Discover Hidden Gems

Explore the enchanting backwaters, relax on pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Alleppey. Plan your perfect day in the Venice of the East.

Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala, is known as the "Venice of the East" due to its stunning backwaters, houseboats, beaches, and cultural attractions. Here are the top tourist spots to explore in Alleppey:

Alleppey Backwaters

A vast network of lakes, lagoons, and canals that crisscross each other — that’s the backwaters for you. They give Alleppey her name, “Venice of the East.” You can glide on these waters on a traditional houseboat or kettuvallam, taking in the surrounding lush green landscape dotted with swaying coconut palms. The backwaters are your escape into nature, where you get to witness a variety of birds flying over the water, paddy fields basking in the sunlight, and the rhythms of a vibrant village life thriving along the canals. Punnamada Lake is part of this charming backwater landscape where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place, adding to the allure of Alleppey’s famous backwaters.

Alappuzha Beach & Alleppey Lighthouse

Alleppey Beach, also known as Alappuzha Beach, is a stunning stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea. Its beauty is picture-perfect. The beach is famous for its historic pier, which extends into the sea and dates back over a century. Apart from magnificent sunrise and sunset views, Alleppey Beach invites travelers to stroll along its shoreline or engage in a variety of water sports. It is the ideal place to unwind after a tiring day of sightseeing.

The Alappuzha Lighthouse, built in 1862, standing tall nearby, is a historic landmark testifying to the town’s history as a thriving maritime port during the time the British ruled India. A climb to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse has a small museum where old equipment like oil lamps tell the narrative of its 150-year-old journey. The lighthouse is 30 meters high and can accommodate 25 people at a time.

Marari Beach

Marari Beach, a short drive from Alleppey is relatively less crowded and unspoiled. It has a pristine coastline dotted with swaying coconut palms — a quiet beach that offers you peace and calm. The beach is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and immersion into Kerala’s rich fishing culture, with traditional fishing boats dotting the shore. Most of Alleppey’s eco-friendly resorts and Ayurvedic wellness centers are found along this beach providing visitors with a holistic experience. With its untouched beauty and calm waters, Marari Beach is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet escape from the sea.

4. Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater lake in Kerala and one of the longest in India stretches across multiple districts, including Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. It is fed by the water of four rivers — Meenachil, Achan Kovil, Pampa, and Manimala. Its waters flow out into an outlet to the Arabian Sea in the west. Known for its scenic beauty and ecological significance, the lake is a vital part of Kerala’s backwaters, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Houseboat cruises on its calm waters offer travelers a serene journey through tranquil waters surrounded by a lush green landscape. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located along its shores, attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

5. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a nature reserve stretching over 14 acres along the banks of the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a paradise where bird lovers and nature enthusiasts flock to watch a variety of resident and migratory birds, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, waterfowls and the majestic Siberian crane that arrives during the winter months. Other notable migratory species are teals, pintails, flycatchers, and various types of ducks. Guided birdwatching tours are offered where visitors can explore the sanctuary through nature trails or take a boat ride for a closer view of the avian population.

The best time to visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is from June to August for local bird watching and from November to February for spotting migratory birds. The monsoon season has a charm of its own while winter is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.

The entry fee for the sanctuary varies for adults and children. Before you plan a visit, make sure to update yourself on the latest timings and entry fees.

6. Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island, a 10-acre island on Vembanad Lake, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The name “Pathiramanal,” means “Sands of Midnight” in the local dialect. This lush, uninhabited island can be included in the itinerary for a houseboat cruise or reached by a 1.5-hour motorboat ride or a 30-minute speedboat ride. Once on the island, visitors are greeted by the wonderful sight of local and migratory birds going about their daily lives on the island’s lush green expanse. Home to around 90 species of birds, 30 species of butterflies, 160 species of plants, 55 species of fish, and 20 species of spiders, Pathiramanal Island is an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and a closer connection to nature.

7. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple was constructed by King Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran in the 15th century AD. It is located 14 km south of Alleppey on National Highway 47. The temple’s idol is similar to the Parthasarathy form of Lord Vishnu (Krishna as Arjuna’s charioteer) with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. As per historical records, in 1789, during the raids of Tipu Sultan, the presiding deity of Guruvayoor Temple, Lord Krishna was shifted to the Ambalappuzha Temple to prevent the desecration of the idol.

The payasam, a sweet pudding made of rice and milk is served to the devotees, many of whom believe that Lord Guruvayoorappan, the child form of Lord Krishna, appears at the temple for his serving of the payasam. The temple remains open in the morning from

3 AM to 12 noon and in the evening from 5 PM to 8 PM. It is built in traditional Kerala architecture style and hosts vibrant festivals, including the annual 10-day Arattu festival, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.

8. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple

Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, also known as the Mullakkal Bhagwati temple is a Hindu temple located in the heart of Alappuzha, Kerala. It is nearly 500 years old and is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, a form of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped as the supreme queen of the universe. Unlike many other temples, the sanctum here is open-roofed, allowing devotees to worship under the open sky. The temple also houses other deities including Hanuman, Ganesha, Subramanya, Nagaraja, Navagraha, Krishna, and Ayyappa. A banyan tree within the temple walls shelters a Shiva lingam beneath it.

The temple is known for its grand Navaratri festival, during which it is beautifully decorated, and cultural programs are held. Another major attraction is the Thaipooyakavadi festival, featuring vibrant processions of more than 15 kavadis, and traditional performances. The biggest festival however is the Mullakkal Chirappu festival which lasts for 41 days. On normal days, the temple remains open from 5 AM to 12 Noon and again from 5 PM to 9 PM. Men can only enter the inner sanctum after they have removed clothes from their upper body.

9. Karumadi Kuttan

Karumadi Kuttan is a famous 3-foot black granite Buddha statue in Karumadi, a small village near Alappuzha, Kerala. Believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century, this partially broken statue remained abandoned for centuries in a nearby stream named Karumady thodu until a British engineer by the name of Sir Robert Bristow discovered it in the 1930s and took the important initiative to protect it.

An important relic of Kerala’s Buddhist past, the left side of the statue is missing, adding to its mysterious appeal. It is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India and attracts history enthusiasts, pilgrims, and tourists alike. The site was visited by the Dalai Lama in 1965. Locals believe the statue has healing powers, and many visit to seek blessings. Karumadi Kuttan stands as a silent testament to the influence of Buddhism in Kerala’s cultural heritage. As laid down in the Travancore State Manual, the idol of Karumadikkuttan is of a Jain Theerthankara and carved in the Jain idol style. The site remains open from 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM.

10. Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace, located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha, Kerala, is a magnificent 18th-century palace built during the reign of the Travancore king, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. This architectural marvel, designed in the traditional Kerala style, features gabled roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows. There is a pond within the palace complex and rumor has it that an underground escape route was dug under the pond as a way out in times of an enemy attack. The palace is now a museum with ancient artifacts, sculptures, and paintings on display. Among the paintings, the Gajendra Moksham is striking in its size and beauty. The museum also houses a double-edged Kayamkulam Vaal (sword) and the courtyard has a statue of Buddha, one of the four that are found in the Alappuzha district. The palace remains open for tourists from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Mondays and national holidays. Indian citizens have to pay an entry fee of ₹ 10 while foreigners are required to pay ₹ 25 for foreigners. Camera usage charges are ₹ 25 and video recording charges are ₹ 1500.

Once you reach Alleppey, you’ll have lots to see. Plan accordingly.