Alappuzha, Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. [Updated-2025]

Alappuzha, Kerala City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city. 

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a picturesque city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive network of canals, backwaters, and lagoons. Here are some key highlights about Alappuzha:

Geography and Climate

• Location: Alappuzha is situated on the southwestern coast of India, in the Kuttanad region of Kerala.
• Backwaters: The city is famous for its backwaters, which are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets.
• Climate: Alappuzha has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September) and a relatively cooler, dry season from October to February.

Economy

• Agriculture: The region is known for its rice cultivation, particularly in the Kuttanad area, which is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala.”
• Fishing: Fishing is a significant economic activity due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and the presence of numerous water bodies.
• Tourism: Tourism is a major industry, with the backwaters, houseboats, and beaches being the main attractions.

Tourism and Attractions

• Houseboats: One of the most popular tourist activities in Alappuzha is staying on a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam) and cruising through the backwaters.
• Alappuzha Beach: This beach is known for its pier and the 137-year-old lighthouse.
• Krishnapuram Palace: A historic palace built in the 18th century, known for its Kerala-style architecture and mural paintings.
• Punnamada Lake: Famous for hosting the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a major event featuring traditional snake boat races.
• Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple: A historic temple known for its traditional Kerala architecture and the offering of palpayasam (a sweet milk porridge).

Culture and Festivals

• Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Held on the second Saturday of August every year, this boat race is a major cultural event attracting thousands of spectators.
• Onam: The harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring traditional dances, feasts, and boat races.
• Vallam Kali: Traditional snake boat races are a significant part of the local culture and are often held during festivals.

Transportation

• By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located about 78 kilometers away.
• By Rail: Alappuzha has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
• By Road: The city is well-connected by road, with regular bus services from major cities in Kerala and neighboring states.

Cuisine

• Kerala Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of dishes like sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam.
• Seafood: Given its coastal location, Alappuzha offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including fish curry, prawn fry, and crab masala.

Alappuzha is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and traditional Kerala hospitality, making it a must-visit for travelers.