What makes backwaters of Alappuzha so famous?

Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by asoulwindow

Why is Alleppey backwaters famous? Having visited Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, three times, it is easy for me to understand what makes the Alleppey backwaters so famous with not only domestic tourists but also the foreigner travellers. Alappuzha is not just another destination ticked off the bucket list, rather it is a therapy to the mind, body and soul.

The breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, delicious light food, a unique local culture, affordable Ayurvedic treatments, countless wellness spas and a certain stillness and silence in the air makes Alappuzha so popular, especially with the discerning foreigner tourists. Alappuzha backwaters have a seductive je ne sais quoi that makes it so famous! No winder than that despite visiting Alappuzha thrice, I yearn to go back.

What is special about Alappuzha backwaters?

Cruising through the Alappuzha backwaters was one of the most peaceful and enchanting experiences I’ve had. As our houseboat glided slowly over the still waters, I was surrounded by swaying coconut palms, lush paddy fields, and narrow canals where everyday village life unfolded quietly—women washing clothes, fishermen casting nets, and kids waving from the banks.

The gentle sound of water lapping against the boat, the scent of earthy air mixed with cooked spices from nearby homes, and the golden glow of the setting sun made it all feel surreal. It wasn’t just a journey through nature, but a window into the soul of Kerala.

My experience of a boat ride on the famous Alleppey backwaters

As my luxury houseboat manoeuvred its way through the waters of Alappuzha backwaters, as placid as the face of a meditating monk, I couldn’t help but admire the poetry in motion. Each frame here is a picture postcard perfect moment. Every turn of the boat unfolds a different story, every sound here is a therapy to the jarred soul and every time the breeze caressed my face gently, I knew I was healing.

Moments like these is why I have enjoyed all that Alappuzha has to offer, not once or twice but thrice.

Why is Alleppey famous?

What is special about Alleppey? Why is Alleppey backwaters famous? There are so many reasons which attracts so many foreigners to Kerala. Located in Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India, Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is one of its kind of place in India.

Here’s what makes Alappuzha so special:

🌊 Backwaters & Houseboats: No prizes for guessing that the number one reason which makes Alappuzha or Alleppey so famous are its backwaters and a variety of boats that meanders through the Vembanad lake.

🏝️ Unique Geography: The unique geography of Alappuzha also makes it special. As I stared at its undulating green fields and vibrant village life from the comfort of my shikara, my tourist guide told me that this entire area is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. No wonder, everywhere I looked, I saw endless rice fields. And did you know that this region is one of the few places in India where people live below sea level, especially in the Kuttanad?

🎭 Cultural Heritage: Alleppey has a rich tradition of Kathakali, classical music, and several local festivals such as the Mannar boat race and Onam. I saw an amazing presentation of kalarippayattu (an Indian martial art) and the ancient Kathakali dance in both Fort Kochi as well as Alappuzha. Did you know that the unique art of kalarippayattu originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BCE?

🌿 Sustainable & Community-Based Tourism: Alappuzha is a pioneer in responsible tourism. One of the bestreasons why I enjoy traveling in and around Alappuzha is the fact that the Government has proactively taken several steps to encourage sustainable & community-based tourism. Alappuzha, in my opinion, is one of those special places where the local people host and guide travellers, showcasing Kerala’s real lifestyle while preserving its natural and cultural beauty.

🚤 Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Did you know that Alappuzha is also the heart of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held every August, featuring long snake boats (chundan vallams) and thousands of cheering locals. During one of my visits to Kerala, I almost made it to Alappuzha for its annual boat race. I was on a weekend trip to Thrissur from Bengaluru and wanted to include this epic event.

However, I got late in arriving at a bus stand near Alappuzha and decided to return back. This also means that maybe I should visit Alappuzha for the fourth time to attend this visual spectacle. All roads lead to Alappuzha when hordes of tourists and travellers from India and foreign nations such as Australia, USA, Netherlands, Norway, Spain etc attend the annual boat race.  

🌅 Sunsets & Beaches: I have seen some of the best sunsets of my life in Kerala.Alleppey Beach, with its old lighthouse and pier, offers spectacular sunsets and a relaxed coastal vibe.

🌞Sunshine: Several nationalities from sun deprivedregions of Europe such as the United Kingdom also visit Alappuzhato enjoy sunbathing in a pollution-free environment without people gazing at them. The luxury of a personal kettuvallamhouseboat ensures that you can sunbathe in your bare minimum with complete privacy and seclusion, cocooned away from the crowds and cacophony. This is why Alappuzha backwaters is so popular with foreign tourists.

Kerala, located in the tropical zone, predominantly experiences a humid tropical wet climate, similar to that found in many of the world’s rainforests. Such climate is absent in the western world, which is why hordes of Europeans enjoy their visits to Alappuzha. Even the healthy food of Kerala is suited to their pallet.

🧘‍♂️Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda: The placid waters,clean air, noiseless environment, dense green surroundings and healthy local food make Alappuzha the perfect place for practising mindful yoga, meditation and therapeutic ayurvedic treatments. Picture yourself performing Yoga and meditation on your houseboat which moves lyrically over the tranquil water.

No one is in a hurry here, not even the hoity toity ducks or the prehistoric looking cormorants, spreading their wings on a rocky island, as if inviting me to hug them. I visited Alappuzha backwaters to slow down! And I don’t like it in the cities anymore!  Now you know why Alappuzha backwaters are so famous with tourists from across the globe.

During my visit, I availed full body massage at a random massage centre in one of the charming lanes of Fort Kochi, located barely 60 kilometres and 1.5 hours away from Alappuzha. I have availed Ayurvedic massages in many places across India and even in Sri Lanka and Nepal, but none of them were as satisfying an experience as I had in Kerala.

Every time I am in Alappuzha or elsewhere in Kerala, I don’t leave without indulging in authentic Ayurvedic treatments, which are offered in serene, nature-rich settings. As per my experiences below are some of the popular Ayurvedic treatments you can experience in Alappuzha:

🌿Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Full Body Massage)

A soothing full-body massage using warm herbal oils to promote circulation, relieve stress, and detoxify the body. This is also my most favourite treatment!

💧Shirodhara

A signature therapy where warm medicated oil is gently poured over the forehead in a continuous stream. It’s known for calming the mind, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety.

🔥Pizhichil (Oil Bath)

A luxurious treatment combining oil massage and heat therapy, where warm herbal oil is continuously poured and massaged. Great for joint pain, arthritis, and nerve disorders.

🫙Kizhi (Herbal Poultice Therapy)

Warm bundles of medicinal herbs (called kizhi) are dipped in oil and applied to the body. Used for muscular pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

🌱Njavarakizhi (Rice Poultice Therapy)

A rejuvenation therapy using a special medicinal rice cooked with herbs and milk. Good for strengthening muscles and nourishing the skin.

🍃Udwarthanam (Herbal Powder Massage)

A dry massage with medicated herbal powders that improves circulation, removes toxins, and helps in weight reduction.

🛀Panchakarma (Detoxification Program)

A five-step purification process involving oil massages, herbal enemas, nasal cleansing, and other treatments customized for your body type (dosha).

🧖Nasyam

Nasal therapy involving the administration of herbal oils or juices through the nostrils. Effective for headaches, sinus issues, and respiratory problems.

Many Ayurvedic resorts and clinics in Alappuzha offer these treatments as part of wellness retreats or curative packages under the guidance of licensed Ayurvedic doctors.

Soul Window Recommendations

Did you know that now you can directly contact Kerala Tourism on the unique Kerala Tourism chatbot on whatsapp known as Maya. You must check it out regarding any of your query which may help you in personalized travel planning. I wish I had access to this unique feature when I started traveling way back in the year 2008!

What are the different types of boats available in Alappuzha, Kerala?

I have enjoyed the ride on all forms on locally available water transport such as the fun local passenger ferry, luxury cruise, ‘shikara’ boat ride, and the top deck of the “Government Tourist Motor Boat”. Since I had booked a seat on the top floor of these ferries, I was rewarded with a unique vantage from the top of the boat. These are operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD). An intimate ride on the small canoe is what I want to try next. All said and done, no not miss a ride on the traditional kettuvallam houseboat. This isthe most authentic local experience you can have in Alappuzha.

What did I eat in Alappuzha backwater?

Food in Kerala is medicine. I am a major fan of Sadya and every time I am in Kerala, I don’t leave without savouring a delicious vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. While riding around on the Alappuzha backwaters languidly, my boat stopped at a charming al fresco restaurant, right next to the backwater.  The tempting spread included Kerala red rice, sambar and my favourite avial, thoran, and tangy rasam.

The crispy papadam, a simple cucumber pachadi and a side of banana chips added to the fun. The refreshing meal ended with a sweet payasam. Fresh, local, and bursting with flavor, it perfectly complemented the serene backwater views and calm boat ride.

Sustainable Travel in Alappuzha

What are some of the sustainable tourism initiatives taken by Kerala Government in Alappuzha with respect to tourism. In my opinion, Alappuzha is a model destination for responsible travel. I have travelled to all kind of places since 2008 and as I get wiser and more exposed to all types of places, I have realised that I am gravitating more and more towards eco-friendly and calm places.

Popular places like Alappuzha can easily become a victim of overtourism but on all my visits, I noticed that the Kerala Government takes conscious steps towards a responsible and sustainable tourism in a place as fragile as this.  

The good news is that Kerala Government has implemented several sustainable tourism initiatives in Alappuzha to preserve its delicate backwater ecosystem while empowering local communities at the same time.

The local people are not only actively involved in tourism activities such as providing cultural experiences, boat rides, immersive village walks, handicraft making etc but are also employed in revenue generating initiatives such as coir-making. This ensures that economic benefits reach the grassroots.

Thanks to the conscious steps taken by the Kerala government, I noticed that the houseboat operations are very well regulated. For example, apart from the regular licensing and eco-audits, I was pleased to see bio-toilets in my houseboat. The waste management systems employed here are also worth an applause.

I was also pleasantly surprised to not find any plastic waste in Alappuzha, which we are so used to in our concrete jungles. My host educated me that the tourist zones of Alappuzha have been officially declared plastic-free. Since bans are enforced on single-use plastics, I didn’t see a single plastic waste here. This is also why so many foreigner travellers visit Alappuzha daily.

To minimize environmental impact, the state encourages stays in eco-friendly homestays and heritage homes, supporting both cultural preservation and sustainable living. I also bought several local handicrafts, such as coir and banana fibre products during all of my visits to Alappuzha. I always buy from local people because it helps build a livelihood for the local artisans. The government also promotes local arts and crafts.

Alappuzha’s solid waste management model—recognized by the UN—focuses on decentralized waste treatment to keep the area clean. Additionally, the use of traditional canoes and country boats over motorized ones is encouraged for backwater exploration, reducing pollution and preserving the tranquillity of the region.

I appreciate the way these Government efforts ensure tourism growth without compromising on strict ecological conservation and community welfare.

Conclusion: What is special about Alappuzha backwaters?

Is Alleppey backwaters worth visiting? I have been travelling solo and independently across the world since the year 2008. Visiting the Alleppey backwaters was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my travels. From the moment our houseboat set sail, I was immersed in a world so tranquil and scenic that it felt like time had slowed down.

The stillness of the backwaters, interrupted only by the soft ripples of our boat, created a calming rhythm that I hadn’t felt in ages. Everywhere I looked, there were coconut palms swaying gently, mirror-like waters reflecting the sky, and little villages nestled along the banks where life moved at its own quiet pace.

One of the highlights was watching daily life unfold along the waterways—fishermen tossing nets, women washing clothes by the steps of their homes, and schoolchildren smiling and waving as we passed. The experience felt intimate and authentic, offering me a rare glimpse into Kerala’s soul.

The houseboat which I had to myself and my co-travellers, itself was cozy and charming, and the freshly cooked meals served onboard—complete with Kerala special red rice, my favourite avial, thoran, sambar, and crispy papadam—made it feel like a floating home. And did I tell you, the houseboat had proper bio-toilets, washbasins and were completely air-conditioned!

I also took time to watch a Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performance and try an Ayurvedic massage in a quiet corner of Alappuzha, which perfectly complemented the relaxed pace of the trip. The combination of nature, culture, and serenity made the Alleppey backwaters not just worth visiting—they felt like a gentle reset button for the soul. Will I visit Alappuzha again? Yes, in a heartbeat!