Where to stay in Alleppey: the short guide
Alleppey, officially Alappuzha, is Kerala’s backwater hub, and where you stay depends on what you came for. For the classic backwater experience, look to resorts and homestays around Punnamada and the canals east of town, many with water views and jetties, and add a night on a houseboat that cruises the lake and narrow waterways.
In town, near the boat jetty and railway station, hotels are handy for arrivals, houseboat departures and the shops. Along the coast, the beach road and Mararikulam (Marari) to the north have beachside hotels and resorts for a quieter, seaside stay. Many visitors combine a town or beach hotel with one houseboat night.
Best areas to stay in Alleppey
Punnamada and the backwaters
Resorts and homestays along the lake and canals, many with water views and jetties. The classic backwater base.
Near the boat jetty and town
Hotels close to the houseboat departure point, railway station and shops. Convenient for arrivals and day trips.
Alleppey beach road
Beachside hotels and guesthouses near the pier and lighthouse, mixing sea and backwater access.
Mararikulam (Marari)
A quieter beach village about 11 km north, with beach resorts and homestays.
Finishing Point and canals
Guesthouses along the quieter canals, good for a calm, local base near the water.
Getting to Alleppey: railway, Kochi airport and the backwaters
Alappuzha (Alleppey) has its own railway station in town, on the coastal line with trains from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and beyond. The station and the KSRTC bus stand are both central, close to the boat jetty.
The nearest airport is Cochin International (COK), about 75 to 85 km away, roughly two hours by road. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) is a further option about 155 km south. From the airport, taxis and buses reach Alleppey directly.
On the backwaters, houseboats and the state ferry service connect Alleppey with Kumarakom and Kottayam, a slow and scenic way to travel.
Find the right kind of hotel in Alleppey
Backwater resorts
Lakeside and canal-side resorts around Punnamada, many with pools, jetties and water views.
Houseboats
Private and shared houseboats that cruise the backwaters, usually for one night with meals included.
Homestays on the water
Family-run homestays along the canals for a local, slower experience.
Beach hotels
Stays along the Alleppey beach road and at Marari for a seaside base.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels and houseboats accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the policy before booking.
Town hotels
Budget and mid-range hotels near the jetty and station, handy for arrivals and departures.
Hotels for every budget in Alleppey
Budget guesthouses and homestays
In town and along the canals. Simple rooms, often family-run; cheapest in the low season.
Mid-range hotels and resorts
Backwater and beach hotels with better rooms, pools and views.
Luxury resorts and premium houseboats
Upmarket lake resorts and well-appointed houseboats around Punnamada.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Backwater houseboat cruise: The signature Alleppey experience, cruising the lake and narrow canals.
- Punnamada Lake: The wide backwater lake, and the venue for the famous boat race.
- Alleppey Beach and pier: A town beach with an old pier and lighthouse, good for sunset.
- Marari Beach: A quieter beach village about 11 km north, for a calmer seaside day.
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race: The spectacular snake-boat race held on Punnamada Lake, usually in August.
- Canal and village walks: Shikara and canoe rides through the paddy fields and villages.
- Krishnapuram Palace: A heritage palace and museum a short drive south.
- Ambalappuzha Temple: A well-known Krishna temple nearby, famous for its payasam.
When to visit Alleppey
| November to February | Peak season with dry, pleasant weather. Best for backwaters and beaches; book ahead over Christmas and New Year. |
|---|---|
| March to May | Hot and humid, with lower prices and fewer crowds. |
| June to September | Monsoon brings heavy rain and lush green scenery; the boat race falls in August. |
Good to know before you book
- A houseboat night is the highlight for most visitors; book a reputable operator and confirm what meals and routes are included.
- Backwater resorts can be a boat ride from the road, so check how you reach the property with luggage.
- Mosquitoes are common near the water in the evenings, so carry repellent.
- For the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in August, book well ahead, as the town fills up.
See live prices for Alleppey
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in AlleppeyFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Alleppey?
Around Punnamada and the backwaters for the classic water views, near the boat jetty and town for convenience, or at Marari beach for a quieter seaside stay.
Should I stay in a hotel or a houseboat in Alleppey?
Many visitors do both: a town, backwater or beach hotel for one or two nights, plus one night on a houseboat cruising the backwaters.
What is the nearest airport to Alleppey?
Cochin International (COK), about 75 to 85 km away, roughly two hours by road. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) is a further option.
Does Alleppey have a railway station?
Yes. Alappuzha (Alleppey) station is in town, with trains from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and beyond.
How many days do you need in Alleppey?
Two days plus a houseboat night is a comfortable plan to enjoy the backwaters and a beach.
When is the best time to visit Alleppey?
November to February for dry, pleasant weather. The famous boat race falls in the August monsoon.