Why Alleppey Should Top Your Kerala Itinerary
Alleppey (Alappuzha), the Venice of the East, offers one of India’s most magical travel experiences - floating through emerald-green backwaters on traditional houseboats. But there’s more to this waterworld than just houseboats. From ancient temples to vibrant markets and serene beaches, Alleppey promises unforgettable memories.
This comprehensive guide covers:
✔️ Everything about Alleppey houseboat stays (types, routes, costs)
✔️ Top 15 Alleppey attractions beyond the backwaters
✔️ Practical tips for planning your perfect trip
✔️ Hidden gems most tourists miss
✔️ Best food experiences in the backwater capital
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The Ultimate Alleppey Houseboat Experience
1. Types of Houseboats in Alleppey
Alleppey offers houseboats for every budget and style:
a. Luxury Houseboats (₹25,000-50,000/night)
Private jacuzzi decks
Air-conditioned bedrooms
Personal butler service
Gourmet Kerala cuisine
Best for: Honeymooners, anniversary trips
b. Premium Houseboats (₹12,000-20,000/night)
2-3 bedrooms with AC
Sunbathing decks
Traditional Kerala meals
Evening barbecue options
Best for: Families, small groups
c. Budget Houseboats (₹6,000-10,000/night)
Basic amenities
Shared cruises available
Authentic local food
Great value experience
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers
2. Best Houseboat Routes
a. Classic Alleppey-Kumarakom (6-8 hours)
Passes through wide canals and Vembanad Lake
Stops at Pathiramanal Island (bird sanctuary)
Best for sunset photography
b. Alleppey-Kuttanad Village Tour (4-5 hours)
Navigates narrower canals
Visits local coir-making units
See below-sea-level farming
c. Overnight Magic (2D1N recommended)
Docks at quiet spots after sunset
Morning village walks included
Experience both day and night backwater moods
3. What to Expect Onboard
Freshly prepared meals (catch-of-the-day fish, duck roast)
Comfortable seating areas with water views
Bathrooms with showers (even on budget boats)
Nighttime generator power (limited AC hours)
Pro Tip: Book boats with upper decks for 360° views and better photos
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15 Must-Visit Alleppey Attractions (Beyond Houseboats)
1. Alleppey Beach & Lighthouse
Historic 1862 lighthouse (climb for panoramic views)
Piers extending into the sea (perfect sunset spot)
Beachside seafood shacks (try karimeen fry)
2. Krishnapuram Palace
18th-century royal residence
Famous Gajendra Moksham mural (largest in Kerala)
Beautiful gardens and ponds
3. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Home of Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge offering)
Traditional Kerala architecture
Morning elephant procession on festivals
4. Pathiramanal Island
5. Punnamada Lake
Venue for Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (August)
See training sessions of 100-ft long canoes
Best for sunrise photography
6. Kuttanad Backwaters
7. Alleppey Canal Cruise
1-hour public ferry rides
Passes through local markets and homes
Costs just ₹20-50 per person
8. Mullakkal Temple
Colorful women-centric temple
Famous Mullakkal Chirappu festival (December)
Try temple prasadam (offerings)
9. Marari Beach
10. Champakulam Valia Palli
One of Kerala’s oldest churches (AD 427)
Beautiful wooden carvings and murals
Annual boat race festival in June
11. Mannarasala Temple
Unique snake worship shrine
Forest setting with thousands of snake idols
Special infertility cure rituals
12. Karumadikuttan Statue
Ancient Buddhist statue (9th-10th century)
Evidence of Kerala’s Buddhist past
Peaceful riverside setting
13. Revi Karunakaran Museum
14. Kayamkulam Boat Race
15. Local Markets
Mullakkal Market (spices, souvenirs)
Alleppey Fish Market (morning auctions)
Coir product shops (mats, baskets)
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Best Time to Visit
Peak Season: October-February (pleasant weather)
Shoulder Season: March-May (hot but fewer crowds)
Monsoon Magic: June-September (lush greenery)
Getting There
Nearest Airport: Kochi (85km, 2-hour drive)
Train: Alleppey Junction (direct trains from major cities)
Road: Well-connected by NH66 from Kochi/Trivandrum
Where to Stay Besides Houseboats?
Beach Resorts: Tharavadu Heritage, Ramada
Backwater Homestays: Paddy Fields, Palm Grove
Budget Options: Havana Inn, Hosteller Alleppey
What to Eat in Alleppey?
Must-Try Dishes:
- Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish)
- Alleppey Duck Roast
- Palpayasam (temple sweet)
Best Restaurants:
Hidden Experiences Most Tourists Miss
Full Moon Houseboat Cruise (magical lighting)
Pre-dawn Canoe Ride (misty waterworld)
Coir Rope Making Workshop (hands-on activity)
Local Toddy Tasting (fermented palm wine)
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Sample Alleppey Itineraries
1-Day Backwater Experience
Morning: Canal cruise + Pathiramanal visit
Afternoon: Lunch at waterside restaurant
Evening: Sunset houseboat cruise (4hrs)
Night: Beach walk + seafood dinner
2-Day Perfect Getaway
Day 1:
Houseboat check-in
Village canoe tour
Sunset photography
Overnight on backwaters
Day 2:
Morning beach visit
Krishnapuram Palace
Local market shopping
Temple visits
3-Day Immersive Trip
Add:
Day trip to Kuttanad villages
Kayaking through narrow canals
Cooking class with local family
Ayurvedic massage session
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Final Thoughts: Why Alleppey Stands Out
Alleppey offers more than just houseboats - it’s a living waterworld where traditional Keralan life unfolds along endless canals. Whether you spend one day or one week, the backwaters’ tranquil rhythm and warm hospitality will leave you enchanted.
Pro Tip: Combine your Alleppey visit with Kumarakom (30km north) for a complete backwater experience - stay in a lakeside resort there after your houseboat adventure.
