Alleppey, or Alappuzha is a coastal city located in the state of Kerala. The city is famous for its backwaters and beautiful beaches but can also be called a spiritual treat because of its architecture and beautiful temples. Whether one is looking to visit alone, with friends, or with family, the city has something for everyone. Find out below the top 10 places to visit in and around Alleppey. 

Alleppey Backwaters

The backwaters are the biggest tourist thing in Alleppey. The most comfortable way of experiencing these calm and beautiful waters is on a cruise on a houseboat which is mostly the best thing to do in Alleppey. These houseboats called Kettuvallams can take you around a lot of backwater regions, lined with numerous interconnecting rivers and canals. Their way may be accompanied by sights of the local population, expansive fields of rice, and lovely sunsets. 

Alleppey Beach

Alleppey Beach is also called the Venice of the East. It is adorned with unending golden sands, coconut trees, and a wide stretch of the sea with an old pier. It is nice to take a stroll on the beach, have meals, or just relax on the waves. A little further is a lighthouse from which you can view the Arabian Sea, and the town from a raised level. The sunset here is quite picturesque making it just the right place for relaxation. 

Marari Beach

Marari is located approximately 11km away from the city of Alleppey and has a better sandy stretch than that of Alleppey Beach without much of the crowding of tourists. The beach area is characterized by clean sands, little maintenance coconut trees, and a peaceful ambiance. 

This is a nice area to retreat, take a swim, or lie down above the sand and bask. Marari Beach also attracts many visitors who wish to experience the simple life of a fishing village. Such peaceful surroundings are enjoyed by both couples and children. 

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located about 30 kilometers from Alleppey, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ideal place for bird watchers. It covers an area of 14 acres and has many migratory birds including Siberian cranes, and herons. The period between November and February when most of the migratory birds are present is the high season of the sanctuary. In the sanctuary, you can walk among dense vegetation or go on the adjacent Vembanad Lake in a boat for a closer view of the birds. 

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is the longest water body in the country and is one of the primary tourist attractions in the Alleppey Area. It is also a departure point for many backwater cruises and

even those that move inland into picturesque waterways. The lake is dotted with beautiful landscapes, fishing hamlets, and houseboats. A boat ride on the tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake is suitable for unwinding and provides an alternative perspective on the stunning scenery of Kerala. 

Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal, literally meaning ‘The Sands of The Night’ is a tiny isolated landmass in the Vembanad Lake backwaters. It is also an absolute delight for nature lovers and devotees of birds. The island is reachable by boat from Alleppey and Kumarakom. Surrounded by greenery, the island consists of numerous common as well as many rare seasonal visitors. 

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple is a famous shrine of Lord Krishna situated about 14 km from Alleppey town in Ambalappuzha. This temple is well-known for its beautiful traditional Kerala-style architecture. The temple is beautiful and also a worship place for pilgrims and tourists. The calmness of the environment and the importance of the temple also in terms of history make this site suitable for visitors who have an interest in both culture and religion. 

Krishnapuram Palace

Located approximately 47km from Alleppey, the Krishnapuram Palace is a great spot for history lovers. The palace built in the 18th century in the reign of the Travancore King, Marthanda Varma, boasts of ‘corner’ style roofs wherein cover, corridor and dormer windows stand out. Krishnapuram Palace contains one of the biggest mural paintings in Kerala named “Gajendra Moksha”. There are many objects of antiquity, among them there are pictures, and sculptures which allow seeing some aspects of the history of the high society of Kentucky – the palace museum. 

Alleppey Lighthouse

Those who love viewing beautiful locations from above will enjoy the Alleppey Lighthouse which is very close to Alleppey Beach. Built in 1862, this historical lighthouse is one of the oldest sea-safe protection structures in Kerala. The inside of the lighthouse has a spiral staircase that goes to the top and that gives you a wonderful view of the Arab Sea and greenery all around the place. 

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja is one of the few pilgrimage centers in India dedicated to the snake god, Nagaraja. Twelve kilometers from Alleppey and surrounded by a wonderful forest lies this temple which is known for its enigma. There are more than 30000 stone snake idols scattered across the temple complex which makes it one of the most preferred places of worship for people who desire conceiving and wellbeing. The temple never fails to enchant its visitors at the first base with the quietness combined with the spiritual atmosphere it gives off.

Nature, spirituality, and culture all come together when you are in Alleppey, which is the best place for people who want a quiet getaway. Looking to relax on pristine beaches, visit ancient temples, or enjoy the lovely backwaters of Kerala is what the town has somewhere for everyone. With such beautiful views and plenty of attentiveness, no visitor is going to go without a set of beautiful memories after visiting Alleppey.