15 Best Things To Do in Alleppey for Every Traveller
Alleppey (Alappuzha) draws over hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to Kerala’s famed backwaters, making it one of the state’s top tourism hubs. Explore these things to do in Alleppey to ensure your journey is unforgettable.
Why visit Alleppey?
If you’re wondering why Alleppey, here’s the quick answer: because it blends serene waterways, rhythmic village life, evocative canals, and coastal beauty all in one place. The network of canals and lagoons has led to Alleppey being called the “Venice of the East.”
But beyond the poetic, there’s substance: varied Alleppey attractions, immersive local culture, and unique offerings like staying in a property with its own in-room kitchen.
How to plan your stay
Many travellers choose to base themselves in Cherthala Allepey, slightly outside the busiest canals, to enjoy peaceful mornings and easier access to rural routes. A standout option is Devi Royal Residency, which offers comfortable rooms for both short-term and long-term stays. Its unique selling point: every room has the convenience of an in-room kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals even while travelling.
Staying there means you won’t miss out on nightly excursions, early dawn cruises, or spontaneous outings because you don’t have to worry about fixed mealtimes or external restaurants. You’ll feel as if you have a “home base” in the backwaters.
What are the 15 best things to do in Alleppey?
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Take a houseboat cruise through the backwaters
The quintessential Alleppey sightseeing experience is a multi-hour or overnight houseboat journey through the network of canals, lagoons, and the great Vembanad Lake. Glide past paddy fields, coir villages, and coconut groves, observing traditional daily life. Many cruises include local meals, small-boat excursions, and birdwatching.
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Sunrise canoe ride in narrow canals
Early in the morning, board a narrow traditional canoe or shikara to slip into side canals that big houseboats cannot reach. This quiet Alleppey attractions adventure brings you close to fishermen, village life, and hidden mangrove stretches.
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Visit Alappuzha beach and the old pier
A short break from the waterways: stroll Alappuzha beach, watch the waves, sit on the old pier that juts into the sea, and enjoy the sea breeze. If you time it well, you might glimpse dolphins near shore.
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Climb to the Alleppey lighthouse
Near the beach, visit the Alleppey lighthouse (sometimes called Alappuzha lighthouse). Climb to the top to get panoramic views of the Arabian Sea meeting the coastline and inland wetlands. This combination of coastal panorama and backwater contrast is rare.
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Explore Krishnapuram Palace and Kalarickal Museum
Head inland to Krishnapuram Palace, a stately mansion known for mural paintings, traditional Kerala architecture, and a museum that preserves royal artifacts. The lush surroundings and calm courtyards are a contrast to canals.
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Discover Marari Beach and rural coastline
Though not strictly in central Alleppey, Marari Beach lies nearby and remains lesser known. It’s quieter, ideal for walking, sunset views, and coconut-shaded seclusion. Combine this with a small fishing village walk.
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Cycle through villagers’ trails and rice paddies
Rent a bicycle and ride through the inland backroads of Kuttanad region, passing through flooded fields, tiny bridges, farmers working below sea level, and local hamlets. You’ll feel intimately connected to Alleppey attractions in the hinterland.
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Birdwatch at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A short boat ride from Alleppey brings you to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory waterfowl, egrets, storks, kingfishers, and more. It’s a top pick for nature lovers seeking Alleppey sightseeing off the beaten path.
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Tour the International Coir Museum
Delve into Alleppey’s coir industry at the International Coir Museum. Learn how coconut husk fibers are processed, see tools and looms, and witness local artisans at work. It’s one of the local Alleppey attractions that tells the story of community livelihoods.
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Attend a Kathakali or classical art performance
In many cultural centres around Alleppey you can watch traditional dance-drama like Kathakali, Kerala’s classical performing art. It’s a way to connect with local heritage and visual storytelling.
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Visit temples and churches: Mannarasala, Arthunkal, Ambalapuzha
Explore sacred landmarks such as Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Arthunkal Church, and Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. Each offers architecture, rituals, and local legends—for instance, Mannarasala is famed for serpent worship and Ambalapuzha has a historic ghee prasadam tradition.
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Join a local food walk and taste street Alleppey food
Don’t leave without sampling Alleppey food: rice, freshly caught fish curries, appam, idioms, payasam, and local sweets. Go with a guide to alleys and village stalls to enjoy authentic flavors away from tourist traps.
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Boat race or valley festival if timing aligns
If your trip coincides with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race or other local vallam kali events, don’t miss it. These are spectacular Alleppey attractions—a competition of snake boats, rhythmic oars, enthusiastic crowds, and the pulse of Kerala’s water culture.
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Sunset cruise on the Vembanad Lake
In the evening, board a smaller cruiser or guided boat on Vembanad Lake to watch the sun dip behind the horizon, turning the sky golden and reflecting off canals and fields. This is among the most romantic things to do in Alleppey.
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Photography walk in old Alleppey town lanes
Take a walking tour in old town, alleyways between canals, colonial structures, murals, markets, and hidden courtyards. For photography enthusiasts and storytellers, this is rich terrain.
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Visit local markets and coir workshops
Meet local artisans, buy handmade mats, rope, coir crafts, and see coir workshops in village clusters. It’s a hands-on connection to daily life. Tie this in with a canal ride nearby for contrast.
How to choose the right mix of experiences?
Every traveller is different. If you love nature and reflection, focus on canoe rides, bird sanctuaries, and cycling. If culture moves you, attend Kathakali, visit temples and coir museums. If you’re a foodie, pick the food walk and stay in a place like Devi Royal Residency with in-room kitchen flexibility. The key is balance.
Why Devi Royal Residency stands out
Here’s where many travellers feel they’re missing out: they book generic hotels, eat only out, and follow rigid schedules. At Devi Royal Residency, every room has the convenience of an in-room kitchen, letting you cook local ingredients at your pace. Pair that with guided tours, local support, and quiet nights after river cruises—you get freedom, authenticity, and comfort in one place.
Book early—rooms often fill up during festival seasons like Onam or boat race periods. Staying in Cherthala Allepey gives you access to both rural and waterway routes, and anchoring your stay here ensures you don’t regret missing out on a hidden sunrise cruise or evening canal ride.
Tips and logistics for your Alleppey trip
- Best time to visit: December to February, when weather is pleasant and water levels are stable.
- Carry mosquito repellent and light rain gear (sudden showers can occur near lakes).
- Wear comfortable sandals or shoes for wet walkways and small jetties.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly at temples and religious sites.
- Negotiate or book your boat rides via trusted operators or through your stay provider to avoid overpriced “tourist traps.”
- Use daylight hours effectively—morning and evening are ideal times for canal rides and photography.
About Devi Royal Residency
Devi Royal Residency is a hospitality residence in Cherthala Allepey, offering short-term and long-term stays with thoughtfully designed rooms and amenities. Its USP is the in-room kitchen, giving travellers autonomy over meals while exploring the charms of Alleppey. Whether you want to cook simple breakfasts before a dawn cruise or simmer a local fish curry after returning from a day trip, this property bridges the gap between independence and comfort.
Its location allows quick access to the backwaters, rural roads, and cultural sites—yet it remains peaceful, away from the busiest canals. Choosing Devi Royal Residency makes you feel like a local rather than a transient visitor.
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