Things to Do in Alleppey
Alleppey, officially Alappuzha, is built on water: canals, lagoons and the wide Vembanad Lake. Most visitors come for the backwaters, but there is enough here to fill three or four days.
Cruise the backwaters
A backwater cruise is the reason most people come. Options range from a few hours in a small canoe through village canals to a full day or overnight on a houseboat on Vembanad Lake.
Smaller boats reach narrow canals that houseboats cannot, so they are better for seeing village life up close.
Beaches and the old town
Alappuzha Beach has a pier and a lighthouse and is best near sunset. Marari Beach, a short drive north, is quieter and suits a long walk.
The town centre has canals, markets and old warehouses, and is worth a few hours on foot.
Kuttanad and Pathiramanal
Kuttanad, the rice-growing region around Alappuzha, farms below sea level, one of the few places in India where this is done. The paddy fields and bunds make good cycling and photography.
Pathiramanal is a small island on Vembanad Lake reached by boat, known for its birdlife. Boat services depend on season and weather, so confirm before you go.
Eat and unwind
Try Kerala fish curry, karimeen (pearl spot) and appam with stew. Karimeen pollichathu, fish baked in banana leaf, is the local favourite.
After a day out, a spa treatment is a good way to reset. Olivia Alleppey has a spa, a pool overlooking the backwaters and several restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days do you need in Alleppey?
- Two nights covers a backwater cruise and the main sights. Three or four nights lets you add Kuttanad, the beaches and a slower pace.
- What is the best way to see the Alleppey backwaters?
- A houseboat for a full day or overnight, or a small canoe for narrow village canals. Many visitors do one of each.
- Is Alleppey worth visiting?
- Yes. It is one of Kerala's most popular destinations for the backwaters, and works well as a base for two to four days.
Stay at Finishing Point, Punnamada
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