Tourist Attractions in Alleppey
Alleppey the most frequented backwater destinations of India, is also known as the “Venice of the East”. Its natural beauty which includes groove of coconut palms, sun-kissed beaches, alluring traditional houseboats along with boat races, marine products & coir industry are some of the major attractions of Alleppey that draw numerous tourists from across the world.
1. Alappuzha Beach
One of the major attractions of Alleppey is the Alappuzha Beach. It has a small park in its vicinity. The ruins of Alappuzha Sea Bridge can be seen there that speaks of fond memories when Alappuzha port used to be the most prominent port in Kerala. This Bridge served as a passage for goods that came via ships.
It is considered as one of the best beach locations for shooting movies. Hindi movie like Tashan and Tamil movie Sura were partially shot here.
Alappuzha is also home to varied animal and bird life. The town holds an identical place in the maritime history of Kerala because of its proximity to the sea.
Suggested Tour : 10 Days India Beach Holiday Package
2. Alappuzha Lighthouse
An amazing tourist spot near the Alappuzha beach is the Alappuzha Lighthouse, which was built in 1861 commissioned in 1862. This tourist spot can be visited in between 1500 hrs and 1630 hrs on every weekday. It has a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10/- . It is a major tourist attraction.
This 150 years old lighthouse is considered as the first light house on the western coast of India, which is made up of teak and laterite stones. The range of the lighthouse is 25 marine miles.
Suggested Tour : 5 Days Kerala Backwater Tour
3. Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
The Ambalappuzha is a Hindu temple located in the Alapuzha district of Kerala. It is one of the major attractions of Alleppey. This temple was built by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran during the period of 15th – 17th AD.
The idol at this temple is like Parthasarthi. With its right hand it holds a whip and in the left it holds a sacred conch or Shankhu. This temple has a direct association with the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. For the safety of the idol, it was brought at this temple in 1789, during the raids of Tipu Sultan.
It is believed that to have the Payasam served at Ambalappuzha Temple, Guruvayoorappan visits the temple daily.
Suggested Tour : Full Day Alleppey Backwater Tour
4. Krishnapuram Palace
The Krishnapuram Palace located near Alappuzha in Kayamkulam is a palace as well as a museum. It was built in the architectural style of Kerala by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1729–1758 AD), and renovated in 18th century.
The Palace is near the Krishnaswamy Temple. This palace with its gabled roofs, dormed windows and narrow corridors was the residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom.
Krishnapuram Palace is now under the Archaeology Department. This archaeological museum exhibits the 49 sq.m - Gajendra Moksham. It is the largest single band of mural painting found in Kerala. Other attractions of this place include beautiful garden with varied flowers and a newly constructed Buddha mandapam. Rare antique bronze sculptures and paintings are exhibited in the Museum.
Timings : 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Mondays are closed)
Entry Fee : Rs. 5/- per Child and Rs. 10/- per adult
Still Camera : Rs. 25/-
Camcorder : Rs. 250/-
Video Film : Rs. 1,000/-
Feature Film : Rs. 1,500/-
5. Nehru Trophy Boat Race
In the month of August, the Punnamada Lake becomes a track for the prestigious Nehru Trophy Boat Race. This boat race is held on second Saturday of August every year. It is the most popular among all the boat races of the world. The majestic snake boats row in a rhythmic and synchronized way.
People from nearby villages and tourists from across the world gather on the banks of Punnamada Lake to witness this annual water race. The event has so much in store for the spectators like the ceremonial water processions, decorated boats and spectacular floats.
6. St. Mary's Syro - Malabar Catholic Forane Church
St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church is an ancient Christian Church in Kerala. This Church with its beautiful architectural style makes a wonderful place to visit during Alleppey tour.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
7. Chettikulangara Devi Temple
This is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Kerala, which is located at Chettikulangara in the Mavelikkara taluk, Alappuzha. It is 4 km west of Mavelikkara and 7 km north of Kayamkulam.
Timings : Monday - Friday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday : 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday : 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Public Holidays : 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
8. Mullakkal Temple
Mullakkal Temple is one of the renowned temples Alleppey in Kerala. It is also popular as Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple and Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple. This temple can be accessed by devotes from every religions and caste representing secularism.
This temple with its ancient architectural style of Kerala captivates the visitors. The beautiful premises of the temple have a pond and plenty of trees along with jasmine plants, which are surrounded by walls. Many stories are associated with the temple’s origin and foundation.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga!
Timings : Monday - Friday: 5.30 AM - 8.30 PM
Saturday : 5.30 AM - 8.30 PM
Sunday : 5.30 AM - 8.30 PM
Public Holidays : 5.30 AM - 8.30 PM
9. Edakkal Caves
These caves are a group of dwelling that display nature’s philosophy and skill on its architecture. About 16 km from Sulthan Bathery, Edakkal Caves are situated. To reach these caves tourists have to trek up the Ambukuthi Hill for about 4000 ft. The duration of the climb is of 45 minutes.
The caves were discovered in 1895. Fred Fawcett, the Superintendent of Police of Malabar District, noticed a stone axe in the coffee estate, during his hunting trip to Wayanad. The axe was of Neolithic Celt.
Timings : 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM on all days of the week
Entry Fee : Rs. 15/- per person
Still Camera : Rs. 25/-
Camcorder : Rs. 100/-
Jeep Shuttle : Rs. 70/- per person
10. Pamba River
After Periyar and Bharathappuzha, the Pamba River or Pampa River is the third longest river in Kerala. On its banks is located the Sabarimala temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
The river is popularly known as 'Dakshina Bhageerathi' or 'River Baris'.
The River enhances the land of Pathanamthitta District along with Kuttanand in Alappuzha District.
11. Kuttanad
Kuttanad in Alappuzha is also known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala as it is the prominent rice granary of Kerala. It is among the few renowned places in the world where cultivation is done below the sea level.
Its enchanting surroundings include vast stretches of paddy fields and exotic backwaters.
Achankovil, Meenachil, Manimala and Pampa are the four major rivers in Kerala, which flow into this region.
12. Muhamma
In the Alappuzha district of Kerala is located Muhamma, which is acknowledged as a census town in Cherthala Taluk. Pathiramanal Island, one of the popular attractions in Vembanad Lake is a part of Muhamma Panchyath.
13. Pandavan Rock
The Pandavan Rock got its name from the Pandavas and is considered as one of the well-known tourist attractions. Legends said that the Pandavas dwelled in this cave during their exile period. The Pandavas rock is an ideal spot for picnic.
It is located at Urukunnu amidst beautiful hills. The Kallada Dam enhances the beauty of the place. The tourists have to take a walking trip to reach the place.
Timings : Monday - Friday: 6.00 AM - 10.00 PM
Saturday : 6.00 AM - 10.00 PM
Sunday : 6.00 AM - 10.00 PM
Public Holidays : 6.00 AM - 10.00 PM
14. Vijaya Beach Park
One of the famous places to hangout in Alappuzha is Vijaya Beach Park. It is a children's park along with boating facilities. It remains open from 1500 hrs to 2000 hrs. Children can enjoy riding toy train and bicycles there.
Timings : 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Entry fee Adults : Rs 2/- per person Entry and Free for kids below 5 years
Boating charge : Rs. 10/- for ten minutes
Video permit : Rs. 25/-
Camera permit : Rs. 5/-
15. Chengannur Bhagavathi Temple
Chengannur Bhagavathi Temple is a huge and beautiful temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is well known for conducting a periodical festival. The festival is conducted because it is said that the idol of Devi Parvathi in this temple goes through menstruation cycle like every common woman.
Timings : 4:00 AM - 8:45 PM
