Alappuzha beach about 5km from Alappuzha railway station is a popular spot for tourists. The picturesque beach on the shores of the Arabian sea, is lined with dense palm groves at one end. On the northern side, the pier extending into the sea is over 100 years old. The long sandy beach is quite clean, and has a garden, an open air stage where cultural events are conducted and a walkway artistically lined with plants and seating arrangements for people to sit and enjoy the view and the sea breeze. On the southern side of the beach lies the Vijaya park with a toy train and bicycles for children. There is another park known as the sea view park and both these parks have boating facilities. Visitors to the beach can also see the old lighthouse which was built by Captain Hugh Crawford in 1862 located nearby.