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Alleppey Travel Guide: Kerala Backwaters and Houseboats for International Travellers
Alleppey, officially Alappuzha, is the heart of the Kerala backwaters. A network of lakes, rivers and canals runs through palm groves and rice fields, and life here still moves by boat.
A night on a traditional houseboat is one of the most relaxing experiences in India, and a perfect contrast to the forts and cities of the north.
Alleppey at a glance
Why visit Alleppey
Houseboats
converted rice barges with bedrooms, a deck and your own crew and cook.
Village life
farming, fishing and schools reached by canal.
Kuttanad
one of the few places in the world where rice is farmed below sea level.
Slow travel
the ideal place to rest in the middle of an India trip.
Top attractions in Alleppey
Vembanad Lake
the largest lake in Kerala and the main houseboat route.
Kuttanad
the rice bowl of Kerala, with fields lying below water level.
Narrow village canals
best explored by canoe or small shikara boat.
Alappuzha Beach
a long beach with a 19th century pier and a lighthouse.
Marari Beach
a quiet fishing beach about 12 km to the north.
Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple
known for its sweet rice pudding offering.
Pathiramanal Island
a small island on the lake, good for birds.
Unique experiences in Alleppey
Season, Access & Duration Details
Best time to visit Alleppey
October to March is the best time, with dry weather and calm water.
April and May are hot and humid.
June to September is the monsoon: green, dramatic and quiet, with heavy rain. The famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held on Punnamada Lake in August.
How to reach Alleppey
From Kochi: about 55 km from the city and about 85 km from the airport, 1.5 to 2.5 hours by road.
From Munnar: about 4.5 to 5 hours. From Thekkady (Periyar): about 4 hours.
From Kovalam and Trivandrum: about 4 hours by road.
From North India: fly to Kochi from Delhi, Mumbai or Jaipur.
How many days to spend in Alleppey
Where to stay in Alleppey
Choose a premium houseboat with air-conditioned bedrooms for one night, and a lakeside resort or a beach resort at Marari for the next. Houseboats are moored from early evening until morning, as night cruising is not allowed.
Hotel choices depend on your dates and style of travel. Please check with our team for the best options and rates.
Food to try in Alleppey
Kerala food is light and coconut-based. Try karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish in banana leaf), prawn curry, appam with stew, and a traditional sadya meal served on a banana leaf.
Shopping in Alleppey
Coir mats and products, spices, banana chips and coconut oil.
Practical tips for international travellers
Choose your houseboat carefully. Quality varies a great deal. We use inspected, licensed boats.
Mosquito repellent is essential in the evenings.
Cash: there are no shops or ATMs on the water.
houseboat check-in is around midday and check-out is after breakfast.
cruising can be limited in heavy rain.
carry some cash in Indian rupees for small shops and tips. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger stores.
drink only bottled or filtered water.
an Indian SIM or eSIM is useful for maps and messages. Our team can guide you on arrival.
Nearby places to combine with Alleppey
Kochi (1.5 hours), Kumarakom bird sanctuary (1 hour), Munnar tea hills, Thekkady and Periyar wildlife sanctuary, and the beaches of Marari, Varkala and Kovalam.
Dream Day Tours favourites in Alleppey
These are the experiences our own team loves most and recommends to our guests.
- A sunrise canoe ride through the small canals, where the big houseboats cannot go
- Fresh karimeen cooked by the houseboat chef
- Sunset from the top deck on Vembanad Lake
- A second night at Marari Beach
Why travel with Dream Day Tours
- Government-approved company, founded in 2019 and based in Jaipur.
- Every tour is private and customised to your dates, interests and budget.
- Expert local guides and trusted company drivers.
- A dedicated manager reachable by phone, message or email from your arrival to your departure.
- Secure payment by credit card, bank transfer or Revolut.
Frequently asked questions about Alleppey
Related Alleppey tours
Each tour below is private and can be booked as it is or customised to your dates, hotels and interests.