Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.
Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

Alleppey Backwater

One of the major tourist attractions of Kerala are its backwaters. Formed by a network of lagoons, rivers, canals and lakes, the backwaters are a complete package of scenery, biodiversity, beauty, peace and harmony. And the best way to explore these backwaters is through cruises.A cruise along the majestic backwaters of Kerala is a heavenly experience that one needs to have in their lifetime.

Alleppey Beach

Alleppey beach is nothing like the beaches you'll find in other coastal cities. Situated in the heart of the city, a mere one kilometer from the Railway Station, the Alleppey beach is a neat stretch of sand fringed on one side by the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea . The splendor of the sparkling water brought out under the radiance of the setting sun, makes for a memorable evening – whether you're with family or friends .

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Punnamada Lake near Alleppey is host to the spectacular snake boat races that are annually held on the second Saturday of August. This competition is named after India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The story goes that when Nehru saw his first boat race, he got so into the competition that he jumped right into the boat that won the race, so the event was named after him.

Krishnapuram Palace

The Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of Marthanda Varma, a Travancore king. This 18th century building was built in two-stories & crafted with traditional Kerala architectural features which include gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors. This particular palace is especially famous for its mural paintings as well as its architecture. One of the biggest mural paintings in all of Kerala is located here.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Another beautiful temple is the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. It is built in a typical Kerala style and is dedicated to Sree Krishna. It was built between the fifteenth and the seventeenth A.D by a Chempakasherri ruler called Sri Devanarayan. The milk porridge called "Palpayasam" severed to the devotees is very famous.

Arthunkal Basilica

Arthunkal Church, located at a distance of 23 km to north of Alleppey is one of the most important churches in entire state. Originally built in first century by St Stephen, this church is considered as one of the seven original churches constructed by him.Most important pilgrimage site for Christians in Kerala, the best time to visit this church is during the month of January.