Things to Do in Alleppey Beyond the Houseboat

The best things to do in Alleppey are on the water: an overnight houseboat, a shikara or country-canoe ride through the narrow canals, and an early kayak. On land, the beach and old pier, the lighthouse, a toddy-shop lunch and the Mullackal bazaar fill an afternoon, and Marari beach, Ambalappuzha and Champakulam are easy half-day trips.

On the water

Spend a night on a houseboat

The experience most people come for. You board around noon, cruise through the afternoon and moor beside a village for the night. Browse our houseboats.

Ride a shikara or country canoe

Small boats reach the narrow canals that houseboats cannot. A shikara is covered and motorised; a country canoe is paddled and silent. See shikara rides and our shikara vs houseboat guide.

Kayak at first light

Morning paddles through village canals before the big boats start moving. See kayaking.

Ride the public ferry

State Water Transport boats run from the Alappuzha jetty to Kottayam in about two and a half hours, the cheapest backwater cruise there is.

In town

• Watch the sunset at Alappuzha beach and the remains of the old sea pier.
• Climb the red-and-white lighthouse for views of sea and backwaters.
• Eat lunch at a toddy shop: karimeen, duck roast and tapioca.
• Walk the Mullackal bazaar and the old canals.
• See how coir is spun and woven in Alleppey’s traditional industry.
• Book an Ayurvedic massage.

Day trips

• Marari beach, about 11 km north: quiet sand and fishing boats.
• Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, about 14 km south, known for its palpayasam.
• Champakulam St Mary’s church and the snake-boat villages of Kuttanad.
• Krishnapuram Palace at Kayamkulam, with its large Gajendra Moksha mural.
• Kumarakom, across the lake; see Alleppey vs Kumarakom.
• Pathiramanal island for birds, reached by boat from Muhamma.

Seasonal highlights

The snake boat races run from June to September, with the Nehru Trophy traditionally on the second Saturday of August. Migratory birds are at their best from November to February.

The full list

Our things to do in Alleppey page lists 28 experiences with distances, timings and the best season for each.

How to fit it all in

One night on a houseboat plus one day in town covers the highlights. Two nights let you add a day trip and an early kayak. If you are combining Alleppey with the hills or the beach, see our Kerala tour packages.

A one-day plan without a houseboat

• 7 AM: kayak or country canoe through the village canals.
• 10 AM: breakfast in town; walk the Mullackal bazaar.
• 12 PM: toddy shop lunch.
• 3 PM: shikara ride into the narrow canals.
• 5 PM: Alappuzha beach and the old pier at sunset; climb the lighthouse before it closes.

A two-day plan with a houseboat

• Day 1: early canoe ride, then board an overnight houseboat at noon.
• Day 2: disembark at 9 AM, visit Ambalappuzha temple and Karumadi Kuttan, lunch at a toddy shop, sunset at the beach.

Free and low-cost things to do

• Sunset over Punnamada Lake.
• The beach and the pier.
• A walk along the old canals.
• The public ferry, one of the cheapest backwater rides in Kerala.

Rainy-day options

In heavy rain, a houseboat with an AC lounge, an Ayurvedic massage or a visit to the Revi Karunakaran Museum near the beach are good choices.

Respectful travel tips

• Dress modestly at temples and churches; some temples restrict entry to Hindus.
• Ask before photographing people.
• Keep canals clean; carry your rubbish back.
• Keep noise down near homes at night.

Getting around

Autorickshaws are the easiest way to move between the beach, town and jetties. For day trips, hire a car with a driver for half a day. Small boats can be arranged from several points along the canals.

Where to start

If you only do one thing, make it an overnight houseboat; if you do two, add an early canoe or shikara ride.

Key points

• The houseboat is the headline, but small boats show the narrow canals.
• Sunset at the beach and pier is free.
• Marari, Ambalappuzha and Champakulam are easy day trips.
• Our activities page lists 28 experiences.

Plan it with us

We run houseboats in Alleppey and plan Kerala trips around them, so we can help with your days in Alleppey. Send us your dates, the number of guests and anything special you have in mind, and we will reply with boats and options that are actually available. You can browse all houseboats, compare Kerala tour packages, check the rates page, or contact us directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alleppey famous for?

Its backwaters, houseboats, canals and the Nehru Trophy snake boat race.

How many days do I need in Alleppey?

One night on a houseboat and one day in town is enough for the highlights; two nights is more relaxed.

What can I do in Alleppey in the evening?

Watch the sunset at Alappuzha beach or Punnamada Lake, or walk the Mullackal bazaar.

Is Alleppey worth visiting without a houseboat?

Yes. Shikara rides, the public ferry, the beach and day trips make a good visit on their own.

Is the public ferry a good alternative to a houseboat?

It is a cheap way to see the backwaters, but it is a commuter boat with no food or privacy.

What is the best time of day for the canals?

Early morning and late afternoon, for cooler air and softer light.

What is the best day trip from Alleppey?

Marari beach for a quiet beach, or Ambalappuzha and Champakulam for culture.

Are there entry fees for the lighthouse?

There is usually a small fee; check current timings locally.

Photo: Robert Helvie, “Mullakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala, India - panoramio.jpg”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.