalapuzha Temple Festival in March/April.
Alleppey is famous for its Kerala cuisine, which includes appam and stew, Kerala sadya (a traditional vegetarian feast), fish curry, shrimp roast, and a variety of coconut-based dishes. Seafood is especially popular, and local desserts such as payasam and banana chips are also worth trying.
Alleppey is typically regarded as safe for travelers. However, it is best to follow conventional safety procedures, stay alert of your surroundings, and avoid straying into less frequented places, especially at night.
Yes, Alleppey offers guided tours as well as local guides. Many travelers prefer to hire a tour guide to learn more about the region's backwaters, culture, and history. Houseboat operators frequently offer guided trips as part of their offerings.
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