About Alleppey
Discover the breathtaking Alleppey Backwaters with a relaxing Alleppey Backwater Cruise. Experience the beauty of Kerala’s waterways aboard our premium Alleppey Houseboats.
Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a city on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The name Alappuzha means “the land between the sea and network of rivers flowing into it”. It is a fitting name: there are a significant number of canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons in and around the city. Alappuzha is well connected by road as well as rail. The nearest airport (85 km) is Cochin International Airport. Alappuzha, and Kerala in general, has excellent weather due to its proximity to the ocean. The best time to visit is from September to March.
Alappuzha is also called Venice of the East and is best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters, a network of tranquil canals and lagoons. The cruise is through Vembanad lake which is India’s longest lake. Enroute there is a bird reserve where you get to watch beautiful local birds like waterfowl, egret, heron as well as migratory Siberian crane, teal and lark. The houseboats or Kettuvallams were used as grain barges alongside the backwaters. At some time, the houseboats were used as living quarters by the royalty.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular Vallam Kali (boat race) event held in the Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. Vallam Kali is a well-known annual event and is held on the second Saturday of August. The race of snake boat is the major event. Chundan Vallam or snake boat is about 30 metre long with about 100 paddlers aboard. Hence Vallam Kali is also known as the snake boat race and is a major tourist attraction.
Around Alleppey
The mesmerizing beaches of Alappuzha attract tourists from all over the world. Alappuzha Beach is the site of the 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse and also has a 150-year-old pier. The beach hosts many events annually like the Alappuzha Beach Festival and Sand Art Festival.
Marari beach is one of the few well-kept secrets of Kerala. Very close to Alleppey, this small town is perfectly hidden away, ensuring clean and pristine beaches. Nearby you can visit traditional coir-making units, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Kerala backwater canals.
Kuttanad is a region covering the Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts. Well known for its vast paddy fields, it is the rice bowl of Kerala and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried on around 1.2 to 3.0 metres (4 to 10 ft) below sea level.
Pathiramanal is a tranquil island offering views of wildlife & migratory birds in a remote, heavily forested setting. The name Pathiramanal means ‘midnight sand’. The scenic beauty of both sides of the lake and the island is mind-blowing.
Alappuzha is renowned for temples and is one of the few places in Kerala where non-Hindus are allowed to enter temple premises. Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalapuzha was built in the 15th century, famous for its distinctive Paal-Payasam, a sweet milk dessert whose recipe is a well-guarded secret.
St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal is one of the famous pilgrim centres in South India. It is the largest shrine of St Sebastian in the world and was constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century.
Getting there
Speak with our team to plan your Alleppey houseboat cruise — dates, boat class and route, tailored to you.