Alleppey Travel Guide

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is hailed as the ‘Venice of the East’. It is known for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and lush paddy fields. The tranquil coastal town has a rich maritime history and a long-standing tradition of spice trade.

Alleppey is the best place for your next vacation if you want to soak up the sun at a beach, indulge in Ayurvedic healing, or witness the exhilarating boat races. This Alleppey Travel Guide will provide you with everything you need to know about why you should visit the place, including tourist attractions, local activities, the best time to visit, and expert travel tips.

Why Should You Visit Alleppey?

Alleppey is the heart of Kerala’s water world and a must-visit for anyone seeking a slow, scenic, and soulful travel experience.

• Backwaters – Alleppey’s backwaters are its soul. While gliding on the houseboats, you can see picture-perfect views of the palm trees, floating lilies, and surrounding village life.
• Beach Vibes – From sunrise strolls at Alleppey Beach to hammock naps on Marari’s sandy shores, Alleppey is best for some coastal therapy.
• Ayurvedic Retreats – In Alleppey’s Ayurvedic retreats, the masseuse or masseur combines century-old healing techniques with the most relaxing coconut oil massages.
• Temples and Churches – Alleppey is dotted with age-old temples and serene churches that reflect the region’s spiritual harmony. Their architecture and serenity give you a deeper glimpse into Kerala’s living traditions.
• Shopping Bazaars – You can shop for coir products, spices, and handmade souvenirs at local bazaars.
• Enjoy slow life – In Alleppey, the local life is slow and unrushed. You can spend your days sipping tea by a canal, chatting with locals, and watching fishermen cast nets at dawn.

Best Places To Visit in Alleppey

1. Marari Beach

Marari Beach in Alleppey offer serene shores, golden sands, and perfect sunset views. These are ideal for relaxation and peaceful coastal walks.

2. Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the largest museums in Alleppey. It is popular for its classic architecture and Kerala’s biggest mural painting – ‘Gajendra Moksha’.

3. St. Mary’s Forane Church

It is one of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in India, known for its Portuguese architecture and annual festivals.

4. Ambalapuzha Temple

This 17th-century Krishna Temple is one of the most revered Hindu religious sites in Alleppey. When you are here, do not forget to take the ‘Paala Paayasam’ prasad.

5. Mannarasala Temple

It is a unique serpent temple dedicated to the snake deity, Nagaraja. Devotees come here seeking protection from snake-related fears.

6. Revi Karunakaran Museum

It is a privately owned museum showcasing crystal, ivory, Tanjore paintings, vintage cars, and rare artefacts.

Alleppey Travel Guide: Local Activities and Experiences

1. Overnight Houseboat Stay and Kayaking

You can spend a night on a traditional houseboat at the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Most boats are equipped with bedrooms, kitchens, and staff. For kayaking, head to the canals in Kainakary or Nedumudy villages, preferably early morning, for a more immersive experience.

2. Get an Ayurvedic Spa

Alleppey is known for its Ayurvedic treatments. You’ll find certified centres like Visrutha or Sreekrishna Ayurveda Panchakarma Centre offering therapies for stress, detox, and body pain.

3. Watch a Kalaripayattu performance

Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial arts form that demonstrates agility, weapon skills, and combat techniques. You can witness these performances at Mudra Cultural Centre or Kalari Kshethra.

4. Devour the Sadhya

Sadhya is a local vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. It includes rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and multiple curries, followed by the sweet payasam.

5. Shop at the Mullakal Street

The Mullakal bazaar is located near the town centre and stays active throughout the day. You can buy coir handicrafts, spices, Kathakali masks, and handmade jewellery from here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Alleppey?

No matter when you go, each season shows you a different side of the beautiful town. The sweet spot for visiting Alleppey is October to February(Winter; 17ºC – 32°C) when the weather is breezy with sunny skies, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

March to May (Summer; 25ºC – 37°C) are relatively hot. However, if you don’t mind the heat, this off-season time might prove to be easier on the wallet.

From June to September (Monsoon; 23ºC – 31ºC), the rains paint Alleppey in shades of green. It’s a dreamy time for Ayurvedic retreats and peaceful backwater rides. Just bring an umbrella and rain coats, and you should be good.

Alleppey Travel Guide: How to Reach The Place?

• By Air: The Cochin International Airport (89km) is the closest to Alleppey, and receives flights from across the world.

• By Rail: The Alleppey Railway Station connects Alleppey to major cities like Chennai, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi.

• By Road: NH66 leads you directly to Alleppey. You will find several state buses that run between Alleppey and major South Indian cities.

What are the Famous Festivals and Events in Alleppey

1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race – 2nd Saturday of August

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held every year on the Punnamada Lake, and features Chundam Vallans or snake boats rowed by 100 oarsmen. It attracts global spectators with its extravagant display of tradition, teamwork, and thrilling competition.

2. Alleppey Beach Festival – April

The Alleppey Beach Festival is all about fun, celebrations, and traditions. You can play beach games, attend sand art exhibitions, devour local food, and see live performances of Theyyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kathakali.

3. Mullakal Temple Festival – December

This is a ten-day religious festival at the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. The main ritual of the festival is ‘Aarattu’, the holy procession of the deity’s idol, surrounded by musicians and dancers.