The 'Venice of the East' in a day: a shikara through Kuttanad's canals, Mullakkal's temple street, old canal-side warehouses, the 1862 lighthouse and the old pier.
8:30 AM — Pickup Alappuzha railway station · Alappuzha KSRTC bus station · your hotel in town (Hotel pickups in town)
9:00 AM — Mullakkal temple street The town's busy temple and market street. (Modest dress · temple rules apply)
9:45 AM — Shikara through Kuttanad About 3 hours over Punnamada lake into village canals and paddy fields. (Boat paid direct)
1:00 PM — Lunch & the old canals Karimeen lunch (own expense), then old warehouses on the Vadai canal.
3:00 PM — Alappuzha lighthouse The 1862 lighthouse — climb up for views over the town and coast. (Tower: check timings)
4:15 PM — Alappuzha beach & old pier The long beach and the ruins of the 150-year-old pier. (No swimming here)
6:00 PM — Drop-off Alappuzha station, KSRTC bus station, your hotel or houseboat jetty
Good to know
🛶 The boat ride: Shikaras are run by licensed operators near Finishing Point; the fare is paid direct to the operator. Life jackets for everyone; children always with an adult.
🗓️ Timings: The lighthouse tower usually opens in the morning and afternoon and may close on Mondays — then we see it from outside. Temples follow their own rules on dress and entry; we see them from outside if needed.
🌊 Beach safety: No swimming at Alappuzha beach — strong currents and old pier piles under the water. Paddle only at the edge, and never in the monsoon months.
🏨 Staying out of town?: We pick up from hotels and houseboat jetties in Alappuzha town. Staying at a resort further out? Ask us — a short extra drive may apply.
