Don’t wing it like me! Your no-nonsense 3-day Alleppey travel guide

Let me tell you a little story before we get started… It was about two years ago when I went to Alleppey with my mom. And honestly? It was a disaster. We picked the wrong time to go. On top of that, we had zero research. Nada (nothing). We thought we could just wing it but big mistake. We spent more time googling “things to do in Alleppey” than actually doing them.

So, to make sure you don’t repeat my mistakes, I’ve put together this super simple, no-nonsense guide to Alleppey. Everything you need to know, all in one place.
Because, you do want your trip to be as amazing as dreamy reels you’ve been saving, right?

When’s the best time to visit Alleppey?

Let’s get the basics right.

The best time to visit Alleppey is between October and February. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and you won’t feel like you’re melting every time you step outside. Avoid the monsoon (between June - September) unless you want to experience Alleppey as a water park (and not the fun kind).

A beautiful house by the backwater

So, what do you do after you reach Alleppey?

Day 1

Make sure you’ll reach Alleppey by late morning or afternoon. So first things first, check in. There are plenty of stays, from meh guesthouses to luxury houseboats to choose from.

Morning
Once you’ve freshened up and grabbed a comforting meal at their in-house cafe, it’s time to do THE THING Alleppey is famous for, exploring the backwaters. Now, there are three ways to do this

1) If you’ve booked a houseboat stay, amazing! They’ll take you through the backwaters, serve you hot meals on board, and you can chill on the deck, watching life go by. But another side of the coin is houseboats are pretty expensive and do not take you to inside lanes and pollute water too.

2) Another option is a 3-hour Shikara ride. It’s cheaper, equally pretty, and you can hop on and off at tiny villages.
Pro tip: Book in advance. These rides fill up fast, especially during weekends.

3) But a Canoe ride is my recommendation. Tiny boats that quietly take you through the narrowest canals, deep into the heart of the backwaters. You’ll glide past village homes, temples, and locals going about their day. Washing clothes by the water, fishing, or paddling by with baskets full of goods.

A man riding a canoe

Lunch
After your boat ride, it’s time for lunch. One of the best meals I had was at Paddy Fields Restaurant. It’s right by the backwaters. They cook fresh fish caught that day. I had fish thali with prawns… everything tasted like a home-cooked meal. Highly recommend.

Evening
In the evening, head to Alleppey Beach, one of the most popular spots in town. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, watching the waves, and catching a beautiful sunset. Right next to the beach is the Alleppey Lighthouse. If you want to climb up and enjoy a stunning view of the sea and the town, make sure you reach before 5:30 PM, because that’s when it closes. After that, just chill by the beach.

Sunset by Alleppy Beach

Dinner
For dinner, you’ve got options. Go for fine dining if you’re feeling fancy, or keep it local and authentic. A crowd favourite is Aavees Puttu House, famous for its soft puttus (grounded rice steamed with grated coconut and served with curry) and comforting Kerala meals. And if you don’t want to panic-order at the last minute, check out our detailed food guide before you go!

Day 2

Morning
Again in backwaters but this time you paddle through narrow canals as the world slowly wakes up by sunrise kayaking.
You’ll be hungry after all that paddling. Head to Cafe Borma for brunch. It has chill vibes, aesthetic interiors, and great coffee.

Afternoon
Rent a cycle or scooter and head to Kuttanad, aka the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”.The fields here stretch as far as your eyes can see, shining golden-green under the sun. Walk through the narrow paths between the fields, and you’ll see farmers at work, water buffaloes chilling in the mud, and white egrets hopping around looking for their next meal.
Stop at small toddy shops for a sip of fresh toddy and chat with locals. They’ve got stories that’ll make you laugh and think.

Kuttanad, Paddy field

Sunset
You need to end your day at Marari Beach. It’s quieter than Alleppey Beach and perfect for those postcard sunset moments. Take a long walk, play beach volleyball with locals, or sit and coconut water.

Dinner
Have a wholesome meal at Thaff. A favourite among locals and tourists in Kerala, Thaff is known for a mix of Kerala and Chinese dishes, with seafood options being particularly popular. Don’t miss out on their crispy fried prawns and spicy chicken dishes.

Day 3

If you have an extra day in Alleppey, this one’s for you. But if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

Morning
Start your morning with a hearty South Indian breakfast. If you’re in the mood for crispy dosa, fluffy idlis, and hot filter coffee, check out Indian Coffee House, a classic place loved by locals.

After breakfast, head to Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary, a small island in the middle of the backwaters. It’s known for its birds. You’ll spot egrets, herons, and if you’re lucky, some rare migratory birds too.

Lunch
You’ll be hungry by this point! Stop for lunch at Halais Restaurant if you’re in town. They serve delicious Kerala meals.
Or if you want to keep it light, try some fresh seafood at a small eatery by the backwaters.

End your trip with an Ayurvedic Spa
You’ve earned some relaxation after all that exploring! Alleppey has lots of Ayurvedic centers where you can get a full-body massage or spa treatment. I would recommend SanthiSukham Ayurveda.

Authentic Kerala food

What's next?

Even though my mom and I didn’t have the best trip back then, we still talk about it. There’s something about Alleppey that makes you want to go back because we all need to escape everyday chaos and be close to nature.
I’m showing this blog to my mom as a little hint to book tickets again! So, what are you waiting for? Take that sick leave, pack your bags, and just go.