Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, has more to explore than a houseboat route. Its backwaters lead past paddy fields and waterside homes, while the town offers a beach, a historic lighthouse and an art museum. These eight places combine town sights with nearby outings to Mararikulam, Ambalappuzha and Kuttanad. Leave time on land as well as on the water to see both sides of the destination.
Alleppey Highlights
Punnamada Lake is a familiar starting point for exploring Alleppey’s backwaters and the venue of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. A boat trip brings views of houseboats, palms and waterside homes. Choose your route and cruise length in advance; the race is a scheduled event, not a daily attraction.
Kuttanad is a wider farming region known for paddy cultivation below sea level. Its fields, embankments and village waterways show how life here is shaped by water. Explore a chosen stretch by boat or road from Alleppey, allowing time for the journey rather than treating the whole region as one quick stop.
Alappuzha Beach is an easy place to end a sightseeing day, with open sea views and the remains of an old pier recalling the town’s trading past. Walk along the shore in the evening or combine it with the nearby lighthouse. Follow local guidance before entering the sea.
At Mararikulam, north of Alleppey town, Marari Beach offers a quieter coastal outing among coconut palms and fishing-village surroundings. Come for a long beach walk or an unhurried afternoon by the sea. Allow separate travel time from town, especially if you are fitting the visit around a boat departure.
Near Alappuzha Beach, the lighthouse is a reminder of the town’s maritime history. Its viewing area offers a different perspective on the coast when visitor access is open. Pair it with the beach, and check current opening hours before you go. The climb involves steps, so consider everyone’s mobility.
This museum displays artworks and decorative objects collected by the family of coir industrialist Revi Karunakaran over several generations. The collection offers a change of pace from outdoor sightseeing and suits visitors interested in art and craftsmanship. Set aside time to browse, and check the weekly closure before visiting.
South of Alleppey town, this well-known temple combines traditional Kerala architecture with a long-standing devotional tradition. It is particularly associated with palpayasam, a sweet rice-and-milk offering. Plan it as an excursion to Ambalappuzha, and check worship hours, entry requirements and offering arrangements before your visit.
In Alleppey town, Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple offers a glimpse of local religious life within a busy shopping area. Dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari, it is known for the Mullakkal Chirappu festival. Visit respectfully during permitted hours, and allow extra time if your trip coincides with festival crowds.
Your trip, your pace
Choose a short canal trip, a night on a houseboat or a stay with time for beaches and heritage sights. Tell us which experiences matter to you, and we can arrange your stay and sightseeing around the boat schedule.
Curated itineraries
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin
Cochin – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Cochin – Munnar – Alleppey – Kovalam – Trivandrum
Why IndianHoliday
An Alleppey itinerary needs space around boat departures and road transfers. We help coordinate these details so you can choose the backwater experience and sightseeing that suit your trip.
Alleppey attraction questions
Start with Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha Beach and the lighthouse. Add the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum for an indoor stop. With more time, explore Kuttanad, visit Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple or spend an afternoon at Marari Beach.
Yes. Choose a short backwater trip, one town attraction and an evening at Alappuzha Beach. Check boat departure and attraction opening times first. Trying to add Marari, Ambalappuzha and a long cruise to the same day leaves little time at each place.
No. A day cruise or shorter shikara ride can give you a backwater experience while leaving time for sightseeing on land. Choose an overnight houseboat if you want meals, a private cabin and an evening aboard; overnight stays do not mean continuous night cruising.
A houseboat suits a longer cruise with onboard facilities and, if booked, an overnight stay. A shikara usually suits a shorter sightseeing ride. Compare the actual routes, seating, shade and boarding arrangements, especially with children or older travellers, rather than choosing by boat name alone.
Visit Alappuzha Beach and the lighthouse, browse the Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum or stop at Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. Marari Beach and Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple are nearby outings that need separate road travel from town.
No. Alappuzha Beach is in town, near the lighthouse and old pier remains. Marari Beach is at Mararikulam, north of town. Choose Alappuzha Beach for an easy sightseeing stop or Marari if you want more time in a quieter coastal setting.
Two days can cover a backwater experience and a few land-based attractions without rushing. Use one day for boating and another for the beach, lighthouse or museum. If booking an overnight houseboat, check how much time remains after disembarkation before adding a longer excursion.
No. Races take place on announced event dates. Punnamada Lake hosts the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, but a regular lake cruise does not include a race. If watching one is a priority, confirm the official schedule and ticket arrangements before booking your trip.