Alappuzha or Alleppey is, perhaps, the most exotic of the backwater destinations of the state. With the Arabian Sea on one side, and the large number of canals and bridges, Alappuzha is famous for its annual Nehru Trophy boat race, held during the festival of Onam in August. There are other festivals in the small town like the one at the Mullakal temple in December, which is famous for the performances of some of India's finest temple musicians. Although Alappuzha welcomes everyone throughout the year, the best time for a visit is during winter. The summer months are humid. Generally the climate is temperate with tempeatures ranging between 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winter.

It was during the time of Maharaja Marthandavarma when Alappuzha became an important centre for trade, attracting merchants from all over the world. Ever since the first coir factory was started by an English sea captain, the number of coir factories have grown and a visit to one of them must be on the itinerary. Among the other places in and around Alappuzha that are must-sees, there is Punnamada Kayal. This is the place where the Nehru Trophy boat race takes place. During the race the place throngs with spectators, competitors and, of course, the huge boats, which are designed to look like snakes. Each is long and spacious enough to seat 120 oarsmen. The energy and the coordination of the competitors are worth watching.