Top 12 Places to Visit Near Alleppey
Alleppey is a stop with numerous places to explore. As a traveller or tourist, you may want a perfect itinerary, whether it is a day trip or a long tour. We have listed some of the popular places to visit near Alleppey. Check out the list to shortlist your interests:
1. Marari Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Kerala is Marari Beach. The peaceful coastal vibe, soft sands, beautiful waves, and scenic surroundings are soothing. All those who want an escape to quiet places in Kerala or to understand the authentic coastal life of Kerala must visit Marari Beach. The relaxing atmosphere makes it a perfect getaway.
- Distance: 11 km
- Travel Time: 25 minutes
- Why Visit: Tranquil, palm-lined, rounded beach ideal for relaxation and swimming.
- Top Experiences: Watch fishermen at sunrise, seafood cafés, and magical sunsets.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March
- Traveller Tip: Best for couples seeking quiet moments.
2. Pathiramanal Island
Pathiramanal is a beautiful, tiny island in the middle of Vembanad Lake. The place is known for its rich birdlife and stunning landscapes. The silence of Pathiramanal Island is actually refreshing. You can enjoy a peaceful boat journey to the island. It’s perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
- Distance: 17 km
- Travel Time: 40 minutes (road + boat)
- Why Visit: A bird lover’s paradise with migratory species.
- Top Experiences: Birdwatching, boat rides, peaceful picnics.
- Best Time to Visit: October–February
- Traveller Tip: Carry water and binoculars—no shops available.
3. Kuttanad
Enjoy the beautiful canals, paddy fields, and vibrant farm villages of Kuttanad. The place offers an authentic experience of rural Kerala and its traditional ways of living. The area is lovely during harvest seasons. August to February usually attracts the largest crowds.
- Distance: 18 km
- Travel Time: 30 minutes
- Why Visit: Kerala’s Rice Bowl with scenic fields below sea level.
- Top Experiences: Canoe rides, toddy shop visits, and coir-making tours.
- Best Time to Visit: August–February
- Traveller Tip: Add a short backwater cruise for a complete experience.
4. Vaikom
If you want to visit a place that offers a mix of spirituality, heritage, and natural beauty, Vaikom is that place. The place is famous for the Mahadeva Temple, ferries, and villages. All these symbolise the true colours of Kerala. Vaikom can be a peaceful escape from busy city life.
- Distance: 33 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Why Visit: Heritage town with ancient temples and waterways.
- Best Experiences: Vaikom Temple, ferry rides, and traditional Kerala meals.
- Best Time to Visit: November–April
- Traveller Tip: Wear modest clothing at temples.
5. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is one of the most scenic places, offering luxury resorts, lush greenery, and wellness escapes. The calm backwaters and peaceful bird sanctuary make it ideal for nature lovers. It’s one of Kerala’s most loved romantic destinations.
- Distance: 32 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Why Visit: Lakeside beauty with birdlife and Ayurvedic retreats.
- Top Experiences: Bird sanctuary, houseboat ride, spa therapies.
- Best Time to Visit: September–March
- Traveller Tip: Birdwatching is best at sunrise—book early.
6. Thanneermukkom Bund
If you want to witness the wonders of engineering, Thanneermukkom Bund is one such place. The Bund divides the salty and fresh halves of Vembanad Lake. It looks fascinating even to watch. The expansive lake views and birdwatching spots are a perfect snap for photographers.
- Distance: 35 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Why Visit: Unique salt–freshwater barrier in Vembanad Lake.
- Top Experiences: Birdwatching, ecosystem views, sunset photography.
- Best Time to Visit: November–February
- Traveller Tip: Visit sluice gates for dramatic water levels.
7. Kollam
Kollam, as a town, is known for its beautiful lake views, old buildings, and coastal vibes. Ashtamudi Lake is the main highlight of the place. Along with this, the long backwater cruise from here is something you won’t forget. The town’s markets and local industries also reflect Kerala’s authentic culture.
- Distance: 94 km
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours
- Why Visit: Lakes, lighthouses, and a classic Kerala feel.
- Top Experiences: Munroe Island cruise, Thangassery Lighthouse, and local markets.
- Best Time: October–March
- Traveller Tip: Add Varkala to make your trip even better.
8. Thekkady
Tourists who love nature, forests, and wildlife will find Thekkady a perfect place to visit near Alleppey. One of the main attractions here is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The cool weather of the place makes it even more interesting to see. You can explore spice farms, take boat rides, and walk through forest paths, making it an excellent choice for families and adventure lovers.
- Distance: 138 km
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Why Visit: Forests, wildlife, and spice plantations.
- Top Experiences: Periyar boat ride, spice garden tour, forest trek.
- Best Time: October–May
- Traveller Tip: Carry a light jacket—mornings can be chilly.
9. Munnar
One of the most popular hill stations near Alleppey, Kerala, is Munnar. The place is home to beautiful tea gardens, fresh mountain air, and misty views. Here, you can enjoy nature, waterfalls, and long scenic drives. Couples, families, and nature lovers all enjoy spending time here because the landscape is beautiful almost year-round. So, you don’t have to think much about the weather before visiting Munnar.
- Distance: 160 km
- Travel Time: 5 hours
- Why Visit: Tea estates and cool hill views.
- Top Experiences: Eravikulam National Park, tea factory tours, and Top Station viewpoint.
- Best Time: September–May
- Traveller Tip: Weekdays here are quieter and better for sightseeing.
10. Varkala
Varkala is another popular place to visit near Alleppey. It is known for its tall cliffs facing the sea. The beach is excellent for swimming and relaxing nearby. You may also visit cliffside cafés to enjoy and relax with your friends or family. People here also visit for yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and stunning sunsets.
- Distance: 110 km
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Why Visit: Cliffside Beach with calm and spiritual vibes.
- Top Experiences: Papanasam Beach, yoga sessions, cliff cafés.
- Best Time: October–March
- Traveller Tip: Stay overnight to enjoy the sunset and night views from the cliffs.
11. Kochi
Kochi, the capital of Kerala, reflects a mix of colonial history, art and culture, and a modern lifestyle. It is one of the tourist places near Alleppey. From historical palaces to trendy cafés, the city offers a lot of experiences. It’s perfect for sightseeing and shopping. When planning places to visit near Alleppey, do not forget to include Kochi for an urban experience.
- Distance: 54 km
- Travel Time: 1.5 hours
- Why Visit: Cultural hub with heritage and creative spaces.
- Top Experiences: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese nets, markets.
- Best Time to Visit: November–February
- Traveller Tip: Ideal for buying spices, antiques, and souvenirs.
12. Athirappilly Waterfalls
One of the grandest and beautiful waterfalls in Kerala is Athirappilly Waterfalls. Lush Sholayar forests and several viewpoints surround it. The noise of the flow in the monsoon is a lovely sight. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
- Distance: 130 km
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Why Visit: Kerala’s ‘Niagara’ with dramatic scenic beauty.
- Top Experiences: Walk to the base, Vazhachal Falls, forest picnic.
- Best Time to Visit: June–September
- Traveller Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—rocks can be slippery.
Offbeat & Hidden Gems Near Alleppey
While we have mentioned 12 places to visit near Alleppey, the list does not end there. Nearby Alleppey, there are a few offbeat places as well. Some more places to see near Alleppey include:
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls – A secret picnic spot near Kottayam
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls near Kottayam is a quiet and beautiful picnic spot. The waterfall is a perfect spot to relax as the water flows gently through the rocks and trees. Families and friends can enjoy the views, walks, and natural scenery here.
Thottappally Beach – Less commercial, ideal for solitude
Thottappally Beach is a clean and less crowded beach near Alleppey. It’s perfect for people who enjoy silence, long walks, and calm sea views. The beach has soft sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the best places to relax as the crowd here is also smaller.
Nedumudy Village – Authentic backwater life away from tourist crowds
Nedumudy Village offers an authentic backwater experience. You can see daily village life, narrow canals, small farms, and traditional houses. You can explore this place by canoe and enjoy the quiet beauty of Kerala without the heavy crowd.
Punnamada Lake – Famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Punnamada Lake is famous for hosting the popular Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The lake’s vast waters, houseboats, and green surroundings make it a beautiful place to visit. Travellers enjoy boat rides, peaceful views, and local life.
Best Time to Visit
When you are shortlisting places to visit near Alleppey, make sure to check the best time to see each one. The best time to visit these places may vary depending on the weather you are targeting.
- Winter (November–February)
Ideal for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
- Monsoon (June–September)
Great for lush green scenery and Ayurvedic treatments.
- Summer (March–May)
Hot but suitable for off-season deals.
Local Food & Culture
Local food and culture are some of the main highlights of any trip. The Alleppey trip is no exception to this either. When you are touring Alleppey, nearby places, make sure to try these:
- Karimeen Pollichathu
- Kappa with Fish Curry
- Coir-making demos
- Kathakali shows
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race (in August).
Responsible Travel Tips
Keralites are incredibly concerned about nature and care deeply for it. As tourists, it is our responsibility to ensure eco-friendly tourism. So, you must:
- Avoid plastic bottles and bags
You may instead carry your own bottle and a bag so you don’t have to buy one repeatedly.
- Support local homestays
If you are planning a stay at tourist places near Alleppey, try to book local homestays. It supports locals and their contribution to tourism.
- Respect religious customs
Some religious places may have specific customs, such as covering the head, wearing full clothing, or wearing a head covering. It is best to follow these customs when visiting such places.
Conclusion
Alleppey is much more than just a tourist destination. You get to experience backwaters, golden beaches, village life, and also an urban vibe at Kochi. Some popular places to visit near Alleppey, Kerala, include Kollam, Munnar, Varkala, Athirappilly, Thekkady, and Marari Beach. Whether you are planning a day trip or a long one, TravelTriangle is there to assist you. We offer customisable travel plans so you can make the most of your holiday. Connect with us and explore the Alleppey Tour Package to make your trip unforgettable.
