Alleppey Beach – A Local Guide to Alappuzha’s Most Loved Shore
Every town has a heartbeat, and in Alleppey, you’ll hear it in the sound of waves hitting the old sea bridge. Alleppey Beach, also known as Alappuzha Beach, is where life slows down, fishermen work quietly, and travellers chase sunsets over the Arabian Sea. I’ve walked this stretch more times than I can count, and it still feels new each evening.
Where Is Alleppey Beach?
Alleppey Beach sits right in the heart of Alappuzha district in Kerala, opening directly to the Arabian Sea. From the main town centre, it’s just a short ride or an easy 15-minute walk from the railway station. The beach is part of what locals call the Sea View Ward, bordered by the lighthouse and the remains of an old British-era pier.
[Map insert: route from Alappuzha Railway Station to Alleppey Beach]
How to Reach Alleppey Beach
Getting here is simple.
- By train: Alappuzha Railway Station is less than a kilometre away.
- By road: National Highway 66 passes right through town, with regular buses and taxis from Kochi, Kottayam, and Trivandrum.
- By air: The nearest airport is Cochin International, roughly 83 km north.
Distances from the nearby places
| From | Distance | Approx Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | 53 km | 1.5 hr |
| Marari Beach | 15 km | 20 min |
| Munnar | 170 km | 5 hr |
| Varkala Beach | 110 km | 3 hr |
[Optional photo: view of buses or tuk-tuks near beach entrance]
History and Highlights
Alleppey Beach carries traces of its colonial past. The rusted skeleton you see jutting out into the sea is what remains of a 150-year-old pier built by the British to load ships with coir and spices. Locals still call it the Old Sea Bridge. It’s off-limits for safety but makes a perfect frame for photographers at sunset.
A short walk south brings you to the Alleppey Lighthouse, built in 1862, the first along Kerala’s coast. You can climb it on select days for a 360-degree view of the town and coastline.
At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find Kattadi, a shady stretch lined with old pine trees. It’s become one of the liveliest parts of town after sunset, with a growing cluster of cafés and eateries. The most famous is Z Lounge, a late-night café and bar that stays open till around 2 AM. It’s the closest thing Alleppey has to a night club, often with music, lights, and a laid-back crowd of locals and travellers.
[Photo: Old Sea Bridge and lighthouse close-up]
Things to Do at Alleppey Beach
You don’t need an itinerary here, but it helps to know what’s worth a few extra minutes.
1. Evening Walk and Sunset View
Most people arrive around five in the evening. The light softens, vendors set up roasted-peanut carts, and the horizon turns gold. The remains of the old pier make a beautiful silhouette against the sunset.
2. Watch Local Life
Fishermen mend nets in the early mornings, kids play football on the sand, and elders chat under the shade near the park. It’s an everyday scene that somehow feels cinematic.
3. Try a Toddy Shop or Beach Snack
You’ll find small toddy stalls and vendors selling spicy tapioca and fried fish. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentically Kerala.
4. Adventure Activities
The beach occasionally hosts horse rides for kids near the main promenade. For thrill-seekers, operators now offer paragliding, parasailing, and speed-boat rides along the coast. These typically run during the tourist season and on calm-sea weekends.
5. Visit Z Lounge After Sunset
When daylight fades, the energy shifts toward Kattadi, the pine-tree stretch north of the beach. Here, Z Lounge stays open till around 2 AM with music, good food, and a relaxed mix of travellers and locals. It’s the liveliest spot for Alleppey’s emerging nightlife and a great way to end your evening by the sea.
6. Annual Events
The Alleppey Beach Run and the Beach Festival are held every year, turning the promenade into a hub of music, food, and fun.
[Photo: sunset crowd or Z Lounge at night]
7. Climb The Lighthouse in Alleppey Beach
Open to visitors on weekdays, small entry fee.
Best Time to Visit and Sunset Timings
Sunsets here are rarely disappointing. The sun dips between 6:15 and 6:45 p.m. most of the year.
The coolest months, from November to February, are ideal for beach walks and swimming.
During monsoon (June to September), the beach transforms completely with high waves, overcast skies, and a quieter vibe.
[Photo: evening light over Arabian Sea]
Alleppey Beach Resorts and Stays
You’ll find everything from budget homestays to boutique resorts along Beach Road and Sea View Ward. Most overlook the sea or are within a two-minute walk. Some have private pools, others offer rooftop sunset decks.
A few popular names travellers often mention include Beach Garden, Beach La Casa, and Palm Beach Inn.
If you prefer quieter stays, look for homestays tucked behind the lighthouse lane.
[Photo: resort balcony overlooking sea]
Cafés, Shacks & Local Eats
There are no luxury beach clubs here, just simple, satisfying food. A few coastal cafés serve strong coffee and banana fritters in the mornings. In the evenings, you’ll see stalls grilling fresh prawns, squid, and tiny anchovies.
A short rickshaw ride away, traditional toddy shops serve kallu (fermented coconut drink) with spicy crab roast — a Kerala classic.
[Photo: toddy shop or seafood stall]
Other Beaches Around Alleppey
If you have more time, explore the smaller beaches that stretch beyond the town.
- Marari Beach: The most famous after Alleppey Beach, known for its calm water and resorts.
- Thumpoly Beach: A quiet spot where a canal meets the sea, often dotted with fishing boats.
- Punnapra Beach: Less crowded, with strong waves and wide open sand.
- Thottappally Beach: Scenic and peaceful, where the backwaters merge with the Arabian Sea.
Each of these beaches offers a slightly different side of coastal life, but Alleppey Beach remains the easiest to access.
[Photo: aerial collage of different beaches around Alleppey]
Nearby Attractions
When you’ve had enough sun, explore what sits just behind the shore.
Vijay Park: family-friendly lawns with benches and a children’s play area.
Sea View Church: one of the oldest churches on this coastline.
Alappuzha Market: narrow lanes selling coir mats, spices, and shells.
Backwater Canals: a five-minute drive east brings you to the famous boat jetty and houseboat boarding points.
[Photo: view from top of lighthouse showing town and sea]
Festivals, Events & Nightlife
Alleppey Beach lights up during New Year’s Eve and Onam season with food stalls, local bands, and fireworks. It’s lively but still family-friendly.
On regular nights, head to Kattadi for a more social scene. Z Lounge and the nearby cafés stay open till late, drawing a mix of locals, digital nomads, and backpackers. It’s relaxed, safe, and gives you a glimpse of Alleppey’s growing youth culture.
[Photo: Z Lounge area with lights at night]
Distances from places:
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Marari Beach | 15 km | 20 min |
| Varkala Beach | 110 km | 3 hr |
| Munnar | 170 km | 5 hr |
| Cochin Airport | 83 km | 2 hr |
| Alleppey Boathouse Jetty | 3 km | 10 min |
| Railway Station | 1 km | 5 min |
Traveler Questions Answered
Why is Alleppey Beach famous?
For its historic pier, 19th-century lighthouse, and golden sunsets.
Can you swim here?
Yes, in calm seasons and designated zones watched by lifeguards.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it’s open 24 hours and free for all.
Which beach is best in Alleppey?
Alleppey Beach is the most accessible and scenic, while Marari Beach is quieter for long stays.
Is Alleppey worth visiting?
Completely. It’s where the backwaters meet the sea, and that contrast defines the town.
How many beaches are in Alleppey?
At least four main ones: Alleppey, Marari, Thumpoly, and Punnapra.
A Local Note to End Your Visit
When the last tourist leaves, I often stay back for a few minutes. The fishermen push their wooden boats into the dark, and the old bridge turns to a silhouette under the streetlights. That quiet moment is Alleppey at its most honest.
If you’re planning more days here, don’t stop at the beach. The canals, the backwaters, and the rhythm of daily life are all part of the same story.
[Closing photo: fishermen silhouetted against sunset]