The Ultimate Kuttanad Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Trip

Located in Kerala, Kuttanad is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness. This enchanting region, also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, is nestled in the heart of the state, bordered by the majestic Western Ghats mountain range to the East and the Arabian Sea to the West. Its unique topography, with its vast network of interconnected canals, lakes, and lagoons, sets it apart from any other place on earth, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald green paddy fields, swaying palm trees, and sparkling backwaters. In this Kuttanad travel guide, we will explore some of the top attractions and experiences this place has to offer.

Places to visit in Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a stunning region that boasts a wide range of attractions and experiences for you. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kuttanad:

Kuttanad Backwaters: The Kuttanad Backwaters of Kerala are a network of canals and lagoons where you can enjoy a serene and tranquil environment. You can take a houseboat ride through the backwaters and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding paddy fields, coconut groves, and villages.

Chavara Bhavan: Chavara Bhavan is the ancestral home of the Catholic saint, Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The house is now converted into a museum and displays various artifacts related to the saint's life and works.

Karumadi Kuttan: Karumadi Kuttan is a historic site in Kuttanad, known for its ancient statue of Buddha. The statue is believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century and is a popular attraction for history buffs and art enthusiasts.

Pathiramanal Island: This is a small island located in the backwaters of Kuttanad. The island is known for its stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and serene atmosphere. You can take a boat ride to the island and enjoy a picnic or a nature walk.

Krishnapuram Palace: Krishnapuram Palace is a historical palace in the Alappuzha district of Kuttanad. The palace is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. You can explore the palace and its surrounding areas and learn about the history and culture of the region.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple: Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a popular Hindu temple in Kuttanad. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history. You can take part in the daily rituals and ceremonies at the temple and learn about the local culture and traditions.

Marari Beach: This is a popular beach destination in Kuttanad, known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. You can enjoy a range of activities on the beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Arthunkal Church: The Arthunkal Church is a famous Christian pilgrimage centre located in Kuttanad. The church is known for its annual feast, which is held in January and attracts thousands of devotees.

Also Read: Kerala Tourism - A Complete Guide For A Family Trip To Kerala

How to reach Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a region in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Here are some ways to reach the town:

By Air: The nearest airport to Kuttanad is Cochin International Airport, about 85 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi from the airport or take a bus to Kuttanad. The road journey takes about 2-3 hours. Alternatively, you can also consider flying to the Trivandrum International Airport, approximately 150 kilometres away from Kuttanad. However, the journey from Trivandrum to Kuttanad by road is longer and can take up to 4-5 hours.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Kuttanad is Alappuzha Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Bangalore Express, Trivandrum Express, Porbandar Express, Rajdhani Express, Dhanbad Express are some major railway lines running through Alappuzha Railway Station. The station is about 18 kilometres away from Kuttanad. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kuttanad. 

By Road: If driving to Kuttanad, you can take the NH-66 highway connecting Kochi to Kanyakumari. Kuttanad is about 33 kilometres from Kochi and about 140 kilometres from Kanyakumari.

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Things to do in Kuttanad

Apart from visiting tourist spots, you can enjoy several other things to do in Kuttanad. Here are some ideas:

Take a boat ride: One of the best ways to explore Kuttanad backwaters is by taking a boat ride. You can hire a traditional houseboat or a motorboat and cruise through the scenic waterways, enjoying the views of the countryside and the local life.

Go cycling: Kuttanad has a flat terrain, making it an ideal place for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque countryside, stopping at local villages, paddy fields, and temples along the way.

Learn about the local culture: Kuttanad has a rich cultural heritage, and you can learn more about the region's history and traditions by visiting local museums, art galleries, and cultural centres. You can also attend local festivals and cultural events to experience the local culture first hand.

Try local cuisine: Kuttanad is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Kerala dishes such as Meen Curry, Appam, and Karimeen Pollichathu. You can try local restaurants and street food stalls to sample the authentic flavours of Kuttanad.

Visit the Alleppey Beach: This is a popular tourist destination near Kuttanad. It offers stunning views of the Arabian sea and is a great place to relax and unwind.

Take a canoe ride: Canoe rides are a popular way to explore the narrow canals and waterways of Kuttanad. These rides offer a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty and local way of life.

Where to stay in Kuttanad

A premium resort in Alleppey is the Club Mahindra Arookutty, Alleppey Resort. It is a beautiful resort in the quaint village of Arookutty, near Alleppey. This Club Mahindra resort in Kerala features comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, decorated in traditional Kerala style. The resort also has an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine. 

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Kuttanad is a mesmerising destination offering a unique and authentic experience of Kerala's backwaters and countryside. While the region has several popular tourist spots, you can enjoy many other activities to make your trip to Kuttanad even more memorable. From cycling through the picturesque countryside to learning about the local culture and trying delicious local cuisine, Kuttanad has a lot for you to explore. So, whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Kuttanad is the perfect place to visit and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So, come and explore the hidden treasures of Kuttanad and discover the magic of this beautiful region.