Top 10 Places To Visit In Alleppey: Captivating Places To Include In Your Itinerary

The view of Alleppey backwater and houseboats - best places to visit in Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for its picturesque backwaters in the heart of Kerala. There are several places to visit in Alleppey, including peaceful canals, lush green paddy fields, and lovely houseboats. See historic temples, taste local cuisine, and participate in vibrant festivals. Every tourist may have a different experience in Alleppey, from quiet boat trips to bustling markets. Its distinct nature and welcoming local culture make it a standout attraction in South India.

10 Popular Places To Visit In Alleppey

Here are 10 must-visit places in Alleppey that showcase the town’s natural beauty and cultural significance.

1. Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach with golden sands and a picturesque view of people enjoying at the beach.

Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons

Famous local beach Alappuzha is well-known for its immaculate beauty. There is the ideal fusion of excitement and leisure on this golden-sand beach. Adventure water sports like motorboat rides, parasailing, and surfing are available to visitors. The beach comes alive during the well-known boat races, a show of talent and tradition. Foodies will like the food options available at KreamKorner, located on Cullan and Mullackal Roads. These restaurants provide a delicious selection of Tandoori and North Indian cuisine and regional delicacies like the well-known Alleppey fish curry.

Location: 1.2 km from Alappuzha Railway Station
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Alleppey

2. Alappuzha Lighthouse

View of historic lighthouse of Alleppey - one of the best places to visit in Alleppey.

Photo: Virtualshyam / Wikimedia Commons

The Alleppey Lighthouse, one of Kerala’s oldest monuments, was a significant signpost for the region’s bustling ports and trading centres. Built in the reign of Marthanda Varma II, this historic building provides tourists with a window into the region’s maritime history with its recognisable tower added in 1862. The lighthouse’s main attraction is its breathtaking 360-degree view of the Arabian Ocean. A little museum showing the development of maritime navigation in the area is also located in the lighthouse.

Location: CCSB Rd, Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha
Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Entry Fee: Adults ₹10, Foreigners ₹25, Child ₹3

3. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Temple, known for its traditional architecture - places to visit in Alleppey

Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is steeped in spiritual and historical significance. This ancient temple is one of the region’s most renowned temples. The main deity, Parthasarathi, is a masterwork carved from black granite. A magnificent example of traditional Kerala architecture, the temple has mural paintings and elaborate wood carvings. One distinctive feature of this temple is its well-known prasad, Pal Payasam, a delicious milk and rice sweets that draws visitors from all around.

Location: Ambalapuzha, Kerala
Timings: 3 AM – 12 PM (Morning), 5 PM – 8 PM (Evening)
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Alleppey For Couples

4. Kuttanad Backwaters

Serene Kuttanad backwaters, featuring lush green landscapes and tranquil waters.

Photo: Bibin Das / Wikimedia Commons

Kuttanad provides a calm setting in the lap of nature. Navigating these backwaters by boat reveals lush greenery mixed with rice farms and coconut trees. You will encounter the ancient Munroe Lighthouse at Pallom as you cruise the calm waters. The journey continues past fields bursting with vibrant red and white water lilies. You’ll see farmlands that are an astounding 10 feet below sea level. This unusual agricultural wonder of below-sea-level farming, called “Kayal” farming locally, illustrates the balance between man and the environment.

Location: Kuttanad Taluk, Alappuzha district, Kerala
Timings: 10:45 AM – 9:15 PM
Price: ₹10 Lower decks, ₹15 Upper decks

5. St. Mary’s Forane Church

Historic St. Mary’s Forane Church, beautiful architecture - places to visit in Alleppey

Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons

St. Mary’s Forane Church is evidence of Kerala’s rich Christian heritage. Not just a place of worship, this ancient church is a cultural icon well-known for its lively festivals, solemn Friday Liturgy, and reputed educational institutions. Every year, the church has two significant feasts, the most famous of which is St. Mary’s Feast. Observed on the third Sunday in September, this feast turns the church and its surroundings into a centre of festivities. Devotees from all over join in colourful processions, dressed in unique costumes that add to the visual spectacle.

Location: Champakulam, Alappuzha
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Alleppey

6. Krishnapuram Palace

Historic Palace, showcasing traditional Kerala architecture and cultural heritage.

Photo: Vijay Shankar / Wikimedia Commons

A stunning example of Keralan traditional architecture, the Krishnapuram Palace proudly recalls the region’s elegant history, one of the best places to visit in Alleppey. The gabled roof, little passageways, and dormer windows that let in plenty of natural light draw tourists to this palace-turned-museum. The unique double-edged Kayamkulam Vaal, which speaks of the martial customs of ancient Kerala, is one of the most exciting artefacts kept here. Now an absolute gold mine of historical displays, the Keralan Archaeological Department meticulously maintains the palace.

Location: Oachira Road, near Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam, Kerala
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Tues-Sun)
Entry Fee: Adults ₹10, Kids ₹5

7. Punnamada Lake

Houseboat at Punnamada lake, surrounded by lush green - places to visit in Alleppey

Photo: Suresh Babunair / Wikimedia Commons

The largest in Kerala is Punnamada Lake, often called Vembanad Lake. The lake’s primary attraction is its rich birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. In their natural environment, visitors may see a variety of waterfowl as well as other species like owls, egrets, and cuckoos. The lake offers more than bird watching; it’s also a hub for boating activities. Day and night boat trips are available to visitors, and each provides a different viewpoint on the lake’s splendour.

Location: Puthenangadi, Muhamma Panchayat, Alappuzha
Timings: 1 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Temples In Alleppey

8. Revi Karunakaran Museum

Photo: Matheus Viana / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Revi Karunakaran Museum stands as a loving tribute from Betty Karunakaran to her late husband, a prominent coir industrialist and businessman of Kerala. An impressive collection of artwork and antiques is housed in this memorial museum. The collection of Tanjore paintings in the museum is its crown gem and attracts art lovers from all across the country. Beyond paintings, the museum has many art installations, each narrating a different chapter in Kerala’s rich cultural legacy.

Location: CCSB Road, Alappuzha, Kerala
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tue-Sun)
Cost/ Person: ₹100

9. Karumadi

Beautiful ancient Karumadikuttan statue - one of the best places to visit in Alleppey

Photo: Sanandkarun / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in the village of Karumadi lies the revered shrine of Karumadikkuttan. The shrine offers guests a peaceful retreat and a window into the area’s Buddhist heritage, which has a distinctive black granite figure of Buddha. The village and its surrounding areas are dotted with local restaurants, a treasure trove for food enthusiasts. These restaurants serve a large variety of South Indian food, all made using regional spices that have been a part of Keralan cooking for ages.

Location: Alappuzha District, Karumadi, Kerala
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Suggested Read: Shopping In Alleppey

10. Marari Beach

View of beautiful Marari Beach during sunset - one of the best places to visit in Alleppey

Photo: Mahendra M / Wikimedia Commons

Marari Beach is the perfect location for anyone looking to get away from their everyday busy life. This calm stretch of beachfront, named after the nearby fishing community of Mararikulam. One of the top five hammock beaches in the world, the beach is renowned for its pristine beauty. Early risers may observe fishermen sail their traditional boats into the water. The beach’s inherent therapeutic environment is enhanced by the yoga and Ayurvedic therapies offered by many neighbouring resorts for people interested.

Location: Thoppumpady road, Mararikulam, Alappuzha
Timings: 24*7

With so many attractions, Alleppey provides the ideal fusion of peace of mind, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Exploring the places to visit in Alleppey ensures an unforgettable experience. Plan your next getaway with TripXL and immerse yourself in the magic of Kerala. Let the enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality of Alleppey create lasting impressions on your travel diary.
Cover Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Alleppey is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the places in Alleppey.
Alleppey is well-known for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place yearly on the second Saturday of August. Kerala's rich cultural heritage is on full display during this extraordinary event.
You must eat the local speciality, Karimeen Pollichathu, pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaf. Other delicacies include Kuttanadan duck roast and many seafood dishes that are particular to the coastline area.
Houseboat cruises can be booked for day trips or overnight stays. Some of the famous houseboats in the area are Queen Elizabeth Houseboats, Explore Cruise, and Punnamada Houseboats.
There is an eco-tourism project, including the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary close to Alleppey. Moreover, many homestays in the area provide eco-friendly tourist experiences that let guests interact with the locals and their customs.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month