6 epic getaways from Alleppey you JUST can’t miss

So, you’ve soaked in the backwaters of Alleppey, stuffed your mouth with puttus (grounded rice steamed with grated coconut and served with curry), and perhaps even caught a killer sunset at Alleppey Beach. Now you’re wondering… “Where to next?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you. There’s no way your Kerala trip ends here. Whether you’re in the mood for beaches, hills, or a peaceful vibe, we’ve made a list of places you can head to next. Fortunately, many of the best spots are just a short ride away from Alleppey.

So grab your banana chips and let’s dive in!

1. Marari Beach

When you’re done with the crowds, THIS IS YOUR SPOT and just want to chill with the ocean. Marari is super clean, peaceful, and honestly feels like your own private beach. No loud shacks. No parties. Just you, the waves, and maybe a book you’ve been meaning to finish. Perfect for long walks or zoning out after a hectic week.

Best time to visit: October to March

Don’t forget to charge your phone, this beach is too pretty not to capture!

2. Fort Kochi

If you’re in the mood for some history, charming cafes, and artistic streets, Fort Kochi is your place. Just 90 minutes from Alleppey, it’s all about Portuguese architecture, spice markets, beaches, and Chinese fishing nets. Check out the Kashi art cafe, then stroll down Princess Street, admire the street art, and absorb the slow coastal lifestyle. Read the complete itinerary here. If you need a laid-back place to stay, The Hosteller Fort Kochi has two properties ready to serve you.

Best time to visit: November to February

Sunset by Chinese fishing net in Fort Kochi

3. Varkala

Varkala is very pretty. With beaches, mountains, and Anjengu Fort. The major attraction is Varkala Beach. With a cleaner beach, lesser crowd, and great waves. If you’ve got a few days to spare, head to Varkala. It’s around 3 hours away. Varkala has this dramatic cliff view that drops straight down to the beach. And if you are a surf enthusiast, you need to head to Varkala Beach. One of the best surfing beaches in India. But one thing you need to take care of is there are no lifeguards and waves are often twice the height. Swimming is entirely at your own risk.

Best time to visit: November to February

Foreigners Varkala Beach too

4. Munnar

5-hour drive from Alleppey, if your idea of a trip is to chill and disconnect from the chaos of daily life, Munnar is ideal. Picture yourself in the cosy common area of The Hosteller Munnar, enjoying delicious food, then wandering through the tea plantations while completely disconnecting from the outside world. Munnar is almost always covered in clouds, and if it’s a sunny day, pretty clouds will have painted the sky in the best way possible.

Best time to visit: September to March

Imagine sipping chai where it's grown

5. Thekkady

If you are keen on wildlife, head to Thekkady. It’s about 4 hours from Alleppey, making for a pleasant road trip with narrow roads, rubber trees lining the route, and traditional Kerala-style houses. Four hours will feel like just four minutes!

The main highlight here is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can go bamboo rafting, boating on Periyar Lake, or even trekking. Spot wild elephants, bison, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a tiger!

Best time to visit: October to February

Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat ride

6. Athirapally Falls 

Just 3 hours from Alleppey, this place is known as the “Niagara of India.” This waterfall is massive and a true showstopper. If you’re in the mood for some forest trekking and an epic waterfall view, this is it! The roar of the water is something extraordinary!

P.S.: Monsoon enhances its majesty, but you might get drenched (and it’s worth it).

Best time to visit: June to October

Hear the loud sound of Athirapally Falls

Make sure you don’t just read this blog but book your tickets too! Kerala doesn’t stop surprising you, and neither should you stop exploring. There’s always one more place waiting to be checked off your list.

And the best part? These spots are all just a road trip away from Alleppey. So, pack your bags (again), book that next stay, and let the journey carry on. Trust us, you’ll thank us and yourself later.

See you on the road?