Top 9 Things to Do in Alleppey

With the Laccadive Sea on its west, Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) is a scenic coastal town in the state of Kerala. Famous for its intricate network of backwaters, this town was given the nickname ‘Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Alleppey is home to a number of beautiful beaches, several small lagoons, and lush green paddy fields as well. However, this does not mean that Alleppey is all about nature and does not have anything else to offer. This beautiful town is also dotted with a number of ancient churches, beautiful temples, and awe-inspiring museums. So no matter what kind of holiday you’re planning for, Alleppey is just the right pick for you.

Top 9 Things to Do in Alleppey

Being one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the southern part of the country, this idyllic town gives you plenty of options for how to spend your time. No matter what your interests are, you can always find a plethora of things to do and see in Alleppey. However, this also means that you can find yourself lost in a sea of options while designing the tour itinerary.

For your convenience, here is a comprehensive list of some of the best things to do in Alleppey:

• Book a Houseboat Stay
• Explore the Beaches
• Book an Ayurvedic Spa Session
• Enjoy Delicious Seafood
• Witness a Snake Boat Race
• Enjoy the Elephant Parade
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Visit an Elephant Training Camp
• Experience the Thrill

Book a Houseboat Stay

If you want to admire the natural beauty of Alleppey in a relaxing way, there can be nothing better than booking a houseboat stay. This way, you can not only explore the pristine backwaters but also experience a different kind of luxury. Locally known as Kettuvallams, these huge houseboats feature comfortable bedrooms along with decent living areas. Some of these even come with a team of three people: a cook, a guide, and an oarsman. So, you not only get to enjoy scrumptious local food for the entire duration of your stay but can also stay updated with all the important landmarks you come across.

Explore the Beaches

Apart from the rustic charm of tranquil backwaters, another thing that Alleppey is famous for is its pristine beaches. Some popular ones are Alappuzha Beach, Thottappally Beach, Marari Beach, Kozhikode Beach, etc. So, if spending some time under the palm trees while watching the calm sea is your idea of fun, you have plenty of options here. Or, you can also indulge in several water sports and have a fun-filled day. Other than this, several events, like the Sand Art Festival, etc., are also organised on these beaches that you can be a part of. To make the most of your time here, you can choose to stay at the Alleppey Beach Resort.

Book an Ayurvedic Spa Session

Another thing that Alleppey is famous for is its Ayurvedic heritage. Here, you can find a number of Ayurvedic spas that offer several different kinds of treatments and massages. So, if you are looking for some relaxing things to do in Alleppey after a long, tiring day of sightseeing, indulging in a soothing spa session is the best option for you. This will help not only relieve stress but also detoxify your body, enhancing your overall well-being. These Ayurvedic centres offer a wide range of therapies, such as Abhyanga (a full-body massage), Shirodhara (oil massage), Pizhichil (medicated oil bath), etc. These sessions are designed to focus on specific parts of the body, so you can choose one according to your requirements. All these Ayurvedic therapies are performed by experts with years of experience.

Enjoy Delicious Seafood

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Alleppey, Kerala, and enjoying the local seafood is definitely one of them. Since Alleppey is a coastal town, you can find a large number of seafood dishes here. There are many places across the town where you can try these dishes prepared with authentic recipes. You can either head to a beachfront shack or a high-end restaurant located in the heart of Alleppey. Although there are several things that you can try depending on your preference, Karimeen Pollichathu is a must-try dish. This is a marinated pearly spot fish that is cooked with local spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Witness a Snake Boat Race

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a world-famous, exhilarating event that is hosted on the second Saturday of August every year. This is one of the several snake boat races held in Alleppey and undoubtedly the most popular one. This race features at least a hundred boats as participants. Manned by skilled rowers, they glide through the tranquil waters of the Vembanad Lake. With traditional music being played and loud cheers from enthusiastic onlookers, this becomes a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you are planning a trip to Alleppey around this time, make sure to plan accordingly and catch this popular snake boat race event.

Enjoy the Elephant Parade

Every year, in the month of January, Alleppey hosts a 10-day-long festival known as Adoor Gajamela. This unique event features a number of elephants adorned with dazzling ornaments. Accompanied by a dedicated rider, these elephants participate in activities that will definitely leave you awestruck! So, if you’re here in the month of January, this event is definitely one of the best things to do in Alleppey.

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

If you’re someone who loves spending some time surrounded by nature, you should definitely visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Apart from some native birds like cuckoos, owls, herons, and waterfowl, this sanctuary is also home to travelling bird species like the Siberian rane. Situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, this is also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary and is among the best things to do in Alleppey in 1 day.

Visit an Elephant Training Camp

If you are someone who loves knowing more about wild animals, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. Alleppey is home to a number of elephant training camps, where you can not only see these majestic creatures but also learn more about their conservation. Here, you also get a chance to participate in some of the daily activities of elephants, such as bathing or feeding them. Although there are several places you can visit, the Mahadeva Temple Elephant Kraal and Rehabilitation Centre is the most popular of all.

Experience the Thrill

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on your trip, there are a number of adventure activities in Alleppey that you can try. Featuring everything from backwaters to forests, this beautiful coastal town is known for its diverse landscape. So, it offers an ideal setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. From kayaking through the backwaters to exploring the mangrove forests, going on a hike to camping lakeside; you have multiple options. Other than this, you can also indulge in thrilling water sports like canoeing, jet skiing, etc.

With this detailed guide to must-try activities in Alleppey, you can easily plan a fun-filled vacation and enjoy it to the fullest. Or, you can also choose one of the all-inclusive Alleppey tour packages offered by Veena World and avoid the hassle that comes with trip planning.