Welcome to Alappuzha, fondly known as the “Venice of the East” 🛶. A coastal paradise laced with tranquil backwaters, golden beaches, lush paddy fields, and vibrant festivals, Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a top getaway in Kerala. Whether you’re after a romantic houseboat cruise, exploring colonial heritage, or tasting the freshest seafood, this charming town has it all.
Here’s a curated list of the Top 15 Places to Visit in Alappuzha, complete with history, travel tips, food insights, and exclusive deals from Kreative Routes!
1. Alappuzha Backwaters & Houseboat Cruise 🚤
Description:
Glide through the serene backwaters of Alappuzha in a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat). As you float past coconut groves, villages, and paddy fields, enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals onboard. Ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, or peaceful retreats.
History 🏛️:
The backwaters were once crucial trade routes during the colonial spice trade, connecting inland farmers to coastal ports.
📍Distance from Kochi: 53 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hours
☀️Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗How to Reach:
- Road: Private taxi or KSRTC bus from Kochi
- Train: Alappuzha Railway Station
- Flight: Cochin Airport (75 km), then road
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Freshly made Karimeen Pollichathu, Toddy Curry, and Banana Chips served on-board.
🎭Local Culture:
Folk music, Kathakali shows, and coconut harvesting can be experienced along the cruise.
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2. Alappuzha Beach 🏖️
Description:
Famous for its picturesque pier, golden sands, and historic lighthouse, Alappuzha Beach is the perfect place for sunset views, beach festivals, camel rides, and street snacks.
History 🏛️:
The 137-year-old pier and lighthouse were constructed during British rule for maritime trade and are now heritage symbols.
📍Distance from Kochi: 55 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi or auto from Alappuzha town
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Enjoy Spicy Prawn Fry, Ice Golas, and Vada Pav from beach stalls.
🎭Local Culture:
Hosts the Alappuzha Beach Festival every New Year with fireworks and performances.
✨ Explore beach escapes and cultural fests with Kreative Routes’ Kochi-Alappuzha packages! ✨
3. Vembanad Lake 🌅
Description:
India’s longest lake, Vembanad, stretches across several districts and is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Perfect for boating, fishing, and sunset photography.
History 🏛️:
Vembanad has supported inland water transport and agriculture for centuries. It’s central to Kerala’s eco-tourism.
📍Distance from Kochi: 50 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi, auto, or kayak tours from Alappuzha
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Meen Curry with Tapioca at lakefront homestays.
🎭Local Culture:
Home to the Nehru Trophy Boat Race — Kerala’s most famous backwater regatta held every August.
✨ Catch thrilling boat races and lakeside stays with Kreative Routes’ adventure-infused itineraries! ✨
**4. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple 🛕
Description:
An architectural gem of Kerala, this temple is famed for its sacred idol of Lord Krishna and the creamy Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (sweet rice pudding) served as prasadam.
History 🏛️:
Built in the 15th century by the Chembakassery kings, it’s a prominent Vaishnavite shrine and part of the Travancore heritage.
📍Distance from Kochi: 65 km | ⏱️ 2 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: February to April (festival season)
🚗How to Reach:
By road or train from Alappuzha; local auto available
🍤 Must-Try Food:
The temple’s legendary Palpayasam is a must-have.
🎭Local Culture:
Home to the Ambalapuzha Arattu festival and classical arts like Ottanthullal.
✨ Experience spiritual heritage with full-day temple trails from Kochi, only with Kreative Routes! ✨
5. Kuttanad – The Rice Bowl of Kerala 🌾
Description:
Kuttanad is a rural wonder with endless paddy fields, shimmering canals, and villages below sea level — ideal for cycling, canoe rides, and photography.
History 🏛️:
Famous for its below-sea-level farming, Kuttanad showcases ancient irrigation wisdom.
📍Distance from Kochi: 60 km | ⏱️ 2 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗How to Reach:
Auto or taxi from Alappuzha town
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Relish Kappa (tapioca) with Fish Curry at local toddy shops.
🎭Local Culture:
Home to Kerala’s unique farming festivals and Onam celebrations.
✨ Get off the beaten path with rural eco-tours curated by Kreative Routes! ✨
Alappuzha Tour Packages
6. Pathiramanal Island 🏝️
Description:
Pathiramanal, meaning “midnight sand,” is a small scenic island on Vembanad Lake. Ideal for birdwatching and nature photography, it’s a peaceful retreat rich in mangroves and native flora.
History 🏛️:
Once owned by a private family, it was reclaimed by the Kerala government as a protected eco-tourism site.
📍Distance from Kochi: 60 km | ⏱️ 1.5–2 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: November to March
🚗How to Reach:
Ferry or motorboat from Kumarakom or Muhamma
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Fresh Toddy Appam and Fish Curry from local shacks nearby.
🎭Local Culture:
A peaceful place for introspection, often visited by pilgrims heading to temples nearby.
✨ Unwind on untouched islands with Kreative Routes’ exclusive Kochi-Alappuzha backwater adventures! ✨
7. Krishnapuram Palace 🏯
Description:
This 18th-century palace is known for its stunning mural — Gajendra Moksham — and antique collections including weapons, coins, and sculptures.
History 🏛️:
Built by King Marthanda Varma of Travancore, the palace showcases Kerala-style architecture and royal heritage.
📍Distance from Kochi: 90 km | ⏱️ 2.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: October to February
🚗How to Reach:
Cab or bus from Alappuzha
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Enjoy Elayappam and Unniyappam at Kayamkulam eateries.
🎭Local Culture:
Hosts classical music events and mural art workshops occasionally.
✨ Time travel to royal Kerala with Kreative Routes’ heritage tours from Kochi! ✨
8. Marari Beach 🌊
Description:
Marari Beach is a tranquil escape from the busy city. Perfect for laid-back sunbathing, beach yoga, and Ayurvedic spa retreats.
History 🏛️:
Named after the local fishing village of Mararikulam, the beach has been preserved for its natural charm.
📍Distance from Kochi: 40 km | ⏱️ 1 hr
☀️Best Time to Visit: October to March
🚗How to Reach:
Cab or bus from Alappuzha; closest station – Mararikulam
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Grilled Pearl Spot Fish and Tender Coconut Pudding.
🎭Local Culture:
Stay at a homestay to witness fishing life and village festivals.
✨ Relax and rejuvenate with beachside Ayurvedic stays by Kreative Routes! ✨
9. Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple 🌺
Description:
Located in Alappuzha town, this colorful temple dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari is a peaceful and vibrant spiritual stop.
History 🏛️:
Dating back over 500 years, it is a symbol of communal harmony and traditional Kerala temple architecture.
📍Distance from Kochi: 55 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: November to December (festival season)
🚗How to Reach:
Auto or walk from Alappuzha town center
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Enjoy Banana Halwa and Sambar Vada from temple-side stalls.
🎭Local Culture:
Famous for Mullakkal Chirappu, a 41-day temple festival with elephants and music.
✨ Kreative Routes includes cultural fests and temple visits in all spiritual tour packages from Kochi! ✨
10. Revi Karunakaran Museum 🖼️
Description:
This privately owned museum showcases Kerala’s coir industry legacy, along with rare ivory, Swarovski crystal, and art collections.
History 🏛️:
Founded in memory of Revi Karunakaran, a pioneer in the coir industry.
📍Distance from Kochi: 54 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗How to Reach:
Cab or auto within Alappuzha
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Have Masala Dosa at the nearby Indian Coffee House.
🎭Local Culture:
An example of modern Kerala’s passion for preserving art and industry.
✨ Explore rare collections and industrial history with curated city tours by Kreative Routes! ✨
Honeymoon in Alappuzha
11. Punnamada Lake 🛶
Description:
Punnamada is the famous stretch where the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race happens. The calm waters also offer kayaking, canoeing, and evening cruises.
History 🏛️:
Named after the Punnamada village, the lake is now a prime destination for backwater racing events.
📍Distance from Kochi: 60 km | ⏱️ 2 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: August (for boat race) or November to February
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi from Alappuzha station
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Chemmeen Curry (shrimp curry) from lakeside homestays.
🎭Local Culture:
Boat race season brings music, drums, and mass community celebrations.
✨ Witness Kerala’s most thrilling water race with VIP access from Kreative Routes! ✨
12. Karumadi Village & Karumadi Kuttan 🧘♂️
Description:
Home to the ancient Karumadi Buddha Statue, this peaceful village offers a glimpse into Kerala’s lesser-known Buddhist past.
History 🏛️:
The 11th-century granite Buddha statue is a rare relic, partially damaged but revered.
📍Distance from Kochi: 63 km | ⏱️ 1.5–2 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: November to February
🚗How to Reach:
Auto or taxi from Alappuzha
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Sample Pazhampori (banana fritters) and Tea from village stalls.
🎭Local Culture:
Locals still light lamps at the statue, preserving Buddhist heritage.
✨ Explore Kerala’s forgotten Buddhist trails with exclusive rural tours from Kreative Routes! ✨
13. Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple 🐍
Description:
A mystical temple surrounded by dense groves, dedicated to serpent gods. Believers come here seeking fertility blessings and protection.
History 🏛️:
Over 3,000 serpent idols are housed here, with legends connecting it to the sage Parashurama.
📍Distance from Kochi: 105 km | ⏱️ 3 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: September to November (Ayilyam festival)
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi or local bus from Haripad
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Idiyappam with Egg Curry at nearby Haripad eateries.
🎭Local Culture:
The Ayilyam Festival draws thousands of devotees with rituals and serpent processions.
✨ Discover mystical temples and folk rituals with spiritual packages by Kreative Routes! ✨
14. Chettikulangara Devi Temple 🔥
Description:
This temple is famous for its Kettukazhcha — towering wooden structures pulled in procession during festivals. A visual treat!
History 🏛️:
Over 1,200 years old, it’s considered one of Kerala’s most powerful Devi temples.
📍Distance from Kochi: 90 km | ⏱️ 2.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: February to March
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi or bus from Alappuzha
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Parippu Vada and Black Coffee from temple canteens.
🎭Local Culture:
Kettukazhcha is a mix of devotion, carpentry, and community spectacle.
✨ Be part of Kerala’s grandest festivals with exclusive front-row access — only with Kreative Routes! ✨
15. Coir Museum 🧵
Description:
This interactive museum showcases Alappuzha’s rich coir industry — from traditional rope weaving to coir handicrafts and eco-products.
History 🏛️:
Alappuzha has been the epicenter of India’s coir export since the 19th century.
📍Distance from Kochi: 56 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hrs
☀️Best Time to Visit: Year-round
🚗How to Reach:
Taxi or auto from Alappuzha station
🍤 Must-Try Food:
Try Chakka Puzhukku (jackfruit mash) at nearby homestays.
🎭Local Culture:
Experience local coir spinning demos and shop authentic souvenirs.
✨ Combine craft, culture & commerce in your Kochi-Alappuzha itinerary with Kreative Routes! ✨
FAQs – Alappuzha Travel with Kreative Routes ✅
1. What are the best travel packages from Kochi to Alappuzha with Kreative Routes?
A: 7–10 days for covering major destinations.
2. Are family and honeymoon packages available?
Yes! Houseboat stays, Ayurvedic spa add-ons, and beach villas are available for families, couples & seniors.
3. When is the best time to visit Alappuzha?
October to March is ideal for pleasant weather and boat festivals.
4. What food must I try in Alappuzha?
Try Karimeen Pollichathu, Toddy Chicken, Appam, and Palpayasam.
5. Is local transport easy in Alappuzha?
Yes! Autos, buses, and ferries are convenient and affordable. Kreative Routes offers private cab options too.
6. Is Alappuzha safe for solo travelers and women?
Absolutely. It’s a friendly and safe destination. Guided tours are also available.
7. How do I book with Kreative Routes?
Visit [Kreative Routes website] or message us directly for personalized Kochi-Alappuzha deals!