Overnight houseboat
A traditional kettuvallam cruise through Vembanad Lake with meals cooked on board and a moored night.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Overnight
- Best time to visit
- Afternoon boarding
Alleppey
The Venice of the East.
- State
- Kerala
- Recommended duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Best months
- September – March
- Estimated package price
- ₹20,000 onwards
About the destination
Why travellers visit Alleppey
Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the heart of Kerala's backwaters — a network of canals, lagoons and lakes edged with coconut palms and paddy fields. An overnight houseboat is the classic experience, but canoe rides through the narrower village canals are quieter and more intimate. The town also has a long beach and a colonial-era pier.
BeachesFamily
Places to visit
Top attractions in and around Alleppey
Suggested visiting durations, ideal timing and approximate distances for each place.
Village canoe ride
A small country boat through narrow canals that houseboats cannot enter, passing homes and paddy fields.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2–3 hours
- Best time to visit
- Early morning
Alappuzha Beach & Pier
A wide beach with a 150-year-old sea pier and a lighthouse behind it.
- Suggested visiting duration
- 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- Sunset
Marari Beach
A calm fishing-village beach north of town, far quieter than the main beach.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Half day
- Best time to visit
- Morning
- Approximate distance
- About 15 km
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A lakeside sanctuary that attracts herons, egrets and winter migratory birds.
- Suggested visiting duration
- Half day
- Best time to visit
- Nov – Feb, early morning
- Approximate distance
- About 55 km
Suggested itinerary
A sample 3-day plan
This is an example itinerary. Days can be shortened, extended or reordered depending on your travel dates, pace and interests.
Day 1 — Arrival in Alleppey
Reach Alleppey, check in and settle down. Spend the evening exploring the market area nearby, trying local food and getting a feel for the place.
Day 2 — Overnight houseboat + Village canoe ride + Alappuzha Beach & Pier + Marari Beach + Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Overnight houseboat: A traditional kettuvallam cruise through Vembanad Lake with meals cooked on board and a moored night. Village canoe ride: A small country boat through narrow canals that houseboats cannot enter, passing homes and paddy fields. Alappuzha Beach & Pier: A wide beach with a 150-year-old sea pier and a lighthouse behind it. Marari Beach: A calm fishing-village beach north of town, far quieter than the main beach. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A lakeside sanctuary that attracts herons, egrets and winter migratory birds.
Day 3 — Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, pick up souvenirs and begin your journey back from Alleppey.
Estimated trip cost
What the trip may cost
Estimated cost for 2 people · 3 days / 2 nights
Accommodation
Approx. 2 nights in a comfortable mid-range hotel for two.
₹8,000
Transportation
Approximate travel to and from the destination, plus transfers.
₹5,000
Local sightseeing
Cabs, entry tickets and day-trip travel within the destination.
₹3,000
Food
Three meals a day for two at mid-range local restaurants.
₹3,000
Activities
Optional experiences, guides and activity fees.
₹1,000
Estimated total
₹20,000 onwards
These figures are approximate and can vary depending on travel dates, accommodation, transportation and personal preferences.
Accommodation
Where travellers usually stay
Typical accommodation categories in Alleppey and what each generally includes.
Budget
Approx. ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night
Guesthouses, homestays and small hotels. Expect a clean room, hot water, basic Wi-Fi and simple breakfast. Often located slightly away from the main sightseeing area.
Mid-range
Approx. ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
Comfortable hotels and boutique properties with better locations, room service, on-site dining and reliable heating or air-conditioning depending on the region.
Premium
Approx. ₹6,000 – ₹12,000+ per night
Resorts and luxury properties with larger rooms, views, spa or pool facilities, multiple restaurants and full-service assistance for sightseeing arrangements.
Accommodation rates are indicative averages for a double room and change significantly with season, location and property category. This website does not list, recommend or arrange specific hotels.
Getting there & around
How to reach Alleppey
Nearest airport and railway station, road routes and the local transport options once you arrive.
By Air
Cochin International Airport
About 85 km
2.5 hours
The nearest major airport.
By Rail
Alappuzha Railway Station
About 4 km
15 minutes
On the coastal line between Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Road
Kochi – Alappuzha via NH66
About 55 km
1.5 hours
A short, easy coastal drive.
Local transport options
Private cab (full day)
Most convenient for sightseeing with fixed timings and multiple stops.
Approx. ₹2,500 – ₹4,500 per day
Shared taxi
Common on fixed hill and intercity routes; departs when full.
Approx. ₹150 – ₹500 per seat
Local bus
The cheapest option, best for short hops and popular routes.
Approx. ₹20 – ₹300 per trip
Auto rickshaw
Ideal for short in-town distances; agree the fare or use the meter.
Approx. ₹30 – ₹300 per trip
Rental scooter or bike
Popular in beach and hill towns; carry a valid licence and wear a helmet.
Approx. ₹400 – ₹1,200 per day
Sightseeing cab per point
Point-to-point rates for single attractions or short excursions.
Approx. ₹800 – ₹2,000
All transport distances, timings and fares are approximate estimates. Actual availability, routes and rates vary by season, operator and road conditions.
Best time to visit
Alleppey through the seasons
Recommended months: September – March.
Summer
March – May
Hot and humid with 30–35°C days. Beaches are far less crowded and stays are cheaper; plan sightseeing early morning and late evening.
Monsoon
June – September
Dramatic green landscapes, heavy showers and low prices. Water sports and boat rides are frequently suspended for safety.
Winter
October – February
The peak season. Warm sunny days, cool evenings and calm seas make this ideal for beaches, cruises and outdoor dining. Book stays well in advance around late December.
Things to do
Experiences to plan for in Alleppey
Houseboat cruises
Canoe rides
Ayurvedic massage
Kerala cuisine
Beach walks
Bird watching
Photo gallery
Alleppey in pictures
Landscapes, culture, food and the everyday texture of travel in this part of India.
Travel tips
Good to know before visiting Alleppey
- Swim only in areas marked safe and follow lifeguard instructions.
- Protect electronics from sand and salt air with a dry pouch.
- Rent two-wheelers or cabs only from licensed operators and always wear a helmet.
- Plan two attractions a day at most when travelling with children or elders.
- Choose stays close to the main sightseeing zone to reduce daily travel time.
- Carry a government-issued photo ID; most hotels ask for it at check-in.
- Check the weather forecast a couple of days before you travel and pack accordingly.
- Keep some cash handy — smaller shops, local transport and remote areas may not accept cards or UPI.
- Carry basic medicines, a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
Prices shown are indicative estimates and may vary depending on season, hotel category, transportation, number of travellers and duration.
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