Top Tourist Places in Alleppey, Kerala: The Venice of the East 2026 Guide

Are you dreaming of floating down a peaceful river while palm trees lean over the water to greet you? Welcome to Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha). People call it the “Venice of the East” because of its beautiful canals and lagoons.

Alleppey remains a top choice for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy nature. Whether you want a luxury houseboat or a quiet walk on a hidden beach, this guide covers the best tourist places in Alleppey, Kerala.

The Magic of the Alleppey Backwaters (Vembanad & Punnamada)

Local life unfolds along the banks of the Alleppey backwaters as a traditional houseboat and small passenger canoes navigate a peaceful, palm-lined canal.

The backwaters are the heart and soul of Kerala. This massive network of over 900 kilometers of canals and lakes is a natural wonder. The two most famous areas are Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India, and Punnamada Lake, where the famous snake boat races happen. When you visit these tourist places in Alleppey, Kerala, you see a special way of life. The water is a mix of fresh river water and salty seawater. A special wall called the Thanneermukkom Bund keeps the salt out so farmers can grow rice. This shows how smart the local people are at managing their environment.

For most travelers, the best way to see this is by boat. You must decide between a houseboat vs. shikara ride. A houseboat is like a floating hotel. You get a private bedroom and a chef who cooks local Kerala meals right on the boat. It moves slowly, at about 10 kilometers per hour, so you can really see the details of life on the banks. You will see children paddling small canoes to school and women washing clothes by the water. At Indian Odyssey, we suggest using eco-friendly boats. This keeps the water clean for the fish and the families who live there.

Sunsets and History at Alappuzha Beach & Lighthouse

The sun sets behind the historic ruins of the 150-year-old pier at Alappuzha Beach, casting a vibrant orange and purple glow over the Arabian Sea.

Alappuzha Beach is where history meets the ocean. The most famous sight here is the 150-year-old pier. Even though it is mostly in ruins now, it reminds us of when Alleppey was a major port for the global spice trade. Hundreds of years ago, ships from Europe came here to buy pepper and ginger. Today, the beach is a wide, sandy place where families fly kites and enjoy the breeze. It is one of the best sunset spots in Alappuzha beach. When the sun goes down, the sky turns bright orange and purple, making it the perfect time for photos.

Right next to the sand is the Alappuzha Lighthouse. It was built in 1862 and was the first one on this coast. You can pay a small fee to climb the winding stairs to the top. The logic for climbing those steps is simple: the view is amazing! From the top gallery, you get a 360-degree view. You can see the green tops of thousands of coconut trees on one side and the blue Arabian Sea on the other. It is the best place to see how the town is tucked between the forest and the water. We recommend visiting around 3:30 PM to get the best light for your pictures.

The Quiet Luxury of Marari Beach Resort

A peaceful yoga session on the golden sands of Marari Beach, where luxury meets wellness amidst a tranquil coconut grove.

If the main beach feels too crowded, Marari Beach is the perfect “tranquil, clean alternative.” It is about 11 kilometers away from the main town in a small fishing village. Unlike other famous beaches in India, Marari is very quiet. You won’t find loud music or rows of shops here. Instead, you find long stretches of clean, golden sand and tall palm trees. This is why many Marari Beach resorts focus on “wellness.” People come here for yoga, meditation, and traditional Ayurvedic treatments. It is the best place for Western travelers to relax and disconnect from their busy lives.

The reason Marari feels so special is that it is a real working village. In the early morning, you can watch local fishermen pull in large nets from the sea. They often sing traditional songs as they work together. This isn’t a show for tourists; it is how they have lived for centuries. The water here is very clean, and the sand is well-kept by the local resorts. If you are looking for offbeat things to do in Alleppey , staying at Marari is a great choice. It gives you a break from the busy sightseeing and lets you enjoy the simple beauty of the Kerala coast.

Kuttanad: The Rice Bowl of Kerala (Farming Below Sea Level)

An aerial view of the Kuttanad region, showcasing the vast, geometric paddy fields where farmers utilize unique below-sea-level agricultural techniques.

Kuttanad is one of the most interesting places in the world. It is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” because it has endless green fields of rice. However, the most amazing fact is that farming happens below sea level here. The land is about 2 meters lower than the ocean! Local farmers use a system of dikes and pumps to keep the water out of the fields. This clever way of farming has been used for hundreds of years. It is a great example of human expertise. When you visit Kuttanad, you see how people can work with nature to grow food in difficult places.

To see the real Kuttanad village life, you need a small boat. Big houseboats cannot fit into the narrowest canals where the most beautiful views are hidden. We suggest taking a shikara or a small canoe. In a small boat, you can glide right past the front doors of local houses. You will see ducks swimming in large groups and farmers moving hay on tiny boats. It is an offbeat thing to do in Alleppey that many people miss. We highly recommend Kuttanad for travelers who want to see the authentic side of Kerala that most tourists never find.

Cultural Treasures: Krishnapuram Palace & Local Industry

The magnificent Gajendra Moksham mural inside Krishnapuram Palace, showcasing the vibrant colors and detailed artistry of 18th-century Kerala.

To understand the history of this region, you must visit the Krishnapuram Palace. It was built in the 18th century and is a beautiful example of Kerala architecture. The palace has many courtyards and special roofs designed to keep the building cool in the heat. Inside, you can see the Gajendra Moksham mural. This is a giant painting that is 14 feet high! It is the largest mural painting ever found in Kerala. The artists used natural colors made from plants, which is why the colors are still bright after hundreds of years. It tells an ancient story from Indian mythology.

Besides history, Alleppey is famous for its “Coir” industry. Coir is a strong fiber made from coconut husks. The International Coir Museum is a great place for families to visit. You can see how a simple coconut is turned into beautiful carpets and mats. This industry provides jobs for thousands of local people. Seeing how they work gives you a lot of respect for the local culture. At Indian Odyssey, we believe a great trip should include these cultural stops. It helps you understand that Alleppey is not just a place with water, but a place with a rich history and hard-working people.

Plan Your Journey with Indian Odyssey

As a UK-based travel company, Indian Odyssey provides holidays to tourist places in Alleppey, Kerala that are professional and trustworthy. We use our years of experience to make sure your holiday to Kerala, India, is perfect. Contact us today and let us help you plan a custom holiday to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala.