Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is famous for its exquisite backwaters, lush paddy fields, and canals. Its history as a bustling port town adds to its charm, with remnants of colonial architecture and traditional Kerala houses. During the monsoon season, Alleppey transforms into a lush paradise with revitalised waterways and a refreshing climate. This season enhances the region's natural beauty, making houseboat cruises and Ayurvedic treatments particularly appealing. A visit to Alleppey offers a unique blend of tranquillity, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Kerala. We have curated a thorough 2-day itinerary for the port town, emphasising the monsoon season. It will allow you to zip in and zip out of the port town without missing out on many of its experiences.
Embark on your Alleppey adventure with a quintessential experience: a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters. Board your houseboat at Punnamada Lake and start your journey through the intricate network of canals and lagoons. As you glide past lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and quaint villages, you can enjoy a traditional Kerala breakfast on board, featuring dishes like appam, puttu, and stew.
Cost: INR 7,000 - 10,000 for a day cruise (varies based on the boat and amenities)
As you continue your houseboat journey into the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board. Typically, the meal consists of Kerala rice, fish curry, vegetable thoran, sambar, and papadam. After lunch, the houseboat will navigate through narrower canals, allowing you to witness local life up close. You'll see children playing by the water, fishermen at work, and women washing clothes at the riverbanks. On board, you have the option to go fishing, visit small islands, or stop by a local toddy shop.
Disembark from your houseboat in the late afternoon and head to Alappuzha Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Kerala. Walk along the golden sands, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. The beach is also home to a historic pier extending into the sea, which is perfect for a stroll. You can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball and camel rides, as well as visiting the Alappuzha Lighthouse. Later, enjoy seafood at one of the beachside shacks. Try dishes like karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish) and prawn roast.
Start your second day by visiting the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, known for its classical Kerala architecture and the delicious palpayasam (sweet milk porridge) offered to devotees. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is steeped in mythology and local folklore. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple.
Address: SH 12, Ambalapuzha, Kerala 688561
Timings: 3 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm
After your spiritual morning, head to Kuttanad, known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala." This region is famous for its below-sea-level farming and scenic landscapes. Hire a local guide and explore the area by canoe, learning about traditional farming methods and local flora and fauna. For lunch, stop at a local eatery and indulge in a traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf.
Canoe Ride Cost: INR 500 - 1,000 per person
End your trip with a revitalising Ayurvedic massage at one of the well-known wellness centres in Alleppey. Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments, which are ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation, particularly during the monsoon season. You can head to Sreekrishna Ayurveda Panchakarma Centre or Ayurgreen Ayurveda Wellness Village for the Ayurveda experience. After the massage, take some time to shop for souvenirs in Alleppey Town. Seek out traditional Kerala sarees, spices, and handicrafts. End your day with a traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast) at a local restaurant featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Air: There is no direct flight connectivity to Alleppey. The nearest airport is in Kochi, which is around 60 km away from the city of Alleppey.
Rail: Alappuzha railway station is the main station connecting Alleppey to the rest of India via railways.
Road: Alleppey is easily accessible via NH 66, which connects to major cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam, and Trivandrum.