10 special things to do in alleppey [updated 2024]

Alleppey, with its natural beauty, attracts a lot of tourists into it and is one of the very famous attractions in Kerala. This place is an exact spot for nature-buffs, adventure freaks, and devotees. 

Alleppey is a blend of culture and tradition with immense natural beauty. The main attractions of Alleppey include backwaters, lagoons, beaches, adventurous spots, places of spirituality, etc.

There are a lot of things to do in Alleppey, the main activities one can indulge in while in Alleppey are:

10. Houseboats and Backwaters

One visiting Alleppey must experience the backwaters since this place is well known for its backwaters. The best way to feel the backwaters is to take a houseboat trip. On booking a houseboat before your visit can add to spending a pretty much amount of time enjoying the waters. This is considered to be the best among the top 10 things to do in Alleppey.

Alleppey backwaters always find a place in the bucket list of a person visiting Kerala. One can spend 1 or 2 days engaging in a houseboat cruise through the beautiful backwaters that offer a visual treat for your eyes with the never-ending stretch of paddy fields. Houseboats in Alleppey are available with all amenities and they are equal to a small villa with a luxury feeling. Houseboat rides will be one of the best things to do in Alleppey.

09. Beaches, Ayurvedic spa, and massage centres

When it comes to beaches you have: Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Andhakaranazhi beach, Thumpoly Beach, Thottappally Beach, and Pathiramanal Beach to be explored and there will be a lot of things to do along Alappuzha Beach. Taking a sunbath or staying back on a beach enjoying sunsets will always be a great feeling. If you want to try something adventurous one can also engage in beach sports like parasailing, windsurfing and even try a catamaran ride. 

A body refreshing massage is always preferred by so many people. In Alleppey, you can find several massage centres and spas wherein you get the best services that can refresh your body and mind. Even though many modern massage centres took their place in different places the traditional massage centres are the ones preferred by people. The services provided by these centres are excellent and are of great demand among foreigners and the natives. The best time to take up an ayurvedic massage will be during monsoon or winter. Walking along the beach sides will be one of the best things to do during the evenings, and there are a lot more things to do along the Alappuzha Beaches.

08. Stay in Kuttanad

If you want to experience the village lifestyle Kuttanad is the best place to stay. Kuttanad is one of the best places to visit in Alleppey. It is known as the rice bowl of Kerala with paddy cultivations that are below sea level. One can find spice cultivation, waterways, duck farms, paddy fields, and coconut lines. Here you will find two classes of people, the one who is busy finding their means of living and the others who came up from different regions to closely watch and adopt the simple lifestyle of the villagers. Their daily routines will be very interesting to watch.

07. Food delicacies

A hot spot for seafood lovers, wherein you can taste a lot of varieties that come with Kerala’s authentic flavour. The Kerala Sadhya with pappadam and payasam is always preferred by the tourists visiting Alleppey. And also they never miss the hot banana chips.

One must try the traditional Kerala fish curry, Malabar Biriyani, Idiyappam, Ela Ada, Elaneer Kallu, veg pulav Karimeen Pollichathu, Duck Curry, Chicken Roast, Shappu fish curry, squids, prawns, shrimps, Fish Molly, Crab Roast, Chilli Beef which can be a real feast to one’s mouth.

06. Homestays

If you feel like you are long back from home try the homestays in Alleppey that can give you a homely feel, to get a different atmosphere from the usual hotels or resorts. They are complete with all the required facilities and you get your own private space in here. Also, you will get the chance to enjoy the very delicious food with authentic Kerala taste. Spending evenings at homestays will be great.

05. Snake boat races festival

Alleppey backwaters are always the perfect venue for Snake boat races. From long back onwards this place has hosted a lot of boat races. Among the boat races the Nehru Trophy Boat race is the one which has got fame all around. If you are planning to visit Alleppey during August-September, you will be able to witness the live practice sessions for the boat races. The snake boat races are one of the top 10 things to be experienced in Alleppey.

04. Bird Watching & Elephant training camp

Alleppey, which is home to a lot of migratory birds can be a means of entertainment for nature and bird lovers. One can spot Black Drongo, White Breasted Waterhen, White-Throated Kingfishers and Stork Billed, Jungle Myna and Asian Palm Swift and a lot more varieties. For someone interested in photography, canoeing through the backwaters along with a camera, you can capture a lot of scenic shots and also pictures of migratory birds, this will be one of the best things to do around in Alleppey.

For wildlife lovers, the perfect place to spend some time is the Elephant training centre where you can feed them, can watch them being taken for a bath, and also see some playful moments of these lovely creatures. You might get a chance to ride them.

03. Spirituality

Alleppey also finds a place in spiritual activities, the temples and churches can add to build your spiritual side. One of the oldest temples is the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple known for its architectural designs and mural paintings. They offer a sweet milk porridge, the famous Ambalappuzha Palpayasam. St. Mary’s Forane Church is considered to be one among the oldest churches in India, is also a place that is rich in spirituality as well as beauty.

The other important religious places to visit in Alleppey that are in the list are Mannarasala Temple, Nagaraja Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Latin Catholic Church, Edathua Church, and Florence Forane Church.

02. History and Culture

The main attraction for someone interested in history and culture is the Krishnapuram Palace which was built by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. This place is loved by people who are looking for great architectural works. Another one is the Revikarunakaran Museum which has got a collection of rare art pieces that includes mural paintings, antique furniture, Tanjore paintings porcelain wares, Swarovski crystal collection, crystal wares, ivory works, etc. 

Alleppey district even though a place that is industrially backward is famous for coir and related handicrafts production. The coir museum is one such example. If you love to watch the coir production activities and how they are formed into interesting shapes then do find some time in visiting here. On visiting the coir museum one can see various items that are made from dry coconut husks like ornaments, bags, wall hangings, birds, and animals, etc.

01. Shopping in Alleppey

Alleppey is also a place that attracts shopaholics, there are several shopping markets to be explored here. The main items include the Kerala handloom Saree, little trinkets, South Indian jewelry, artifacts, and handicraft items all at an affordable rate. 

One of the popular shopping markets is the Floating Triveni, a market that floats over water where one can find anything and everything. Alappuzha Zakariya Market is famous for purchasing maritime items. 

Alleppey has everything in it, just come and explore, the most beautiful city in Kerala. There will be a lot of things to be done in Alleppey. You will never leave with disappointment, all you will have is some everlasting memories and some good times. So plan a trip to Alleppey and feel Alleppey to its best.

For booking Alleppey boat house packages & Kerala houseboat packages

Are you looking for Kumarakom Backwaters also? You can do houseboat stays and cruise in Kumarakom too.