Alappuzha is a lovely seaside town in Kerala known for its backwaters, houseboat rides, beaches, and the seafaring heritage of the region. It is an extremely popular tourist destination in Kerala and is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” because of the naturally formed network of canals, lagoons, and rivers that provide both a peaceful refuge and insight into the lifestyle of the people of Kerala.
The backwaters of Alappuzha form an extensive network of interconnected waterways stretching over 900 kilometers. Lined with coconut palms, paddy fields, and quaint villages, these tranquil canals provide an idyllic setting for exploration. Traveling on a traditional houseboat, or kettuvallam, is an iconic Kerala experience, offering a blend of comfort, luxury, and authentic charm.
Present houseboats come with all the facilities to make a holiday pleasant, and at the same time, their green building with bamboo, coir, and wood keeps the heritage intact. From the water, one can see the dense greenery, the flawless reflections, and the tempo of village life. Normally, the trip also includes local cuisine freshly made and served consisting of seafood, tropical fruits, and spiced dishes, thus making the trip a pleasure both for visual and taste senses. Morning and evening along with the backwaters can really be called a fairy-like encounter; the sky and water are like mirrors to each other.
Alappuzha has plenty of attractions to engage and entertain the tourists and at the same time acquaint them with the area and the nature:
Snake Boat Races: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held annually in August, is the stage for the battle of long, thin boats powered by a team of oarsmen and is a spectator-packed event that draws the audience from the entire globe.
Canoeing and Kayaking: You can travel in a small boat and go through a narrow stretch of the canal that no one knows and see the backwaters up close.
Village Tours: Local guides will take you to the places where you can see the lifestyle of the people and learn about coir making, toddy tapping, and paddy growing, and, besides that, you can talk with the locals.
There are many different treatments and massages at Ayurveda centres in Alappuzha to relax and adopt wellness, for example, herbal baths, body rubs, and holistic therapies.
Alappuzha is very accessible by road as well as rail or water transport. The city is home to the Alappuzha Railway Station, and Cochin International Airport is the closest airfield. Besides mainline train services, buses and private cars can take you to Alappuzha from anywhere in the state of Kerala.
There is a wide range of accommodations to meet various comfort levels, from the high-end resorts to the budget hotels, as well as homestays, and most of them offer stunning views of the backwaters. If you stay on a houseboat, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness that characterize water journeys.
The best time to visit Alappuzha is from October to March, when the weather is comfortable and fresh. The monsoon period (June–September) turns the area into a beautiful green land; however, some open-air activities may not be available. If you come during this period, nevertheless, you will be able to witness the backwaters in their full, colourful glory.
Alappuzha is a fairy-tale with its world-renowned backwaters, amazing culture, and breath-taking nature. It makes no difference what you are doing: be it on a houseboat, walking along the beautiful canals, or immersing yourself in the local traditions, you will definitely find the perfect mix of rest, thrill, and the charm of nature.
How to Reach
Alappuzha KSRTC Bus Stand is about 4 km away.
Cochin International Airport is 83 km away from Alappuzha.
Alappuzha Railway Station is situated within 1.3 km from the city.
Contact Information
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Boat Jetty Road, Opposite Canara Bank, Alappuzha-688011
+91 477 225 1796
info@dtpcalappuzha.com