15 Best Things to do in Alleppey

What are the best things to do in Alleppey? This is probably the most asked question that we as Houseboat Tour Operator in Alleppey encounter from travelers across the globe. Often we tell them “The backwaters, the Houseboats, and the food”. Well, there is no doubt that an Alleppey tour is more about the houseboats and backwaters. You cannot enjoy the serenity and charm of Alleppey without hopping on to one of these custom-made Kerala houseboats and explore the splendid network of Alleppey backwaters. However, we need to give more credit to Alleppey because there are other things to do in Alleppey which help you experience the beauty of it from a whole new kaleidoscope altogether. Therefore we always encourage travelers to explore more of Alleppey than just the houseboats. To make it easy for you, let us jot down a few of the best things to do in Alleppey which we recommend to all our customers.

The Alleppey Houseboat Cruise- Of-course that tops the list!

Certainly, when we talk about a tour to Alleppey, the houseboats are the first picture that pops up in all of our minds. Rightfully so, because a houseboat tour in Alleppey is a one-of-a-kind unique experience that you won’t get to enjoy anywhere else on the planet. So, yes, opting for a houseboat Cruise in Alleppey tops our list of the best things to do in Alleppey.

Imagine yourself floating along the glistening Alleppey backwaters on a custom-made Alleppey houseboat. Relish a refreshing tender Coconut while you are exposed to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alleppey countryside. The lush green paddy fields, the palm-fringed villages, the toddy shops, the people, bustling lakeside markets, and a lot more. Moreover, you get to taste the scintillating Kerala cuisine that is cooked on board exclusively for you by the houseboat crew.

Visit Marari Beach

Marari Beach is an unexplored seaside gem that is slowly rising to fame among travelers. It is a must-visit if you ever happen to visit Alleppey. You would see more Western tourists at Marari owing to its popularity among travelers who look for less crowded tranquil seasides to relax and unwind. It’s neat, it’s clean and it’s gorgeous. What more you would ask for? A visit to Marari Beach is for sure one of the best things to do in Alleppey.

Marari is just under 20 km distance from Alleppey and can be easily accessed by road. A 30 mins drive is all that it takes to reach this beautiful beach.

Canoe Ride

A Canoe is a country boat made of wood especially used by the locals to transport goods and commute themselves to other areas locally. Since Alleppey is more like an island sandwiched between the backwaters and the Sea, most of the locals rely on waterways as their major mode of transport. A ride on a Canoe is much recommended to all travelers. It’s another unique experience you could indulge in Alleppey and explore the backwaters in a slightly different style. However, the boats are a bit shaky and few people would find it uncomfortable but it is another unique thing to do in Alleppey which is a must-try.

Shikara Boat Ride

You might be thinking “Another Boat Ride?”. Yes, indeed. A Houseboat, a Country boat, a Shikara boat, It sounds all the same but the experience you get is unique. You know it’s often the houseboats that steal the show in Alleppey but if you have time to spare, try these cute little Shikara boats too. It is a small boat but with a roof as well. Often loved by honeymooners, a 2 hours Shikara boat ride is a must-try in Alleppey. It is cheap and best enjoyed in the early mornings or during sunsets.

Visit Krishnapuram Palace

Located 50 km from Alleppey, the Krishnapuram Palace is an 18th Century architectural gem built by the great Marthanda Varma, the then king of the Travancore kingdom. The structure is a perfect exemplar of the traditional Kerala-style architecture. The gabled roofs and narrow corridors excite the love of architecture in all of us. The Palace now acts as a museum and displays paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts which remind us of Kerala’s regal past. The museum is also renowned for housing a 49 Sq.m Gajendra Moksham mural painting, the largest of its kind found in Kerala.

Guided Village Walk

Now, if you are among those travelers who love to dig deep into the roots of a destination and experience its raw charm rather than just following the herd? Then you would love a guided walk along with the beautiful villages of Alleppey. You could even ask your Kerala Houseboat tour operator to arrange an early morning walk before you disembark from your houseboat.

During a 2 hour morning walk accompanied by an Alleppey expert guide, you get to see how the villages here wake up to the sunrise, you will come across the day to day activities of the people of Alleppey, Coir manufacturing units, you will see toddy tapping on the way, perhaps even try a sip of fresh toddy, walk through the verdant paddies and numerous other blissful sights.

Visit Alleppey Beach

Though it is not as secluded a beach as the Marari Beach the Alleppey Beach has its own unique charm and is, without doubt, one of the best things to do in Alleppey as a traveler. It is often frequented by the locals in the evening sunset time and is probably the best time to make a visit here. The beach gets live during these hours and is lined with many teas and bhajji shops, ice cream vans, etc. Sip a hot cup of tea and bite into a smoking hot bhajji [a local snack] as you witness the sun disappearing from the horizon leaving a reddish hue all over the sky.

Kayaking along the backwaters

This one is for adventure-lovers among you. Don’t you get mistaken that Alleppey has nothing adventurous to offer you? Kayaking is one of the favorite sports for Adventure fanatics and the Alleppey backwaters is an ideal playground to glide on the Kayaks.

Bird Watching

Did you know that Alleppey is home to some of the rarest species of birds? For the same reason, Bird watchers from across the globe flock to Alleppey to get a glimpse of these winged visitors. White Breasted Waterhen, Black Drongo, Jungle Myna, Stork Billed Kingfishers, and Asian Palm Swift are some of the renowned names. You can either opt for a Guided Bird Watching Nature Walk with a bird enthusiast in the morning or go for a Kayaking/Canoe Ride with Bird Watching program which you can arrange through a houseboat tour operator.

So if Birds excite you, then Bird Watching must be in your “Things to do in Alleppey “ list.

Ayurvedic Massage

A journey must be refreshing and rejuvenating not just for your mind but for your body as well. What better way to treat your body than an authentic Kerala Ayurvedic Massage? There are numerous massage parlors in Alleppey where you could opt for a custom Ayurvedic Massage as per your requirement and preferences.

Relish the delicious regional cuisine

For foodies, especially seafood lovers, Alleppey could be interesting and exciting. The cuisine here makes liberal use of spices and the best way to enjoy Alleppey is to enjoy it as it is, SPICY! The backwater Pearl Spot fish is a signature fish of Alleppey and you must try the Pearl Spot fry along with Shrimps and Prawns served on a Banana Leaf with smoking white rice and numerous other traditional Kerala vegetarian delicacies accompanying them as well. Just gorge on it. You won’t regret it a bit.

Snake Boat Race

The annual Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is one of the most anticipated sports events in India and without doubt one of the most recommended things to do in Alleppey. People from all over the planet flock to Alleppey during the month of August to witness this grand spectacle. The practice sessions start in June and that is a good time to make a visit to Alleppey and get to know more about the history of Snake Boat races in Alleppey. If you plan to visit during the event which happens in August every year, make sure you book the tickets beforehand as it gets sold out in a matter of time like hotcakes.

Witness Sunset Pozhiyoram Beach

Hop onto to a tuk-tuk from the Alleppey town and within a matter of 15 minutes, you reach Pozhiyoram Beach. Witnessing the Sunset from this part of the World is splendid as described by the travel community. So yea, if you happen to love sunsets, then an evening visit to Pozhiyoram Beach will be well spent.

Elephant Bathing

The mightiest animal on land is a delight for all of us and you have a chance to meet one of them up close here at Alleppey. You even have an opportunity to enjoy a bathing session with an elephant. How cool is that right?

Elephant Bathing is again among the best activities to do in Alleppey.

Coir factory visit

Coir is the lifeline of Alleppey. Most of its population rely on Coir business as their source of livelihood. It is a delightful experience to see the coir making firsthand. If interested you can visit a coir-making unit in Alleppey and interact with the workers, witness the process and even try your hands on it.

There you go. That was our list of the 15 best things to do in Alleppey.

In case you would love to talk to one of our Cruiseland Houseboat experts and design your Alleppey tour, please feel free to reach us anytime at +91 9747959503.

Happy Travelling!