Kerala · South India
Houseboats on silken backwaters
Alleppey, officially Alappuzha, is a gateway to Kerala's backwaters, where canals thread through paddy fields, coconut groves and waterside villages. Its houseboat routes open onto Vembanad Lake, while the town itself has a historic beach, coir-making heritage and busy canal-side neighbourhoods.
Best time to visit
Top attractions
- Alappuzha Beach
- Vembanad Lake
- Kuttanad backwaters
- Pathiramanal Island
- Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Alappuzha Lighthouse
How to reach
- By air: Cochin International Airport is about 83 km from Alappuzha town.
- By rail: Alappuzha railway station is about 4 km from the main boat-jetty area.
- By road: Kochi is about 55 km north and Thiruvananthapuram about 150 km south via NH 66.
Local food to try
- Karimeen pollichathu
- Kuttanadan duck roast
- Appam with stew
- Puttu with kadala curry
- Ambalappuzha palpayasam
Things to do
Good to know
When is the best time to visit Alleppey?+
November to February is generally cooler and comfortable for backwater trips; the monsoon is lush but rainy.
How many days are needed?+
Two days allow a backwater cruise and time in town; three days suit a slower village-based stay.
What should I check before booking a houseboat?+
Choose a licensed operator, confirm life jackets and the exact route, and ask about air-conditioning hours, docking arrangements and all-inclusive meal charges.
Journeys here