Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a picture-perfect town famed for its picturesque backwaters and houseboats that provide overnight accommodations. During the dry season, the Alleppey coastline provides some of Kerala's greatest beaches, as well as water activities.
Alleppey is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, near Kochi. Tourists from all over the world flock to its palm-fringed interconnect network of canal backwaters. Alleppey is frequently regarded as a honeymoon or a wonderful family holiday when combined with other lovely destinations in Kerala.
Houseboats, homestays, and soothing Ayurvedic resorts abound in Alleppey, making it a fantastic place to visit. The houseboats go through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where you can see verdant rice fields, choir-making operations, magnificent avifauna, and residents going about their daily lives.
In the months of August and September, make sure to witness a traditional snake boat racing and drink some toddy (palm wine) at a local toddy shop to add a sense of authenticity to your Alleppey vacation experience.
Also read about A Complete Travel Guide To Kochi
Things To Do in Alleppey or Alappuzha
1. Stay in Houseboat
A trip to Kerala would be completed without some peaceful time spent sailing around Alleppey's backwaters. You may sit back and relax while taking in the breathtaking scenery of gorgeous coconut-fringed seas, rice fields, and wonderful views of man-made islands. A houseboat experience is certainly the best of both worlds, as you will be pampered with luxurious interiors and delectable cuisine to make your stay memorable and rewarding.
2. Explore the Marari Beach
The Marari Beach is an exquisite, peaceful beach that is one of the great joys of the Malabar Coast. This beach, located 11 kilometers from Alleppey, is a popular fishing location and takes its name from the nearby fishing hamlet of Mararikulam.
3. Alappuzha Beach
In addition to its intrinsic beauty and 150-year-old pier, the Alappuzha Beach, also known as the Alleppey Beach, is a popular destination for locals looking for a break. Picnicking next to the beach or relaxing in palm trees are two excellent choices for individuals who visit the beach. The Alappuzha Beach Festival and the Sand Art Festival are two of the numerous events held on Alleppey Beach.
4. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
In the Alappuzha district, there is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Krishna called Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. The temple is famed for its exquisite rice pudding cooked in sweet milk, known as Pal Payasam, and is built in the typical Kerala-style architectural pattern.
5. St. Mary's Forane Church
Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam (St. Mary's) Basilica, also known as St. Mary's Forane Church, is a historic Syro-Malabar church in Changanacherry's Archeparchy. The church, which was built in 427 AD, is one of India's earliest Syrian Catholic churches.
6. Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace is a two-story building built in the typical Kerala architectural style during the time of Travancore king Marthanda Varma.
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7. Kayaking in Alleppey
Kayaking is a well-known pastime in Alleppey, and for a good reason: kayaking through narrow canals and squeezing under narrow bridges brings you extremely close to local life. It's possible to travel great distances quickly on a mechanized Shikara Boat, which resembles a speedboat.
8. Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a lovely island off the coast of Alappuzha that was previously owned by the Thaimattatil family until 1979. The island is covered in lush natural vegetation and has the ideal climate for regional flora and wildlife to flourish. The site is also known for being a bird watcher's paradise and a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
9. Punnapra Beach
Punnapra Beach is a peaceful retreat known for its golden beaches and clear seas. It is a secluded beach with a small number of people. As a result, travelers seeking a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life like it. Ayurvedic beach treatments are quite popular here, making it an excellent spot to refresh one's mind and body.
How To Reach Alleppey
Alleppey is easily accessible by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. The airport is roughly 80 to 100 kilometers from Alleppey city, and a 2- to 3-hour journey would get you there. In town, there are several railway stations, with the Kalavoor Halt being one of the most important. There is also a KSRTC Bus Station approximately a kilometer from the city center.
Another bus station is in Velachery Ward, about a 6-minute walk from the city center.
How to reach Alleppey by air
Alleppey doesn't have any direct air service. Alleppey's closest airport is at Kochi, about 60 kilometers away. Once you arrive at Kochi airport, you can take a cab to your desired location. Alleppey's nearest airport is at Kochi, about 57 kilometers away.
How to reach by road
The NH 66 runs through Alleppey, making it quite accessible. Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam, and Trivandrum are just a short drive away through the national route. KSRTC buses are run by the government, and private AC buses travel around the clock across the city.
How to reach Alleppey by train
Alleppey's main railway station, Alappuzha, connects the city to the rest of India. Trains frequently run between Alleppey and several important cities.
How to reach Alleppey by bus
Alleppey is easily accessible through public transportation. Buses are accessible from nearby areas like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and others, with fares ranging from cheap to slightly costly. For the same trip, you can alternatively take a shared taxi or cab.
Alleppey's public transportation system
There are several local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis available for getting about Alleppey. To go from the train station to the boat port, you'll need an auto rickshaw for about INR 70. For areas like Kuttanad, which is unreachable by car, boats and ferry services are your best bet. Alleppey's top attractions are all within walking distance of one another.
Best Time To Visit Alappuzha
Temperatures are moderate (about 33°C) between October and February in Alleppey, making it a great time to explore the town. Between June and September, Alleppey is subjected to monsoon rains. Tourists should avoid going in June, although those who enjoy the monsoons or are looking for something different might choose to go then.
Also, whether you're on your honeymoon or just want to take advantage of Alleppey's world-famous houseboats or spend some time lazing on the beach, November to February are your best bets. Summers are also unsuitable due to the region's severe heat, which may reach temperatures of up to 40°C, thereby prohibiting any outside activity.
Occasionally, light rain falls on the town, lowering the temperature enough for travelers to enjoy the local landmarks. However, as the season continues, the region receives severe rain, making it an undesirable travel destination.
