Alleppey is amongst the best and probably the topmost places to visit in Kerala. And being often referred to as the Venice of the East- Kerala is one of the most visited destinations of the country. Although, many people have this misconception that Kerala only has a few things to showcase like the lush green forest, backwaters, and hill stations.
When it comes to “things to do in Alleppey”, there is a good list other than these. From enthralling activities to enjoy for adventure junkies to ayurvedic treatment for a rejuvenating trip- all of it is on offer in Kerala.
But in this blog, we are going to talk about the major things to do in Alleppey. And trust us, you will have a great time whenever you visit this amazing destination of Kerala. So, let’s gear up and look for the list of things that can be done!
Here are the top 8 things to do in Alleppey, get started on this list.
1. Kumarakom Birdlife – Go birdwatching at Kumarakom Sanctuary
Are you a bird watcher? Or even someone who loves to explore the species of birds? If any of these things define you in any way, then Kumarakom birdlife is going to give you a great time during your exploration.
The bird sanctuary sprawls across 14-acres on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary was once named Baker’s Estate. If you want to experience the best of this sanctuary, you can simply go for a cruise.
Location | Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kerala 686563 |
Timings | 6 am to 5 pm (All days of the week) |
Species of birds | Egret, Brahminy kite, waterfowl, Parrots, Heron Darter |
Best time to visit | Either between June to August or November to February |
2. Fishing village – See the fisherman’s haul at Mararikulam
Kerala is simply a heaven for people to love relishing their taste buds with different types of seafood. And if you are already inclined towards doing so; Fishing Village can be your spot. Okay, you don’t know what that is? Let’s make it simpler for you- Mararikulam. Now you have a name to search on your trip.
If not already done please put this place in your itinerary so that you can enjoy the activity that is offered here. Apart from what we have mentioned above you can also go and have a look at the Fisherman’s haul.
3. Ferry ride – Commute like the locals on a water taxi
Whatever be your purpose of travelling, there is no denying that enjoying the backwaters is one of the best things here, isn’t it? Known as the “Venice of the East” you have to enjoy the water taxis of Kerala; or else your trip will be incomplete. Enjoying the backwaters is done the best not on cruise but in water taxis. The same way, locals here do!
It is not just fun riding a water taxi but also creating a memory. You can explore the wetlands, forests, and many other places on water taxis. Click pictures and enjoy your time!
There are approximately 52 water taxi services offered throughout the day. The routes are different and so is the timing. Here we are listing a few of them listed:
Route | Cost | Time |
Alleppey to Kottayam ferry | 18 INR | 3 hours |
Alleppey to Kuttanad ferry | Lower Deck- 15 INR
Upper Deck- 40 INR |
1 hours |
Alleppey to Kollam ferry | 400 INR | 1:30 hours |
4. Flamboyant churches – Historic monuments speak louder
If you want to know the history of Alleppey then there are a lot of places for you to visit. But what about the pilgrims? Monuments speak a lot about their culture, practices, and also the history of a place- won’t you agree on that? If yes, then do try to visit the historic churches in Alleppey.
The churches of Alleppey are beautifully constructed and they have now become a popular tourist destination. So here are some of the best churches where you can visit.
Name of the church | Location |
Vimalagiri Church | Keezhur Kunnu, Kottayam, Kerala 686002 |
Arthunkal Church | Arthunkal, Cherthala South, Kerala 688530 |
St. George Church | Ettumanoor-Ernakulam Road, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Kerala 682301 |
Edathua Church | Church Road, Edathua, Kuttanad Taluk, Kerala 689573 |
Santa Cruz Basilica | Bastian St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001 |
5. Kuttanad paddy fields – Take a day trip to Kuttanad rice farms
Kuttanad Paddy Fields is a wonderful place to visit at least for a day. You can go around and explore the area. And you will be startled to know that these paddy fields are a gem of Kerala. Kuttanad is nicknamed as the rice bowl of Kerala.
It is situated in the heart of the Alleppey backwaters and is the wealth of Kerala. That’s because they sell off most of this high-quality rice generating revenue.
6. Beach sunset – Catch a sunset over the Arabian Sea
Coming to Alleppey you will also enjoy catching the sunset at the beaches here. There are 3 amazing shorelines where you can walk in the sand, sit, and have a romantic time with your partner. They are not as crowded as the other beaches in other nearby states but you will find people enjoying their time here.
And they are not just the locals but also the tourists. Here are the beaches you will have to include in your itinerary:
- Andhakaranazhi Beach
- Alleppey Beach
- Marari Beach
7. Houseboat Tour – Spend a day cruising on a houseboat
Imagine, you get a chance to sail in a wonderful houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala. How beautiful it would be and rejuvenating as well. The calming and peaceful environment works as a wonderful thing for visitors, especially honeymooners.
There are many service providers and you can choose your route from the options they have. The quality of services and a lot of factors should be considered too.
8. Hindu temples – Explore ornate Kerala Hindu temples
When it comes to Hindu Temples, there are quite a few of them. And they are popular and revered amongst the pilgrims. If you are visiting Alleppey, take some time out and visit these temples. Offer your prayers to the lord and take their blessings.
Name of the temple | location | Opening and closing Time | Important festival/s |
Haripad Subrahmanya Temple | Danappady, Haripad, Kerala 690514, Alleppey | 4:00 am – 12:00 pm & 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
|
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple | S 12 Ambalappuzha Kerala | 3:00 am– 12:30 pm & 5:00 pm– 8:00 pm |
|
Cherthala Karthyayani Devi Temple | Cherthala Rd, Kodathikavala, Cherthala, Kerala 688524 | 5:00 am – 7:00 pm |
|
Thuravoor Mahakshetram | Thuravoor Mahakshethram, Thuravoor P.O, Cherthala, Kerala 688532 | 5:00 am – 8:00 pm | Deepavali |
Conclusion
First of all, we would like to know how many of these things that we have listed above were known to you before this. Moreover the common activities that we have listed above have a few insights that are not known to everyone. So we believe that this blog is going to help you in making the right decisions and enjoying the right activities according to your taste.
There are a lot of people who have the mindset that Kerala is only about beauty and exploring its farthest corners. But now you have a lot of new things to do when you next plan your visit to Alleppey. And we will also keep updating our list so that you are never short on options.
See Also: Things to do in Wayanad | Things to do in Kochi | Things to do in Munnar