10 Best Places to Visit in Alleppey

"The Venice of the East", AKA Alleppey and casually called by the name "Alappuzha" by the ethnical mallus, is a charming tourist destination in Kerala, known for the thousands of houseboats alluring the hub of backwaters nestled in every corner of the region.

At the heart of Kerala's economically vibrant and fertile rice bowl, Alleppey is like no other place in the country. True to its name, Alappuzha, signified as the "home of backwaters", is renowned for its alluring beaches, canals, and backwater lakes surrounding the area and has gained a place among the hearts of the tourists for the joyful houseboat ride along with the delicious cuisines they serve.

The modern houseboats you see in each backwater of Alleppey are the enhanced version of the olden times Kettuvallam, used by the locals for their route transport across the neighborhood.

Alleppey is an ideal destination in Kerala to unwind with all the laidback canals, lush greenery, and alluring beaches.

So, get ready for a joyful ride along the best places to visit in Alappuzha and explore the famous snake boat race, marine foods, and history each place has to brag about.

10 Best Places to Visit in Alleppey

• Kuttanad Backwater.

• Alappuzha Beach.

• Marari Beach.

• Pandavan Para.

• Ambalapuza Sree Krishan Temple.

• St. Mary's Forane Church.

• Karumadikuttan Statue.

• Pathiramanal Island.

• Punnamada Lake.

• Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum.

Let's explore these best places to visit in Alleppey in detail!

1. Kuttanad Backwater

A picturesque hamlet sprawling across The Kerala districts of Alappuzha and Kollam, Kuttanad Backwater along the "Rice Bowl of Kerala", AKA Kuttanad, is a clean backwater offering a gentile boat ride along the admiring, soak-in and enjoy a photographic view of Kuttanad. The locality is fascinatingly presented around the globe for its cultivation done below sea level. People worldwide come to visit the serene green rice hamlet, which will be a visual treat for tourists, making it rank top on the checklist of the best places to visit in Alleppey.

2. Alappuzha Beach

If you want to go away from the quiet backwaters and dive deep into the bosom of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha Beach is the place to be. Also known as Alleppey Beach, this is the spot where the strength of the sea meets and welcomes the silent beauty of the backwaters, with a diverse selection of flora, leisure activities, day outings, and adventure opportunities.

Alappuzha Beach is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey, known for the beautiful sunset and stunning view of the Arabian Sea. Tourists visiting here can enjoy a range of water sports, including windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. The beach will be a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city you always wanted to set back.

3. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is one of the must-see beaches in India and one of the best places to visit in Alleppey. With its gentle and sandy shores, Marari Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and taking an evening stroll along the beach to watch the sunset with your loved ones.

Marari Beach showcases an ideal blend of serenity, peace, excitement, fun, and leisure. The beach is home to world-class ayurvedic spas and treatment centers. There are several yoga and meditation halls on Marari Beach, where tourists can enjoy peace of mind. The Marari Beach resort is famous among tourists during the Christmas season and is heavily crowded with visitors from all around the globe.

4. Pandavan Para

Nestled on the outskirts of Alappuzha, Pandavan Para is located around 45km from the city center and can be easily reached via Alappuzha - Chenganassery Road. The visitor can rent a bike or book a taxi to get to this spot that hides ancient history.

Pandavan Para is one of Alleppey's most popular and best places to visit and is a sizeable rock-like formation. It is said to be where the Pandavas used to camp here during their exile in the War of Mahabharata. Climb up the rock; the visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the hills and forest surrounding the rocks.

5. Ambalapuza Sree Krishan Temple

Ambalapuza Sree Krishan Temple, also known as the "Dwaraka Of South", is a renowned Krishna temple built with traditional Kerala-style architecture during the 15th century AD. The Ambalapuza Temple Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the Alappuzha District of Kerala. People from around Kerala and even from in and out of India visit this auspicious festival conducted during March - April yearly. Ambalapuza Palpayasam is one of the famous sweets visitors can buy from the counters provided within the temple.

6. St. Mary's Forane Church

St. Mary's Forane Church is one of India's oldest Syrian Catholic churches and one of Alleppey's best places to visit. Boasting a grand legacy, ancient history, and architectural standards, the church is one of the major tourist attractions of Alleppey.

St. Mary's Forane Church is an architectural blend of Portuguese and Syrian designs. Aesthete from all around the globe comes to visit this engineering marvel. The church is also renowned for being the church in significant movies released in South India. If you plan to visit Alappuzha, St. Mary's Forane Church is a must-visit destination.

7. Karumadikuttan Statue

Karumadikuttan Statue is the only Buddha statue in Kerela, located in Karumadi village of Alleppey. It is one of India's top historical places and one of Alleppey's best places to visit. The statue is located about 3km away from Alleppey, and people can see the place utilizing a boat ride, as you can also enjoy cruising through the backwaters of Alappuzha in houseboats and spend quality time with your accompanies.

Karumadikuttan Statue hides a decade's worth of history. It is a 3 ft. black granite statue of Buddha, which is said to have been aged back in the 11th century and was discovered by a British Engineer. The statue is one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India, and people from across the country and the globe come to visit the statue to seek their blessings from the Buddha Stature, which is said to be a rumor of having excellent healing properties spread across the globe.

8. Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island, symbolizing the "Sand of Night", is a paradise for bird watchers in the Alleppey district of Kerala. This one of the best places to visit in Alleppey is located about 13km away from the city centre, and it is only a 1-hour boat ride from Alappuzha via Vembanad Backwater to reach Pathiramanal Island.

The Vembanad Lake surrounds Pathiramanal Island and is home to 91 species of local birds and 50 migratory birds. The island is only accessible through a boat ride and is an ideal pit stop while a houseboat ride and enjoy the greenery and avid bird-watching fun.

9. Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is a shallow backwater lake in the Kayamkulam village of the Alleppey district of Kerala. The lake is famous for the "Vellam Kali" or the Nehru Trophy Boat Race conducted during the Onam, the harvest festival during the spring season in Kerala. People from around the globe gather along the shores of Punnamada Lake to watch 100 ft. snake boats compete against each other to the tune of the old Malayalam boat song known as "Vanchipattu'.

Punnamada Lake is surrounded by many islands, such as - Pathiramanal Island, Pallipuram, Perumbalam, etc. The lake is one of India's most significant surface waters and one of the best places to visit in Alleppey.

10. Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum

Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum is one of the world-renowned museums in the Alappuzha District of Kerala. It was established in 2006, remembering Revi Karunakaran, a leading coir exporter in Kerela.

Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum showcases Mr Revi Karunakaran's art collections. A man with refined taste and a love for art and culture. On his behalf, his wife, Betty Karan, is a renowned and privately owned museum holding the largest art collections, including Tanjore Paintings and a private collection of Swarovski Crystals and Ivory, Jade, and Porcelain paintings. Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey for art enthusiasts from all around the globe.

Places to Visit in Alleppey - Bonus

Exploring Alleppey is something that has no end. Whichever destination you end up in, Alleppey has notably become more elegant and waning into the watery world of Hamlet. The destinations mentioned above are lasting, but not the least. Several other destinations include Kattoor Beach, Chakkulathukavu Temple, St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, and Alappuzha Light House, which can be visited as you dig deep into the Alleppey district. Alappuzha Town offers all the infrastructural developments that Kerala has ever seen. Airport, railway, and exceptional road transit facilities are offered, where the water route is the best choice among them as you can enjoy the authentic "Venice of the East" Kerala.

Alappuzha Lighthouse

Filled with Allepey's old charms, this historical landmark also has a museum, displaying the history of Alleppey with several ancient aged artifacts and items. The Alappuzha Lighthouse is located about 4km from the Alappuzha Town area and faces the Arabian Sea coast over the area bridge in Alleppey.

Krishnapuram Palace

Kayamkulam, one of the profound cities in Alleppey, AKA Alappuzha, is home to the Prominent Krishnapuram Palace. This museum showcases the traditional Kerala house design and is home to several ancient artifacts and paintings. The palace is located about 47km from Alleppey Town and can be easily reached by Oachira Railway Station, which is just 3.3km from the Krishnapuram Palace.

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is said to be the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. It is a black water lagoon accessible from other major cities in Kerala, such as - Kochi, Kuttnad, and Kottayam. Among the locals of Alleppey, Vembanad Lake is known by the name "Vembanad Kayal".

Thottappally Beach

One of the most active fishing harbours in Alleppey, Thottappally Beach is yet another best places to visit in Alleppey. Thottappally, Spillway is yet another attraction in the region that separates the sea water from that of the freshwater. Several major lakes in Alleppey are said to join hands in Thottappally Beach. One famous Malayalam Movie called "Chemmeen" was shot in Thottappally Beach.

Punnapara Beach

Looking for a getaway? Punnapara Beach will be an ideal option for you. Punnapara Beach in Allepey is one of the sought-after destinations in Kerala. It is one of the best and ideal destinations to unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind. This is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey. It is also known for offering the best Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. Several foreigners visit Punnapara Beach to rejuvenate their mind and body.

Thanneermukkom Bund

The Thanneermukkom Bund is a spectacular engineering marvel that helps safeguard Kerala's coastal region from flooding. The bund, located near Alleppey, runs as a barrier between the Vembanad Lake and the Arabian Sea, regulating water flow between the two.

The Thanneermukkom Bund, built in the 1970s, is a gigantic bridge spanning the Vembanad Lake. The bund is equipped with sluice gates and can be lifted or lowered to control the lake's water levels. During the monsoon season, when lake levels rise, the bund can be closed to prevent flooding in nearby areas. During dry periods, the bund can be opened to allow water to flow into the lake and refill its levels.

The Thanneermukkom Bund has played an important role in maintaining the vibrant agricultural areas of Kuttanad, sometimes known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." The bund contributes to a consistent supply of water for irrigation by managing water levels in the Vembanad Lake and preventing saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.

Alleppey Boat Museum

The Alleppey Boat Museum, nestled in the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, takes visitors on a fascinating trip through Kerala's rich heritage. This one-of-a-kind museum houses a collection of traditional wooden boats, each of which tells a tale about the region's profound connection to water.

A range of vessels, from little fishing canoes to huge ceremonial boats, will greet you as you enter the museum. Admire the intricate craftsmanship and decorations that adorn these boats, which demonstrate the expertise and artistry of the indigenous boat builders.

Explore the museum's displays to learn about the several types of boats utilized in Kerala's backwaters, as well as their purposes and construction methods. Learn about the history of classic "Chalan vallams," which were used for transportation and fishing, as well as the majestic "kettuvallams," which were previously used for transporting rice and spice.

Tharoor Beach

Tharoor Beach, nestled in Alleppey's calm backwaters, provides a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. This pristine stretch of coastline is well-known for its golden dunes, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a quiet and restful escape.

When you tread onto the silky sands of Tharoor Beach, a sensation of calm comes over you. The soft lapping of the waves on the coast provides a calming sound, while the fresh sea wind transports the energizing aroma of the ocean. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, gathering seashells as you go, or simply find a peaceful location to rest and enjoy the sun.

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, nestled among the idyllic backwaters of Alleppey, is an ode to Kerala's rich cultural legacy. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this respected Hindu temple is famous for its gorgeous architecture and the delectable "Payasam," a delicious rice pudding served as a prasad.

The temple's beautiful carvings, lofty gopuram, and serene ambiance contribute to a spiritually uplifting mood. Devotees travel far and wide to seek blessings and see the daily rituals performed with utmost dedication. The highlight of the temple visit is undoubtedly the "Payasam," a creamy and savory treat prepared with rice, milk, jaggery, and cardamom. Lord Krishna is reported to have sampled and praised the Payasam cooked in this temple, elevating it to a divine delicacy.

Thumpoly Beach

Thumpoly Beach, located in Alleppey's quiet backwaters, provides a peaceful respite from the rush and bustle of city life. Unlike its more popular cousins, Thumpoly is relatively unknown, keeping its pure beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

The beach has soft, golden beaches and crystal-clear seas, beckoning you to have a refreshing swim or simply relax and enjoy the sun. The calm and mild waves are great for swimming, especially for families with young children.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kottayam

Pack a picnic basket and dine on the beach while listening to the relaxing sounds of the waves and the gentle breeze. For those looking for excitement, take a traditional houseboat trip in the nearby backwaters, where you can discover secret coves and fishing villages.

That's it, folks. These are some of the best places to visit in Alleppey that you should know about if you plan a trip here.

Since Alleppey is in kerala, here's are some blogs about Kerala:

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