What are the timings and what is the best time for a Shikara ride?

Shikara rides operate daily from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The two most recommended slots are Sunrise (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) for morning mist and birdwatching, and Golden Sunset (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) for vibrant colors over Vembanad Lake.

Is the Shikara boat private or shared with strangers?

All our Shikara bookings are 100% private. The entire boat, cushioned sofa seating, and licensed local captain are dedicated exclusively to your group.

How does the payment and booking deposit work?

To confirm your private Shikara, you only pay a 25% advance deposit. The remaining 75% balance is payable directly at check-in time when you arrive at the jetty.

Can we stop for lunch at a local village toddy shop or restaurant?

Yes! On our 3-hour and 4-hour cruises, your captain can pause at authentic village eateries or toddy shops in Kainakary for fresh Karimeen (pearl spot fish fry), Kerala duck roast, or fresh tender coconuts.

ShikaraThe Canal Cruiser.

Q: Where is the boarding jetty in Alleppey?

Standard departures are from Finishing Point Jetty (Punnamada), Alleppey — approximately 10 minutes from Alleppey Railway Station with ample car parking. Exact Google Maps location and captain details are shared upon booking.

Cushioned sofa lounge. 5-foot village canal access. 2h, 3h & 4h curated routes.

4.8

2,000+ reviews

Call Us WhatsApp Us

2000+Happy Guests

4.8Google Rating

3+Years Running

5ft Canal Access

Glides into shallow interior waterways big houseboats cannot enter.

Reclining Lounge

Cushioned sofa seating and all-weather canopy shade.

Flexible 2h / 3h / 4h

Curated routes for express canal trips or deep village immersion.

Direct Local Rate

Fixed all-inclusive pricing per boat with licensed captain and fuel.

Curated Routes

Choose Your Cruise Duration

3 Hours · Canals & Vembanad Lake Sunset

Private Boat₹2,400 / boat

3 Hours Private Cruise·₹2,400 Total

Canals & Vembanad Lake Sunset

The perfect balance of narrow village channels and open lake sunset.

Route & Stopovers (6 Sights)

3 Hours Coverage

1Punnamada Finishing Point Departure

2Vilakkumaram Heritage Canals

3Deep Kainakary Village Channels

4Kuttamangalam Wooden Bridges

5Open Vembanad Lake Golden Sunset

6Scenic Water Lily Return Route

Date

Time (7a–5p)

Guests

2 Pax

WhatsApp Call

Pay 25% advance · Remaining amount at check-in time

The Experience

Glide in Silence.

Weaving through village channels and peaceful backwater canopies.

Alleppey Shikara Cruise Experience Video

Visual Gallery

Shikara Cruise Moments.

Plush cushioned seating, narrow palm canals, and sunset horizons across Vembanad Lake.

Private Shikara boat gliding through calm coconut-fringed canals in Alleppey

Boarding Location

Finishing Point Jetty, Alleppey

Conveniently situated 10 minutes from Alleppey Railway Station with ample parking. Your private captain coordinates your pickup directly at the jetty.

WhatsApp Call

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Clear answers on Shikara rates, routes, boarding, and policies.

Shikara boats are agile, open-sided wooden boats with cushioned reclining lounges designed specifically to navigate narrow 5-foot village canals and low bridges where huge houseboats cannot fit. They are hired on flexible hourly rates (2h, 3h, 4h) for day cruising without overnight stay.

Reviews

Loved by our guests.

4.9

500+ Google reviews

98%

would recommend us

Priya Nair

2 weeks ago

Absolutely magical experience! The houseboat was spotless, the food was authentic Kerala cuisine, and the crew was so warm. Watching the sunset over Vembanad Lake was unforgettable.

Rahul Menon

a month ago

Booked directly through MyAlleppey and saved a lot compared to the portals. Premium boat, AC bedrooms, and the chef made fresh fish curry on board. Highly recommend.

Sarah Thomas

3 weeks ago

Our family had the best time. The kids loved the kayaking and the open sundeck. Everything was well organised from check-in to check-out. Will come back for sure.

Arjun Kapoor

2 months ago

Beautiful backwaters and great hospitality. The morning cruise was so peaceful. Only wish we had booked two nights instead of one!

Meera Iyer

a week ago

Honeymoon trip and it exceeded every expectation. Private, romantic, and the staff gave us space. The sunset views alone are worth every rupee.

David Wilson

a month ago

Travelled from the UK and this was the highlight of our Kerala trip. Seamless booking, no hidden charges, and a genuinely authentic backwater experience.

Priya Nair

2 weeks ago

Absolutely magical experience! The houseboat was spotless, the food was authentic Kerala cuisine, and the crew was so warm. Watching the sunset over Vembanad Lake was unforgettable.

Rahul Menon

a month ago

Booked directly through MyAlleppey and saved a lot compared to the portals. Premium boat, AC bedrooms, and the chef made fresh fish curry on board. Highly recommend.

Sarah Thomas

3 weeks ago

Our family had the best time. The kids loved the kayaking and the open sundeck. Everything was well organised from check-in to check-out. Will come back for sure.

Arjun Kapoor

2 months ago

Beautiful backwaters and great hospitality. The morning cruise was so peaceful. Only wish we had booked two nights instead of one!

Meera Iyer

a week ago

Honeymoon trip and it exceeded every expectation. Private, romantic, and the staff gave us space. The sunset views alone are worth every rupee.

David Wilson

a month ago

Travelled from the UK and this was the highlight of our Kerala trip. Seamless booking, no hidden charges, and a genuinely authentic backwater experience.

Direct Backwater Booking

Experience Alleppey's Quietest Canals.

Reserve your private Shikara with instant WhatsApp confirmation. Pay 25% advance, remaining amount at check-in time.

01Best routes & hidden canals
02Sample 1, 2 & 3-night itineraries
03Honest pricing & what to watch out for