Places To Visit In Alleppey | Best Tourist Things to do

A charming town on the coast of Kerala, Alleppey combines quaint shops and timeless architecture with hot beaches and warm waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. With so many exciting Alleppey attractions to see, it can be hard to choose where to begin your trip. 

 

You can reach Alleppey:

By train: The railway station at Alleppey lies within the limit of the city and connects with all major cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. You can book a taxi or cab from the railway station to reach the main city of Alleppey.

By Air: It takes approximately 75 minutes from Cochin International Airport to reach Alleppey. You can book a cab from the Cochin International Airport to reach the main city of Alleppey. The airport is well connected to major cities in India as well as abroad.

By road: You can also take public transport such as buses and trains to get around Alleppey from Kerala tourism; there are many options available for your convenience.

21 best Alleppey tourist places you must visit

Alleppey is a beautiful city located in Kerala, India. If you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up some culture, Alleppey is the perfect destination for you. There are so many wonderful tourist places in Alappuzha that will make your trip unforgettable. 

The best time to visit Alleppey would be during March and April when there are fewer tourists present in the city. This will allow you to enjoy your trip without having to compete for a taxi or bus seat with other travellers. 

Whether you plan to spend just one day in Alleppey or are planning a whole vacation around the area, we’ve put together this list of 21 Alappuzha tourist places you absolutely cannot miss when visiting the region.

1) Marari Beach

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Listed as one of the best beaches in Asia, the Marari Beach is a must-see for any traveller to Alleppey. With its gentle waves and sandy shores, the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the incredible views. Don’t forget to try some of the delicious seafood dishes on offer from the beachside restaurants. 

You can have a taxi or private bus to reach the Marari Beach, which is located only 11 km from Alleppey in the quaint town of Mararikulam.

2) Punnapra Beach

The Punnapra Beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Alappuzha. The beach is known for its beautiful sunsets and stunning views of the backwaters. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. 

The Punnapra Beach is  (7.5 km) via Panvel, away from Alleppey. You can grab a bus or rent a bike to visit a nearby location. 

3) Pandavas Rock

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Located just outside of town, the Pandavan Rock is one of the most popular tourist places in Alleppey. The large rock formations are said to have been used by the Pandavas during the the Mahabharata war. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the rocks for a panoramic view of the area. 

It takes 1 hour and 17 minutes (47.6 km) to reach the Pandavas Rocks via the Alappuzha railway station from Alleppey.

4) Vembanad Lake

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The Vembanad Lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Alappuzha. Stretching over 1,400 square kilometres, this beautiful lake is home to a variety of fish and wildlife. Visitors can take a boat ride through the lake to get a closer look at the animals or simply enjoy the scenery. 

The Vembanad Lake is a must-see for any traveller to Alappuzha, making it one of the best places to visit in Alappuzha.

5) Alappuzha Beach

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The Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Alleppey. It is known for its beautiful sunset and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Kumarakom in Kottayam is a fast-developing backwater tourism destination with an enchanting Vembanad Lake. 

It is located 1 hr 5 min (36.2 km) from Alappuzha and offers boating, fishing, and truly exhilarating sightseeing experiences

6) Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

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The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It is believed that the famous poet Kunjan Nambiar wrote the Ramayana here. The main deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. 

You can take a bus or taxi from Alleppey to Ambalappuzha, which is just 27 minutes away via NH 66.

 

7) St. Mary’s Forane Church

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A popular tourist place in Alappuzha, St. Mary’s Forane Church is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The church was built in the early 18th century and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The beautiful architecture and stunning stained glass windows make it a truly unique place to visit. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the church’s famous festivals, which are known for their colourful processions and traditional music.

8) Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple

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The Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple is dedicated to goddess Rajeshwari and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning setting. Visitors can explore the temple complex, take part in religious ceremonies, and even go on a boat ride around the nearby lake.

 

9) Karumadi

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A visit to Karumadi is a must when you’re in Alleppey. This small village is home to the famous black granite statue of Buddha, which was erected in 1950. The statue is located in the centre of a beautiful garden, and there are also several temples and shrines worth checking out. Karumadi is a great place to learn about the local culture and history, and it’s also one of the most peaceful places in all of India.

10) Pathiramanal

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A tiny island situated in the Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal is a paradise for bird watchers. The island is home to around 100 different species of migratory birds that come here from different parts of the world. You can take a boat ride from Alappuzha to reach this serene place.

 

11) Revi Karunakaran Museum

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In memory of her husband Revi Karunakaran, Betty Karunakaran built the Revi Karunakaran Museum. There are Swarovski crystals, Murano glassworks, sculptures, and Tanjore paintings in this privately owned museum.   

12) Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

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One of Alleppey’s unusual places of interest, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is surrounded by verdant greenery and attracts those who worship Nagaraja, the snake god.  

13) Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

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The Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, one of Kerala’s oldest and largest temples, is believed to have been built before the Kalyug. Karthikeya is the reigning deity, standing eight feet tall and having four arms. The temple’s architecture is also noteworthy, with four gopurams or elaborate entrances, a circular sanctum, and a pond that occupies five acres. 

14) Champakulam

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Champakulam is renowned for hosting the Moolam boat race, or snake boat race, which features lush coconut groves and paddy fields. There are cosy houseboats dotted along the River Pampa, which divides the village in two. 

 

15) The Harbour Restaurant

Enjoy tasty seafood and chilled beer at The Harbour Restaurant as you feel the cool, salty sea breeze on your face. This restaurant offers a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. With its relaxed, casual environment and sea view, this restaurant is operated by Raheem Residency. 

You can reach Harbour in just 7 min (2.7 km) via Cullen Road from the Alleppey bus stand. 

16) Kuttanad Backwaters

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A gentle boat ride on the backwaters will allow you to admire, soak in, and photograph Kuttanad, known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. Along the way, you will see the Munroe Lighthouse at Pallom, an architectural wonder, followed by fields filled with red and white water lilies

 

17) Andrew’s Basilica

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It’s St. Sebastian’s largest shrine in the world, built by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. In January, hundreds of pilgrims flock to the church for the grand annual feast of St. Sebastian, which is also known as Makarem perennial.

 

18) Punnamada Lake

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The Nehru Trophy boat race is held annually at Punnamada Lake, an extension of Vembanad Lake. This lake is usually visited by tourists from different parts of the country during Onam. Pallippuram, Pathiramanal, and Perumbalam are some of the islands that surround the lake.

19) Chavara Bhavan

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Elias Chavara Chavara Bhavan, a holy shrine dedicated to a 19th-century Catholic pastor, is a place to pray and seek spiritual bliss. There is a 250-year-old lighthouse at this shrine, which impresses visitors. If you would like to learn more about Elias Chavara’s life and roots, you can visit his native residence here as well

20) Andhakaranazhi Beach

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Despite seeing tourists occasionally, this beach remains an unspoilt getaway that entices with its peaceful atmosphere. There are often large nets spread out to dry in this part of Andhakaranazhi, a coastal village frequented by fishermen.

21) George Forane Church

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A tributary of the River Pamba, St. George Forane Church will delight both pilgrims and architecture buffs. This sprawling white structure with a quaint red roof closely resembles mediaeval European churches, which makes it a picturesque place to photograph in Alappuzha. There’s a tranquil atmosphere and aesthetically pleasing surroundings. A bus from NH 66 and Ambalappuzha – Thiruvalla Rd can take you there in 46 minutes and 27.8 km from Alleppey.

 

FAQs

Is Alleppey a worthwhile place to visit?

You can visit Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Thumpoly Beach, and Punnapra Beach in Alleppey.

What is the most convenient way to get around Alleppey?

You can rent a bike or use local transport like an auto to get from one tourist attraction to another.

What can I do in Alleppey on a day off?

In Alleppey, Kerala, one can begin the day by taking a canoe ride in the backwaters. The ride can last from three to five hours and is usually charged per hour.

When is the most suitable time to visit Alleppey?

From November to March during the winter season, Alleppey is at its most pleasant when the temperature isn't too high, and it's pleasant to explore.