Skip to main content
IshanvayaTravels
A traditional houseboat on the backwaters near Alappuzha

South India · Kerala

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Slow days on Kerala’s backwaters
Ideal duration
1–2 days
Best season
September to March
From Bengaluru
Approx. 1 hour by flight to Kochi, then about 2 hours by road
Best for
Couples, families and seniors who enjoy slow travel

About Alleppey

Alleppey’s network of canals, rivers and lakes is the classic place to experience Kerala’s backwaters. An overnight houseboat cruise, a village canoe ride and sunsets on Vembanad Lake are the heart of the trip. It combines well with Munnar or Kochi.

Highlights

  • Overnight houseboat cruises
  • Village canal canoe rides
  • Vembanad Lake sunsets
  • Alleppey beach

Top attractions

  • Houseboat cruise

    Traditional kettuvallam boats with bedrooms and onboard meals.

  • Canal canoe ride

    Narrow waterways past villages and paddy fields.

  • Vembanad Lake

    Kerala’s longest lake, beautiful at sunset.

  • Punnamada Lake

    Venue of the Nehru Trophy snake-boat race in August.

Sample itinerary

A suggested outline—we tailor the pace, stays and stops to your group.

  1. Day 1Board the houseboat

    Transfer from Kochi or Munnar, board around noon, cruise and overnight on the boat.

  2. Day 2Canals and return

    Village canoe ride, disembark in the morning, continue to Kochi.

Experiences here

Alleppey works well for couples, families and seniors who enjoy slow travel. Tap a style to see matching tours from Bengaluru.

Where to stay

We shortlist stays that suit your budget and group. Typical options here:

  • Houseboats (standard to premium)
  • Lake-front resorts
  • Homestays
How our stay planning works

Who it suits

  • Families— suitable
  • Couples— suitable
  • Groups & friends— suitable
  • Senior travellers— suitable

For senior travellers: Boarding involves a step or plank; otherwise a very relaxing trip for elders.

Travel guidance

How to reach

  • By air: Kochi airport is about 85 km away.
  • By train: Alappuzha station has direct trains.

Weather & season

Warm and humid; heavy rain in the monsoon.

Best time: September to March

Tips from our planners

  • Houseboat standards vary widely—we shortlist licensed boats.
  • Carry mosquito repellent.

Safety notes

  • Wear life jackets on canoe rides.
  • Children should be supervised on open decks.

Food to try

Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish) · Kerala sadya · Appam and duck curry

Distances, travel times and seasons are approximate and can vary with traffic, weather and local rules.

Tours including Alleppey

  • Rolling tea plantations on the hills of Munnar
    4 days / 3 nightsGroup & private

    Munnar · Alleppey

    Munnar & Alleppey: Hills to Backwaters

    Tea-covered hills followed by a night on a Kerala houseboat.

    Ideal for
    Couples and families
    Departure status
    From Bengaluru · Private dates on request

    PricingPrice on request

Plan your Alleppey trip

Tell us your dates. We’ll suggest the best way to do it.

Include who’s travelling—elders, children, a group of friends—and we’ll plan the pace around them.

Call +91 89191 82363

This opens WhatsApp with your details filled in—just press send. Nothing is booked until you approve a written quote.

You may also like

  • Rolling tea plantations on the hills of Munnar

    South India 2–3 days

    Munnar

    Tea-covered hills in Kerala’s Western Ghats

  • Cliffs and a crescent beach at Varkala

    South India 2 days

    Varkala

    Clifftop cafés above a crescent of beach