Alleppey Tour Packages

Alleppey (officially Alappuzha) is located in Kerala, which is in southern India, and is considered one of the premier backwater locations in the country. It is sometimes referred to as 'Venice of the East' because of its beautiful canals, lagoons, rivers, and lakes, which serve as the core of Kerala's tourism.

Alleppey is situated along the Arabian Sea and features the stunning Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India. The town has made its name internationally as home to Kettuvallams, or traditional, luxury houseboats that provide tranquil transportation through some of the most breathtaking palm-lined waterways throughout Kerala's rural countryside.

While Alleppey is known for its backwater tourism, it also includes an array of beautiful beaches, historic churches, ancient temples, coir industries, and very popular boat races. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place in Punnamada Lake , attracts thousands of spectators from around the world each year.

Kerala's wealth of natural and cultural resources, such as lush vegetation, Ayurveda health services, and authentic Malabar food, has made Alleppey one of the top travel choices for new couples, families on vacation, those looking for a luxurious retreat, or international visitors seeking slow-paced travel experiences.

Alleppey at a Glance

• State Present In: Kerala, India
• Languages : Malayalam (official), English, Tamil, Hindi
• Latitude : 9.4981° N
• Longitude : 76.3388° E
• Currency : Indian Rupee (INR)

Best Time to Visit Alleppey

Visiting Alleppey can be done any time of the year; however, the overall experience will differ depending on what season it is.

The perfect time to visit is from October - March (Peak Tourist Season). During this timeframe, the weather is great and it is the most comfortable time of year for visiting and enjoying the houseboats and sightseeing activities as well as visiting the beaches. Ideal for couples; honeymoons; international travellers or families.

From April - May is considered mild (Summer Season), where temperatures will begin to heat up, but prices for houseboats/hotels are usually lower than those found during peak periods. This timeframe would work well for budget travellers/Couples that want a less crowded atmosphere.

During the period of June - September (Monsoons) is a time period considered romantic and for Ayurvedic treatments. The Ayurvedic treatments tend to have a better effect due to the large amounts of rain and the lush green foliage found after the rains have come through the region. Monsoons create a beautiful atmosphere along the waterways, making it an ideal location for photographing. There are limited outdoor activities available during this timeframe due to the amount of rain falling. 

The majority of travelers would prefer to travel to Alleppey between October and March. Whereas, the monsoon would provide a quiet and scenic "off the beaten path" experience.

How to Reach Alleppey

Alleppey is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

• By Air : The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located approximately 75 km away. It connects Alleppey to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and international destinations.
• By Rail : Alleppey Railway Station (Alappuzha Railway Station) connects the town with major cities such as Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
• By Road : Alleppey is accessible via National Highway 66 and is well-connected. You can opt for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from Kochi (53 km), Munnar (170 km), and Trivandrum (160 km).

By Ship/Cruise

Luxury backwater cruises operate between Alleppey and Kumarakom. Some premium cruise liners also connect Kochi with Alleppey for curated backwater experiences.

Places to Visit in Alleppey

Natural Tourist Attractions

• Vembanad Lake- The largest lake in Kerala and the hub of backwater tourism. Houseboat cruises here offer scenic views of paddy fields and village life.
• Alleppey Beach- A serene beach with a historic pier extending into the Arabian Sea. Ideal for sunset views and photography.
• Pathiramanal Island- A small island in Vembanad Lake known for birdwatching and peaceful natural surroundings.
• Marari Beach - If you’re looking for a nice, peaceful beach with a less busy beachfront to relax at, this is the one to choose.

Heritage & Cultural Attractions:

• Krishnapuram Palace - A stunning palace built in the 16th century, displaying Murals and the beautiful architecture of Kerala.
• Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple - Shows off a delightful traditional offering of ‘Palpayasam’ in a great spiritual atmosphere.
• St Mary's Forane Church, Champakulam - One of the first Christian churches built in India.

Things to Do in Alleppey

• Stay overnight in a luxury houseboat
• Canoe ride through narrow canals
• Watch the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
• Experience Ayurvedic massage and spa
• Village cycling tours
• Kayaking in backwaters
• Sunset photography at Alleppey Beach

Where to Shop & What to Buy

Alleppey is famous for:

• Coir products (mats, carpets)
• Spices like cardamom and pepper
• Handmade souvenirs
• Traditional Kerala sarees (Kasavu)
• Banana chips and coconut oil products

Local markets near Mullakkal Temple are ideal for shopping for authentic goods.

Festivals and Fairs

Every year in August, one of India's most famous events takes place on Punnamada Lake, the Nehru Trophy Slalom Boat Race. The long traditional snakeboats rowed by hundreds of oarsmen will be an impressive sight at this boat race.

Other major celebrations include Onam, Kerala's harvest season festival, and temple festivals at the Ambalappuzha and Mullakkal temples, all of which feature traditional music and dance, floral decorations, and magnificent processions.

Food and Cuisine

Visitors to Alleppey will find genuine Kerala cuisine, which is characterised by the heavy use of coconut in its flavours.

When in Kerala, try these dishes:

• Appam served with Vegetable Stew or Chicken Stew
• Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)
• Kerala Sadya (traditional meal served on a banana leaf)
• Puttu and Kadala Curry
• Idiyappam with Egg Curry
• Alleppey Fish Curry

Seafood aficionados can enjoy fresh shrimp, crabs, and various fish combined with traditional spices and herbs. Coconut milk, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and black pepper characterise Kerala's regional recipes. A traditional dessert is Palpayasam from Ambalappuzha Temple, and native sweets are made with bananas.