Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Identified as the backwater hub of Kerala, it is home to a vast network of waterways, lakes, and lagoons crisscrossing the district. The busy Alappuzha town, with its modest grid of canals, gives you a feel of the beautiful and romantic town of Venice (Italy). A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. Besides the backwaters, Alappuzha has also been famous for its boat races, beaches, paddy fields, marine products, and coir industry.

Tourist Places in Alappuzha

01. Kuttanad

Kuttanad is identified as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ with vast stretches of verdant paddy fields. These large fields set amidst the enchanting backwaters offers some of the most memorable picturesque sights of Kerala.

Geographically it is a region with the lowest altitude in India and farming is carried out at 4 to 10 feet below sea level. The evolution of paddy cultivation in Kuttanad originated with the reclamation of Kayal land from the Vembanad Lake. Most of the people living here predominantly consist of farmers. For a visitor/tourist, the best thing to do at Kuttanad is to watch and participate in the daily activities of this agrarian society. One could get a hands-on experience of farming in a traditional manner; shepherding flocks of ducks floating through the canals and fishing with nets or traditional cane baskets (known as ‘Ottal’). For those who wouldn’t prefer to be intrusive, a boat trip through the serene backwaters experiencing the village life from close quarters and a short stay in this colorful village will among the most exotic experiences.

The best season/time to visit Kuttanad is from October to April when a pleasant climate prevails throughout this entire region.

Distance: 85 km from Cochin International Airport

02. Alappuzha Beach

The Alappuzha Beach is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals visiting this place. Some of the attractions here at the Alappuzha Beach are A pier that extends into the sea which is believed to be more than 137 years old; an old lighthouse and some entertainment facilities, that include a children’s park and boating facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park.

Timings @ Vijaya Beach Park: 03:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Backwater Cruise from Alleppey to Kochi: Are you looking forward to a relaxing backwater cruise from Alleppey to Kochi. You can hire a Luxury or Deluxe houseboat from Alappuzha to experience this prime tourist attraction of Kerala.

03. Alappuzha Canal Cruise

Taking a short cruise through the narrow canals of Alappuzha on a small country boat is an interesting way of experiencing life in the backwaters of Kerala. You could come across vast stretches of paddy fields, coconut lagoons, small islands and observe the life of locals involved in fishing, ferrying resources from the shore to these tiny islands, children being ferried to school and much more. You could also drop in at one of the villages to check out the techniques of coir making, and try out the local cuisine – tapioca with fish curry and coconut toddy at a local eatery. These could be among the highlights of your trip to Kerala. The country boats can be hired from the boat jetty, near to the KSRTC Bus Station.

04. Champakulam Church

The St. Mary’s Church at Alappuzha or the Champakulam Church is believed to be among the oldest and one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas in AD 427. The annual feast of this church is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.

Distance: 16 km from Alappuzha

05. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is an ancient shrine believed to have been built in the 15th century by the local ruler – Devanarayanan Thampuran. The temple is famous for its Palpayasam, a sweet porridge made of rice and milk served every day. The temple here is associated with the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, as during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna was moved from Guruvayoor to this temple for safe possession. There are interesting paintings of lord Vishnu on display on the inner walls of the temple.

Distance: 15 km south of Alappuzha

06. Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum

Built-in an area of 28,000 sq. ft. and located on the National Highway – 47 passing through the town of Alappuzha, the Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum is an architectural marvel. Surrounded by neatly manicured lawns, a large kidney-shaped pool that has an exotic collection of lilies, and a beautiful gazebo structure that comprises six statues made of Italian marble; the museum has a wide variety of objects of artistic and heritage value. The museum has a collection of fine arts, artifacts of crystal and ivory collections collected over three generations, including a 1946 Buick Super owned by Mr. Revi Karuna’s father.

Timings: 09:00 am – 02:00 pm (Closed on Monday and National Holidays).

Distance: 3 km from Alappuzha Railway Station

07. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

The Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple is an ancient serpent shrine and a renowned pilgrimage center dedicated to the serpent deity – Nagaraja. Located in a forest gap, the temple is under the patronage of a Brahmin family and is interestingly led by a priestess. An offering distributed at the temple is believed to have curative powers for women seeking fertility, and as a thanksgiving contribution upon the birth of a child, they would install a snake image in the temple pathway. The temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees.

Distance: 32 km south of Alappuzha / 20 km from Kayamkulam Junction.

08. St. Andrews Basilica – Arthunkal Church

The St. Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal is an important Christian pilgrimage center in Kerala. The church was originally built by the Christian missionaries of Portuguese in the 16th century and was later rebuilt in 1640. A statue of St. Sebastian representing his body struck with arrows when he was executed by the Romans was installed in this church in the year 1647. The new church built of stone and the older church (just behind the new one) from the 1580s is a popular attraction for tourists visiting this place. The church is also popular for its ten-day annual festival or the Arthunkal Perunnal (St. Sebastian’s feast) celebrated every year in the month of January.

Distance: 22 km north of Alappuzha / 8 km from Cherthala

09. Chavara Bhavan

Located about 6 km from Alappuzha, the Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. He was a social reformer who played a large role in educating people from the lower ranks of society and a co-founder of the Christian religious organization – Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. The Chavara Bhavan is now a holy shrine that attracts tourists and devotees from all over Kerala. This place is accessible only by boat. One would also find a 250-year old antique beacon preserved here.

Distance: 6 km from Alappuzha

10. St. George Forane Church – Edathua Church

The St. George Forane Church also popularly known as the Edathua Palli (Church in Malayalam) is situated on the banks of the Pampa River in Alappuzha. Established in 1810, the church was dedicated to St. George. This gigantic church was constructed imitating the style of the medieval churches of Europe. A popular belief among the devotees here is that prayer and offers made at this church will help recover from mental imbalances and other diseases. The annual festival of this church is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam on 5, 6 & 7th May every year.

Distance: 24 km from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha – Thiruvalla Road

11. Krishnapuram Palace and Museum

The Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of the Travancore kingdom. Built as a miniature replica of the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Trivandrum it reflects the finest and rarest examples of Kerala-style architecture with gabled roofs, narrow corridors, and dormer windows. These structures are locally known as Pathinarukettu.

The palace has now been converted into a museum and is maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala with exhibits and collections that include ancient paintings, inscriptions, coins, megalithic remains and artifacts made of stone, wood and brass sculptures. A prominent exhibit here is the 49 sq. m. – Gajendra Moksha, the largest single piece of mural painting so far discovered in Kerala.

Timings: 09:30 am – 04:30 pm (Closed on Monday and national holidays).

Distance: 47 km from Alappuzha / 8 km from Kayamkulam Junction.

12. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is a quite clean beach that can be thoroughly enjoyed by families and couples for its privacy and clear sand. The beach is at distance 15 km from Alleppey town and is thus sparingly crowded. There are some popular resorts on this beach including the CGH Earth owned Marari Beach Resort, Marari Villas, and A Beach Symphony, etc.

Distance: 16 km from Alappuzha / 55 km from Cochin

13. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

The Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples situated about 5 km from Thiruvalla in the Alappuzha district. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are the deities who share the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. The temple has a peculiar and an interesting belief which is related to its annual festival – Thripootha Arattu. The festival is connected with a menstruation ceremony observed periodically at the temple and is considered as a symbol of fertility.

Distance: 1 km from Chengannur / 10 km from Thiruvalla

14. Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple

This ancient temple which has a history of over 3000 years is one of the few temples in Kerala that is open to people from all faith. Situated on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha district at Neerettupuram, it has the famous rivers of Pampa and Manimala flowing by either side of the temple. The annual Chakkulathukavu Pongala festival celebrated here is a great festive affair that falls in the month of Vrishchikam (November/December). Thousands of women devotees gather on the temple premises to prepare the famous ‘Pongala Nivedyam’ (a sweet dish made of rice porridge, molasses, and coconut gratings) in their respective earthen pots. The ‘Pongala Nivedyam’ is believed to be the favorite of the goddess placed here.

Temple Timings: 04:30 am – 01:00 pm & 04:30 pm – 08:00 pm

Distance: 11 km from Thiruvalla

15. Karumadi Kuttan

Karumadikuttan is a Buddhist pilgrim center that has the 11th-century statue of Lord Buddha. Preserved by the State Archaeological Department, this place is located about 5 km from Ambalapuzha in Alappuzha district. There are some interesting legends associated with the statue here.

Distance: 17 km from Alappuzha

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport.

By Rail: Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest, Ernakulam is 60 km away.