Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.

Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honored a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir.

Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.

Allepy Beach or Alappuzha Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach with a lighthouse as a reminder of its age-old maritime importance. It is like a pilgrimage destination for the followers of Nagaraja or the serpent god. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes and special procession and offerings are made to celebrate during Mannarsala Aayilyam, the main festival of this temple. Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple in the heart of town dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari gives the feel of a typical Kerala Temple. The 18th Century Krishnapuram Palace, built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, called the Gajendra Moksham. A short distance from Alleppey, is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a battle between the Communists and the Travancore State Police in the Punnapra-Vayalar Communist Uprising of 1946. At Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alleppey, is among Kerala's most famous temples with the typical temple architectural style of the state. It is equally famed for its palpayasam Close to Ambalapuzha, the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan a black granite figure of Buddha, said to belong to the 9th or 10th Century. During his visit to Kerala in 1965, the Dalai Lama worshipped at this shrine. The not-to-be-missed spectacle in Alleppey is, of course, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which began in 1952 on the occasion of the visit of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Alleppey. It is now a major event held in August on Punnamada Lake and features the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala, the chundans, once the battleships of the Malayalee kings of ancient times.. Competition is severe as the boats, with over 100 rowers in each, race to the finish to the accompaniment of rousing music. Alleppey offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process from the coconut husk to the final rope or coir yarn stage. There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets. Pathiramannal is a small island found on the Vembanad Lake near Alleppey. This magnificent location can only be reached by boat. Its remote location adds to the intrigue for those that especially love to explore. Birdwatchers love to travel to this breathtaking location with hundreds of rare migratory birds that flock here every year. Various canals, lagoons, and waterways surround Kumarakom's small cluster of islands. These numerous water ways make up what is known as the Backwaters. Numerous types of flora and fauna can be seen against the mirror like lagoons as you sail across the picture perfect backwaters Tourists love to rent a houseboat here. Each houseboat commonly contains a living room, one bedroom, a bathroom, and a deck too. A local oarsman will pole the houseboat for you as you explore the beautiful scenery in the region. St. Andrew's church ‘s construction began in 1864 & was completed in 1866. This Scottish Presbyterian Church was originally built for the use of Scottish officers, their families and a few other laymen. This congregation has a long history as well as a well deserved reputation of serving the community. In1881, an impressive pipe organ was installed. The quality of the music that can be played using this instrument is remarkable. In 1891, a clock tower was added to the church. Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum is a one of its kind museum built in honour of Revi Karunakaran, a stalwart of the Coir industry in Kerala. The museum has on display a huge collection of objects belonging to the family of Revi Karunakaran. This includes beautiful artifacts from different parts of the world, crystals, precious and semi-precious stones, silverware and furniture, among other things. The museum is also home to one of the world’s largest private collections of Swarovski crystals. Marari Beach is a beach in Alappuzha . Barely 11 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey) town, this sleepy little village- Mararikulam, is an idyllic location for a vacation. a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Those who visit Marari look forward to the slow pace of life, and soaking up the serenity and tranquility on the deserted sandy beaches. A number of interesting day trips are possible around the area.