The Best Things To See And Do In Alappuzha Alleppey India

From houseboat stays to lazing around on pristine beaches, the range of memorable experiences you can have in the coastal town of Alappuzha is almost overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help you out, we’ve compiled this guide to the very best sites to visit and activities to partake in while in this historic city.

Kerala backwaters

The backwaters of Alappuzha are famous much beyond state or national borders. Among Kerala’s prime tourist attractions, this chain of lakes and lagoons that lay parallel to the state’s coast with the Arabian Sea form a sight of unimaginable beauty. Surrounded by dense greenery including countless coconut trees that lean over the waters, these backwaters are navigated by all sorts of traditional boats, most famously by the Kerala houseboats.

1. Alappuzha Beach

For a break from the area’s scenic backwaters, head west towards the Arabian Sea to enjoy the calm of Alappuzha’s well-maintained beach. With a 150-year-old pier extending to the sea, the beach has marked itself among the state of Kerala’s prime attractions.

Alappuzha Beach, Kerala

Alappuzha’s backwaters are also where you can best witness Kerala’s traditional snake boats, known locally as chundan vallam. Between 100 to 138 feet in length and with a rear portion that extends to a height of 20 feet, these boats are regularly used in local boat races known as Vallam Kali. The most popular of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which has been taking place annually in Alappuzha since 1954.

2. Alappuzha Lighthouse

Museum

This historic lighthouse was built in 1862 when Alappuzha was among the busiest ports in the country. Extending to a height of 28 metres, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of the sea and of Alappuzha beach – if you are willing to climb up almost 100 steps to the top. A small lighthouse museum has also been established nearby for those seeking to learn about the structure’s history.

Alleppey Lighthouse, CCSB Rd, Civil Station Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala

3. Basilica of St. Mary

Church

Believed to have been first built in 427 CE, with several renovations having followed since, the Basilica of St. Mary is one of the oldest Christian churches in India. The earliest record of the church’s renovations come from around 1151 CE, from when various inscriptions can be found on the open air holy cross made from rock in the vicinity.

St. Mary’s Basilica Church, Champakulam, Kerala

Basilica of St. Mary, Champakulam | © Bennyvk / WikiCommons

4. Krishnapuram Palace

Museum

This 18th-century palace was built by Marthanda Varma, among the most revered rulers on Kerala history, and is today home to several highly valuable artifacts from the era. Built in a traditional Kerala architectural style, the palace is located atop a hillock and surrounded by small ponds and dense greenery. The collection within includes weapons, historic documents and artwork, including a famous 154 square feet tall mural known as Gajendra Moksham.

5. Pathiramanal

This scenic island within the Alappuzha backwaters is a must-visit destination for several reasons. Densely forested and home to a wide variety of migratory birds, Pathiramanal is rich in natural beauty. Uninhabited and only accessible via boat, it is an ideal stop amid your backwater tour.

Pathiramanal, Muhamma, Kerala

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.