Alleppey Beach, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August/September) & More: Kerala Backwaters Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Alleppey Beach Open 24 hours Free Late afternoon to enjoy the sunset 2-3 hours
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August/September) Afternoon ₹100-500 (depending on the viewing area) August/September Full day
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary 06:00-18:00 daily ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Early morning for birdwatching 3-4 hours
Krishnapuram Palace 09:30-16:30 daily ₹30 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) Anytime during the day 1-2 hours
Marari Beach Open 24 hours Free Morning or late afternoon 2-4 hours
Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum 10:00-17:00 daily ₹50 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Anytime during the day 1-2 hours

Best Times by Attraction

Alleppey Beach

Late afternoon to enjoy the sunset

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August/September)

August/September

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Early morning for birdwatching

Krishnapuram Palace

Anytime during the day

Marari Beach

Morning or late afternoon

Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum

Anytime during the day

Crowd Notes

Alleppey Beach

Skip if you're looking for a pristine beach; worth it for the sunset views and local atmosphere.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August/September)

A must-see if you're visiting during the event; otherwise, it's just a lake.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Worth it for bird enthusiasts; otherwise, it might be a bit underwhelming.

Krishnapuram Palace

Worth a visit if you're interested in history and architecture.

Marari Beach

A great alternative to Alleppey Beach if you're looking for peace and quiet.

Revi Karunakaran Memorial Museum

Worth a visit if you appreciate art and history; otherwise, you can skip it.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Wear light and comfortable clothing, as the weather is hot and humid. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Dress modestly when visiting temples.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1,500, Mid: ₹3,000, Luxury: ₹5,000+

ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Alleppey and other major towns.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, while cards are accepted at larger establishments.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and when hiring auto-rickshaws.

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food that looks unhygienic. Be cautious about consuming raw fruits and vegetables.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, mosquito bites. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and rehydration salts.

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Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. A local SIM card costs around ₹300-500.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and restaurants.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Malayalam phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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