Sunrise Shikara Cruise
Morning mist, still water and the backwaters waking up around you.
From ₹2,500 / boat
Alleppey · Kumarakom · Kuttanad
Things to Do in Alleppey: Shikara & Backwater Boat Rides
Glide into the narrow, palm-fringed canals that houseboats can’t reach. Private shikara rides at sunrise, lunch and sunset — from ₹2,500 per boat.
- ✓ Private boats only
- ✓ Licensed local boatmen
- ✓ Free cancellation (24 h)
Alleppey boat rides
Popular Shikara Boat Rides in Alleppey
Three hours on the water, timed for the best light. Every ride is a private boat for your group, through village canals, paddy fields and lakes.
Lunch & Day Shikara Cruise
Village canals, Vembanad Lake and a Kerala meal you will remember.
From ₹2,800 / boat
Sunset Shikara Cruise
Golden hour, cool breezes and the backwaters turning pink and gold.
From ₹2,800 / boat
Why a Shikara Ride Is the Best Boat Ride in Alleppey
Alleppey’s famous houseboats are big, and they stay on the wide lake channels. A shikara is small, quiet and shallow, so it can enter the narrow, hidden canals of Kuttanad, where the real backwater life happens.
Village life up close
Watch fishermen in coracles, women at the washing steps, children rowing to school and ducks herded down the canals.
Paddy fields below sea level
Kuttanad is one of the only places on earth where rice grows below sea level. You’ll cruise right alongside the bunds.
Birdwatching
Kingfishers, egrets, herons and cormorants, often just metres from the boat.
Book a Shikara RideThings to do in Alleppey
More Things to Do in Alleppey & Kumarakom
Make the most of your backwater trip. Read the full top 10 things to do in Alleppey & Kumarakom.
Shikara ride through village canals
The best way to see the real backwaters — narrow canals, homes and paddy fields.
Overnight houseboat stay
Sleep on the water with all meals cooked on board.
Toddy shop lunch
Spicy fish curry, karimeen fry and red rice at a canal-side toddy shop.
Kumarakom bird-watching
Herons, egrets and kingfishers along the edge of the bird sanctuary.
Alleppey houseboat tariff
Staying Overnight? Houseboats from ₹7,500
Simple, transparent houseboat rates for 1 night / 2 days, all meals included, from 1 to 4 bedrooms across Deluxe, Premium and Luxury tiers.
Kumarakom boat ride
Kumarakom Boat Rides on Vembanad Lake
Staying in Kumarakom? Take a private shikara along the edge of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, through quiet coir villages and out onto Vembanad, India’s longest lake.
Explore Kumarakom Rides
Backwater Travel Guides
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Alleppey Boat Ride FAQs
What are the best things to do in Alleppey?
The top things to do in Alleppey are a shikara ride through the narrow village canals, an overnight houseboat stay, a toddy shop lunch, a sunset on Punnamada Lake, Alleppey Beach and a visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. See our full guide to the top 10 things to do.
How much is a boat ride in Alleppey?
Private shikara boat rides in Alleppey start from ₹2,500 for a 3-hour cruise for up to 6 guests. Houseboats start from ₹7,500 for 1 night with all meals.
Which boat ride is best in Alleppey?
For sightseeing, a shikara ride is best because it enters the narrow village canals that houseboats cannot. For an overnight experience, choose a houseboat. Combining a houseboat stay with a sunrise shikara ride gives you the best of both.
How do I book a boat ride in Alleppey?
Message us on WhatsApp at +91 90729 03783 with your date, preferred timing and number of guests. We confirm availability and price within minutes.
Ready to explore the backwaters?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size — we reply within minutes with live availability and the best price.