Most travellers come to Alleppey for one thing: a night on a houseboat drifting through the Kerala backwaters. It is a wonderful experience, but there are plenty of things to do in Alleppey once you step back onto land, or onto a smaller boat. Adding even one extra day lets you see the town's beaches, temples and village life up close, and it gives you a much fuller picture of how people live and work around the water.
Start with Alappuzha Beach, a wide stretch of sand on the Arabian Sea a short ride from the town centre. Evenings are the best time to visit, when families gather to watch the sunset and small food stalls open along the promenade. The ruins of the old pier are a reminder of the town's history as a busy trading port, and the striped lighthouse nearby makes a good photo stop. If you prefer somewhere calmer, Marari Beach, a short drive north, is a quieter fishing village beach with soft sand, palm groves and small homestays and resorts.
For a closer look at the backwaters, swap the big boat for a small one. Early morning canoe or kayak tours take you through narrow canals where houseboats cannot enter, past village homes, tiny shops, churches and temples, with plenty of birdlife along the banks. A shikara ride is another relaxed option, using a small covered boat for a few hours of cruising without an overnight booking. Many visitors also enjoy a guided walk through Kuttanad, a region of paddy fields that lie below the level of the surrounding waterways, where you can walk along the field bunds, watch farmers at work and learn about coir making and toddy tapping.
History and culture are close at hand too. Krishnapuram Palace near Kayamkulam is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture with sloping roofs and wooden interiors, and it is best known for its large Gajendra Moksham mural painting. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, south of town, is famous for its sweet rice and milk offering called palpayasam. If you visit in August, try to catch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake, where long snake boats rowed by large teams race to the sound of rhythmic boat songs. Other boat races take place in the region during the Onam season as well.
Costs for these extras are modest. As an approximate guide, a 2 to 3 hour canal kayak or canoe tour is often around ₹800 to 1,500 per person, a private shikara ride is roughly ₹600 to 1,000 per hour depending on the boat and season, and a half-day village walk with a guide may cost approximately ₹1,000 to 2,000 per group. Entry to beaches is free, and palace and museum tickets are usually inexpensive. All prices are approximate and change with season and group size, so confirm details before you book. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and carry water, sunscreen and a light rain jacket during the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions. How many days should I spend in Alleppey? One night on a houseboat plus one or two extra days on land is ideal for seeing the beach, canals and nearby sights. Is kayaking in Alleppey safe for beginners? Yes, guided tours usually provide life jackets and travel at an easy pace on calm canals. When is the snake boat race held? The Nehru Trophy Boat Race usually takes place in August, so check the exact date when you plan your trip. Can I combine a day cruise with sightseeing? Yes, a day cruise or shikara ride fits easily alongside a beach visit or temple trip on the same day. Ready to explore? Alleppey Boating can arrange houseboats, day cruises, shikara rides and local sightseeing in one easy plan. Contact our team for a personalised quote and book your Alleppey trip with Alleppey Boating.
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