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Places to Visit in Alleppey

One of the best places to visit in Alleppey is Kuttanad Backwaters. This isn’t a place, it’s a phenomenon. It is a spectacular lagoon, surrounded by the beauty of lakes, rivers, canals, misty mountains and ethereal landscapes.

The experience of floating along the pristine backwaters on a houseboat is inexplicable. You will have to live it to know it! The place is also known as the ‘Rice bowl of Kerala,’ for its stunning rice plantations. If you are in Alleppey for a day, then this place should be your entire itinerary.

Location: Kuttanad Taluk, Alappuzha district, Kerala—688504.

Entry Fee: INR 10 for lower 
                  INR 15 for upper decks

Timings: 10.45 AM to 9.15 PM

This beautiful church traces its existence back to 835 AD and is known for its events, Friday Liturgy and educational institutions. Currently, the church is a world-renowned center of pilgrimage, where one can know more about the culture and lifestyle of the Christians.

This is one of the biggest churches and parishes of the Archeparchy of Changanassery. Currently, the church is known for housing 2500 families and is one of those Alleppey tourist places that are popularly visited by the masses. The church organizes two feasts or festivals every year. The first one of them is St. Mary’s Feast. Since the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, hence every year on the third Sunday of September, a feast is organized by the Church. People visit the church on this day and participate in the festival wearing special costumes for the procession and mass.

The other feast celebrated here is St. Sebastian’s Feast. Fireworks and other dazzling display of colors make this feast remarkable, interesting and fun. The gorgeous decorations, feast and regal look of the church make it one of the best places to visit in Alleppey.

Location: Champakulam, Alappuzha.

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Entry fee: None.

It is one of the most popular museums in Alleppey. Built-in the 18th century by the king of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Krishnapuram Palace is quite popular for its vintage architecture and artistic murals.

Currently maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala, the palace is also home to the biggest mural painting of Kerala-- the 'Gajendra Moksha.’ The enriching mural painting covers an area of about 53 km, making this palace one of the most popular places to visit in Alleppey. 

Located: District Kayamkulam, Oachira Rd, Near, Krishnapuram, Kerala- 690533.

Entry Fee: INR 5 for children
                  INR 10 for adults

Timings: 9 AM to 1 PM
                2 PM to 4.30 PM (closed on Mondays)

Famous as the Alappuzha lighthouse,  the Alleppey lighthouse can be spotted from miles away. A humongous tower celebrating the solitude by the coastal strip wearing strips of red and white is how it has best reminisced.

The phenomenal tower was first installed in March 1862, almost 148 years ago. Located at around 4 kilometers ahead of Alappuzha town, Alleppey or Alappuzha lighthouse grants a panoramic 360-degree view of the ocean as well as the territorial land of Alleppey which is majorly thick and lush foliage.

Flaunting its badge of being one of the oldest lighthouses of Kerala, its construction dates back to the time when Marthanda Varma- II Maharaja owned the throne of the region.

Location: CCSB Rd, Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala 688012

Timings: 3 PM to 5 PM

Entry fee: INR 10 for Indian adults and INR 3 for children.

Glistening sands, crystal clear water, beautiful waves, enchanting sunrise, and sunset is what makes the Alappuzha or the Alleppey beach one of the best places to visit in Alleppey. This stunningly beautiful beach is known for its vast, endless stretches, thereby proving as a getaway for couples as well as families. 

The remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge also make it one of the most popular destinations for explorers, narrating the tales of those times when Alleppey was one of the most famous and important port destinations in the state of Kerala. The beach has beautiful stretches, making the visit to this beach quite ecstatic and enjoyable. 

The beach is also close to Sea View Park, which offers an opportunity to enjoy and have fun through different types of boat rides. A picnic spot is located close-by, therefore families can enjoy a day off at the beach and picnic at that spot. The beach is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East,’ because of its romantic location and popularity among European countries.

Location: Alappuzha 688007

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

The largest shrine of St. Sebastian in the whole world, this church is one of the most popular Alleppey tourist places. The prestigious church was established in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1584, under Father Jacomo Fenicio, who was known to heal people with his touch.

It has been renovated many times in history, but it has always stood tall and strong. With its majestic architecture and proximity to the Arthunkal Beach, St. Andrew’s Basilica is probably the most popular spiritual edifice in Alleppey.

Location: Arthunkal Basilica, Arthunkal P.O., Cherthala, Alappuzha, Kerala – 688524.

Entry fee: None.

Timings: 5.30 AM to 6.30 AM

A village situated just a few kilometers from Alappuzha, or Alleppey, Karumady, or Karumadi, is one of the amazing Alappuzha tourist places that explorers would love. The place plays a pivotal role in the history and development of Buddhism as a religion and is perhaps best known for the black granite statue of Sri Buddha. 

What makes this statue even more alluring is the fact that the left-hand side of this Sri Buddha statue is missing. Several travelers, especially the ones who are gravely ill or have someone who is ill, come to this village and touch the feet of this Lord Buddha statue because it is believed that the statue has healing powers that can be directly transferred to the healer or the victim. 

The place also has a wide range of local restaurants that any epicurean would love to try because of the use of indigenous spices and wide availability of different South Indian dishes and cuisines.

Location: Alappuzha District, Karumadi, Kerala 688562

Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry fee: None.

If you want to unwind completely, then the Marari Beach is a must-visit destination for you. The sleepy little village located close to Marari Beach is what makes this beach distinct and attractive, inviting people from all over the world to learn and understand the culture of the Indian state of Kerala. 

This beautiful destination is known for being a beach symphony, thanks to its glistening sands and crystal clear waters. Watching sunrise and sunset here is quite a romantic experience that couples would love to enjoy. The place is rated as one of the World’s Top five Hammock Beaches by the National Geographic Survey. 

Marari Beach is known for providing unique experiences to travelers. Taking them away from modern life, this beach gives them an opportunity to unwind and to enjoy the different facets and bounties of life and nature. The village by the sea is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey where one can go to learn more about the culture and heritage of Kerala.

Location: Alappuzha-Arthunkal- Cherthala, Thoppumpady road, Mararikulam, Alappuzha 688523

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

This famous church is known for celebrating huge feasts during the month of May. The church is also popular for its Christian and non-Christian pilgrims. The Vicar of this Palli was Father Thoman Olakkapady. Currently, the church is located close to the Mahatma Gandhi University’s St. Aloysius College which is built and managed by the church.

Since the church is located close to the below sea level area, therefore travelers can enjoy agricultural lands and rice farms that are seen separated through the rivers. The environs here are enchanting, with mud levees being used for separating runs which are nothing less than a highway or street that one would find in New York. A massive shrine at Edathua is located close by. The shrine features architecture similar to that of the churches in Medieval Europe.

The church itself was built in 1st century AD and is said to be built by St. Thomas himself, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ. The annual feast that is celebrated here starts on the 27th of April and concludes on the 7th of May. The feast sees St. George carried out, decked in golden colored regalia. Special church prayers are sung and some of them even feature the Syrian dialect of Hebrew.

Location: Church Road, Edathua, Kuttanad Taluk, Kerala 689573

Timings: 4 AM to 8 PM

Entry fee: None.

Popular Reads: 20 Best Resorts in Alleppey for a relaxing holiday

Pandavan Rock is an amalgamation of breathtaking caves and glorious rock carvings. The natural beauty surrounding this site is bliss. It is said that the Pandavas stayed inside the cave during Mahabharata.

Thus, it is one of the best places to see in Alleppey. It is also quite famous as a picnic spot. The route to the caves is easy but elder people should avoid the trail, in case they suffer from health problems. The rock caves are adjoined by the Kallada Dam, which is a tourist attraction as well. 

Location: Urukunnu, Alappuzha, Kerala - 691307

Entry fee: None

Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM

Pathiramanal, which means “Sands of the Night”, is a small lake island located on the backwaters of Alappuzha in Lake Vembanad. It is a bird watcher’s paradise since it is supposed to hold approximately 91 local species of birds and 50 species of migratory birds. The location of the island is extremely scenic, making it a lovely space to observe birds and the water.

It is also completely uninhabited so you don’t have to worry about the crowd and hawkers disrupting the beauty. However, because it is uninhabited and not a major tourist hotspot, you will find that it lacks the usual facilities that bring tourists to comfort like benches in order to sit, restrooms, and places to buy food from. Let this not be a distraction since the island is very small and can be toured within an hour, which means that you won’t necessarily be inconvenienced by the lack of facilities, especially if you go prepared.

The ride across Lake Vembanad is lovely as is the experience of walking through the island. If you happen to visit in the right season, you will find yourself surrounded by the chirpy sounds of thousands of birds. This certainly makes for one of the places to visit in Alleppey.

Location: Alappuzha.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entry fee: None.

The popularity of this pilgrimage makes it one of the best places to see in Alleppey. If you are looking for some peace, then this is the place you should go to. Settled near the shores of the Arabian Sea, this church is also the epitome of classic architecture.

It was built during the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, and it stands tall till today. Located at a distance of 22 km from Alleppey, it tops the list of the best Alleppey tourist places of all time.

Location: The Rector, St Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Kerala - 688530.

Entry Fee: None.

Timings: 5.30 AM, 7 AM and 4.30 PM (Weekdays)
                5.30 AM to 7 AM and then, 9 AM to 5 PM (Weekends)

This is one of the most beautiful Alappuzha tourist places that you absolutely cannot miss. Vembanad Lake is Kerala’s longest lake and is also among the largest in India. Several canals empty their water into the lake at several points along its wide expanse. Since it is a long lake, it covers many districts of Kerala and goes by different names in each district like Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad, and Kochi Lake in Kochi. Many small islands dot its length. 

Boating in this lake is a part of a backwater trip in Kerala. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages that you can take advantage of and so have the best possible backwater boating experience on your trip. The lake is full of exciting possibilities- just imagine yourself floating on the lake early in the morning, sipping a hot cup of coffee and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves and chirping of birds. Now that is peace and happiness! 

If you get a chance to go to this place in August, you will be in luck. The Annual Snake Boat Race or Vallam Kali takes place at this time and is a major attraction. The sight is amazing, to say the least. Do plan a houseboat trip on the lake while planning your Kerala itinerary.

Location: Puthenangadi, Muhamma Panchayat, Alappuzha.

Ambalapuzha Temple is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Alleppey. The temple is the oldest Krishna temples in Kerala and among the oldest in India too. The temple has a lovely, soothing ambiance which will calm you down and make you simply want to sit in the temple for hours on the end. Ambalapuzha Temple is also a favorite hangout spot of foreigners. And it deserves all the attention it gets.

The inner sanctum is decorated with paintings of Sri Krishna and the other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. A large mandapam outside is a great place to sit and absorb the atmosphere of the temple. Because of its importance in the Vaishnava tradition, the temple is also popularly considered to be the “Dwarka of the South”, which is a great distinction to confer on a place.

When in the temple, don’t forget to have the famed sweet milk porridge- Palpayasam. Visitors love this prasad and it is actually counted among the attractions of the temple. An annual festival takes place in the month of March or April and it draws a large crowd to the place. 

Location: Ambalappuzha, 14 km from Alappuzha.

Timings: 3 AM to 12 PM & 5: PM to 8 PM

Entry fee: None.

Champakulam is a captivating rural set up on the banks of Pampa River in Alappuzha district, with lush greens paddy fields and coconut trees forming a perfect picturesque, lying amidst the rice bowl of Kerala. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is the oldest tradition and a must to view in Kerala.

If willing to move around visit the Champakulam Church which is one of the oldest churches in India.T his church has witnessed a lot of tourists in herds as well as various changes with time enhancing its heritage furthermore. Nearby this locale is a place that manufactures wooden statues of the Lord Christ and exports the same all across the globe.

Location: Champakulam, Alappuzha.

This is one of the unique places to visit in Alleppey. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, as the name suggests, is a temple devoted to snakes. In fact, it is actually an important place of worship for the devotees of the serpent god or Nagaraja. The Mannarasala Temple is the biggest of its kind in Kerala and is considered to be a powerful place of worship.

Most snake temples are located deep inside forests, and Mannarasala is no different. It stands deep within the forest glade but this does not deter pilgrims. The temple witnesses a lot of people coming in daily; people who come to the temple in order to pray. Women who desire babies come here to pray for fertility. Once the wish comes true, the baby is brought to the temple and a ceremony felicitating the powers of Nagaraja is held.

The interiors of the temple are full of snake paintings. The temple is a great pilgrimage location for tourists; additionally, it gives some insight into the diversity of the culture and traditions of Kerala.

Location: Mannarasala P.O, Haripad, Kerala 690514

Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM (1 PM on Sundays) & 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Entry fee: None.

Must Read: 12 Best Backwater Resorts in Alleppey

This place is highly recommended for food lovers. The ambiance, cuisine, location and service, everything is quite laudable in this restaurant. This beautifully maintained restaurant promises well-prepared India, Chinese and Continental cuisines.

It also reckons to serve the coldest beer in town. When it comes to food, it is one of the top Alleppey tourist places. The restaurant is located on Beach Road at Alleppey Beach, which is one of the most popular places to see in Alleppey as well.

Location: Beach Road, Alleppey- 688012, Kerala.

Entry Fee: There is none. The charges will apply when you order food or drinks.

Timings: 12.30 PM to 10 PM

Held in the memory of Jawaharlal Nehru, this boat race is unlike any other boat racing activity you may have seen before. The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, also known as Vallam Kali, is an annual competition that takes place every August on a part of Lake Vembanad. It is one of the cultural highlights of the state, so plan your visit accordingly if it is your desire to see and experience this boat race. 

Unlike other boat racing events which have teams of 5 to 10 rowing furiously in silent concentration, this boat race has teams of at least 100 people, usually fishermen, who row together as they sing at the top of their voice. It is a wonderful experience to simply see the boats row past as you stand on the banks of the lake.

If you feel like exploring and being offbeat, you could actually scout for the perfect secluded spot to watch the race on the banks of the lake. Else, go for the tickets for the bamboo stands set up especially for the race. The race is called a snake boat race because of the shape of the boats- long and snake-like. 

Location: Punnamada Backwaters in Alappuzha.

Entry fee: None.

Timings: August month of every year.

A century-old temple set in the most beautiful part of Alleppey—this is Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple for you. It is frequently visited by pilgrims, architects, street photographers, seekers, and of course, travelers. The 500-year-old temple is known for its deity, Goddess Bhagavathy, who stands tall at a height of 20 feet inside the temple.

One of the top places to visit in Alleppey, this temple forbids men with upper body clothes to enter inside the inner sanctum. If you want to learn about the culture of Alleppey people, then do not miss the temple’s Thaipooya Kavadi festival. 

Location: Mullackal Rd, Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala – 688011.

Entry Fee: None.

Timings: Morning Hours- 4.30 AM to 10 AM
                Evening Hours- 5 PM to 8 PM

The ancestral home of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, this Bhawan is also a pilgrim. One of the best Alleppey tourist places of all time, Chavara Bhawan intends to serve humanity. This tranquil place is surrounded by paddy fields and the backwaters of Alleppey, which alone makes it one of the most sought after places to see in Alleppey.

It was built in 1805, and since then, has contributed to the development of humanity. It is located in a quaint village called Kainakary, which is surrounded by water from all sides. Thus, The Bhawan is only accessible by boat.

Location: Kuttamangalam, Kainakary, Kerala – 688501.

Entry Fee: None.  

Timings: 7 AM to 4.30 PM

Kayamkulam Lake used to be a lake before the authorities decided to break the bar separating it from the Arabian Sea to build a fishing harbor. As a result, it is now a lagoon. It is a place full of activities including fishing, races or other touristic activities. The aquatic life in this lagoon is very viable commercially, hence the popularity of the spot as a fishing ground.

Alongside the fish, many birds also make themselves at home in the environs surrounding the waterbody. Expect a variety of activity zones here. You can use the Cycling Track or Recreation Room or lunch on the floating restaurant or pay a visit to the Tsunami Museum or the Adventure zone. 

The list of activities also includes visiting Boardwalk, View Point, Landscaping, Yard lighting, Houseboat Jetty and a waterway for boats, in short, everything is available here. A famous boat racing competition by the name of Kayamkulam Boat Race takes place here as well. To view the wide expanse of ceaseless waves crashing on top of each other, will give you the experience to remember forever.

Location: Near Kayamkulam Thermal Power Plant, Alappuzha.

Your trip to Kerala is incomplete without visiting at least one of its beaches. Vijaya Beach Park is the place to head to when looking for beach locations in Alleppey. This park is actually a children’s park on Alappuzha Beach managed by the Kerala Municipal Board. There are a variety of things you can do here and a good amount of facilities you can make use of to enjoy the beach experience better. 

If you are with children, let them have a go on the trains, slides, and swings set up for them. There are rides for adults too. Excellent boating facilities are offered here too. A large variety of cultural programs are also enacted for the benefit of tourists and there are some entertaining events which you can take part in. The park also boasts of a video game area where your young ones can have fun. 

Though this park on the beach has a commercial feel to it, it does not mean that it has nothing to offer to those who don’t enjoy rides and games. You can always come here, rent a bike and go off on your own to explore the rest of the beach which is quieter than the area in and around Vijaya Beach Park. There is something for everyone here, making it a one of the convenient and fun destination. 

Location: Alappuzha Beach.

Timings: 3 PM to 8 PM

Entry fee: INR 150 minimum entry card; Free entry for children below 12

An unspoiled clean beach that beckons the free souls; Andhakaranazhi Beach is one of the few Alappuzha tourist places that are forever beautiful. Virgin, serene, unreal or breath-taking- no word really compliments enough in describing the unseizable horizon of Andhakaranazhi.

The beach is tucked away somewhere on the  Alleppey to Cochin road, strategically equidistant from both the cities. Some part of the beach has silky soft sand while the latter half of the shore is covered under mid-sized boulders and rocks.

The sunset hours are the most beautiful here when the sky is doused in crimson, red, peach, orange and all its shades and the sea shimmers like a bride. The coast is always under the watch of police and guards. Swimming isn’t a well-celebrated sport at this beach but one can try to soak in for some time.

Location: Cherthala taluk, Alleppey, Kerala.

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

The beautiful beach at Thumpoly with its golden sand and backdrop of lush green palm trees is the perfect hideout, far away from all that plagues modern lives. Enjoy the best of what Kerala has to offer – pollution free environs, gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, clear blue skies and stunning, panoramic views.

You can take your family along and enjoy a picnic on the beautiful beach, or if you are traveling with friends, splash water on each other in this fun-filled adventure. Make the best of your vacation at Thumpoly.

Location: Alappuzha, Kerala.

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

Punnamada is a gorgeous lake located near Alleppey where you can completely forget all about your everyday problems in the midst of sheer natural beauty. With groves of areca nut trees encircling the look, the air seems purer than anywhere else and the pollution free environs help freshen up the mind and soul.

The picturesque vistas act as a salve to the weary soul and the sight of boats sailing leaves one spellbound. You can book a houseboat to truly enjoy all that Punnamada has to offer, or take a luxurious cruise if you like to travel in style. This lake is the perfect balm for your aching mind and bruised soul.

Location: Kuttanad, Alappuzha, Kerala.

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm, every day.

Entry fee: None.

Mullakal Street is quite popular amongst tourists for its stunning market. The street is a crowd-puller for the amazing collection of items it offers. You would know when you visit the place. Mullakal Street branches out from the main market of the city.

The market is mainly famous for its silver and gold collection. Other famous items of the market are incense, utensils, handicrafts, wooden boxes, carpets, and bags. The street is located in the heart of Alleppey, and thus, is quite popular. In the list of the best Alleppey tourist places, this one would surely top.

Location: Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala – 688011.

Entry fee: None.

Timings: There is no particular timing but shops are set up around 6 AM and go on until night. 

Punnapra is one of the most secluded places to visit in Alleppey, and the beach at this exotic little village is the perfect place to visit if you are planning a quiet holiday in God’s own country. Surrounded by groves of beautiful palm trees that sway in the wind and offering stunning views of the natural beauty around, this beach is a heaven for honeymooners and those traveling with a partner.

You can enjoy a relaxing stroll down the golden sandy beach, dip your toes in the blue waters or simply lie back and soak in the sun. Enjoy an ayurvedic massage under the night sky and make it your memorable holiday.

Location: Punnapra, Kerala

Entry fee: None.

Timing: All day.

Revi Karunakaran Museum is one of those places that make you feel as if you have been transported to another world. The primary attractions are the gorgeous marble and crystal installations and there is a Kerala Room dedicated to displaying information about the art and culture of the state.

The huge collection of Tanjore paintings is enough to attract art enthusiasts and the 250 ft tall mural is a fascinating piece on its own. There is such a wide variety of art installations, paintings and beautifully picturized information that will not want to leave the building until you have explored every nook and cranny of the museum.

Location: CCSB Road, Alappuzha, Kerala.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm, every day, except Mondays.

Entry fee: INR 100 per person.

Thottappally Beach is one of the most interesting places to visit in Alleppey because of its unique beaches - the sand here is black in color because of the high content of zirconia in it. The quirky color is not the only reason it is thronged by tourists every year.

Enjoy gorgeous orange sunsets over the blue ocean, take a walk on the beach with your partner or splash some water and have a fun-filled picnic with your family. There are plenty of tourist sites nearby for you to explore, and with the stunning backdrop of tall palm trees and virgin free environs, Thottappally Beach is a delight to spend an afternoon on.

Location: Thottappally, Purakkad, Kerala.

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

Embark on a journey of devotion, spirituality, and devotion at one of most famous Alappuzha tourist places - the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. It is known as one of the biggest temples and most popular temples in Kerala.

Visit the place if you are a Hindu devotee, but there is also more to explore here. The temple architecture is spellbinding in itself, the decoration is graceful yet refines and the calm atmosphere makes you feel serene and tranquil. Listening to the chant of mantras and thousands of bells ringing at the time of pooja is a mesmerizing experience  

Location: Chettikulangara, P.O, Mavelikara, Kerala.

Timings: 5 am to 11 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm, every day.

Entry fee: None. Various offerings in the temple cost from INR 12 to INR 1350

The floating market is a unique shopping experience for first-time visitors. It’s a state-owned and white checkered market. You might have visited many floating markets in Bangkok and Indonesia, but in India, it’s the first.

Since Alleppey is surrounded by water on all sides, the transactions of selling and buying products take place on boats at this market. You can buy anything, from wheat, sugar, rice, toiletries, and stationary. It is located in Vembanad Lake in Alleppey. 

Location: Kuttanadu area of Alappuzha district.

Entry Fee: None. 

Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM (Usually)