Alappuzha

Alappuzha Backwaters

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the gateway to Kerala's famed backwaters — a vast network of lagoons, canals, rivers, and lakes stretching parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. Houseboat cruises through these tranquil waterways are the quintessential Kerala experience.

Traditional kettuvallam houseboats — originally used to transport rice and spices — have been converted into floating hotels with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and open-air decks. A typical overnight cruise takes you through narrow canals lined with coconut palms, past rice paddies, village churches, and tiny islands where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace.

The boat crew cooks fresh Kerala meals on board — karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawns, rice, sambar, and locally grown vegetables. As evening falls, the boat anchors in a quiet stretch of water, and you dine on the deck under the stars.

Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is the iconic stretch of backwater where the world-famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held every year on the second Saturday of August. Hundreds of oarsmen row massive chundan vallams (snake boats) in a spectacular display of teamwork and tradition, watched by thousands of cheering spectators from the shores.

Outside race season, Punnamada Lake is a serene spot for houseboat rides, canoe trips, and sunset views. The lake connects to the larger Vembanad Lake system and offers some of the most photogenic backwater scenery in Alappuzha.

The lake extends from Alappuzha in the south to Azhikode in the north, covering the three main islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram. Travellers can take a scenic boat tour around the lake and taste the delicious local cuisine where fresh seafood is prepared in the traditional Kerala style.

Kuttanad — The Rice Bowl of Kerala

Kuttanad is one of the few places on earth where farming is done below sea level. Known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala,' this vast lowland region stretches across Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, with paddy fields lying 0.6 to 2.2 metres below sea level — a unique and UNESCO-recognised agricultural system.

A boat ride through Kuttanad reveals a remarkable landscape — bunds and dykes hold back the water while farmers cultivate rice in the reclaimed land below. The intricate network of canals, the lush green paddy fields, and the reflections of coconut palms in the still water create an unforgettable visual experience.

Kuttanad is also home to toddy shops serving fresh toddy (fermented coconut palm sap) alongside Kerala's best duck roast, fish curry, and tapioca — a must-try for food lovers.

Try visiting the Q,S,T and R block Kayal backwaters while you are at Kuttanad. These backwaters are a perfect example of indigenous engineering.

Kainakari Village

Kainakari is a picture-perfect island village in the heart of the Kuttanad backwaters, accessible only by boat. Life here revolves around the water — narrow canals serve as roads, country boats are the school buses, and paddy fields stretch in every direction.

A canoe ride through Kainakari offers an intimate look at rural Kerala life — toddy tappers climbing palms at dawn, fishermen casting Chinese nets, women washing clothes at the canal's edge, and children waving from the banks. Several homestays on the island let you experience this way of life firsthand.

Boats are one of the main mediums of travel in Kainakary and most households own either big or small boats for their commute to and from the mainland.

Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal — meaning 'Sands of Midnight' — is a small island in Vembanad Lake, accessible only by boat from either Kumarakom or Alappuzha. The island is a haven for migratory birds, with over 90 species recorded, including rare visitors from the Himalayas and Siberia.

Shaded walking trails wind through the island's lush greenery. The island is small enough to explore in 30–45 minutes, making it a peaceful side trip during a backwater cruise or houseboat ride. The surrounding lake views and the birdsong make it a memorable stop.

Pathiramanal can be reached by boat from both Aleppy and Kumarakom, making it an ideal stop during a backwater day trip.

Evenings spent on the island offer a peaceful experience, with views of Chinese fishing nets, sand-laden wooden boats, and fishermen in canoes adding to the picturesque setting.

Kakkathuruthu (Crow Island)

In 2016, National Geographic selected Kakathuruth as one of the 24 most beautiful places in the world

Kakkathuruthu is a tiny island in the Vembanad Lake backwaters, famous for its stunning sunsets. The island is named after the thousands of crows that roost in its trees at dusk — creating a dramatic spectacle as flocks descend from all directions against the backdrop of a golden sky.

The island is accessible by a short boat ride from Alappuzha. Apart from the sunset, it's a tranquil spot with a small temple and coconut groves. Kayaking around Kakkathuruthu in the late afternoon is one of the most atmospheric experiences in the Alappuzha backwaters.

The serene, calm island is located at Ezhupunna panchayat and is surrounded by the vast Vembanad Lake. We can reach the tiny island, 3 km long and 2 km wide, by country boats only. There are around 200-odd houses on the ‘island of crows’, and residents’ only mode of transportation to the mainland is country boats.

You can spend an entire day in Kakkathuruthu, or stay overnight in the island. Various tour packages are available.

Thanneermukkam Bund

Thanneermukkam Bund is a massive saltwater barrier built across Vembanad Lake — one of the largest mud regulators in India, stretching about 1.4 km. It was constructed to prevent saltwater intrusion into the Kuttanad farming region and to regulate water levels for below-sea-level agriculture.

The bund itself offers panoramic views of Vembanad Lake on both sides — saltwater on the west and freshwater on the east. It's a fascinating engineering marvel and a great vantage point for photography, especially during sunset when the vast lake shimmers on both sides of the road.

Pandavan Para

Pandavan Para (Pandava Rock) is a hilltop viewpoint in the eastern highlands of Alappuzha district, offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, rubber plantations, and distant hills. According to legend, the five Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata rested here during their exile.

The rocky outcrop features natural formations that locals associate with the Pandava legend — including impressions said to be their footprints and resting spots. A short trek through lush forest leads to the summit, rewarding visitors with cool mountain air and spectacular views, especially during the monsoon months when the landscape is at its greenest.

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is an 18th-century palace built by Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore. Located about 47 km south of Alappuzha, it is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture — with gabled roofs, narrow corridors, dormer windows, and an inner courtyard.

The palace houses the largest single mural painting in Kerala — the 'Gajendra Moksham' (49 sq metres), depicting Lord Vishnu rescuing the elephant king from a crocodile. The palace also contains a small museum with antique sculptures, coins, paintings, and a beautifully landscaped garden.

Marari Beach

Marari Beach is a serene stretch of coastline located about 11 km north of Alappuzha. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere, golden sands, and traditional fishing village vibe. The beach is less commercialized than other popular beaches in Kerala, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Marari Beach is perfect for leisurely walks along the shore, watching fishermen at work, and enjoying stunning sunsets over the Arabian Sea. The beach is lined with coconut palms and offers a glimpse into the traditional coastal lifestyle of Kerala.

Several eco-friendly resorts and homestays are located near Marari Beach, providing comfortable accommodations while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Ambalapuzha Temple

Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a revered Hindu temple located about 14 km south of Alappuzha. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is famous for its unique offering — 'Palpayasam,' a sweet milk porridge that devotees believe has divine properties.

The temple's architecture is a fine example of traditional Kerala style, with sloping tiled roofs, intricate woodwork, and a serene courtyard. The temple also features beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Visitors can witness the daily rituals and offerings at the temple, and don't miss the chance to taste the famous Palpayasam, which is served in a traditional clay pot as part of the offering.