Mere words can’t describe the beauty of the places to visit in Alleppey. Its delightful collection of beaches, backwaters, houseboats, islands, lakes, temples, and palaces truly make this place Heaven! While Kerala certainly is ‘God’s Own Country’, Alleppey is called the ‘Venice of the East’ courtesy of all the magnificent places to see in Alleppey that will make you want to stay here forever!
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is also known as the traditional business hub of Kerala and is famous for its backwaters and houseboats.
Alleppey also has other tourist attractions and points of interest in the form of old temples and religious places. It is a blend of different canals, beaches, paddy fields, temples, churches, and lagoons.
Top 15 Places To Visit In Alleppey
The serene charm of Alleppey can be visually seen in its backwater cruises. These cruises take guests to the local places and give picture-perfect views of Alleppey. Along with all the things, the natural flora and fauna, as well as the life on the banks of backwaters out here, is such a delight to watch.
We have compiled a list of the 15 best places to visit in Alleppey that hold the versatility of Alleppey very beautifully and should be on your list when you visit Kerala. You are going to have a wonderful experience visiting them all!
ALSO SEE – Top 15 Places To Visit In Kerala In 2024 (With Map)
1. Marari Beach
Alleppey has a bunch of laid-back beaches out of which Marari Beach is particularly famous for its calm shores and peaceful vibe. Out of all the great Alappuzha tourist places to relax and unwind, the tranquil Marari Beach is right at the top.
Etched with coconut palm trees swaying in the sea breeze and crisp golden sands under your feet, Marari Beach tops the list of Alleppey places to visit for holidays with family and friends.
Some wonderful resorts and hotels around Marari Beach offer the best hospitality to tourists. There are different Ayurvedic treatment centers nearby. Relaxing massage and Spa sessions here would make all your worries float away!
It is the perfect place to escape from your stressful lifestyle and spend quality time with your family or enjoy a honeymoon with your partner.
Popular for: Swimming, Ayurvedic massage, sea surfing, parasailing, water skiing, deep sea fishing
ALSO SEE – Best Time to Visit Marari Beach
2. Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is an island situated in the Vembanad Kayal and is one of the most unique places to visit in Alleppey. The Pathiramanal Island is located between Thanneermukkam and Kumarakom and comes under the Muhamma Panchayat.
This serene island is considered one of the finest Alappuzha tourist places that enthrall leisure travelers and nature lovers all over the world. It’s a well-protected and perfectly managed sanctuary for migratory and rare birds and a paradise for birdwatchers!
‘Pathiramanal’ means ‘sands of the night’ in Malayalam, and it indeed is a place where even the sand is a visual treat for tourists. You can easily hire a speed boat from the shore to reach this island, from where the view is mesmerizing!
Popular for: Birdwatching, boating, wildlife sighting
3. Backwaters of Kuttanad
One of the best places to visit in Alleppey is the Kuttanad backwaters, also called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’. The true beauty of Alleppey lies in its waterways and canals. Kuttanad is among the most visited places in Alleppey because of its natural beauty.
People living around Kuttanad lead a life integrated with its backwaters. The entire length of Kuttanad is 150 km which covers a distance from Kollam to Kochi.
The backwaters of Kuttanad are one of the must-visit tourist places in Alleppey as they constitute one of the rarest places in India where farming is done 10 feet below sea level, the lowest altitude in the country. You can explore this place with the help of rice barges and houseboats.
Sailing houseboats through the coconut-fringed backwaters of Kuttanad is one of the top things to do in Alleppey. A houseboat is a better option as it will give you a more comfortable ride and a better perspective of this place. Book your cruise in advance.
Popular for: Sailing on houseboats, fishing, toddy tapping, duck farming, coconut cultivation, nature walks
ALSO SEE – Book Kerala Houseboat Packages
4. Krishnapuram Palace
Alleppey is famous for the Krishnapuram Palace known for its fascinating vintage architecture and artistic murals. Located in Kayamkulam, the palace is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala with gabled low roofs and narrow corridors.
It’s also one of the best places to visit in Alleppey as it’s located so close to Krishnaswamy Temple allowing guests to explore two prominent Alleppey tourist places at once.
The details regarding the origin and establishment of this palace remain unknown but it still falls under the Protected Monuments of the Archeology Department of India.
This palace has an archeological museum whose best attraction is a 49 sq. meter single mural painting titled Gajendra Moksham, meaning “salvation of the elephant king”. Apart from these paintings, you must also check out the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound.
Popular for: An insight into Keralan culture and history
5. Alappuzha Beach
Glistering sands, crystal clear water, enchanting sunrises and sunsets, and beautiful waves make Alappuzha Beach a favorite among travelers and one of the 15 best places to visit in Alleppey in Kerala.
Alappuzha Beach is among the most popular beaches in Kerala. Offering a majestic view of flora and fauna, Alleppey Beach is also the meeting point of many river bodies making it one of the most popular Alleppey places to visit.
Thousands of tourists make an annual pilgrimage to Alappuzha Beach to enjoy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and boat rides. When you gaze at the vast sight of water, you can catch a glimpse of the 137-year-old pier stretched out on the beach.
Its perfect visual of dense palm groves and an old lighthouse gives wanderers a sense of being in a South India movie! Old-timers say that spices bought from other parts of Kerala were shipped to Britain and other empires through this beach, making it a historically significant place to visit in Alleppey.
Popular for: Parasailing, beach volleyball, surfing, swimming, Alappuzha Beach Festival, Sand Art Festival
ALSO SEE – Marari or Alleppey- Which is the best beach to visit?
6. St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal
Arthunkal Church is also known as St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal or the St. Sebastian Forane Church. Built in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, Arthunkal Basilica is the most sought-after Christian holy place in Alleppey.
Located about 1.2 km from Cherthala Town, it attracts thousands of devotees every year. The Arthunkal Basilica is famous for holding a 10-day annual festival called the Arthunkal Perunnal.
Every year, tourists of different religions come to Alleppey from far and wide to attend this festival and highly enjoy this religious union.
Popular for: The annual Arthunkal Perunnal festival, large-scale Christmas mass, ancient architecture
7. Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake is the largest as well as the longest lake in Kerala. While geographically it lies in Kumarakom near Alleppey, Vembanad Lake is also regarded as the best hub to enjoy backwater tourism in Alleppey in Kerala.
Flanked by mangrove forests and swaying coconut trees, Vembanad Lake in the heart of Kerala tops the list of the most beautiful Alleppey tourist places.
Numerous small lakes merge into the Vembanad Lake making it the longest lake and an ever-flowing waterway. But that’s not what draws tourists here.
The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, or the Vallam Kali, is the most famous boat race in Kerala and it’s held right here during Onam in August each year. From boating to witnessing the annual boat races, there is a lot you can do at the Vembanad Lake for a unique experience.
Popular for: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, houseboat cruising, houseboat stay, fishing, Nehru Trophy Boat Race
ALSO SEE – Alleppey or Kumarakom- Which is the best option for a Kerala houseboat
8. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
There are thousands of temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Krishna but the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple stands out among all. Built in the typical Kerala architectural style and dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is one of the top places to visit in Alleppey.
This ancient temple was built in the 16th century and still holds that antique charm about it. A dainty idol of Krishna sits in this Alleppey temple that was transported from Changanassery in 1614 AD. The Champakulam Boat Race is held here every year to commemorate the shifting of the idol.
Often called the Guruvayoor of the South, it’s one of the most visited temples in Kerala famous for its offering of Pal Payasam to the Lord which is then distributed to the devotees.
It’s also popular for the annual Ambalappuzha Temple Festival and Arattu Festival in addition to the Thulabharam ritual where devotees are weighed against their offerings before the latter is offered to Lord Krishna.
Popular for: Ambalappuzha Temple Festival, Arattu Festival, Thulabharam ritual, sacred rituals and ceremonies, gorgeous architecture
9. Karumadikkuttan
Karumadikkuttan is one of the most peaceful holy places in Alleppey to seek the blessings of Lord Buddha. It got its name from the black granite statue of Lord Buddha located in Karumadi near Alleppey.
The most unique thing about the statue is that its left side is completely missing! An excellent example of Buddhist architecture, the statue was recovered by the Archeological Society of India and is now kept in a protected enclosure near the Karumadi Canal.
It is a highly revered place among the locals as the statue is believed to possess the power of healing. However, it is kept under protection owing to its withered condition.
Enjoying an exquisite walk down the narrow lanes of Karumadi village and witnessing the uniquely broken Buddha statue are some of the best things to do in Alleppey.
Popular for: Unique architecture, peaceful aura
10. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Dedicated to the serpent God Nagaraja, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is among the most revered places of serpent worship in the world!
It is situated in the Alleppey forest in utterly serene and natural surroundings, making it one of the must-visit religious tourist places in Alappuzha for pilgrimage and natural beauty.
It is believed that the temple blesses couples yearning to start a family with a child! Thousands of devotees from different parts of India, mostly hopeful couples, visit this temple to worship the Almighty and pray for the well-being of their families.
The path that leads up to the temple is surrounded by tall trees and a dense forest, adding a zest of peace and spirituality to the temple premises. If you are going to Alleppey, you must visit this place at least once!
Popular for: Ritualistic ceremonies, natural beauty, hiking, architecture
ALSO SEE – Top 17 Famous Temples in Kerala
11. Andhakaranazhi Beach
Popularly known as the ‘Lagoon of Darkness’ among locals as well as tourists, this tranquil beach off the coast of Alleppey is an absolute delight among landscape photographers and artists.
This stunning stretch of golden sands is located a mere 31 km from Alleppey on the Kochi-Alleppey route and is among the most offbeat places to visit in Alleppey.
It is also the famous location of the handsome Manakkodam Lighthouse, a visual treat for any who comes here. The Andhakaranazhi Beach is where the Alleppey backwaters and the Arabian Sea converge, creating a spectacle that is out of this world!
The sight of this rare phenomenon too draws nature lovers, couples, and beach bums to this eye-catching Alappuzha tourist place, especially during sunset and before sunrise when the beach is bathed in numerous hues.
Popular for: Beach trekking, photography, peace and quiet, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets
12. Punnapra Beach
Take a break from the crowded tourist places in Alleppey and visit this epitome of serenity instead! If you prefer exploring secluded places, this beach is the best bet for you!
Punnapra is among the most tranquil beaches to visit in Alleppey which is generally empty and calm. Surrounded by tall palm trees, the deep blue water of the ocean here remains untouched by commercial tourism.
It’s the favorite haunt of couples and solo travelers looking for some privacy and seclusion, provided they know about this hidden gem! It’s the perfect place to leisurely take a stroll on the soft, cool sands with your partner or simply relax under a tree with a good book!
Other than serenity and superb sunset views, this beach is also famous for its relaxing Ayurvedic massage therapies under the sun or the starlit sky.
Popular for: Peace and tranquility, picturesque natural setting, gorgeous sunsets, Ayurvedic massages, stargazing, overnight camping
ALSO SEE – 10 Best Beaches Near Kochi
13. Triveni Floating Market
Thailand’s Bangkok city and Kashmir’s Dal Lake may be famous for their exciting floating markets brimming with colors, but Alleppey isn’t far behind on that list now!
The delightful Triveni Floating Market of Alappuzha is a relatively recent addition to the landscape of this backwater destination in Kerala.
This enormous red and white boat loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other goods is a state-owned floating market that regularly cruises the Alleppey backwaters and the Vembanad Lake.
You can buy all sorts of things from this boat if you’re lucky enough to have it pass you by! Selling food, fresh fruits, spices, stationery, toiletries, to even garments, this floating supermarket in the Kuttanad region is among the most exciting places to visit in Alleppey on your tour.
Popular for: Attractive ambiance, variety of goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, reasonable rates
14. Pandavan Rock
The Pandavan Rock of Alleppey is the perfect example of how a place can be downright weird and beautiful at the same time! That’s right.
These peculiar-looking rocks at the top of a hillock near Alleppey aren’t just oddly shaped, but also have some beautiful caves and glorious carvings to show off!
It got its name from the belief that the Pandavas had stayed at this spot during the events of the Mahabharata, which is why it’s one of the most prominent Alleppey tourist places.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary during your visit to Alleppey, drive down to Urukunnu and hike to this small hill for one of the most interesting explorations of your trip!
Popular for: Trekking, nature hikes, photography, beautiful caves and carvings, gorgeous panoramic views of Alleppey’s green landscapes
15. Thottappally Beach
If you’ve had your fill of the typical golden sand beaches of Kerala, you’ll love visiting this one next! The highlight of this beach is its black sand courtesy of high Zircon concentration.
Visitors are usually delighted to find a mix of black and white sand on this beach and regard it as one of the most interesting and adventurous places to see in Alleppey owing to this peculiarity.
Other than the unusual color of the sand, Thottappally Beach is also famous for its mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises.
Since it remains hidden from the greedy eyes of the world, these shores are a great place to relax and unwind while enjoying uninterrupted views of the azure blue Arabian Sea, gently swaying palm trees, and pink sunsets.
Popular for: Unique mix of black and white beach sand, alluring sunrises and sunsets, landscape photography
ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kerala: Summer, Winter, or Monsoon?
Apart from these tourist places in Alleppey, this destination is well-known for its houseboats and backwaters. It blesses visitors with the kind of visuals that leave them yearning to stay here forever!
With beaches, backwaters, temples, churches, markets, hills, islands, Ayurvedic centers, to palaces, Alleppey is a power package of fascinating attractions and adventures that tends to keep people hooked!
Make sure you don’t miss out on any of them during your trip to Kerala.
For the best experience of holidaying in Alleppey, visit between November and March, which is the best time to visit Alleppey. It has the perfect weather for tourists and endless natural splendor after the monsoon season has ended.
Plan your trip to Kerala with Iris Holidays so that you do not miss out on exploring the best places to visit in Alleppey during your trip. Make sure you visit in the right season to know why Alleppey truly is the ‘Venice of the East’!
