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Places to visit in Alleppey

Steeped in serene backwaters and coastal charm, Alleppey – Kerala offers countless experiences for every traveler. Discover tranquil houseboat cruises, sun-kissed beaches, historic lighthouses, and vibrant snake boat races among the top places to visit in Alleppey.

Alleppey Backwaters

Spanning over 900 square kilometers of interconnected lagoons, canals, and lakes, the Alleppey Backwaters are Kerala’s most iconic natural attraction, often called the “Venice of the East” for their serene beauty.

A houseboat cruise here offers travelers a unique experience of gliding past palm-fringed villages, lush paddy fields, and daily life along the water’s edge while enjoying traditional Kerala meals. The calm, mirror-like waters at sunrise and sunset create unforgettable reflections of coconut palms and village life.

Alappuzha Beach

A picturesque golden-sand beach featuring an old 19th-century pier, a historic lighthouse, and calm waters ideal for evening strolls and sunset photography.

Alleppey Lighthouse

A 150-year-old red-and-white striped lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the entire backwater network from its top.

Vembanad Lake

The longest lake in Kerala, spanning multiple districts, famous for houseboat cruises, birdwatching, and the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.

Pathiramanal Island

A tiny, uninhabited island in Vembanad Lake, accessible only by boat, famous for its migratory bird population and serene backwater views.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

Held annually on the second Saturday of August on Punnamada Lake, the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is Kerala’s most spectacular water festival, named after India’s first Prime Minister who inaugurated it in 1952.

The event features over 50 Chundan Vallams (snake boats), each stretching 100 feet long with 120 oarsmen racing to the rhythm of traditional Vanchipattu (boat songs) and cheering crowds. The electrifying atmosphere, colorful parasols, and synchronized rowing make this one of India’s most thrilling cultural spectacles.

St. Mary's Forane Church

One of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in Kerala, dating back to 427 AD, featuring stunning white architecture and ancient murals.

Alleppey Market

A bustling local market along the canal banks, offering fresh seafood, coir products, spices, Kerala saris, and traditional handicrafts.

International Coir Museum

This temple stands at the site where the epic Ramcharitmanas was composed by Tulsidas. The walls are adorned with verses and scenes from the Ramayana.

Alappuzha Karumadi Kuttan Statue

Located in the peaceful village of Karumadi near Alleppey town, this 3-foot-tall black granite statue of Lord Buddha dates back to the 10th century and holds immense archaeological and religious significance.

The statue, partially broken and missing its right hand, sits under a protective shed and is believed to have been carved during the Buddhist influence in Kerala. Local legends associate the statue with serpent worship, and it remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike.

Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple

Built in the 17th century by the local ruler, Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy (Arjuna’s charioteer), featuring exquisite traditional Kerala architecture with carved wooden pillars and copper-clad roofs.

The temple is world-famous for its sweet milk pudding called Pal Payasam, made from rice, milk, and sugar, offered daily to the deity and distributed to devotees as prasadam. The temple also hosts the annual Ambalapuzha Arattu festival and is closely associated with the legend of Unniyappam (sweet rice offering).

Mararikulam

A pristine, less-crowded beach village known for its golden sands, swaying palms, serene waters, and eco-friendly Ayurvedic beach resorts.

Kumarakom

A world-renowned backwater destination on Vembanad Lake, famous for its houseboat cruises, bird sanctuary, and luxury heritage resorts.

Krishnapuram Palace

An 18th-century palace museum featuring the largest single-band mural in Kerala antique sculptures, and Kerala-style architecture.

Kuttanad

A unique region where farming is done below sea level, featuring vast paddy fields, backwater canals, and traditional village life.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Tucked away in a sacred grove near Haripad, about 25 km from Alleppey, this ancient serpent temple is dedicated to Nagaraja (the Snake King) and is one of the most revered snake temples in all of India.

The temple complex features over 3,000 snake idols carved in stone and metal scattered across the grove, and childless couples from across India visit to pray for fertility. The unique architecture includes no traditional gopurams, and the temple’s head priestess (Melsanthi) performs all rituals, following centuries-old matrilineal traditions.

Champakulam

A heritage village known for the Champakulam Kalloorkkadu Church, ancient temples, and the starting point of the annual snake boat race.

Punnamada Lake

The main venue for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, offering calm backwater views and boat rental facilities year-round.

Kavalam

A scenic backwater village known for its traditional art forms, village walks, and the famous Kavalam Panchavadyam.

Thanneermukkom Bund

Spanning 1,400 meters across Vembanad Lake, Thanneermukkom Bund is a massive saltwater barrier constructed in 1974 as part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal saltwater intrusion. The bund divides the lake into two parts—the brackish southern portion and the freshwater northern portion—creating a unique ecosystem that supports year-round farming below sea level.

Visitors can walk along the concrete structure to watch traditional boats passing through locks and enjoy panoramic views of the backwaters with local fishermen at work.

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