How to reach Alleppey from Thekkady – Best Ways to Travel

Kerala’s pristine natural beauty and stunning landscape may only be compared to God’s abode. Located on the West coast of India off the Arabian Sea, Kerala boasts a diverse terrain. As you travel across Kerala, you may drive through scenic locations, and pass by postcard-perfect cities and hamlets.  If this is the kind of experience you crave and live for, you would surely enjoy travelling to Alleppey from Thekkady. 

The journey from the hills of Thekkady to the home of backwaters, Alleppey will introduce you to the true beauty of Kerala. Replete with stunning landscapes and exciting experiences, your journey between the two cities is enjoyable beyond your imagination.  

The magical beauty for as long as you see may make the Thekkady to Alleppey distance shorter than it is. Both the cities are well-connected by all modes of transport. If you are wondering which mode of transport is the best to cover the distance from Thekkady to Alleppey, we bring you a complete guide on how to reach Alleppey from Thekkady. 

Travelling to Alleppey from Thekkady by Road 

The distance from Thekkady to Alleppey by road is just about 142 km, and it roughly takes four to six hours of travel between cities. The best route to reach Alleppey from Thekkady is via NH (National Highway) 183.  

You can either take a bus to travel between the two cities or if you want a fun road trip, you can drive on your own. Both the cities are well-connected by bus and there are plenty of buses operating on the route all day long. There are both private buses and state government-run buses.  

If you want to drive by yourself, it is a great option, as you can take a few pit stops and halt at the scenic locations, spend as much time as you want, click stunning pictures for your Instagram and proceed further.  

Travelling to Alleppey from Thekkady by Ferry

There are no direct Ferry services from Thekkady to Alleppey but you can take a bus from Thekkaddy to Kottayam and from there cover the remaining distance of 47 kms on ferry. Boat rides are always fun, and in Kerala, especially from Kottayam to Alleppey, it is even better.  

There are frequent ferry services from Kottayam to Alleppey run by the State Water Transport Department, and fares are affordable for all. You can buy a ferry ticket from Kottayam to Alleppey starting at just Rs. 20. The ferry service starts in the morning at 4 AM and runs till 10 PM. It is a popular travel route for the locals and as tourists, you would love it too. The boat ride from Kottayam to Alleppey take you on a scenic ride through its famous backwaters, and the entire journey is a bliss. It is a treasure trove for leisure seekers, nature lovers, and honeymooners.  

Travelling to Alleppey from Thekkady by Train

Although all the cities in Kerala are well-connected by rail, there are no direct trains between Thekkady and Alleppey.  

So, if you are travelling from Thekkady, the easiest way to reach Alleppey is to board a train from the closest station to Thekkady, i.e., Haripad. The Ernad Express from this station takes you directly to Alappuzha.  

Travelling by train is quite fun, and comfortable. Most importantly it gives you the best Thekkady to Alleppey sightseeing experience. You can see the changing terrain as the train passes through different towns. 

Best Places to Visit in Alleppey

 Alleppey is a popular tourist destination and people from all over the world come here to see and explore its serene backwaters. But, as a tourist coming from Thekkady to Alleppey, you must know that there are many other beautiful places to see that are equally charming.  

If you are a first-time visitor, you may feel confused about shortlisting the best places to visit in Alleppey. So, to help you get the best experience, we have picked the top six places that you must definitely include in your itinerary.   

• Alappuzha Beach 

Alappuzha or Alleppey beach is a popular sightseeing attraction in the city. Known for hosting the family Sand Art Festival, it is much loved by the locals and tourists. Whether you want to just chill and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea or want to take part in water sports, Alappuzha beach satisfies all your needs. Here you can try surfing or parasailing.   

• Vembanad Lake 

As you arrive at Alleppey from Thekkady, you would notice the difference in terrain and landscape is quite conspicuous. While Thekkady is a beautiful hill station, Alleppey is all about lakes and backwaters. Amongst the many shimmering lakes, Vembanad lake deserves a special mention as it is the longest lake in India.  

As the lake flows across different districts in Kerala, it is known by several names like Kochi Lake, Punnamada Lake, etc. Another interesting thing about this lake is that it is a must-visit on your trip to Alleppey from Thekkady because it houses many numerous resorts and houseboats which give you the novelty of staying in a floating house.  

Not to mention, Vembanad Lake plays host to the famous Snake Boat race in Kerala, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race.   

• Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple 

Known for its exquisite Kerala-style architecture, the Mullakkal Temple is open for people of all religions and faiths. One of the highlights of this stunning temple is that it has an open-roof shrine called ‘sanctum sanctorum.’ The main deity of the temple is Goddess Rajeswari, but there are also other shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Hanuman.   

• Alleppey Lighthouse 

One of the oldest structures in Kerala, the Alleppey Lighthouse stands tall and proud as a testament to the fact that Alleppey was once one of the busiest ports and business centres in the state. Constructed in 1862 during the Marthanda Varma II reign, this iconic monument is an integral part of Alleppey’s history and identity.  

While the lighthouse itself is pretty to look at, you can climb on top of it and get the most gorgeous panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and enjoy watching the sun set into the ocean.   

• Kuttanad Backwaters 

Most tourist guides to Alleppey may feature Kuttanad Backwaters as one of the must-visit places and for a good reason. A green heaven, it is popularly referred to as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala.’ Here you can see the locals working on their paddy fields and experience the humble village life.  

Also, another fun thing to do here is taking a boat ride over the azure backwaters. As you cruise along, you will be treated to some of the most scenic landscape you may have witnessed. The rice fields on either side flanked by the swaying palm and coconut trees is a cynosure to the eye.  

• Pandavan Rock 

The Pandavan Rock is a popular attraction in Alleppey, and many people, especially spiritual travellers come in large numbers to see it. The rock derives its name from the famed Pandava brothers of the India epic Mahabharata. 

Legend has it that the five brothers stayed in this cave for some time during their exile. The cave is surrounded by lush greenery and the entire place has a spiritual and serene vibe. It is a beautiful place to spend some peaceful time with your family and the hills and green forests provide a perfect backdrop for some epic photographs.  

Things to do in Alleppey 

As you explore the beautiful attractions in Alleppey, you can also indulge in a lot of fun, adventure and relaxing activities that enriches your holiday experiences. Every day, you can look forward to doing something new every day. Here are some of the best things to do in Alleppey.  

•     Gorge on Kerala cuisine and the local delicacies such as the fish curries and other seafood dishes, the delectable payasam, banana and tapioca chips and more.  

•     Spend a night or two in the houseboat. It is a wonderful experience that you must have on your trip to Alleppey.  

•     Kerala is known for its ancient Ayurveda-based massage and healthcare centres. During your visit to Alleppey, enjoy a relaxing massage and feel rejuvenated.  

•     If you are visiting during Onam, ensure that you make your way to Vembanad Lake to witness one of the most gorgeous spectacles you will ever see in life, the Snake Boat Race.  

•     Explore the local beach and revel in their peaceful and serene vibe. 

Best time to visit Alleppey 

The summer season in Alleppey starts from March and extends till May, and sometimes early June. As a coastal town, during this time of the year, Alleppey experiences high humidity, but the cool breeze keeps heat under check. Although it is not the peak tourist season, it would be a great time to visit Alleppey as you can explore all the popular sightseeing attractions comfortably and sans the crowd. 

Winters in Alleppey start to set in from early to mid-November and last till late January or early February.  It is the best time of the year to visit Alleppey as the weather is pleasant, and the whole town is lively and bustling with many activities. The ambient temperature makes exploring the city a wonderful experience.  

The rainy season (between June and September) is when Alleppey is at its greenest best. If you are a nature lover and want to embrace nature, the monsoon season is the best time to visit Alleppey. The rain soaked Alleppey is breathtakingly beautiful as the fresh showers paints the town in million shades of green and fills the lakes and rivers to the brim. However, the main attraction of Alleppey, i.e., house boats are closed due to heavy showers. 

Stay in Alleppey

When you travel to Alleppey from Thekkady, go to the resort in Alleppey by Club Mahindra and enjoy living in the spacious room, while enjoying the more premium amenities and friendly services that will make you feel at home. Also, during your stay here, you can indulge in various signature Club Mahindra experiences curated just for you and your family to make your stay fun and memorable.