Book a Shikara Ride in Alleppey.
Experience the Kerala backwaters comfortably and peacefully. Perfect for sightseeing, birdwatching, and capturing beautiful memories on a budget.
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Prices vary by group size and duration
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Our Gallery
Beautiful views captured by guests on their Shikara ride in Alleppey.
What to Expect on Your Cruise
A Shikara ride in Alleppey is the perfect way to spend a few hours gliding through the serene backwaters. Designed for daytime cruising, these elegant wooden boats feature comfortable, cushioned seating and an open design that allows the gentle backwater breeze to flow through unhindered.
Depending on the duration you select, your route will guide you past historic temples, traditional village settlements, the picturesque waters of Kayinakari, the famous Alleppey Boat Race Track, and the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake. Because Shikaras lack a massive upper deck, they easily navigate under low bridges and into deeply shaded, authentic canals that large houseboats cannot reach.
Speedboat Experience Add-On Optional Thrill
Want an extra adrenaline rush during your cruise? You can pause your peaceful ride for an exciting 10-minute (~10 km) Speedboat experience for just ₹300 per person!
Looking for an overnight stay instead? Explore our premium Alleppey boathouse packages, or check our dedicated speed boat options.
✨ Why Choose a Shikara?
Unobstructed Scenery
Get up close to the natural beauty of the backwaters with an open design that larger vessels can't match.
Relaxed Seating
Enjoy open, airy, and comfortably cushioned seating with 360-degree panoramic views of the water.
Flexible Scheduling
Book by the hour. Tailor your trip to fit perfectly into your travel itinerary, from 1 hour to a full day.
Shikara Trip Details
Operating Hours
Shikara boats are available for cruising from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Booking a Shikara ride in Alleppey at 6:00 AM is highly recommended for incredible sunrise views and bird watching.
Pricing Structure
Shikaras are charged on an hourly basis, not per person. The base rate covers the entire boat for your selected group size during your booked time slot.
Food & Dining
Food is not cooked onboard a Shikara. However, you are welcome to bring your own snacks, or the driver can stop at authentic local toddy shops and lakeside restaurants upon request.
Safety First
All our Shikara boats are government-registered and equipped with life jackets. A professional, experienced driver/guide will accompany you safely throughout your journey.
Shikara Ride Routes & Pricing
| Duration | Estimated Price | Ideal Route & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Hours | ₹2,000 - ₹2,500 | Starts from Alleppey (2km from town), Punnamada Lake, Vilakumaram canal, SNDP village canals, Alleppey boat race track (starting point to finishing point), then back to starting location. |
| 3 Hours Most Popular | ₹3,000 - ₹3,500 | Starts from Alleppey (2km from town), Punnamada Lake, Kuppappuram village, then enters Vembanad Lake, SAI boat house, boat race track (starting point to finishing point), then back to starting location. |
| 4 Hours | ₹4,000 - ₹4,500 | Starts from Alleppey (2km from town), Punnamada Lake, Kanjitta, narrow village canals, Kayinakari boat terminal, Meenappally villages, Vembanad Lake, boat race track (starting point to finishing point), then back to starting location. |
How It Works
Select Details & Request
Choose your duration, guest count, and date in the form above, then click to message us on WhatsApp.
Confirm with 25% Advance
We'll verify availability within minutes. Pay a small 25% advance deposit to lock in your boat and timing.
Arrive & Set Sail
Reach our boarding jetty, pay the remaining 75% balance, and step onboard for your relaxing cruise!
What our guests say
Over 2,000 happy travellers and counting. Here's what they wrote on Google.
Boarding Location & Logistics
Dedicated Pay & Park spaces available directly at the boarding point.
7 km (~15 minutes drive by auto/cab).
3 km (~8 minutes drive).
GOT QUESTIONS?
Everything you need to know
The easiest way to book is to message us on WhatsApp. We will confirm your timing and availability within minutes.
A Houseboat is large, slow, and includes bedrooms and cooked meals, making it great for overnight stays. A Shikara is smaller, open-air, and much cheaper. It is designed for 2 to 6-hour daytime cruising and offers a closer, open-air connection to the beautiful backwaters.
No, food is not cooked on a Shikara. However, the driver will happily stop at authentic local toddy shops or lakeside restaurants where you can purchase fresh Karimeen fish fry and local Kerala meals.
The absolute best time for a Shikara ride in Alleppey is the 6:00 AM sunrise slot. The water is incredibly calm, the weather is cool, and you will see amazing birdlife. The 4:00 PM sunset ride is also highly recommended.
Yes, absolutely. All boats are equipped with life jackets, and the water in the backwater channels is very calm. The boats have protective roofing to shade you from the sun.