9 Top Tourist Places To Visit In Alleppey

Aptly called the Venice of the East  for its web of intersecting waterways and channels, Alleppey or Alappuzha as it is known locally truly knows how to live up to its name!

The waterways and channels in Alleppey can be best explored in house boats. Scattered coconut palms, vast paddy fields and Chinese nets, make Alleppey a mesmerizing tourist destination.  Well received by tourists from around the world, Alleppey beaches and houseboats are crowded round the years. The pleasingly slow paced life in the lagoons and the calmness that is shaken by the occasional echoes of the migratory birds, make it a look like a world created out of a fantasy book. From Kuttanad to Mararkkulam, Krishnapuram Palace to Alleppey Beach, we have here the 9 top tourist places to visit in Alleppey.

Spread over an area of 75kms, the Kuttanad, also known as the “Rice bowl of Kerala”, is well-known for its green paddy fields clubbed with lively backwaters that add to the charm. This scenic landscape is surrounded by vast expanses of water. A houseboat tour along the picturesque Vembanad backwaters is the best way to enjoy the surreal charm of the place.

A well-managed and well-protected sanctuary for aboriginal and infrequent migratory birds, located in Vembanad, this island is a Birdwatchers paradise. This lovely island is placed between Thannermukkam and Kumarakom. You can hire a speed boat to reach the island. 

A small village called Karumadi Village houses a historic black granite statue of Lord Buddha that dates back to the 10th Century AD. Alleppey was once popular as a Buddhist centre, now most of the remnants of the Buddhist culture are spread throughout the state. The place is delightful in its own right, for people with a taste of ancient monuments and architecture.

The Sree Naga Raja Temple at Mannarasala is an eminent pilgrim centre for believers of serpent gods and is admired by locals as well as tourists. The temple is quite unique as the ceremonies are customarily conducted by a superior priestess. The shrine is located near the Harippad which is about 32 km off Alappuzha town. With around 30,000 pictures of the serpent gods, it is undoubtedly one of its kind in Kerala.

Kerala is popular for sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, and if you’re looking for some water-sports then you must visit Mararikkulam. And surprisingly, you can indulge in swimming here unlike some other beaches of Kerala.

Devoted to Lord Krishna, The Ambalapuzha Temple is aptly called the “Dwaraka of South”. Popular for its wonderful mural paintings and the “Ambalapuzha Palpayasam” (porridge made out of sweet milk), the temple knows how to attract devotees of different sects.  The temple premises also became a witness to ‘Ottan Thullal’, a satirical art form performed by Kunjan Nambiar. The temple certainly reflects the southern architectural style and could be a delightful experience for the ones with a fascination of art and culture.

This 18th century architectural marvel, was constructed in the realm of former ruler Marthanda Varma Maharaja. The palace is renowned for its wonderful mural paintings. One of the most famous murals installed in the Palace measures 14 feet by 11 feet.  Over the years, palace had acquired a rapport among the visitors as an archaeological museum housing, housing antiques, statues, bronzes, paintings etc.

The beach, visited by both local as well as international travellers, has gained popularity for its incredible natural beauty. The ancient dock that spreads out into the sea is a relic of Alleppey’s celebrated past when it was popular as a port city. Thick palm grooves, a lovely garden right on sea shore, an antique light house and much more, they further add on to the beauty of this scenic beach. If you wish to slow down a bit, you can probably make a stop at Vijay Sea Park and Sea View Park.

This prominent shrine devoted to St. Sebastian was constructed by the Portuguese friars. Located at a distance of 22 km north of Alleppey (near Cherthala), the Church acquires a lively character during the yearly feast of St. Sebastian, generally organized during the month of January.