Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a popular tourist destination located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its intricate network of backwaters, beautiful beaches, and the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. Here’s a closer look at the attractions and experiences Alappuzha has to offer.
Alappuzha / Alleppey, the majestic backwater destination has a lot of things to see and do. From the backwater cruising to fabulous beaches, we have rounded up the most famous tourist attractions and activities this destination has to offer. The main attractions of Alappuzha are its Vembanad Lake and Alleppey Beach. For those who search for something out of the ordinary can choose Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala. No doubt, the most beautiful tourist attraction of Alappuzha is its backwaters. It can bring a sense of amazement and astonishment to each visitor to the state. Besides, you will be delighted to capture the beauty of this lagoon in your camera. Once you visit this majestic backwater destination, you will certainly appreciate it. And can realize why Lord Curzon tagged this tourist spot as the “Venice of the East”.
Alappuzha / Alleppey used to be the commercial capital of the erstwhile Travancore. Thanks to its highly efficient network of water canals. Today, these canals remain. But the giant cargo boats have been replaced by tastefully done houseboats. With its enticing maze of canals and bridges, in addition to the silvery beach, Alappuzha, better known as Alleppey, makes for a memorable holiday.
One gets to enjoy boat cruises along the fascinating Vembanad Lake. In addition, the never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, and shimmering and long water canals around Alappuzha make a delightful setting for the town. Hub of Kerala’s backwaters and home to a wide network of waterways with more than 1000 houseboats/boat houses and countless other boats, Alappuzha is ideally called the ‘Venice of the East’. Well, no wonder! What’s more, its cheerful citizens add to the town’s charm.
Major tourist attractions in Alleppey / Alappuzha
A large network of waterways is the prime attraction of Alleppey. In fact, it can be the lifeline of this majestic tourist spot. It is interesting to know that Alleppey was the bustling trade center of the state in the past. Besides, it was a well-known port in Kerala. Even today, Alleppey plays an important role in the coir and carpet industries of the state. This tourist spot is also famous for prawn farming.
There are so many tourist attractions waiting for you in Alleppey and the spectacular snake races are one among them. In fact, these boat races have a significant place in the tourism scenario of the district. Houseboat cruising is another attraction that every visitor to the region loves to indulge in. In fact, a boat cruise along the backwaters of the region provides a wonderful experience of local life. In fact, you will love to watch fishing, coir-making, toddy tapping, and prawn farming while you are holidaying in this popular Kerala district.
Houseboat
Houseboat or ‘Kettuvallam’ as it is popularly known lets you to stay afloat along the serene waters of Kerala.
With its elegant interiors, these boats are replete with all trappings of a luxurious house floating on the water, offering you some of the most amazing glimpses of daily life in the countryside!
To maneuver your way along the wide-spread Vembanad Lake, you may choose from either overnight or day cruises of two of the most popular backwater routes available: Alappuzha – Kumarakom and Alappuzha Round Houseboat Or Boat House Cruise.
Shikara Boat Ride
Want to know what’s the most beautiful and relaxing experience once you are in Kerala? Undoubtedly it is while you are floating along the watery world of villages, rice fields, and banks lined up with coconut palms in a stylish Shikara. A relatively small boat, it lets you have a great time and gain a lot more memories to cherish.
Available for hire during the day – on a daily, hourly basis, these beautifully crafted boats serve as the best option for the exploration of the village life while interacting with the village populace, as it’s easier to navigate through the smaller and remote canals owing to its small size.
Pathiramanal
Also called ‘Sands of Night’, this tiny dot of thick green on the massive Vemband Lake is a bird watcher’s paradise. Home to migratory birds, this little island, in the middle of Vemband Lake is accessible only by boat.
Pintail Ducks, Common Teal, Night Heron, Cormorant, Darter, Indian Shag, Purple Heron, Gulls, Terns, Large Egrets, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant-tailed & Bronze-winged Jacanas, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Watercock, Whistling Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Little Cormorant & Whiskered Tern and Monarch flycatcher are some of the species often spotted on the island.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Make acquaintance with a variety of migratory birds while walking amidst the lush green acres of woods. Visit the bird sanctuary, to spot thousands of migratory birds that flock to Kumarakom every year. Some Himalayan. Others Siberian.
Rookeries of Egrets, Night Herons, Golden-backed Woodpeckers, Paradise Fly-catchers, and Native Kingfishers are some of the exotic varieties that are sure to delight you!
Phone: 077980 12340
Hours: Open today · 6 AM–6 PM
Alleppey Beach
Alappuzha / Alleppey Beach is known throughout Kerala as one of the best beaches. Get away from crowded and noisy beaches in Kerala and choose the nearby Alappuzha / Alleppey Beach to relax.
You will love this small sandy paradise which is relatively solitary compared to other popular beaches like Kovalam and Varkala. You will be able to reach this spot within a 30-minute drive from the town center. Alappuzha / Alleppey Beach is definitely a dream of every beach lover because of its beauty.
A lot of people visit this area in the evening in order to watch the spectacular sunset. It also has a fantastic lighthouse. You can also see the leftovers of a 137-year-old bridge here which shows the glorious days of this destination. Alappuzha / Alleppey was a chief port in Kerala but now this bridge is in a haunting situation. Still, it can attract some photographers.
Vembanad Lake
No, doubt, it is among the most beautiful lakes in India. The longest Vembanad Lake is the biggest wetland system of the country which connects three districts in Kerala state such as Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. Unique geographical features are the main attraction of this lake. The panoramic nature is also a delight for photographers. Houseboats gliding on the scintillating waters can be truly a dreamlike sight.
The famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary lies on the banks of this scenic lake which attracts ornithologists from across the globe. If you plan a trip to Alappuzha, never forget to book a houseboat for enjoy a backwater cruising. In fact, a visit to the bird sanctuary and a cruise along the backwaters are two must-do activities that you can enjoy during your holidays in Alappuzha. Carry a pair of binoculars to watch the beauty of both local and migratory birds conveniently.
St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church
Visiting one of the oldest churches in India can be a mesmerizing experience. Established in 427 AD, this church is on the banks of the Periyar River.
You need to take a houseboat or a ferry in order to reach St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church. In fact, most of the backwater cruising itineraries in Alappuzha cover this church. You love the impressive architecture of the church which is a combination of Indian, Portuguese, and Persian. You can see some eye-catching frescos inside. The church also houses some old-age paintings and sculptures with a touch of gold dust, fruit pulp, and using the leaves of some rare plants.
This is a fine place to watch some amazing historical insights related to the destination. Remember to watch the rock inscriptions that can be seen in and around the church. Of course, visiting this church makes you get delighted.
Kuttanad
Kuttanad is the major rice granary of Kerala, where vast stretches of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters.. When it comes to offbeat tourist spots in Alappuzha, you can choose Kuttanad, the rice bowl of the state.
There are many things in this place that fascinate travelers. It must be exciting for the travelers to watch farmers following traditional methods of farming in the lush green paddy fields of the region. They still use bullock carts for farming which can be a rare sight in this modern time. You will also love to watch the long stretches of paddy fields which are lined by tall coconut trees.
Monsoon is the best time to visit Kuttanad because you can watch farmers plowing their fields and planting seedlings during this time.
Alleppey Backwaters
Of course, there is so much to see and do in Alappuzha. If you choose Kerala for a vacation, the most interesting activity that you can do here is backwater cruising. In fact, the backwaters in the state make it a paradise on Earth. Kerala Backwaters may be the most photographed tourist attraction in the state. Cruising in a houseboat along the scintillating backwaters of Alappuzha can be a dream of all the holidaymakers and honeymoon couples in the world. It is a network of scenic lakes and lagoons that run parallel to the majestic Arabian Sea.
Just plan a houseboat cruise along the backwaters to watch its unique ecosystem. Besides, you love to watch the fascinating life of the people who live on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Houseboats are a very part of the life of those people. Even you can see children heading off to their schools in the boats with bags slung across their shoulders. Most of the families in the village have one or two boats. They anchored them in front of their houses because there is no other mode of transportation in the destination. Exploring this marvelous backwater tourist spot in a houseboat can be a mind-blowing experience.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is certainly an exciting stopover in the Alappuzha district in Kerala. Many devotees of the serpent God visit this temple to seek blessings. Lies in the midst of a forest glade, you can see more than 30,000 snake images at this place. As per folklore, Mannarasala Naga Raja temple was built in the place where Lord Nagaraja made an appearance. He appeared after being prayed by the famous mythological warrior, Parashurama.
The Nagaraja declared the area a pilgrimage center and blessed with prosperity. People visit this temple with wishes and prayers on their lips and prayer beads in their hands. Pay a visit to this temple if you would like to visit the inner regions of Alappuzha.
Phone: 0479 216 0300
Not far from Alappuzha, Marari Beach is a must-visit destination for people who visit the backwater destination of Alappuzha. After enjoying some backwater cruising, you will love to spend some time at this majestic beach. One of the great advantages of this beach is that it is not a crowded one.
You love its peaceful and relaxing ambience of this beach which is perfect to unwind. Also, try to visit the nearby fisherman’s village. It attracts travelers with its slow pace of life and peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Marari Beach is 35 KM`s away from Kochi City
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Want to enjoy the quintessential temple architecture of Kerala? Then add Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple also in your itinerary. Just watch the paintings of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu on the inner walls of the Chuttambalam. The temple is popular for the Palpayasam which is delightfully sweet milk porridge, part of a daily offering. Another great feature of this temple is its Pallipana. It performs once in twelve years by Velans. It is interesting to know that the satiric art form, Ottanthullal was first performed on the grounds of this temple.
Ambalapuzha, about 2 km away; Alappuzha, about 14 km away
Phone: 0477 227 2090
Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum
Built in the honor of Revi Karunakaran, a popular personality in the Coir Industry in the state, it is worth visiting the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum. Here, one can watch a large collection of things belonging to the family of him. This museum houses many artifacts, precious stones, crystals, furniture, and silverware. It also has a good private collection of precious Swarovski crystals.
Phone: 0477 224 2923
Open From 9 AM to 5 PM
Monday Holiday
St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal
Yes, Arthunkal Church is very famous among Christian devotees in Kerala. The Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Forane Church locates at Arthunkal in the Alappuzha district. It was built originally in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries. Later, Fr. Jacoma Fenicio, the then vicar of the church rebuilt it in 1584. Devotees fondly called him as “Arthunkal Veluthachan”, and claim that he had magical powers. Many people approached him to heal their body and mind. This” fair-skinned father” died in 1632.
The church was again rebuilt eight years after the death of this vicar. This time it faces the west towards the beautiful shores of the Arabian Sea and its white sandy beach.
A statue of St. Sebastian was placed in this Church in 1647. With arrows all over the body of the statue, it sculptured in Milan and become a great attraction of the church.
The marvelous Krishnapuram Palace is an archeological museum today which exhibits several exquisite paintings and antique sculptures. Besides, you can watch amazing architecture and mural paintings in it. It was built by the then-Travancore king Marthanda Varma Maharaja in the 18th century.
The 14 feet by 11 feet Gagendra Moksham mural is the main attraction of this museum. In fact, it is the largest painting of this kind in the state.
Phone: 0479 244 1133
Hours: 9AM – 4:30PM
Karumadi Kuttan Statue
Karumadi Kuttan statue is also a great tourist attraction in Alappuzha. It locates in the Karumadi village in this district. You can get an idea about the rich history of Kerala as a Buddhist center by visiting this tourist spot. Yes, Karumadi Kuttan is the remains of the glorious Buddhist influence in the state.
Many people add this place in their itinerary in order to watch the large statue of Lord Buddha in black granite.
How to reach Alleppey / Alappuzha
To reach Alappuzha, you have several transportation options, depending on your starting point:
- By Air:
The nearest airport to Alappuzha is the Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 78 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Alappuzha. - By Train:
Alappuzha has a well-connected railway station, so you can opt to travel by train. There are regular train services from various major cities in India, including Kochi (Cochin), Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, among others. - By Road:
Alappuzha is well-connected by roads, and you can easily reach there by bus or private vehicle. There are regular bus services from cities within Kerala and neighboring states. - By Water:
Alappuzha is famous for its backwaters, and you can also choose to travel by boat or ferry. Boats and houseboats are available from places like Kottayam, Kumarakom, and Cochin (Kochi), offering a scenic and unique journey.
Best time to visit Alleppey / Alappuzha
Being a coastal area, Alleppey is humid throughout the year. September to March is the best time to visit this tourist destination.
Alleppey / Alappuzha is an enchanting tourist destination in Kerala also famous as the center of Kerala backwaters and home to a large network of waterways. Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is a hot tourist destination in Kerala because of its backwaters and scenic nature. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the East’, it is a graceful holiday hideaway and people love to float along the awe-inspiring backwaters of the state in a houseboat while they are holidaying in this hot place. You will certainly find relaxing holiday experiences in the mesmerizingly beautiful tourist destination of Alleppey.
Alleppey is the right tourist place for people who look for tranquility and peace during their holidays. This blissful holiday destination is famous for its palm-fringed beaches and canals, beautiful lakesides, eye-catching lagoons, and gorgeous backwaters. It must be a beautiful experience for each visitor to take glimpses of the day-to-day life of the countryside from a houseboat. People who come to Alleppey never return without enjoying a bit of houseboat cruising.
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