Resorts in Alleppey and the main places to stay
Resorts in Alleppey fall into a few groups, and the useful question is not the name but the location. You can stay by the sea near Marari Beach, in Alappuzha town close to the station and the canals, around the backwaters and Vembanad Lake, or on a houseboat. Each choice changes what you can do on foot and how much driving you need.
Around Marari Beach you find homestays, resorts and serviced villas. Choose by location: look at the location in the listing and check what is nearby before you book. A place near a beach does not always have a direct way to the water, and a place near a canal does not always have a boat landing.
Which area suits you
A quick comparison by location. Rates change by season and by property.
| Area | Types of stay | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marari Beach coast | Homestays, resorts, serviced villas | Quiet beach days, walks, fishing village | About 15 km from Alappuzha railway station |
| Alappuzha town | Rooms in town | Station, bus stand, state ferry, canals | Lighthouse within about 2 km of the station |
| Backwaters and Vembanad Lake | Lodging near the water, Kumarakom side | Bird sanctuary, boat trips | Kumarakom is in Kottayam district, not in Alappuzha town |
| Houseboat | Cabin, bathroom, kitchen, meals on board | One night on the water | Anchors in the evening, no night cruising |
For most first-time visitors, one night on a houseboat plus one or two nights on land in town or near Marari Beach is the easiest mix. If you want the full details on cruises, see our guide to Alleppey houseboats.
Our pick from town
A food walk that you can reach from any stay in Alleppey.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Alleppey houseboat cruises and backwater tours
Overnight and day cruises on a houseboat, plus shikara and canoe trips around Alleppey, with live prices and availability.
Alleppey hotels in town
Staying in Alappuzha town puts you close to the railway station, the bus stand and the state ferry jetty, which sits opposite the KSRTC bus stand. The lighthouse is within about 2 km of the station. This is the practical base if you arrive by train or bus and plan to do a boat day.
When you search for Alleppey hotels, check three things: how far the place is from the station, whether the boat you plan to take boards nearby, and what the listing says about the room. Boarding points differ by operator, and some use the jetty at Punnamada, so ask where your boat starts before you choose a location.
If you arrive from the airport, our page on getting to Alleppey from Kochi covers the road, train and bus options.
Staying on a houseboat
A houseboat has bedrooms, a bathroom, a living area and a kitchen. It is a place to sleep, but it is not a boat that sails all night. Operators typically start the cruise around midday and anchor at about 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. Check-out is usually around 9:00 the next morning.
One-bedroom boats start at about INR 10,000 (Deluxe), INR 15,000 (Premium) or INR 20,000 (Luxury) per boat and night plus GST in the low season of 2026, with meals included. Air conditioning differs by category: Deluxe runs it in the bedroom from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Premium keeps the bedroom cool all day, and Luxury cools the whole boat. A day cruise for up to two guests starts at about INR 9,000 plus GST for six hours, with lunch and snacks. Rates rise from October to March and over Christmas and New Year. See houseboat rates in Alleppey for the details.
Before you book, ask to see the boat's registration. Classified boats should show a KIV number, the boat name and a classification certificate (Silver, Gold or Diamond Vessel), and a classification does not replace other licences.
Beach stays near Marari
Marari Beach lies in Alappuzha district and is named after the fishing village of Mararikulam. Walks along the sand and the local fishing culture are the main draw. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented on the beach.
The beach season is mostly dry from December to March; see Alleppey weather for the monthly figures. Read more about the coast on the Marari Beach page.
Where to stay in Alleppey: frequently asked questions
Should I stay on a houseboat or in a hotel?
You can do both. A houseboat suits one night on the water, while a room on land is easier for a longer stay. You can combine one houseboat night with nights in town or at the beach.
Where should I stay for the beach?
Marari Beach has homestays, resorts and serviced villas. It is about 15 km from Alappuzha railway station, so plan transport if you arrive by train.
Does a houseboat sail through the night?
No. A night on a houseboat means the boat is anchored. Operators anchor in the early evening and start again in the morning.
Can I swim from a houseboat?
Some operators do not allow guests to swim in the lake, so ask before you book. The rule depends on the operator.
What is a good base without a car?
Alappuzha town, close to the railway station, the bus stand and the state ferry jetty.