Nature, wildlife, birds and temples all play prominent roles in the attractions around Alleppey. There are some truly splendid temples and palaces dating from the days of the rajas which should not be missed, but the real character of Alleppey is best experienced by exploring the riverside life of its locals on a boat cruise. Apart from the culture, visitors will want to check out the wealth of nature that lives in the region.

Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple
The highlight of this impressive temple is its massive oil lamp made from granite. More than 1,000 wicks can be held in this lamp, which when lit creates an unforgettable sight. This temple buzzes with activity during February and March when the Bhadrakali deity, with her miraculous healing powers, is worshipped during a special festival.

Eddakal Caves
Located in the Ambukuthis hills, these fascinating caves were formed by a massive split in the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictographs dating back to ancient times, and widely considered to be among the finest in the world. They can only be accessed by walking half a mile along a trail, ensuring a degree of solitude.

Kanakakkunnu Palace
Come and see how the Travencore rajas lived in this magnificent palace dating from the 1800s. The red brick exterior with its gables and pagoda shape is best experienced after dark when lights turn the palace into a work of art. Crystal chandeliers and ornate furniture will transport you back to the luxurious days of these Keralan kings.

Karaumadikuttan
This 11^th century statue of the Buddha is the source of many wonderful legends from Keralan history. Just two miles east of town, a visit to this site is worth a quick stop, as the atmosphere is positively magical.

Krishnapuram Palace
There are two floors to explore in this huge 18^th century palace built during the reign of the Travencore kings. It’s a classic example of Keralan architecture, and has a decent museum inside devoted to the period. However, it’s the incredible, and very large, murals which are the main attraction here.

Kuttanad
At the heart of the Backwaters is this area known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Scenic countryside, glittering waterways and lush farms greet visitors at every turn. Even more amazing is that the farms are below sea level, so the waterways are actually above the farming land.

Cruise Pariyar lake for a close up encounter with wild Indian elephants. 
Nature is the theme of a boat cruise along this lake, where it’s likely you can get right next to one of the last wild herds of elephants in the world. There are also observation towers around the preserve if you want to spend some time checking out the local wildlife.

Experience the colourful river life around Alleppey aboard a kettuvallam,the traditional houseboat used in Kerala for centuries. Cruises can be tailored to your needs, ranging from short daytrips to longer, multi-day excursions deep into the watery world of the Backwaters. The nicer boats can be up to 80-feet long and have comfortable sleeping rooms, showers and hot meals from the kitchen. These hotel boats are the coolest way to experience the real lifestyle of Kerala’s riverside residents.

Hit the sand at Alleppey beach, one of the most popular recreation spots in the region. This clean beach has a kid’s park on the southern side and a sea-view park with a marina at the north end. The pier is more than 140 years old, and extends out into the sea offering great views of the old lighthouse perched on the point.

Make your daily offering of sweet milk porridge at Sree Krishna temple. This classic Keralan temple has one of the liveliest daily scenes around, as tasty porridge is offered to the gods each morning. Wonderful paintings adorn the walls of the Chuttamabalam, harking back to the time when sorcerers made human sacrifices to appease the gods - a practice which was only officially banned in 1949.

Search for rare birds on Pathiramanal Island, a little speck of land in the middle of lake Vembanad. A favourite stopping point for rare migratory birds, avid birders will want to take a boat out and try and add some new stars to their list of sightings.

Take a pilgrimage to St Sebastian’s church, considered one of the seven original churches built by St Stephen in the first century. Located 14 miles north of Alleppey, this church is considered the most important pilgrimage site for Christians in Kerala and offers casual visitors a rare glimpse at this religion as its exists in India. If you’re here in January, you may be able to catch the Feast of St Sebastian, which is a major event full of processions and interesting rituals.

Tour a traditional coir factory, where you can see Alleppey’s most famous craft in progress. Unique to this region of India, coir is made from coconut husks which are woven into ropes and coir yarn. This excursion adds something different to the usual temples, palaces and nature shows which dominate the tourism scene in Alleppey.

Trek through the Western Ghats of Kerala to see some of the wildest territory in the region. These mountains which form the eastern border of Kerala are thickly forested and have always been a natural border for the Backwaters. If you want to add some serious adventure to your visit, this is where it’s at.