Alappuzha, which everyone calls Alleppey, is a canal town between the Arabian Sea and a web of backwaters. It is the launch point for Kerala's houseboat cruises and worth more than a one-night stop.
Houseboat cruises, overnight or day-long, are the main event. Smaller canoe rides through the narrow canals show you village life the big boats cannot reach. The town itself has a lighthouse, a long beach for sunset, and a coir (coconut fiber) industry you can tour in an afternoon. If you are unsure about an overnight cruise, read our houseboat vs hotel comparison before deciding.
Kochi airport is about 2 hours by road. Alleppey has its own train station on the coastal line, and KSRTC buses run constantly from Kochi and Trivandrum.
September to March is dry and pleasant. The monsoon months (June to August) make the backwaters lush and houseboats cheaper, but expect rain through the afternoons.
Day 1: arrive by afternoon, sunset at Alleppey Beach. Day 2: board a houseboat by noon for the cruise, or take a day cruise plus an evening canoe ride. Day 3: morning village walk or coir tour, depart after lunch.
| From Kochi airport | ~2 hrs by road |
| Houseboat cabin | ~₹9,000 for 2 |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
| Pairs well with | Kochi, Kumarakom |
Keralam Travels