Alleppey
City · India

Alleppey

Alleppey, Kerala, India

Alleppey, officially known as Alappuzha, is a captivating coastal city in Kerala, famously dubbed the "Venice of the East." Nestled between the…

#Backwaters#Houseboats#Canals#Coconut trees#Kerala cuisine
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Things to do in Alleppey

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Tours

Visit Revi Karunakaran Museum

Explore the renowned Revi Karunakaran Museum, which showcases a unique collection of art and artefacts in Alleppey.

INR 250

Explore the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Visit one of Kerala's iconic temples, known for its traditional Kerala architectural style and its offerings of sweet rice pudding - 'Palpayasam'.

4.7(16.2k)INR 2,500

Explore Krishnapuram Palace

Visit the magnificent Krishnapuram Palace, known for its mural paintings and heritage architecture. Explore the museum and stroll through the lush gardens.

4.3(5.3k)INR 500

Alappuzha Lighthouse Visit

Climb the historic Alappuzha Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Alleppey coastline.

INR 100

Backwater Canal Cruise

Explore the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat, experiencing the picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters.

5.0(121)INR 1,500

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Experience

Experience the thrill of watching the famous snake boat races held annually on the Punnamada Lake.

4.5(548)

Kathakali Dance Performance

Experience the rich tradition of Kerala's Kathakali dance, a classical form known for its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures. Held at a local cultural center in Alleppey.

INR 300

Alleppey City Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant streets and markets of Alleppey, discovering local culture and historical landmarks.

INR 300

Alleppey Beach and Sea Bridge

Stroll along Alleppey Beach and explore the historic Sea Bridge with its rich history.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Tour

Witness diverse species of birds in their natural habitat at the scenic Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

3.8(9.8k)INR 30

Explore the Alleppey Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Alleppey Lighthouse, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the coastal city and learn about its maritime history.

INR 50

Shikara Ride through Alleppey Backwaters

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon Shikara ride exploring the serene backwaters of Alleppey, witnessing the lush green landscape and traditional lifestyle along the canals.

5.0(45)INR 2,500

Explore Marari Village

Stroll through the quaint Marari village, known for its traditional fishing culture and serene ambiance. This sightseeing tour allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4.5(1.6k)

Shopping

Mullakkal Street Shopping

Explore the bustling streets of Mullakkal, a shopper's paradise with a variety of local products.

Outdoor

Kayaking at Vembanad Lake

Experience the tranquility of the largest lake in Kerala by kayaking through its serene waters. Enjoy the lush greenery and local wildlife sightings during this exhilarating adventure.

5.0(1)INR 2,500

Morning at Marari Beach

Relax and unwind at the beautiful Marari Beach in Alleppey, known for its serene environment and scenic views.

4.4(2.5k)INR 500

Marari Beach Excursion

Enjoy the golden sands and gentle waves of Marari Beach, a perfect spot for relaxation and leisure activities.

4.8(99)USD 20

Sunset at Punnapra Beach

Relax and enjoy a scenic sunset at Punnapra Beach, one of Alleppey's beautiful coastal spots.

4.2(100)USD 20

R Block Kayaking Adventure

Explore the scenic backwaters of Alleppey by kayaking through the R Block area. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the narrow canals.

4.2(18)INR 1,000

Pathiramanal Island Adventure

A short boat ride to Pathiramanal Island for nature walks and bird watching amid lush greenery.

Sunset Houseboat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing sunset tour on a traditional Kerala houseboat, experiencing the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey.

INR 2,000

See it for yourself

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Practical info

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Alleppey, Kerala, India Open in Google Maps
When to go

Scored from each month’s typical high and its usual conditions.

GoodMixedAvoid
Best monthsNov – Feb
Worth avoidingMay – Oct
October · rainHigh 30°C Low 24°C
Avoid

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is located in Kerala, India, and experiences a tropical climate. The weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the winter months from November to February when the temperatures are mild and range between 17°C (63°F) and 32°C (90°F). This period is ideal for exploring the backwaters and enjoying outdoor activities. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, and while the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, some travelers might find the rain disruptive. The summer months, from March to May, can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F).

All 12 monthshighs, lows and conditions
Jan
sun
31°23°
Feb
sun
31°24°
Mar
hot
32°25°
Apr
hot
32°26°
May
rain
31°26°
Jun
rain
29°25°
Jul
rain
28°24°
Aug
rain
28°24°
Sep
rain
29°24°
Oct
rain
30°24°
Nov
cloud
30°24°
Dec
sun
31°23°
Currency
₹ | INR | Indian Rupee
Population
174,164 (2011)
Density
3,724 / km²
Local time
Languages
Malayalam mainly · English
Budget / day
₹2500 - ₹12000
Also known as
Venice of the East, Alappuzha

Know before you go

Local guide

A deeper read on Alleppey.

What people love

Alleppey offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Kerala's world-famous backwaters aboard traditional houseboats, providing a deeply relaxing and scenic getaway. The lush, palm-fringed landscapes and tranquil canals create a perfect environment for unwinding. Beyond the waterways, the city boasts beautiful sandy beaches and historic architecture. It is also a premier destination for authentic Ayurvedic massages and wellness therapies. Food lovers will be thrilled by the exceptional local cuisine, particularly the fresh, spice-infused seafood and traditional coconut-based curries.

What to know

The tropical climate means Alleppey is often hot and highly humid, which can be draining for some travelers. During the monsoon season (June to September), heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and cause localized flooding. The backwaters and coastal environment also bring a significant mosquito population, making insect repellent an absolute necessity. In peak tourist season, the main canals can become congested with houseboats, slightly diminishing the promised tranquility. Additionally, those looking for vibrant nightlife or modern shopping malls will find the city lacking.

Alleppey, known officially as Alappuzha, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, and is often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Here's a detailed history of Alleppey:

Ancient and Medieval History

  • Ancient Times: The region where Alleppey is located has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of trade links with ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome.
  • Medieval Period: During the medieval period, the area was part of the kingdom of the Chera dynasty, which was known for its extensive spice trade.

Modern History

  • 18th Century: The modern history of Alleppey begins with its development as a trade center under Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of the Kingdom of Travancore, in 1762. He recognized the location's potential for trade due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and worked on developing the port.
  • 19th Century: The British colonial period saw the further development of Alleppey as a major port town. The introduction of a network of canals facilitated the transport of goods, particularly coir, which was a significant industry in the region.

Post-Independence

  • 1947 Onwards: After India gained independence in 1947, Alleppey continued to grow, with the decline of the port being offset by the rise of the coir industry and later, tourism.
  • 1957: The formation of the state of Kerala on linguistic lines saw Alleppey become a part of this new state.

Significant Events

  • Kuttanad Development Scheme: This was undertaken to address the issues of waterlogging and to improve agriculture in the Kuttanad region, which is part of Alleppey.
  • Floods: Alleppey has faced several floods due to its geographic location, with significant ones occurring in recent years, impacting the livelihood and infrastructure.

Historical Figures

  • Raja Kesavadas (1745–1799): As the Dewan of Travancore, he is credited with the development of Alleppey as a major port and trade center.
  • Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma: The last ruling Maharaja of Travancore, his period saw various infrastructural developments in the region.

Important Landmarks

  • Alleppey Lighthouse: Built in 1862, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the western coast of India.
  • Krishnapuram Palace: Located near Alleppey, this 18th-century palace is known for its architecture and the mural, Gajendra Moksha.
  • Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple: Famous for its architectural beauty and the Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) served here.
  • Backwaters and Houseboats: The backwaters are a hallmark of Alleppey's geography and have become a major tourist attraction, with houseboat cruises providing a unique experience.

Cultural Significance

  • Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Held annually on the Punnamada Lake, this is one of the most popular snake boat races in Kerala and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Alleppey's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a unique and significant part of Kerala's heritage.

Traveler ratings

How Alleppey rates

From verified Travafa trips.

3.8
Good
Based on traveler reviews
Things to Do
3.5
Accommodation Quality
3.8
Local Transportation
2.5
Safety
3.9
Scenic Beauty
4.2
Shopping
2.5
Friendliness of People
3.9
Cleanliness
2.9
Value for Money
3.7
Internet Connectivity
3.0
Good for
87%
Friends
71%
Family
90%
Couple
65%
Solo
19%
Pets

Who is Alleppey for?

By the travellers who rated it on Travafa. Each page states the places, months and budget for that kind of trip.