Open Boat Ride in Alleppey
A small open-air motorboat through the village canals, with nothing between you and the view.
100+ reviews
From₹2,000 per boat
Book on WhatsAppThe Experience
No roof. Just the backwaters.
An open boat is a small motorboat with bench seats and no canopy. It sits low on the water and is small enough for the village canals, so you see the backwaters the way the people who live here do: washing steps, ferry stops, coconut groves and paddy fields.
With no roof, the view runs all the way round, which makes it the boat for photos and birdwatching.
The price is for the whole boat, with the driver and fuel included.
- Duration
- 2, 3 or 4 hours
- Price
- From ₹2,000 per boat
- Included
- Driver and fuel
- Starts at
- Punnamada Finishing Point
Prices
Pick your route.
Prices are for the whole boat. Tell us your group size when you book.
2 hours
Village Canals
Down the Nehru Trophy race track and into the narrow canals of Kuppapuram village.
Route
- Punnamada Finishing Point
- Nehru Trophy race track
- Kuppapuram village canals
- Back to the jetty
₹2,000per boat
Book on WhatsApp3 hours
Canals & Vembanad Sunset
Village canals first, then out onto Vembanad Lake for the sunset. Best from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
Route
- Punnamada Finishing Point
- Village canals
- Kainakary village channels
- Vembanad Lake at sunset
- Back to the jetty
₹3,000per boat
Book on WhatsApp4 hours
Deep Kuttanad
The longest route, out to the paddy fields farmed below sea level and the water lily stretches.
Route
- Punnamada Finishing Point
- Kainakary village channels
- C Block paddy fields, below sea level
- Water lily stretch
- Vembanad Lake
- Back to the jetty
₹4,000per boat
Book on WhatsApp
How booking works
Four steps to the water.
- 1
Pick a route
2, 3 or 4 hours. The price is for the whole boat, not per person.
- 2
Send it on WhatsApp
Tell us the date, start time and group size. We confirm the slot with the boat.
- 3
Pay 25% to hold the boat
Your booking is confirmed once the advance is paid and you have our written confirmation.
- 4
Board at Punnamada
Meet your driver at the Finishing Point jetty and pay the balance there.
Included
- The whole boat for your group
- Driver and fuel
- Departure and return at Punnamada Finishing Point
Cancellation terms are stated before you pay. See our booking terms and directions to Punnamada Finishing Point.
Good to know
Before you go.
Sun and rain
There is no roof, so go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water. On a rainy day, a covered shikara is the better choice.
Open boat or shikara?
Same routes and the same price. A shikara has a canopy and cushioned seats; the open boat has no roof and a clear view all round.
Best time to go
Sunrise for calm water and birds. For the 3-hour route, start around 4:00 PM to reach Vembanad Lake for the sunset.
Season
November to February is cool and dry, the main season. March to May is hot by midday. June to September is monsoon, with the heaviest rain from July.
Guest Feedback
What our guests say
4.8
100+ Google reviews
98%
would recommend us
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is an open boat ride in Alleppey?
A private trip on a small open-air motorboat with bench seats and no canopy. It is small enough for the village canals and gives a clear view all round, with a driver at the engine.
How much is an open boat ride?
2 hours costs ₹2,000, 3 hours ₹3,000 and 4 hours ₹4,000, for the whole boat with the driver and fuel included.
Is the price per person or per boat?
Per boat. Tell us your group size when you book and we'll confirm the boat.
Should I choose an open boat or a shikara?
Both cost the same and cover the same canals. Choose the open boat for an all-round view and photos; choose a shikara for shade, cushioned seats and cover from the rain.
Where does the open boat start?
Punnamada Finishing Point jetty, about 2.5 km from the Alappuzha KSRTC bus stand and 6.6 km from Alappuzha railway station. It is not the State Water Transport ferry jetty in town.
What is the best time for an open boat ride?
Early morning for calm water and birds, or the 3-hour route from about 4:00 PM to reach Vembanad Lake at sunset. Avoid midday in March to May, when it gets hot.
How do I book an open boat ride?
Send us the route, date, start time and group size on WhatsApp. Pay a 25% advance to hold the boat, and the balance at the jetty.
More ways on the water
Other rides in Alleppey.
- Shikara RideCanopied boat through 5-foot village canals. 2–4 hours from ₹2,000 per boat.
- Speedboat RidePunnamada Lake and the Nehru Trophy track at speed. 10 minutes to 1 hour.
- KayakingGuided paddle at sunrise or sunset, with breakfast or tea. From ₹499 per person.
- HouseboatsPrivate houseboats with 1 to 20 bedrooms, for a day cruise or an overnight stay.