Alappuzha Tourism

Overview

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful town in Kerala, often called "God’s Own Country." It is famous for its peaceful backwaters, green canals, and palm trees. Visitors can stay in traditional houseboats and enjoy slow, relaxing rides through the water. Alleppey is perfect for people who want to see the natural beauty and local village life of Kerala. The calm backwaters are great for watching birds, fishing, or simply relaxing. The town also has rich cultural heritage, with temples, old churches, and colorful festivals. You can taste delicious Kerala food and see how coir (coconut fiber) products are made. Alleppey’s charm lies in its quiet, green surroundings and the chance to experience real Kerala traditions. Whether for a short trip or a long stay, Alleppey is a peaceful and lovely place to visit.

Top Attractions in Alleppey

Alleppey Backwaters

The crown jewel of Kerala tourism, featuring an intricate network of canals, lakes, and lagoons perfect for houseboat cruises and experiencing local life.

Alappuzha Beach

A picturesque shoreline with a 150-year-old pier extending into the sea, offering stunning sunset views and the famous beach festival in December.

Kuttanad

Known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala', featuring unique below-sea-level farming and picturesque paddy fields surrounded by water.

Pathiramanal Island

A bird watcher's paradise situated in Vembanad Lake, home to numerous rare migratory birds and accessible only by boat.

Marari Beach

A secluded beach with golden sands, ideal for those seeking peaceful relaxation away from the crowds.

St. Mary's Forane Church

One of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in India, featuring stunning architecture and historical significance.

Karumadikuttan

An ancient black granite Buddha statue dating back to the 9th-10th century, showcasing Kerala's Buddhist heritage.

Things to Do

In Alleppey, you can enjoy many fun and relaxing activities. Take a peaceful ride on a traditional houseboat through the calm backwaters. Try kayaking through small canals and see daily village life up close. Watch locals climb palm trees to collect toddy, a traditional drink. Join in village activities to learn how people live. Enjoy Ayurvedic massages and treatments for health and relaxation. You can also learn to cook tasty Kerala food. If you visit in August, don’t miss the exciting Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where long boats race fast through the water with music and cheering crowds.

Shopping

In Alleppey, you can shop for beautiful handmade items. Look for coir products like mats and crafts made from coconut fibers. These are eco-friendly and made locally. You can also find wooden items, handloom clothes like mundu and kasavu sarees, and many spices. Coconut-based goods are also popular. Alleppey is known for its strong coir industry, which makes some of the best natural mats and decorations in Kerala.

Dining and Nightlife

In Alleppey, enjoy tasty Kerala seafood like karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawns, and crab cooked with coconut. Try a traditional sadya meal served on a banana leaf. Alleppey is quiet at night, but many resorts have cultural shows in the evening. For safety, stay in well-lit places and travel in groups if going out after dark. The food and cultural shows give a real taste of Kerala life.

Transportation & Safety

Getting around Alleppey is easy with autos, taxis, and boats. You can rent a bike or scooter to explore nearby places. Houseboats are great for backwater trips. Buses and trains also connect Alleppey to other cities. It is mostly safe, but always keep your things safe and avoid walking alone at night. Stay in well lit areas and follow local advice. Most people are friendly and helpful to visitors.

Accommodation Options

In Alleppey, you can choose from many places to stay. For luxury, try air-conditioned houseboats with private chefs or stay at top resorts like Lake Palace or Taj Kumarakom. Mid-range options include Palmgrove Lake Resort, Citrus Retreats, and Punnamada Resort. If you're on a budget, Trium Resorts, Alleppey Prince Hotel, and homestays by the backwaters are great choices. A unique experience is spending the night on a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam).

Tourist Seasons in Alleppey

The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to February when the weather is cool and nice. From June to September, the monsoon rains make everything green and prices are lower. If you visit in August or September, you can see the exciting Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Try to avoid April and May, as these months are very hot and humid, which can make travel and sightseeing uncomfortable.

Safety Tips for Indian Tourists

When taking boat rides in Alleppey, always wear a life jacket for safety. Respect local customs, especially at temples and in villages dress modestly and be polite. The weather can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water. Keep your money and phone safe. Use mosquito repellent, especially in the evening near water. These small tips will help you stay safe and enjoy your trip to Alleppey.