Nearest Airport to Alleppey

Alleppey has every traveller’s heart with its captivating vistas and peaceful vibes and has been selected among the most instagrammable places in India. One cannot help but be immersed in the beauty of this coastal city. Often known as “The Venice of the East”, this place attracts teenagers, honeymooners, and families alike. Its beaches, houseboat tours, water sports, and Ayurvedic retreats make sure that there’s something worthwhile for everyone.

ALSO SEE – Alleppey Or Kumarakom: Which Is Best For A Kerala Houseboat Cruise?

While planning a trip to Alleppey is exciting, it doesn’t have a dedicated airport. So, how do people travelling via flight reach this Laccadive Sea City? Which is the nearest airport to Alleppey?

This guide covers your journey to Alleppey via different routes, what to explore, and how to prepare your itinerary.

Which is the Nearest Airport to Alleppey?

There are multiple airports in the vicinity of Alleppey. However the nearest airport to Alleppey is Cochin International Airport.

Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport has major connectivity to Indian and foreign states makes it convenient to book a flight and reach your destination on time.

Once you reach the Cochin Airport, you can catch a bus or book a taxi to be on your way to the Kerala backwaters.

Distance: Approximately 75 km away

Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions

 

The other two nearest airports to Alleppey are Trivandrum International Airport and Calicut International Airport. You can catch a cab or train from any of these two destinations and reach Alleppey conveniently.

Trivandrum International Airport

Trivandrum to Alleppey

Distance: 151 km

Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours, depending on the traffic

Calicut International Airport

Calicut to Alleppey

Distance: 236 km

Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours, depending on the traffic

Other Transport Modes to Reach Alleppey

You can reach Alleppey through one of the following modes:

By Train

Alleppey might not have an airport, but it has an expansive railway station with three platforms for short- and long-distance trains. The Alappuzha railway station is linked to major cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, and Bangalore. Several trains come to the Alappuzha platform, including Kerala Sampark Kranti Express, Nizamuddin Express, Sabari Express, and Tirunelveli HAPA Express.
It is approximately 3.5 km from the bus station, making it convenient for travellers to reach their desired location on time.

ALSO SEE – Best Train Journeys in Kerala that promises a Holiday to Remember

By Road

Alleppey, with its long stretches of roads, is connected to major Kerala cities. So, anyone planning a road trip to the town is in for a treat. You can cover this scenic distance via NH 66, which connects Alappuzha to Kollam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Trivandrum.

Those who want to travel via bus can book a private bus ticket online or hail a KSRTC government bus from the Alleppey bus stand. Buses operate 24/7 across various connecting routes, including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and are a flexible option for travellers. You can select from luxury and budget-friendly options to fit your requirements.

ALSO SEE – Top 15 Best Road Trips in South India

Once you reach Alleppey, you can get around via taxis, autos, and buses. The fare is quite reasonable, and many of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. In fact, an auto from the railway station to the boat jetty is merely INR 70.

So, once you enter Alleppey, you won’t have any trouble getting around.

What to Explore in Alleppey?

Alappuzha is a world on its own, with enchanting places to discover and local culture to learn about. Below is a list of the things you can do in town with your loved ones:

Boating Tours and Races

It is no surprise that you will be drawn to a houseboat tour during your trip to Alappuzha. Also called the Kettuvallam, the traditional wooden boats take tourists on an exciting adventure. A fun element awaits to add to your experience.

Did you know that the backwaters of Alleppey can take you to small villages and hamlets? There, you can catch a view of women washing their clothes and fishermen catching fish. You might also get to watch kids cycle along the river banks and race with each other.

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Along with the infamous boat tours, you can also witness the biggest snake race in South India, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place in August. There is a long boat with several oarsmen competing to showcase their skills and win the trophy.

Village Tours

You can observe the village from a distance during your houseboat tour. However, if you want to get a deep insight into their life and customs, you can book a local bus or boat and reach here:

ALSO SEE – How to experience Village Tourism in Kerala ?

Champakulam

The village on the Pampa River bank is known for its tall coconut trees and paddy fields. It is 13 km away from Alappuzha Railway Station, and is easily accessible by bus or cab. If you visit in June/July, you can witness the magical snake boat race near the river.

Manakkodam

Do you know that Alleppey’s natives are known to craft the most beautiful coir in India? Manakkodam, a small village in the city, has a long lineage of crafters who design coir products. Furthermore, the place is also popular for its fish market, local cuisine, and rice fields.

Kavalam

Save some time on your hands to explore the beauty of Kavalam, a small village of Alleppey. Its local culture and an authentic stay experience can make anyone fall in love with the South Indian heritage. You can hire a private boat to check out the paddy fields and backwaters.

Palm Trees and Wine

If in Kerala, don’t miss out on the wine that’s not found elsewhere. Foreigners call the drink a coconut drink, but for the natives, it is a palm wine that has been in tradition for years. This drink is derived from the palm tree, and is in fact its sap, which is fermented for an intense flavour. You can easily find toddy shops near Alleppey’s backwaters. For travellers, the drink acts as a dinner table conversation.

Fun fact: Did you know, people in Kerala also sap to prepare their traditional breakfast, Vellayappam, as well. Toddy is combined with rice dough to form a soft dough.

Canoe and Kayak Adventures

If you thought exploring backwaters is only possible through houseboats, think again. Canoeing or kayaking in Alleppey might even be better and offer you a rustic charm that isn’t possible otherwise.

Your journey begins from the government ferry stop, where you have to board the canoe/kayak. That’s when the adventure through narrow canals begins, and you get to observe more than the paddy fields. There are jackfruit, banana, and mango trees, sprawling in every direction. Sometimes, you can also witness the clad of fishermen walking in their lungis.

Pro Tip: Book your kayaking experience with Nadodi Kayaking, the only company in Alleppey to give a complete tour of the island village.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Kerala, with its pure vibes and serene surroundings, entices tourists to enjoy programs of Ayurvedic wellness centres. You can enjoy therapies and healing sessions as per ancient standards, and even enjoy herbal baths, massages, and week-long wellness programs, depending on your schedule.

ALSO SEE – Best Time for Ayurveda Treatment in Kerala

Your 2/3 Day Itinerary for Alleppey

When finding the nearest airport to Alleppey, you might also benefit from a suggested itinerary. Here, we have tried to cover the most popular attractions and activities so your holiday is wholesome and memorable.

Day 1:

Reach your hotel from the airport via a cab or bus.

You can enjoy the leisure activities available for free at the Marari Beach.

Day 2:

Begin your day with an early morning boarding on one of the houseboats or Shikara rides. You can cruise around the Punnamada Lake and cross the Vembanad Lake.

ALSO SEE – Shikara Boat in Alleppey-Pricing, Time, Cruise Options and Routes

Spend the rest of your day on the houseboat and enjoy a Toddy with your partner.

While skimming past the lake, catch a sight of the lagoons, coconut trees, Kuttanad paddy fields, and Chavara Bhavan. You can take a pit stop at any of the desired locations if you are on a private boat.

ALSO SEE – 2 Days Kerala Tour Packages

Day 3:

Come back to your resort and enjoy breakfast at a café. Our recommendation is Café Paradiso, an espresso coffee shop, popular for its simple meal options like corn flakes, butter and jam toast, and green salad.

If you have time, visit places like Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary  in Kumarakom and Amballapuzha Shree Krishna Temple.

Nowadays, it is convenient to create your desired itinerary through the AI-enabled apps. You can add as to what kind of places you want to cover, what your timeline is, and the budget. The app will draft the perfect holiday itinerary for you.

Book Your Flight to Alleppey Today

Alleppey is one of the most beautiful locations in India, especially if you are a beach person. So, while finding the nearest airport to Alleppey is the beginning, turn your plans into reality by confirming the bookings. You can buy your flight ticket from anywhere to Cochin, Trivandrum, or Calicut, depending on what is convenient for you. From there, you can easily take a cab or bus to reach your hotel/resort.

Remember a few things while you are in Alleppey:

Look for the most convenient routes, as there are plenty of options.

Don’t settle for less, and make the most of your vacation!