Tourist Places in Alappuzha: Explore the Best of Beaches, Backwaters and Heritage

Alappuzha has a rhythm that feels different from the rest of Kerala. Often called the‘Venice of the East’, it’s a place where the sea and the backwaters exist side by side, allowing a day to unfold from rolling waves to quiet canals and time-honoured temple corridors, without feeling rushed. If you’re searching for tourist places in Alappuzha or mapping out the top attractions in Alleppey, this guide brings together the region’s essentials—best explored when you’re based close to the experiences themselves. That’s where Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Marari Alleppey, becomes a convenient base for discovering Alappuzha at its own gentle pace

A serene beach with calm waters and very few people seen during a sunny day | Tourist Places in Allapuzha

Beaches: Where Days Begin Slowly


Marari Beach:

Most travellers prefer staying close to the coast, where the rhythm of the day begins with open skies, soft waves, and long stretches of sand. Marari Beach captures this easy pace perfectly with its wide shoreline and gentle surf, making it ideal for a relaxed morning walk or a quiet swim. From Abad Turtle Beach Resort, the beach is just about 800 metres away, allowing guests to reach the shore with ease. The resort also offers private access to a quieter stretch of the beach, where early mornings feel especially serene, and fishermen can often be seen returning with the first catch of the day.

Alappuzha Beach:

About 11 km away, this serene beach offers a completely different energy. The historic pier stretching into the sea recalls the 19th century, when ships anchored here and Alleppey thrived as a centre of maritime trade. Today, the beach is known for its active waterfront and lively atmosphere.

Key activities at Alappuzha Beach include:

  • Kayaking along the calm coastal waters
  • Canoeing close to the shoreline
  • Leisurely walks along the promenade
  • Sunset viewing from the pier

A man standing on seashore facing an old ruined structure of a port.
A view of a lighthouse near the Best Beach in Kovalam with a clear sky in the background where waves can be seen hitting the shore

Alappuzha Lighthouse:
 

  • Located 250 m from Alappuzha Beach
  • Built in 1862, making it the oldest lighthouse on India’s southwest coast
  • Open from 3 PM to 5 PM with a nominal entry fee.
  • The spiral staircase inside leads to sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Backwaters and Lakes: The Heart of Alleppey


Vembanad Lake:

From the coast, the landscape softens into canals and lakes. India’s longest lake, Vembanad Lake, lies about 32 km from our resort and forms the heart of the Alleppey backwaters. Its vast expanse is framed by coconut groves and paddy fields reaching the horizon. With boarding points starting around 10 km from the resort, travellers can explore the backwaters on traditional houseboats, kayaks, or wooden canoes. This offers a quintessential Kerala experience, allowing visitors to soak in the calm and unhurried pace of village life.

Two large house boats resting in a lake covered with green water plants.
A pelican standing with chicks in shallow water.

Pathiramanal Island:

For a serene retreat, consider visiting this quiet island about 12 km from our resort, offering a peaceful escape and nature-filled experience.

  • How to Reach: A short boat ride takes you to the 10-acre island in Vembanad Lake, also known as ‘Midnight Sands’.
  • Highlights: A haven for birdwatchers, attracting a variety of migrant birds throughout the year.
  • Timings: Open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.
  • Experience: Visitors can enjoy a 2 to 3-hour exploration along shaded paths and tranquil surroundings.

Temples, Churches and Palace Trails


Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple:

Alappuzha’s cultural corners add a rich layer to any journey. Located around 29 km from our resort, this temple showcases traditional Kerala-style architecture, with intricately carved wooden pillars and vibrant murals that offer a glimpse into centuries-old customs. Visitors also flock here for the temple’s famous palpayasam, a sweetened rice and milk delicacy that has been cherished for generations.

An intricate statue of lord Krishna playing a flute.
Inside of a church featuring benches, high ceilings and intricate architecture with stained glasses.

St. Mary's Forane Church:

Around 30 km away, this is one of the oldest Syrian Catholic Churches, located near the backwaters. Built in Portuguese architectural style, its calm interiors, murals, and old-world charm make it a meaningful stop for travellers who enjoy heritage spaces.

Krishnapuram Palace:

If history draws you in, Krishnapuram Palace, about 62 km from the resort, is worth the detour. Built by the Travancore kings, it showcases sloping roofs, intricate woodwork, and a museum preserving stories from the royal past.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple:

About 45 km from our resort, tucked away within a dense forest grove, this temple offers a truly distinctive spiritual experience. Revered for its tradition of serpent worship, the pathways are lined with thousands of serpent idols, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and deeply symbolic. The natural setting and quiet reverence make it unlike any other temple experience in Kerala.

Small metallic hooded snakes placed on a concrete slab.
A person sitting among large piles of coiled natural fibre outside a brick building.

Markets and Local Crafts


Beyond the serene beaches and tranquil backwaters, Alleppey’s markets, weaving, and coir workshops reveal the everyday life of the region. Coir weaving, rooted in the coconut-lined landscape, has supported generations of local communities. Traditional Kerala neyth weaving, known for its intricate patterns, has gained international recognition with the much-talked-about Met Gala carpet, highlighting the skill and sustainability of local artisans. In Alleppey, visitors can watch fibre being spun and woven by hand and stroll through the bustling market lanes, experiencing how closely the land, the water, and local livelihoods are intertwined with the rhythm of life here.

Why Abad Turtle Beach Resort Is the Ideal Base for Your Alleppey Trip

 

A traditional white cottage with a terracotta tile roof, red window frames, and a small porch, set in a lush tropical garden at Abad Turtle Beach Resort, Marari, Alleppey, an Alappuzha Beach Resort

Alappuzha blends beaches, backwaters, temples, and markets into a journey full of sights, sounds, and traditions. From the calm of Marari Beach to the lively backwaters and coir workshops, every experience reflects the town’s rhythm. Book your stay at Abad Turtle Beach Resort directly for curated local experiences and the best price, and explore the top attractions in Alleppey and other must-visit places in Kerala, creating memories that last long after you leave.

FAQs


What are the best beaches to visit in Alleppey?
Marari Beach is ideal for calm morning walks, while Alappuzha Beach features a historic pier, lighthouse, and watersports.

How can I explore the backwaters of Alleppey?
You can explore the backwaters using houseboats, kayaks, or wooden canoes on Vembanad Lake and Pathiramanal Island.

Which temples and heritage sites can I visit in Alleppey?
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, St. Mary's Forane Church, and Krishnapuram Palace are popular cultural attractions in Alleppey.

What local crafts can I experience in Alleppey?
Visitors can see coir weaving workshops, traditional neyth weaving units, and local markets showcasing the region’s artisan culture.

What are the visiting hours for Alleppey tourist places?
Alappuzha Lighthouse is open from 3 PM to 5 PM, Pathiramanal Island from 9 AM to 8 PM, while other attractions have varying timings, so it is best to check before visiting.

Why stay at Abad Turtle Beach Resort while exploring Alleppey?
The resort provides private beach access, spacious cottages, green spaces, Ayurvedic therapies, and a convenient location close to the top attractions in Alleppey, ensuring a relaxing and seamless visit.

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