The Perfect Alleppey Itinerary: Best Places To Visit In One Day

I had written an ode to Kerala's backwaters in one of my earlier posts. Here I will share with you a detailed Alleppey itinerary for 2 days with best places to visit, tours and experiences to make the most of your short time.

Often touted as Venice of the East, Alleppey is known for the complex network of lagoons, lakes, and canals formed by the backwaters of Arabian Sea. Since time immemorial these waterways served as the economic backbone of the region, connecting Alleppey to other parts of Kerala and beyond.

In my Kerala itinerary I advised to drive to Alleppey from Kochi and spend one night there, before heading to Munnar. But you could also sail to Alleppey, stay for one night and return the next day.

If you are wondering, how could you possibly explore the best of Alleppey, the most famous destination of Kerala in just one or two days – you're going to get that answer here.

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Alappuzha – A Brief Background

Alappuzha, often anglicized as Alleppey, is more than just a coastal town in southern Kerala. Located in its namesake district, it's a melting pot of cultures, religions, and natural beauty. Nearly half of its population is Hindu, followed by Christians(26%) and Muslims(~24%), making it a glowing example of unity in diversity.

What sets Alapuzha apart are its brackish lagoons and lakes that lie almost parallel to the western coast of Kerala. Alleppey and Kumarakom, located on opposite sides of Vembanad Lake, are the two tourist hotspots of Kerala. While you'd love to spend days experiencing the blissful life of Alleppey, a one-night stay is sufficient for highlights.

23 Amazing Things to Do in Alleppey in One Day

Think you can't fit over 20 things to do in just one day in Alleppey? Well, you might not be able to do them all, but you can see a lot while sailing in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Let's assume you reach Alleppey by noon and go through the list one by one.

1. Stay in a Houseboat

Check-in to your hotel, which in this case is also your vehicle for sightseeing. Yes, it is the famous Alleppey Houseboat.

One of the most iconic experiences you can have in Alleppey is staying in a houseboat. These floating hotels offer a unique blend of luxury and tradition, making for an unforgettable stay.

Where to Get Them

You can book a houseboat in several ways. Many tourists opt to go through their resort or hotel, which often have partnerships with reputable houseboat operators.

Alternatively, you can book directly through various online platforms or even walk up to the Alleppey jetty where you'll find numerous operators ready to show you their boats.

Pricing

The cost of a houseboat stay can vary widely depending on the level of luxury you're looking for.

A basic one-bedroom boat can start at around ₹7,000 per night, while a high-end, luxury boat can cost upwards of ₹20,000. Most prices include meals, and some even offer additional activities like fishing or village tours.

Facts You Should Know

• Booking in Advance: Especially during peak season, houseboats get booked quickly. It's wise to book at least a month in advance.
• Inclusions: Make sure to check what's included in the price. Some operators include all meals and activities, while others might charge extra.
• Safety: Ensure the boat you're booking has proper safety measures in place, including life jackets and fire extinguishers.
• Timings: Most houseboats start their journey in the afternoon and return the next morning, covering various points in between.

Alternatives to Houseboats

Alternatively you could stay in a lake-view cottage or homestay. But why would you do that when you have a floating house full of luxury? I'll give you two reasons.

Anyway, you are not going to sail in the houseboat for all night. By law, they should be anchored by 5:30 pm. Stay in a lakeview cottage with all the luxurious amenities, infinity pools, gardens right at the banks of the lake or canals. Your one-night's tariff is slashed by almost 30%.

While a homestay may not give you the pool and jacuzzi, it gives you rich cultural experience and home-cooked food.

The second reason is the ease of exploring the backwaters. Houseboats are large and it is difficult to maneuver through the labyrinth of canals paving their way through picturesque villages. So hire a shikara instead of houseboat for your backwater tour.

2. A 5-Hour Tour of the Backwaters

How will you cover so many places in one day? A 5-hour backwater tour is the short answer to it. If you are short on time, you can take a 3-hour boat tour as well and after that go on a short drive.

You have many options for this tour.

First, you can arrange a private tour through the resort where you're staying. This is an excellent choice for those looking for a more intimate experience. The tariff for a private tour generally starts at ₹3,000 for a couple and can go up depending on the amenities offered.

Your second option is to hop on one of the larger boats that carry 10-15 people. This is a more budget-friendly choice, with prices ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per person. These bigger boats offer a communal experience that's great for meeting other travelers.

As for the routes, most tours start from the Alleppey jetty and can take you through a variety of scenic spots.

Popular routes include sailing through Kuttanad, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” and making a stop at Pathiramanal Island, a haven for birdwatchers.

Here's everything else you can do besides relaxing and experiencing the sheet joy of being in the cradle of nature.

3. Photography at Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is the longest brackish water lake in India. The largest one is Chilika Lake in Odisha – the largest lagoon in the planet.

From kingfishers and egrets to cormorants and kites, the avian life here is rich and diverse.

Many houseboats and shikara operators offer binoculars and even have local guides who can help you identify the different species.

4. Fresh Seafood Lunch at a Village on the Backwaters

One of the highlights of any backwaters tour in Alleppey is the lunch stop, usually at a quaint village along the route.

Most tours will dock at a village in Kuttanad .

Imagine feasting on dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaves) or Alleppey Fish Curry, all while taking in the scenic beauty around you.

Some operators even offer the option to dine at a local's home, giving you a taste of authentic Keralan hospitality.

Imagine feasting on dishes like Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in banana leaves) or Alleppey Fish Curry, all while taking in the scenic beauty around you. Some operators even offer the option to dine at a local's home, giving you a taste of authentic Keralan hospitality.

5. Explore Paddy Fields Below Sea-Level at Kuttanad

Kuttanad, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is a must-visit spot on your Alleppey backwaters tour. What makes this region truly unique is its paddy fields, which are situated below sea level.

It's one of the few places in the world where farming is done up to 2 meters below sea level. The only other place where such farms exist is Netherlands, to the best of my knowledge.

As your boat glides through the backwaters, you'll notice vast stretches of green paddy fields separated by narrow strips of land or waterways.

The intricate network of canals and waterways in Kuttanad is used for both irrigation and transportation, making it a fascinating example of how humans have adapted to their environment.

During your lunch stop or at designated points on your tour, you'll have the opportunity to step off the boat and walk through these fields.

6. Triveni Floating Market in Kuttanad

Heard of the floating market of Bangkok? Well, the one in Kerala is no less bustling.

While on the boat, request your sailor to take you to the to Triveni floating market in Kutanad. This state-owned market operates entirely on the boats and is a vital supply chain for the remote areas of the islands.

It's an experience that adds a layer of authenticity to your Alleppey trip, allowing you to engage with the local culture. You might also get products at cheaper rate here because of they are state-owned.

Most tourist boats don't have this market on their standard itinerary. However, if you're hiring a private tour, you can certainly request a stop at the Triveni Floating Market.

Details to Note

The market operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you ample time to explore and shop.

7. Visit Pathiramanal Island

Next stop that's included in all popular boat tours is the Pathiramanal Island.

Pathiramanal, which means “sands of the night,” is an uninhabited island that's a lively sojourn of migratory birds all over the world.

Once you're on the island, you can take a leisurely walk through the woods, try to identify the bird-species, or simply sit by the lake and enjoy the natural beauty around you.

Don't forget to bring your camera; the island is a photographer's paradise.

Details to Note

The island is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best bird-watching experience.

There's no entry fee to visit Pathiramanal Island!

8. Visit Chavara Bhavan

Chavara Bhavan is another must-visit spot on your Alappuzha itinerary. This ancestral home of saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara is now a spiritual shrine for the people of Kerala.

Besides being a Syro-Malabar Catholic priest, he was a great social reformer who spearheaded numerous initiatives to make education universally accessible.

Located on the banks of the Pamba River, you can reach this place only by boat. The house is preserved as a museum where you can see ancient artifacts and scriptures.

The highlight is the 250-year-old “Beemapally Chandanakudam”, a lamp that has been burning continuously since its first lighting.

Details to Note

The place is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There's no entry fee, but donations are accepted. It's a peaceful and enriching experience that adds a spiritual dimension to your Alleppey tour.

9. Punnamada Lake

One of the most scenic spots you'll encounter on your 5-hour boat trip is Punnamada Lake. This expansive water body is famous for hosting the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, one of the most celebrated events in Kerala.

As you sail through, you'll be captivated by the panoramic views of lush greenery and traditional Kerala houseboats. It's also a great spot for photography, so make sure your camera is ready.

Most boat tours start or/and end from this point.

Details to Note

While the lake is open for exploration throughout the day, the best time to experience its beauty is during the early morning or late afternoon. There's no additional fee for visiting the lake as it's usually included in your boat tour package.

If you have another day in Alleppey, you can come here for Kayaking.

10. Alleppey Lighthouse Museum

You private boat tour will probably end at your resort where you are staying. If not you can ask them to drop you at the Nehru Trophy finishing point. Most group tours have a drop-point here.

From this point, hire a tuktuk and head straight to the Alleppey Lighthouse which is just 10 minutes away.

The museum isn't just about the lighthouse; it's a tribute to the maritime history of the region. You can explore various exhibits that delve into the life and times of sailors, the evolution of lighthouses, and much more.

It offers a spectacular panoramic view from the top, so paying Rs. 20 extra for carrying the camera inside is worth it.

Details to Note

The museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 11:45 pm and then again from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. So, you might be pressed for time here after the afternoon boat tour.

The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 25 for foreigners. Camera charges are extra.

11. Vijaya Beach Park & Alleppey Beach

After this you can walk to the Vijaya Beach Park and Alleppey Beach. Vijaya beach park is a beautified children's park near the Alleppey Beach, making it a perfect family-spot.

The park features a wide range of amenities like boating, a toy train, and even a Japanese garden. It's a great place for families, especially if you're traveling with kids. The children can enjoy the play area while the adults can take a leisurely boat ride.

Watch the sunset, enjoy the activities and walk along the clean and lively Alleppey beach to end your day.

Details to Note

• The park is open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• The entry fee is 5 INR for adults and 3 INR for children. Additional charges apply for boating and toy train rides.

12. Authentic Kerala Cuisine For Dinner

We end this wholesome day of our Alleppey 2-day itinerary with a sumptuous authentic Malayali cuisine for dinner.

As the day draws to a close, retire for a good night's sleep. We still have the time to soak in the best of Alleppey on the day of our departure.

13. Watch Sunrise at the Vembanad Lake

On my first trip to Alleppey, we were so tired after driving all the way from Bangalore that we slept at 9pm! And I woke up before sunrise to catch the early morning views. It was mesmerizing!

14. Mulakkal Rajarajeshwari Temple

Situated just a few kilometers from the main town of Alleppey in Mulakkal, the Mulakkal Rajarajeshwari Temple is a revered sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari. The origin of this 500-year-old temple is wrapped in many legends.

The temple is particularly famous for the festival ” Mullakkal Chirappu” which happens between November to January. During this time, the temple becomes a hub of cultural activities, including classical dance performances and ritualistic ceremonies.

The month-long festival ends with a grand parade of caparisoned elephants in the last two days. Thousands of devotees and tourists come to witness this spectacle from all over Kerala and beyond.

This is typical of many temple-festivals of Kerala and a sight to witness.

15. Visit Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple

I didn't know about it until I came across this lofty statue of Shiva on my way to the Marari beach. It's a narrow road to drive to the beach, so finding a parking spot can be difficult. So park your car and walk to the beach after a trip to this temple.

Mararikulam Mahadeva Temple is a hidden gem located in Alappuzha district, Kerala. Built around 700 years ago by Villimangalam Swami, the temple is a sanctuary for two deities of Shiva—Vadakkanappan and Thekkanappan.

The biggest festival in this temple is “Thiru Utsavam” held in February every year. Like in Mulakkal, this 10-day festival is also celebrated with traditional music, dance, carnival and elephant parade.

16. Enjoy a coconut at Marari Beach

One of my favorite beaches in India, Marari Beach is named after Mararikulam, a local fishing village, and it retains much of its original character.

This picturesque beach is also a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles! You could spend hours in this setting, but it's time for departure, so sip on some coconut water while enjoying soaking some vitamin sea.

17. St. Andrew's Basilica – A Pit Stop on Your Way to Kochi

If you're driving back to Kochi , St. Andrew's Basilica in Arthunkal is one last place to stop by. This basilica is not just a place of worship but a historical marvel.

Raised by the Portuguese missionaries in early16th century, the church was rebuilt in 1584 under the guidance of Jacomo Fenicio, an Italian Jesuit. It is renowned for its grand annual feast of St. Sebastian in January, attracting pilgrims all over the country.

The architecture of the basilica is a blend of Portuguese style and local elements. It was elevated to the status of a basilica on July 9, 2010, making it the first basilica in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey.

The church faces west, offering a serene view of the long white-sand beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea.

Important Details to Note

• Visiting Time: Open throughout the day, but it's best to check the official website for any special timings or events.

Other Places to Visit in Alleppey if You Have One More Night

If you have just one more night at Alleppey, there's so much more to see. For the day of departure, I've included a few spots that are conveniently on the same route at a short distance from each other.

18. St Mary's Forane Church at Valiyapalli

Dating back to the 16th century, St Mary's Forane Church at Valiyapalli is one of the oldest churches in India. A pristine white monument by the lake, this is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Alleppey.

The church is renowned for its beautiful murals and sculptures, as well as its altar made of a single piece of wood. It's not just a place of worship but also a work of art.

Details to Note

The church is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

19. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Drive to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the second day. Kumarakom is rapidly gaining popularity as an offbeat alternative to Alleppey on the other side of Vembanad Lake.

Developed initially as a rubber plantation by Englishman George Alfred Baker, the sanctuary was formerly known as Baker's Estate.

Now managed by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the sanctuary spans 14 acres on the southern bank of the Meenachil River.

20. Kayaking In Backwaters

Kayaking tours can be booked at multiple locations in Alleppey, including popular resorts and specialized tour operators near the backwaters. Some of the well-known spots are near Punnamada Lake and the starting points of houseboat cruises. You can also find options online or through travel agencies.

No prior kayaking experience is required for most tours. Beginners are usually given a brief training session before heading out on the water. However, if you're looking for something more challenging, there are advanced routes available for experienced kayakers.

Safety is a priority on these tours. All participants are provided with life jackets, and guides often carry first-aid kits. The kayaks used are generally stable and designed for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Some tours even have a support boat that follows the kayakers to ensure safety.

More in the Kerala Backwaters

Alleppey is a place to relax and go back to simpler times. While you can see a lot in one backwater tour in one day, it's also one of the best places for slow travel.

If you have a longer time in this region, you can save money by adopting the fascinating local lifestyle. Use the public boats, rent a bike to travel around, go for grocery shopping and cook your own meals. Tempting, isn't it?

Here are my top picks for things to do in Alleppey on a longer trip.

21. Take a Public Ferry to Kollam

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the backwaters, consider taking a public ferry from Alleppey to Kollam.

The journey takes around 8 hours and offers a different perspective of the backwaters. It's a local experience, complete with stops at small villages along the way.

The ferry usually departs from the Alleppey Boat Jetty and tickets can be purchased on-site.

22. Village Tour of Champakulam

Champakulam is a quaint village situated on the banks of the Pamba River.

It's famous for its annual snake boat race and the St. Mary's Forane Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in India.

The village is accessible by boat and road, and a tour here offers a glimpse into the traditional crafts of boat building and idol making.

23. Trek to Pandavan Rock

For those looking to add a bit of adventure to their trip, a trek to Pandavan Rock is a great option.

Located near Urukunnu, this rock is believed to have been a hiding place for the Pandavas during their exile.

The trek is moderate and takes about an hour to reach the top, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to visit Alleppey

I recommend visiting Alleppey in the period between November and February. In fact, Alleppey is one of the best places to visit in India in winter.

The temperature of this typically Hot and Humid (with a capital “H”) area is slightly cooler during the time making it ideal for exploring. Also, this is the peak time for bird-watching in the Vembanad Lake. Migratory birds from around the world throng into coastal India for a little warmth. The lake also features seasonal blossoms that add an extra layer of beauty.

However, if you're keen on experiencing the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, an annual cultural event that turns the peaceful backwaters into a competitive racetrack, you'll want to plan your visit for August.

Where To Stay in Alleppey?

I have shared with you the tips for the best type of accommodation in Alleppey. Depending on the budget and experience you want to have you can choose between houseboats, luxurious resorts by the backwaters, cozy homestays hosted by locals and even beachside shacks.

How To Reach Alleppey?

Getting to Alleppey is relatively straightforward, with multiple options available. I drove from Bangalore, and the journey was a breeze, taking around 9 hours via the NH 44 and NH 66. This is one of the best routes for scenic road trips from Bangalore.

However, if you're coming from Kochi, be prepared for some traffic delays, especially during peak hours. Kochi is a bustling cosmopolitan city, and the traffic situation can be challenging.

Kochi is the nearest city to Alleppey and serves as a major gateway for travelers. It's well-connected by air, with the Cochin International Airport offering flights from various domestic and international locations. The city is also accessible by train, with the Ernakulam Junction being the closest major railway station.

If you're coming from nearby cities like Trivandrum, Madurai, or Coimbatore, there are daily buses that run to Kochi. From Kochi, Alleppey is just a short drive away, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Inspired By Alleppey? What's Next?

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You may also like these amazing itineraries for the best places to visit in Kerala – God's own country.

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• Kasargod – An offbeat getaway with beach, backwaters and the Bekal Fort
• Wayanad – For hills, islands and pre-historic caves

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