Custom Shikara Boating
Packages for Every Traveler!
Experience the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey with our specially curated Shikara boat ride packages. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, these rides offer a serene escape through the tranquil canals, lush greenery, and charming village life of Kerala. Unlike the larger houseboats, Shikara boats provide a more intimate and flexible way to explore Alleppey’s scenic waterways, making them ideal for short day trips or romantic sunset cruises.
Full day shikara rides
A full-day Shikara ride in Alleppey offers a serene escape into the heart of Kerala’s enchanting backwaters. As you glide through tranquil canals, you’ll witness lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and glimpses of traditional village life. The peaceful rhythm of the water and chirping of birds create a soothing backdrop throughout the journey. Stops at scenic spots like Punnamada Lake and narrow canals enhance the experience with rich natural beauty.
The ride also includes leisurely breaks for local cuisine, refreshing coconut water, and cultural interactions with local villagers. You’ll pass by coir-making units, heritage homes, and small island hamlets that reflect the simplicity of backwater living. As the sun sets, the golden hues on the water offer a magical end to the day. This full-day ride is perfect for those seeking a slow, immersive exploration of Alleppey’s timeless charm.
Shikara with speedboat
This 4-hour package offers a delightful blend of relaxation and excitement, combining a 3-hour traditional Shikara ride with a 1-hour thrilling speedboat trip through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey. The experience begins in Kuttanadu, a unique region known for its lush green paddy fields that lie below sea level and its calm, rural charm. As you glide through the waters, you’ll encounter small islands fringed with coconut palms and traditional homes, offering a serene glimpse into the simple and authentic village life of Kerala.
The journey continues into the expansive Punnamada Lake, celebrated for its tranquil waters and stunning natural beauty. This iconic lake also serves as the venue for the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala’s most famous snake boat race, which attracts massive crowds and vibrant festivities each year. Its cinematic charm has made it a popular shooting location for many Malayalam and South Indian films.
From Punnamada, the tour moves toward the vast Vembanad Lake and the peaceful Marthandam Island, both known for their natural splendor and biodiversity. The route then leads to Mangalassery, a quiet backwater village set among narrow canals and rows of swaying palm trees. The Shikara continues through the shaded Panackal Canal, a tranquil passageway ideal for birdwatching and enjoying nature in its purest form.
The final stretch of the tour explores Pottanaaru, Eagle Point, and Vilakkumaram Canal—each offering unique highlights such as calm waters perfect for reflection, rich birdlife, and a touch of history with traditional lamp pillars once used to guide boats. The experience concludes back at Punnamada, leaving you with lasting memories of Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters.
Shikara with kayaking
Our 4-hour backwater tour blends peaceful relaxation with gentle adventure, starting with a 3-hour ride in a traditional Shikara and followed by an exciting 1-hour kayaking session—perfect for uncovering the hidden charms of Alleppey. The journey begins in Kuttanadu, a distinctive region where farming happens below sea level, surrounded by sprawling green paddy fields and tranquil landscapes. As you cruise through this serene setting, you’ll pass lush islands that house quiet villages and reflect the traditional Kerala way of life.
The ride continues into the picturesque Punnamada Lake, known for its wide, calm waters and stunning scenery. This lake also hosts the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala’s most celebrated snake boat event that draws massive crowds and cultural festivities. The lake’s beauty has also made it a favorite location for Malayalam and South Indian movie shoots.
From here, the journey flows into the expansive Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake, and past the peaceful Marthandam Island, renowned for its natural charm and rich biodiversity. The next stop is Mangalassery, a quiet village bordered by narrow canals and coconut groves, capturing the authentic essence of the backwaters. The Shikara ride concludes at Panackal Canal, a shaded and narrow waterway offering a peaceful and intimate experience.
The final part of the tour is a 1-hour kayaking session through untouched and serene backwater routes. Glide through Pottanaaru’s still waters, perfect for gentle paddling; enjoy birdwatching at Eagle Point; and take in the history of Vilakkumaram Canal, named after traditional lamp pillars once used to guide boats. The journey ends as you return to Punnamada, filled with unforgettable views and the soothing rhythm of Alleppey’s timeless backwaters.
Shikara with canoeing
This 4-hour backwater experience offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, combining a 3-hour Shikara ride with a 1-hour guided canoeing adventure—ideal for travelers who wish to soak in the serene beauty of Alleppey at a leisurely pace. The journey begins in the picturesque region of Kuttanadu, where farming is practiced below sea level amidst lush paddy fields and tranquil waters. As the Shikara gently glides along, you’ll pass scattered islands rich in greenery and tradition, offering an authentic glimpse into timeless village life.
The route takes you into the expansive Punnamada Lake, known for its calm waters and stunning vistas. This lake is famously home to the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala’s most iconic boat race, and a popular location for Malayalam and South Indian film shoots due to its cinematic scenery. The journey continues through the vast Vembanad Lake—the longest lake in India—passing Marthandam Island, known for its unspoiled natural charm and peaceful atmosphere.
Further along, you’ll visit Mangalassery, a serene village interlaced with narrow canals and shaded coconut groves, capturing the essence of Kerala’s backwaters. From there, the Shikara moves through the quiet Panackal Canal, a narrow, tree-lined waterway steeped in traditional ambiance.
The final leg of your adventure is a guided 1-hour canoe ride through the smaller, untouched canals that Shikaras can’t access. This intimate paddle includes Pottanaaru, with its still waters perfect for slow, peaceful movement, and Eagle Point, an ideal spot for birdwatching. The journey also touches Vilakkumaram Canal, named after the historic lamp pillar once used to guide boats. The trip concludes back at Punnamada, leaving you refreshed and enriched by the natural beauty and cultural depth of Alleppey’s enchanting backwaters.
Shikara with openboat
Our 4-hour Shikara boat ride package in Alleppey is a perfect blend of comfort and exploration, combining 3 hours in a traditional Shikara and 1 hour in an open boat for a unique backwater experience. The journey begins with a peaceful cruise through Kuttanadu, known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’ for its lush paddy fields that lie below sea level. Within Kuttanadu, we drift past scenic islands dotted with coconut palms and small settlements that offer glimpses of authentic village life. The ride continues to the vast Punnamada Lake, famous for its calm waters and vibrant views. At Punnamada, you’ll also pass the Nehru Trophy Boat Race location, the most iconic snake boat race venue in Kerala, and popular movie shooting spots often seen in Malayalam films.
As the boat glides further, you’ll pass by the serene stretch of Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India, and the peaceful Marthandam Island, known for its natural beauty and rustic charm. The next stop is Mangalassery, a quaint village lined with palm trees and narrow canals that showcase traditional Kerala life. From there, we float into the narrow waters of the Panackal Canal, surrounded by thick greenery and vibrant birdlife. Highlights in this stretch include Pottanaaru, a calm water junction; Eagle Point, a bird-watching hotspot; and the Vilakkumaram Canal, named after the ancient lamp pillar once used for navigation. The trip concludes as we return to Punnamada, leaving you with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning views.