Places to Visit in Alappuzha – Honestly, My Favourite Part of Kerala

If you are planning a Kerala trip, please don’t skip Alappuzha. Most people call it Alleppey. They also call it Venice of the East. And once you go there, you get why. The whole place is literally built on water. Not just one lake or beach – canals everywhere. You wake up to water, you travel by water.

On one side you will see paddy fields that go on and on, on the other side coconut trees. And small boats in between. It’s slow. It’s quiet. Nothing like Kochi or Trivandrum.

I have been to Alappuzha twice, and both times I felt it is best for people who actually want to relax. Honeymoon couples, families, or even if you are travelling alone and just want to watch the sunset – you will like it.So here’s the list, not from Google, from what I actually did.

Alleppey Tourist Places

1. Alleppey Backwaters – This is The Thing

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

You can’t talk about Alappuzha without backwaters. This is the main reason everyone goes there.What is it like? You sit on a boat. It moves very slowly through a narrow canal. Two sides – coconut trees, small houses with a little canoe tied in front, kids shouting “hi” from the bank, aunties washing clothes, a fisherman throwing his net. And you will see a kingfisher just sitting and then diving.No car horn. No rush. Just the sound.

Most people do the houseboat. It has one bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. They cook food on the boat itself. You will get rice, sambar, thoran, and that karimeen fry which is very famous there. They give you chukku kaapi in the evening and you just sit outside and watch.

If you don’t want to stay overnight, just take a shikara. Or better, a small canoe. That canoe goes into tiny canals where a houseboat can’t go. That is where you see the real village life.Go for a sunrise or sunset ride. That light on water… It looks golden. And canals are most calm at that time.

2. Alappuzha Beach

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

This is right in the town. You don’t need to plan. Just go in the evening.There is a very old pier going into the sea, dating back to the 19th century when Alappuzha was an important port. It is a nice spot for sunset photos. Nearby, you will also find a lighthouse and a small beach park with some rides.

In the evening, lots of locals come for a walk. There will be kadalekka, ice cream, and tender coconut stalls. Is it the cleanest beach? No. But it has a vibe. And you can reach it easily.If you are looking for restaurants in Alappuzha after your beach visit, you can explore local food options nearby. restaurants in Alappuzha

3. Marari Beach – If you need peace

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

This is 20–25 minutes from the main town. If Alappuzha Beach is crowded, Marari is the opposite.There are fishing villages along the shore, and the beach feels much more peaceful. If you actually want to sit and do nothing, go here.

The best time is early morning, around 6–6:30 am. You may see fishermen pulling their nets together while the beach is still quiet and the sun is coming up. Very peaceful. Some resorts there also offer Ayurveda experiences if you want to combine them with your beach visit.If you are planning to explore the nearby coastal areas, you can also check our guide to restaurants in Cherthala for local food options.

Famous Places in Alappuzha

4. Krishnapuram Palace

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Okay, if you like history, you will like this. If not, you can skip. It is near Kayamkulam, around 50 km from town, so it’s a bit of a drive.Traditional Kerala house style – tiled roof, wooden pillars. Inside there is a huge wall painting called Gajendra Moksham. It is massive and covers a whole wall. One of the biggest murals in Kerala. There is also a small museum with old coins and bronze statues.

The outside garden is quiet. Nice to sit for some time after all the boat rides. If you are planning to eat around the area, you can also check our guide to restaurants in Kayamkulam

5. Pathiramanal Island

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

A small island in the middle of Vembanad Lake. You have to take a boat to reach.Nobody lives there. Only birds. Herons, egrets, kingfishers. If you go between November and Feb, you see lots of migratory birds.

The island is very small, you can walk the full island in 45 mins. A boat ride to reach there is actually more fun – big open lake, sky, far away fishing boats. Carry a water bottle and a cap, no shade there.

6. Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Vembanad is the longest lake in India. So big, sometimes you feel like you are in sea.You can go boating in a lake. Kumarakom is just nearby, in Kottayam district. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is on Vembanad bank. For birds, November to Feb is best – ducks, herons, cuckoos come. If you have one extra day, keep Kumarakom also.

7. Snake Boat Race

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

If you like trekking and offbeat places, go to Adavi near Konni. Adavi has a small trekking trail through forest and a coracle boat ride. Nearby Kakki Reservoir is surrounded by dense forest, very peaceful.

The drive to Kakki itself is beautiful – winding hill roads, green everywhere, especially during and after monsoon. It is not crowded at all, mostly locals and a few travellers who know about it.

8. Revi Karunakaran Museum

Image Credits: Jobin Scaria

Most people miss this. It is a private museum made by Revi Karunakaran family.

Lots of antique furniture, ivory, crystal items, paintings collected from all over the world. Not like a government museum. Feels more personal. One hour is enough.

From slow canal rides to snake boats racing, Alappuzha shows you a Kerala that is both old and very alive.

Whether you go for backwaters, beaches, or quiet places like palaces and islands, Alappuzha makes you slow down. In a good way.

Pack light, keep 2 days free, and just let the canals take you.