Alleppey Beach, also called Alappuzha Beach, is a wide stretch of sand on the Arabian Sea in Alappuzha, Kerala. Palm trees line the shore, and the remains of a British-era pier run out into the water, a reminder of the town's colonial past. A lighthouse stands nearby and a park sits beside the sand. People come to walk, stay until dark after sunset and eat from the snack stalls along the front. Undercurrents are strong, so swimming is discouraged. Wading near the shoreline is the safer choice.
The old pier and the lighthouse
The pier is what most people come to see. It was built in the British period and is more than a century old. Only its remains stand now, running out into the sea, and the waves break around them. It is a favourite subject for photographs, and the light is best around sunset.
The beach is bordered by a lighthouse on one side. The lighthouse is a historic one and can be climbed, which gives a view over the full length of the coastline. Palm trees and a garden along the shore give some shade, and a park beside the beach is a quieter place to sit.
The shore is wide and the sand is pale. Most visitors simply walk it, and some join activities such as beach volleyball. Motor paragliding is also offered along the beach.
Evenings, food and festivals
The beach is a favourite of local families, and it fills up as the afternoon turns to evening. Street vendors set up along the front and sell hot tea, fresh seafood, spiced raw mango and bhajjis, a spicy fried snack. Prices at the stalls are described as reasonable.
For a full meal, hotels and eateries stand just outside the beach. The choices include mandhi, biryani, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
The beach hosts local events, among them the Sand Art Festival and the Alappuzha Beach Festival. A beach carnival has also run over the Christmas holidays, with many activities for adults and children. These periods are very crowded. Police and local authorities have handled the crowds well, but plan extra time to move around and to find food.
Getting there and what is on site
The beach is in Alappuzha town, a short ride or walk from the railway station. It is open around the clock. On site there are restrooms, a playground, a restaurant, and both free and paid parking. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
If you are combining the beach with other plans, the backwater cruises on houseboats are the usual pairing in Alappuzha. Kayaking in the backwater canals starts from a base at Thottathu Pallam, where you get a short briefing from the guides before you paddle.
Swimming and current works
Currents off this coast are strong, and swimming is discouraged. Wading at the water's edge is the sensible way to enjoy the sea here.
The beach and the canal areas next to it are being upgraded. Road work and construction have been going on around the area, so some stretches of the walkways may be fenced off. The works do not close the beach. The afternoon sun is strong and shade is limited, with one side of the park offering the most relief, so bring water and a hat if you come at midday.
FAQ
Is Alleppey Beach open all day?
Yes. The beach is open 24 hours every day. Sunrise and the hours around sunset are the most popular times.
Can you swim at Alleppey Beach?
Swimming is discouraged because of strong undercurrents. Stay at the shoreline and wade.
What is the best time to visit Alleppey Beach?
Early morning is quietest and good for sunrise. Between 4 and 6 pm is the best window for sunset, tea and snacks, though the beach is busier then.
How long do you need at Alleppey Beach?
One to three hours is enough for a walk, the pier, sunset and a snack. Allow more time on festival days.
How do you get to Alleppey Beach?
The beach is a short ride or walk from Alappuzha railway station. Free and paid parking are available on site.
What else is there to do near the beach?
You can climb the nearby lighthouse, visit the park beside the beach and eat at the stalls and eateries along the front. Kayaking starts from Thottathu Pallam.
