With its myriad of backwaters, verdant greenery and sun-soaked beaches, Alleppey is a mecca for all types of traveler.
But, being such a tourist magnet, deciding exactly where to stay in Alleppey can be challenging. Navigating budget backpackers and plush eco-resorts is no easy feat.
That’s why we’ve sent our expert travel writers in to suss out the best areas to stay in Alleppey. Whether you’re on flashpacking or backpacking, flying solo or have the whole tribe in tow, our Alleppey neighborhood guide takes the heat off finding your perfect digs.
We’ve checked out all the best places to stay in Alleppey. On top of that, we’ve rounded up the top accommodation in town.
Let’s get started with the best areas to stay in Alleppey.
Many backpackers in India find their way down to Alleppey in beautiful, lush Kerala. These are the best places to stay in Alleppey.
Artpackers.Life | Best Hostel in Alleppey
This majestic, colonial building has been transformed into one of the coolest places to stay in Alleppey. Bunk up in one of their dorms or splash out on a private room.
There are lots of communal areas to kick back in whilst you soak up the arty ambience of this sociable hostel.
Bella Homestay Room 2 | Best Airbnb in Alleppey
Surrounded by an oasis of greenery, this authentic Keralan homestay is clean, peaceful and furnished with an artistic touch. There is a bathroom for guests, but no kitchen facilities.
Fortunately, you have plenty of delicious Keralan eateries to discover! Breakfast is included which you can enjoy on your serene balcony.
Sreekrishna Houseboat C/o Sreekrishna ayurveda Panchakarma Centre | Best Hotel in Alleppey
Splash out on floating Alleppey accommodation for at least one night, and stay on one of the houseboats that take you on a cruise along the backwaters. The Sreekrishna Houseboat is the most affordable option we’ve found, which provides high levels of comfort with ensuite cabins and all meals inclusive.
Punnamada Backwaters
The backwaters of Alleppey are the main reason for travelers to come to this region, and whatever your budget, we heartily recommend getting out on the water.
Alappuzha Beach
Even in such a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of budget accommodation options to be had in Alleppey. But for the cheapest digs, Alappuzha Beach is our pick for where to stay in Alleppey on a budget.
Kainakary
Kainakary is a village that lies to the east of Alleppey city center and is blessed with serene nature. A realm of water, it is a network of waterways, lakes and ponds.
Often dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’ travelers flock to Alleppey to experience its winding waterways. But there are heaps more thing to see and explore in Alleppey! Lush rice paddies. Christian churches rubbing shoulders with Hindu temples. Intoxicating Karalan flavors. Golden beaches that will make your jaw drop.
Alleppey (often known by its younger name, Alappuzha) is located in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Kerala is flanked by a tropical coastline lapped at by the Arabian Sea. Alleppey sure knows how to reap all the benefits!
The city is broken down into a series of tiny neighborhoods. For the purpose of this guide, we’ve focused on the best neighborhoods in Alleppey for first-time visitors, families and budget travelers.
If you’re looking where to stay for your first time in Alleppey, our pick is the Punnamada Backwaters. From here you can explore the city center easily as well as hit the waterways.
If you’re traveling on a budget and love the beach, you’re in luck. Alappuzha Beach is the best neighborhood in Alleppey to stay in for thrifty backpackers!
If you need to know where to stay in Alleppey with kids, check out our Kainakary neighborhood guide. It’s packed with nature to get their hearts pounding!
Alleppey’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look at the 3 best neighborhoods to stay in Alleppey. They’re each a little different, depending on the type of experience you’re after.
1. Punnamada Backwaters – Where to Stay in Alleppey First Time
The backwaters of Alleppey are the main reason for travelers to come to this region, and whatever your budget, we heartily recommend getting out on the water. If it’s your first time in the city or you are looking for where to stay for one night in Alleppey, Punnamada puts the backwaters right on your doorstep.
The Punnamada Backwaters are located in the northeastern pocket of the city. This area is dense with a variety of accommodation options of varying price as well as houseboats. There are a number of temples and churches to admire in the neighborhood. And, of course, troves of eateries where you can get your hands on authentic Keralan cuisine.
Canoe Ville – The Floating Home amidst the Lake | Best Airbnb in the Punnamada Backwaters
An alternative to a houseboat, this Punnamada Backwaters accommodation is a ‘floating’ cabin built over two canoes. Two balconies give you plenty of chance to appreciate the surrounding greenery. Interiors are spacious, with a private bathroom. Breakfast is included, and other meals can be provided on request. Innovative, and totally unique!
The Bucket List Alleppey | Best Hostel in the Punnamada Backwaters
A few metres away from the famous Punnamada backwaters, this awesome hostel in Alleppey Backwaters comes with a garden, mini library, working space for digital nomads and unique creative space for hosting special events. They run yoga classes and can help you plan your boat trips! Dorms and private room are available.
Lake Garden Resorts | Best Hotel in the Punnamada Backwaters
Comfortable, simply and in an excellent location, this 3-star hotel is a strategic spot to call home during your stay in Alleppey. Rates are reasonable, so you can put your hard earned pennies towards making the most of the local area. Rooms have air con and a pool to cool down in.
Things to See and Do in Punnamada Backwaters
- During June, watch practice sessions for the snake boat races which take place in August. Or, watch the grand finale in August itself!
- Book yourself a backwaters cruise, of course! Use a reputable operator such as Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala Backwaters or Jalasree Backwater Cruise. Check the most recent reviews before you choose
- If you’re on a budget join take a shared ferry service along the backwaters
- Dedicate a few hours to a traditional Ayurveda massage
- Visit the Kidangamparambu Sreebhuvaneswary and Mullackal Devi temples – two of Alleppey’s most fascinating
- Find the graceful statue of a mermaid at the side of the Vada Canal
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Alappuzha Beach – Where to Stay in Alleppey on a Budget
Even in such a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of budget accommodation options to be had in Alleppey. But for the cheapest digs, Alappuzha Beach is our pick for where to stay in Alleppey on a budget.
The beach itself is lined with backpackers and low-cost homestays and guesthouses. Many of which are a few yards from the sand!
Now, about that sand… Alappuzha Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala. This long strip stretches down the coast and provides sensational views far across the Arabian Sea.
You can use your time participating in water-based activities or simply lap up the sunshine and beach vibes. Make sure you plan a day trip over to the backwaters!
Bamboo Hut Budget Room & Sea View Upper Deck | Best Airbnb in Alappuzha Beach
50 meters from the beach, this family homestay features a variety of rooms catering to solo travelers, couples and families. There is a spacious verandah where you can kick back and enjoy the sea view and a small gym for those who want to keep fit whilst on the road.
Zostel Alleppey | Best Affordable Hotel in Alappuzha Beach
Part of India’s most trusted backpacker hostel chain, you’re in safe hands with the beachside Zostel Alleppey. Chill on a rooftop hammock and mingle with other travelers or surf the free Wi-Fi. Budget, air-conditioned dorms are available, making this our favorite hostel in Alappuzha Beach.
Xyst Beach House Homestay | Best Hotel in Alappuzha Beach
Get the full castaway experience with your own beach cottage in our top hotel in Alappuzha Beach. Facilities are simple and prices will appease even the most budget-conscious backpacker. The beach is right there on your doorstep so you can jump in the sea before sipping your morning lassi.
Things to See and Do in Alappuzha Beach
- Hit the beach! If you feel adventurous, you can parasail, surf or hire a kayak
- Visit the quaint, red and white striped lighthouse
- Stay in budget accommodation, but check into one of the larger resorts for a few hours if you fancy a pool day
- If you’ve got kids with you, take them to the sandy amusement park Amaze World
- Fill your tummy with the catch of the day at the Zakariya Bazar Fish & Meat Market
- Browse antiques and precious gemstones at the Revi Karuna Karan Memorial Museum
- Take a sunrise yoga class on the beach with Shine Yoga. Namaste!
- Wander down the historic beach pier for an unforgettable sunset
- Visit the nearby temples – ask your Alappuzha Beach accommodation for a map
3. Kainakary – Best Area to Stay in Alleppey for Families
Kainakary is a village that lies to the east of Alleppey city center and is blessed with serene nature. A realm of water, it is a network of waterways, lakes and ponds. As a result, this means there are no vehicles besides boats to be found here.
Come to Kainakary to switch off, connect with nature and absorb a rural way of living. Besides tourism, agriculture is a major source of economy for the locals. So you can see bountiful areas of paddy fields tended to by farmers.
Given its calmness and fresh, clean air, Kainakary is our top recommendation for where to stay in Alleppey with kids. This is also one of the best areas to stay in Alleppey if you love nature.
There are a number of eco-lodges and homestays to rest your weary traveler’s head. Besides those, you can also find luxury resorts that are affordable by western standards.
Alappey Backwater Homestay (Kuttanadu) | Best Airbnb in Kainakary
This expansive home has plenty of space to fit the whole family! There’s a wide verandah to soak up the views from and the live-in hosts will be happy to organise local activities and outings.
Breakfast is provided and the father and son duo will cook additional meals fresh from the market.
Johnson’s Homestay – Ecohouseboat | Best Hotel in Kainakary
With plenty of family rooms available, this unique accommodation is a great pick for where to stay on a budget as a family. Rooms come with private bathrooms and there’s ample outdoor space where you can use the free wi-fi to plan the rest of your trip.
Breakfast is included.
Lake Palace Backwater Resort Alleppey | Best Luxury Hotel in Kainakary
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this luxury hotel in Kainakary comes with upscale private cottages with Keralan decor. There’s a swimming pool, spa, games room and restaurant onsite.
It’s certainly one of the coolest places to stay in Alleppey for families or couples who just fancy treating themselves!
Things to See and Do in Kainakary
- As with the Punnamada Backwaters, the best thing to do in Kainakary is to get out on the water
- Rent a kayak, join a boat cruise – do either, or do both if you can!
- Hire a bike or hike the local land trails
- Spend lazy afternoons in your homestay of choice gorging on delicious local cuisine
- Try your hand at fishing – enlist a local guide to help you
- Potter around the local residential areas
- Connect with this pastoral culture
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Alleppey
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Alleppey and where to stay.
What To Pack For Alleppey
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Alleppey
Maybe you’re wondering, do I really need travel insurance? Let me tell you… YES!
Especially when you’re travelling to a country like India, if things go wrong (and yes, they sometimes do) having good travel insurance is be a saving grace.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Alleppey
If you’re looking to submerge yourself in the culture of water, there’s nowhere quite like Alleppey. This is a place where you can slow down after the energy of other Indian cities. We love ‘em, but sometimes you just need a spot to recharge.
In terms of which is the best neighborhood to stay in Alleppey, we’ve picked our three favorites. Overall, we recommend the Punnamada Backwaters.
Especially if you’re looking where to stay your first time in Alleppey. This puts you within easy reach of the backwaters and both the city center and beach and within easy access.
We’d encourage any guest to spend at least one night on a houseboat such as Sreekrishna Houseboat C/o Sreekrishna ayurveda Panchakarma Centre. It’s a once in a lifetime experience after all!
We love that Alleppey has plenty of cheap digs for backpackers and budget travelers. The Artpackers.Life is our favorite hostel in Alleppey for location, affordability and ambience.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around India.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in India.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for India.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
