Overview
Canals, backwaters, beaches, and houseboat cruises give this Kerala city a water-shaped travel rhythm. Its port history and vibrant temple festivals add cultural depth beyond the waterways.
River · Beach · Nature · Festivals · Food
Did you know?
- The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Races take place in August.
- Houseboat cruises, canals, backwaters, beaches, and temple festivals are the signature mix.
- Marari Beach lies 16 km north and is reachable by local bus.
Why go?
Alappuzha, known as the 'Venice of the East', is a city in Kerala with a network of canals, backwaters, and beaches. It has a rich history as a major port and is famous for its houseboat cruises and vibrant temple festivals.
Getting in
Alappuzha has a railway station and a KSRTC bus stand. An auto rickshaw from the bus stand to the beach costs about ₹80-100 for the 3.5 km journey.
Getting around
Water taxis are available at Alappuzha Boat Jetty for ₹1,500 per hour, seating up to ten people. Auto rickshaws are common for short distances.
When to go
The best time to visit is from September to March. The monsoon season from June to August brings heavy rain and wind, but is also good for monsoon tourism.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses like The Dreamheaven and backpacker hostels like Zostel Alleppey, to heritage hotels like Raheem Residency and eco-resorts like Bamboostix Island Resort.
Food and drink
Local specialties include Kerala fish curry, hopopers, and eggy onion curry. Popular eateries include Indian Coffee House, Dreamers Restaurant on the beach, and Raja Teashop with backwater views.
Things to do
Visit the Ambalapuzha temple festival, see the 9th-century Karumadikkuttan Buddha statue, take a houseboat cruise on the backwaters, attend the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Races in August, and relax at Alleppey Beach.
Safety
Swimming at Alleppey Beach is not recommended unless you are a strong swimmer, as the water is deep and currents can be very strong, especially after the monsoon season.
Day trips
Marari Beach is 16 km north and accessible by local bus. Krishnapuram Palace is 47 km south on the way to Kollam. Mannarasala Snake Temple is 32 km south near Harippad.
Go next
Nearby destinations include Edathua, Krishnapuram Palace, Padanilam Temple, Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, and Sree Subrahmonia Swamy Temple at Haripad.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Abad Turtle Beach Resort
Abad turtle beach resort is spread across an area of 13 acres of land. The beach resort is located at mararikulam, a fishing village about 7 miles (11.6 km) from the heart of Alappuzha. The resort overlooks the white sandy marari beach and has a rivulet flowing on one side.
Sleep
Arcadia Regency
As of April 2009, it is a decent and hygienic city hotel.
Sleep
Bamboostix Island Resort
Eco-resort built by backpackers, with bamboo construction and unique activities.
Sleep
Harbour Restaurant
An attractive, laid-back beer and wine restaurant with a good selection of multi-cuisine dishes. Go for the Kerala Fish curry. Great. The fish is caught locally. Lovely to have a chilled glass of wine near the beach - the only place that offers it in this beach area. Mural on one wall by a local artist depicting beautiful snapshot scenes from the area.
Sleep
Hotel Royale Park, a three star category hotel
Located in the heart of Alappuzha Town, it is opposite to Seemati Theater and Vireyya Theater. The hotel having 35 rooms, you can have A/C, Non A/c, Deluxe Rooms, there are Marvelous Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Executive Bar. Foods are just tongue melting, you can arrange board meetings, and business meetings for more than 100 people.
Sleep
Kerala Houseboats
Located at Punammada jetty, offers one- and two- bedroom houseboats for cruising between Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Sleep
Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort
The resort offers 27 luxury rooms and suites; and a premium two bedroom air-conditioned house boat with an upper deck jacuzzi (The Cruising Villa) anchored at the resort’s private jetty.
Sleep
Mandala Beach House & Cottages
Mandala is a little house situated on the Alleppey beach. The staff is friendly and makes you feel that you are a part of our family. They offer BBQs & bonfires on the beach, and can organize trips on backwaters. The rooms are not very cozy, but it's clean and the mattresses are soft. There are two cottages and one of them has an excellent view of the beach.
Before you go
Money
Local currency is Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs likely available but not specified in article.
Safety
Swimming at Alleppey Beach is risky due to strong currents; avoid after monsoon.
Weather
Best time to visit is September to March; monsoon June-August is rainy but good for monsoon tourism.