Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful coastal town in Kerala, often referred to as the “Venice of the East” for its idyllic network of canals and backwaters. While exploring the backwaters on a houseboat is a must-do experience, Alleppey has much more to offer visitors. Here are some additional must-visit places in Alleppey:

• • Alappuzha Beach: Relax on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Alappuzha Beach. This popular beach is known for its calm waters, scenic beauty, and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a swim, stroll along the beach, or watch the colorful fishing boats bobbing on the water.
    

    Alappuzha Beach Alleppey

• Marari Beach: For a more secluded beach experience, head to Marari Beach, located about 17 km north of Alleppey. This pristine beach with golden sands and swaying palm trees is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
  

  Marari Beach Alleppey
• Kuttanad Backwaters: Kuttanad, also known as “Granary of Kerala”, is a vast network of canals and waterways that form an intricate part of Alleppey’s backwaters. Explore the serene beauty of Kuttanad on a smaller country boat and witness the traditional way of life in Kerala.
  

  Kuttanad Backwaters Alleppey
• Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: This 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is an architectural marvel known for its murals, sculptures, and the daily “palpayasam” offering, a sweet milk porridge believed to be very delicious.
  

  Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple Alleppey
• Mannarasala Temple: Dedicated to Sthanumalayan, a form of Lord Shiva, the Mannarasala Temple is known for its unique architectural style and its association with the legend of snake worship in Kerala.
  

  Mannarasala Temple Alleppey
• St. Mary’s Forane Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, St. Mary’s Forane Church dates back to the 16th century. This beautiful church with its Gothic architecture and serene ambiance is a place of historical and religious significance.
  

  St. Mary’s Forane Church Alleppey
• Krishnapuram Palace: This 18th-century palace, now converted into a museum, houses a collection of bronze sculptures, traditional musical instruments, and artifacts depicting the history and culture of Kerala.
  

  Krishnapuram Palace Alleppey
• Alleppey Lighthouse: Climb to the top of the 150-year-old Alleppey Lighthouse for panoramic views of the town, the Arabian Sea, and the surrounding countryside.
  

  Alleppey Lighthouse Alleppey
• Karumadi: Karumadi is a small village located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, known for its traditional boat building yards. Here, you can witness the skilled craftsmanship involved in building houseboats and other traditional Kerala boats.
  

  Karumadi Alleppey
• Thumpoly Beach: Thumpoly Beach is a black sand beach located about 20 km south of Alleppey. This beach is known for its serene beauty and its unique black sand, formed by the volcanic activities millions of years ago. While swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents, the beach offers a dramatic landscape for photography.
  

  Thumpoly Beach Alleppey

• Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Nagaraja, the serpent god. This intricately designed temple is known for its murals and sculptures.

  

  Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Alleppey

• Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: Another beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is famous for its annual Palliyodam (boat race) festival and its delicious ‘prasadam’ (offering) – a sweet porridge called ‘palpayasam’.

  

  Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Alleppey

• Alappuzha Lighthouse: An old-world lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coast. Climb up the lighthouse for breathtaking views, especially during sunsets.

  

  Alappuzha Lighthouse, Alleppey

• Kuttanad – “The Rice Bowl of Kerala” : A scenic and fertile region known for its vast paddy fields. Take a boat tour through the canals to experience the beauty of Kuttanad and learn about the traditional methods of rice cultivation.

  

  Kuttanad, Alleppey

• Marari Beach: A pristine beach known for its calm waters and laid-back atmosphere. Relax on the beach, enjoy swimming or sunbathing, or indulge in Ayurvedic massages and treatments at nearby resorts.

  

  Marari Beach, Alleppey

In addition to these places, Alleppey also offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as Kathakali dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and visits to local coir factories where you can learn about the process of making coir products.

Alleppey is a perfect destination for relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. With its beautiful backwaters, serene beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Alleppey is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.