Alappuzha or Alleppey sits at the junction of a 900 km network of canals, lakes, rivers, and lagoons that constitutes Kerala’s backwater system — the largest in India. Alleppey is the primary access point for the backwaters and is home to houseboats — traditional rice barges (kettuvallam) converted to overnight accommodation.
Places
Alleppey Backwaters and Houseboat Cruises
The backwater network of Alappuzha district is a labyrinthine system of canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets. The waterways are bordered by coconut palms, paddy fields, and village houses connected to the water by wooden jetties. Traditional rice barges — kettuvallam — have been converted into houseboats with bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a sitting deck.
Timing: Varies by operator
Entry Fee: Houseboat rates vary by operator
Vembanad Lake
The longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala, stretching across three districts — Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. The lake is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Punnamada Lake, the eastern arm of Vembanad near Alleppey town, is the venue of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every August.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kuttanad
A region covering a large part of Alappuzha and some of Kottayam district, where paddy farming is conducted on reclaimed land that sits 0.5 to 2 metres below sea level — one of the few such agricultural systems in the world.
Timing: Accessible by boat year-round
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Alappuzha Beach
A beach running along the western edge of Alleppey town on the Arabian Sea. The Alappuzha Lighthouse, built in 1862 in red-and-white stripes, stands at the southern end of the beach. The lighthouse is operational and open for climbing during designated hours.
Timing: Beach — open daily, Lighthouse — 9 AM to 11:45 AM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: No entry fee for beach. Lighthouse — ₹20 (cash at counter)
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Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Built in the traditional Kerala style with an elaborate wooden ceiling. The temple is famous throughout Kerala for its palpayasam — a sweet payasam (pudding) made of rice, milk, sugar, and ghee, prepared and distributed free of charge to all visitors daily.
Timing: Open daily, 3:00 AM to 12:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Traditional dress required
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Krishnapuram Palace
An 18th century palace built by the Travancore king Marthanda Varma. The palace is one of the finest examples of traditional Kerala architecture — sloping tiled roofs, gabled windows, narrow corridors, and enclosed courtyards. The palace now operates as a museum containing antique furniture, portraits, sculptures, and bronze artefacts.
Timing: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays
Entry Fee: ₹50 (cash at counter)
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Pathiramanal Island
A small island in the middle of Vembanad Lake, accessible only by boat from Thakazhi or from the lake. The name means Midnight Sand in Malayalam. The island is a birdwatching destination — over 91 species of rare migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and other parts of India have been recorded here during winter.
Timing: Open daily, accessible by boat
Entry Fee: Boat charges varies by operator
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Champakkulam
A village, considered one of the oldest Christian settlements in Kerala. The St Mary’s Forane Church at Champakkulam is believed to have been founded by St Thomas the Apostle in 52 CE, making it one of the earliest Christian churches in Asia. The Champakkulam Moolam Boat Race — the oldest snake boat race in Kerala, older than the Nehru Trophy — is held here.
Edathua Church
A Roman Catholic church on the banks of the Pamba river at Edathua. Built in 1810 and associated with miraculous healing attributed to St George. The church is built in a traditional Kerala-Syrian Catholic style, with a tall tower visible from the river.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A bird sanctuary on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district. The sanctuary covers 14 acres of mangrove forest and is a significant roosting and feeding ground for both resident and migratory birds. Siberian cranes, egrets, herons, teals, and waterfowl are regularly sighted.
Timing: Temporary closed
Entry Fee:
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Getting There
Alleppey is well connected by rail and road and is approximately 55 km south of Kochi. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Alappuzha — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP)
Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
Bus Terminal: Alleppey Bus Stand — KSRTC
By Train
Search “Alappuzha” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Alappuzha Railway Station is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air. Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK) — hire a taxi or take a bus to Alleppey.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (KSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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