How to Reach the Backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala

The backwaters of Alleppey, or Alappuzha, are often called the “Venice of the East” — a labyrinth of shimmering canals, lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and tranquil houseboat cruises that promise a slow, magical experience of Kerala’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a honeymooner seeking solitude, a family in search of cultural connection, or a backpacker chasing authenticity, Alleppey’s backwaters offer an unforgettable journey.

But one of the most common questions travelers have is: “How do I reach the backwaters of Alleppey?” With multiple transport options and varying routes depending on where you’re coming from, this guide provides a complete, practical, and updated roadmap to reach Alleppey and its famous backwaters from different parts of India and abroad.

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Where is Alleppey Located?

District: Alappuzha
State: Kerala
Region: Southern India
Coordinates: 9.4981° N, 76.3388° E

Alleppey is situated about 53 km south of Kochi and 155 km north of Trivandrum, making it easily accessible by road, rail, and waterway. The Vembanad Lake forms the heart of the Alleppey backwaters and stretches across multiple districts.

How to Reach Alleppey by Air

Though Alleppey does not have its own airport, it is well-connected via nearby airports.

Nearest Airports to Alleppey

Airport Name	Distance from Alleppey	Approx. Travel Time
Cochin International Airport (COK)	83 km	1.5 to 2 hours
Trivandrum International Airport (TRV)	150 km	3.5 to 4 hours

From Cochin International Airport to Alleppey:

1: By Taxi/Private Cab

Fastest and most convenient option
Cost: ₹2000 – ₹3000 approx.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Route: NH66 or SH40

2: By KSRTC Bus (From Aluva or Ernakulam)

Budget-friendly
First, take a cab/bus to Aluva or Ernakulam Bus Stand
From there, take a direct KSRTC bus to Alappuzha (frequent services available)

3: By Train (From Aluva or Ernakulam Railway Station)

Aluva station is near the airport
Multiple trains to Alappuzha daily
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours

Pro Tip: If you’re flying in internationally, Cochin International Airport is your best gateway to Alleppey’s backwaters. It is also Kerala’s busiest airport.

How to Reach Alleppey by Train

Alleppey is served by Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP), a major stop on the Southern Railway network.

Key Trains to Alleppey:

Origin City	Train Options	Duration
Kochi (Ernakulam)	Intercity/Passenger trains	1.5 to 2 hours
Trivandrum	Kerala Express, Jan Shatabdi	2.5 to 3 hours
Bangalore	Alleppey Express, Ernakulam Express	12 to 13 hours
Chennai	Alleppey Express, Sabari Express	13 to 15 hours
Delhi	Kerala Express, Nizamuddin Express	48+ hours
Mumbai	Netravati Express, Marusagar Express	32–36 hours

Arrival Station: Alappuzha Railway Station (ALLP)

Located around 4 km from the main town and boat jetty
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available outside the station

Pro Tip: Book tickets at least 3–4 weeks in advance if traveling during peak seasons like December, Onam, or the houseboat festival period.

How to Reach Alleppey by Road

Alleppey is well connected to all major cities in Kerala and South India by national and state highways.

Travel From Kochi (53 km)

Route: NH66 or SH66
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Modes: KSRTC buses, taxis, self-drive

From Trivandrum (155 km)

Route: NH66
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
Modes: KSRTC AC Volvo buses, private buses, cabs

Travel From Bangalore (590 km)

Route: NH44 and NH544
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Options: Overnight KSRTC Airavat/Volvo, private buses (SRS, Kallada), or self-drive

From Chennai (765 km)

Duration: 14 to 16 hours
Long-distance buses, trains preferred over road trips

Bus Booking Platforms:

KSRTC (Government buses): ksrtconline.kerala.gov.in
RedBus, AbhiBus for private options

Pro Tip: For road trips, avoid weekends and holidays if possible, as narrow bridges and town traffic can cause congestion.

How to Reach the Houseboats and Jetty in Alleppey

Once you reach the town of Alappuzha, the next question is — how do you get to the backwaters and houseboats?

The main starting point for most backwater cruises is Finishing Point Jetty, close to the city center. Several other jetties like Punnamada Jetty, Vattakayal, and Kumarakom Jetty (for day cruises into Alleppey) are also used.

How to Get to the Jetty from the Railway Station or Bus Stand:

Auto-rickshaw: ₹50 to ₹100 depending on distance
Taxi/Cab: Ideal for groups or if you have luggage; fare ranges from ₹150 to ₹250
Walking: If staying nearby, you can walk to your boat (many hotels and homestays are within 1–2 km)

Pro Tip: Most houseboat operators provide free pickup from the town center or your hotel. Confirm with your booking agency in advance.

Entry Points to the Alleppey Backwaters

While Alleppey town is the main access point, there are multiple entry zones into the interconnected backwaters system.

Punnamada Jetty (Alleppey Main Jetty)

Closest to houseboat boarding points
Hosts the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race every August
Ideal for most travelers

Kumarakom (From the Vembanad Lake side)

Located on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake
Often chosen by visitors coming from Kottayam
Less crowded, ideal for eco-resorts and day cruises

Kuttanad Region

Often called the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”
Accessible from Alleppey town or via village roads
Great for canoe rides and village tours, less commercial

Pro Tip: If you want a houseboat overnight cruise, start from Alleppey. For shorter, silent explorations, Kuttanad canoe rides or Kumarakom shikara trips are better.

Best Time to Travel to Alleppey for Backwater Experiences

The timing of your visit greatly affects your experience of the backwaters. Here’s how each season plays out:

October to March – Ideal Season

Weather: Pleasant (22°C–32°C)
Skies: Clear and scenic
Best for: Houseboats, photography, kayaking, birdwatching
Peak tourist season – book accommodations and boats in advance

April to June – Summer

Weather: Hot and humid (30°C–37°C)
Advantage: Fewer crowds, discounted rates
Great for: Early morning and late evening boat rides
Tip: Opt for AC houseboats if traveling in this season

July to September – Monsoon

Rain-lush scenery and romantic vibes
Backwaters swell with rain, offering mystical views
Ideal for Ayurveda treatments, wellness stays
Not best for long cruises due to rain; go for short shikara rides

Local Transport Options in Alleppey

Getting around Alleppey and nearby backwater villages is easy thanks to a range of options.

Local Options:

Auto-Rickshaws: Most convenient and economical
Rental Bicycles: Explore villages and lakeside paths
Motorbike Rentals: ₹400–₹600/day
Boats/Shikaras: Hourly rentals from ₹500 to ₹800
Public Ferries: Run by Kerala State Water Transport (KSWT); affordable and scenic

Pro Tip: Combine bicycle rentals with short canoe rides for an immersive slow-travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which is the nearest airport to Alleppey?

Cochin International Airport (COK) is about 83 km from Alleppey and is the most convenient option.

Q2. Can I take a train directly to the backwaters?

You can take a train to Alappuzha Railway Station, and from there, reach the backwater jetty via auto or taxi.

Q3. How far is Alleppey from Kochi?

Approximately 53 km. The journey by road takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Q4. Are houseboats available year-round?

Yes, except during heavy monsoon weeks or major maintenance days, houseboats operate throughout the year.

Q5. How do I book a houseboat in advance?

You can book through:

Trusted online platforms (Tusk Travel, MakeMyTrip, Kerala Tourism)
Directly with houseboat operators
Travel agents in Kochi or Alleppey

Q6. Are public boats available for locals and tourists?

Yes. Public ferries run daily between Alleppey, Kottayam, and nearby villages. These are great for budget travelers and cultural immersion.

Q7. Is it possible to reach Alleppey by cruise ship?

Not directly. Some luxury Kerala cruises dock in Kochi, from where you can take a private car to Alleppey.

Conclusion

Reaching the backwaters of Alleppey is easier than you might think — and every route, whether by air, train, or road, offers its own set of scenic delights. From gliding over tranquil waters to sipping chai in a floating home, Alleppey’s backwaters are an invitation to slow down and embrace the rhythm of nature.

So whether you’re flying in from a faraway land, boarding a train through India’s lush south, or taking a road trip from a nearby hill town, the journey to Alleppey is as magical as the destination itself.

Now that you know how to reach the backwaters of Alleppey, are you ready to set sail?

Continue Your Journey Here:

How to Reach the Backwaters of Alleppey (Kerala)? – A Complete Travel Guide

Where is Alleppey Located?