New Experience 2025
Shikara Cruise Alleppey —
Discover Hidden Backwatersf
Discover Alleppey’s most intimate backwater experience aboard a traditional Shikara boat. Unlike large houseboats, our Shikara cruises glide through narrow canals, hidden lagoons, and island villages that remain untouched by mainstream tourism. Witness kingfishers, paddy fields, fishing communities, and ancient churches from the open sides of your beautifully decorated wooden Shikara. DO Houseboats now offers 2–6 hour curated Shikara cruises, including sunrise, sunset, lunch, and full-day itineraries — a perfect complement to your Kerala houseboat experience.
The Vessel
What is a Shikara Boat?
A Shikara is a traditional lightweight wooden boat, originally used for transportation across the backwaters and canals of Kerala. Beautifully decorated with bamboo canopy and comfortable seating, Shikara boats in Alleppey can accommodate 4–15 guests.
Their compact design allows them to navigate narrow backwater channels — waterways completely inaccessible to large houseboats. A Shikara cruise in Alleppey is therefore the only way to experience the truly unspoilt, rural heart of the Kerala backwaters.
- 4–15 Guests
- Kerala Tourism Licensed
- Life Jackets Provided
- English-Speaking Guides
Choose Your Cruise
Shikara Cruise Packages
From a quick 2-hour sunset dip to a full 10-hour backwater circuit — we have the perfect Shikara experience for you.
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Sunrise Shikara Cruise
3 Hours · Punnamada Lake & Vilakkumaram Canal
Start your day on the tranquil Alleppey backwaters as the sun rises over Vembanad Lake. Glide through Punnamada Lake, past the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race starting point, into the beautiful Vilakkumaram canal.
Includes
- Welcome coconut water on board
- Light breakfast snacks
- English-speaking local guide
- Life jackets & safety equipment
₹2,500
Per person · Min 2 persons
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Sunset Shikara Cruise
The most romantic experience on the Alleppey backwaters. Witness one of Kerala’s most breathtaking sunsets over the Vembanad Lake. Optional flower-decorated boat for honeymooners and anniversaries.
Includes
- Evening tea and snacks on board
- Optional flower-decorated boat
- Local expert guide
- Private Shikara option available
₹2,000
Per person · Min 2 persons
Lunch Shikara Cruise
3 Hours · Kainakary Village & Paddy Fields
A leisurely afternoon cruise through the backwater canals, including a traditional Kerala lunch served on board. Explore Kainakary village, Kuttanad paddy fields, and local fishing communities.
Includes
- Full traditional Kerala lunch on board
- Village walk option (Kainakary)
- Paddy field & farming community visit
- English-speaking guide
₹3,500
Per person · Min 2 persons
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Full Day Shikara Cruise
10 Hours · Complete Alleppey Circuit
Our premium 10-hour experience covers the complete Alleppey backwater circuit — sunrise on Vembanad Lake, narrow canal exploration, village visits, Kainakary lagoon, and a sunset return. The most comprehensive backwater journey available.
Includes
- Welcome coconut water
- Full Kerala breakfast
- Traditional lunch on board
- Evening snacks · All-day guide
₹8,000
Per person · Min 2 persons
The Journey
Route Highlights
Our Shikara cruises follow the most scenic and historically rich waterways of Alleppey — carefully curated over 20 years of local expertise
WHY BOOK SHIKARA WITH DO HOUSEBOATS
- 20 years of Alleppey backwater expertise — we know every canal and hidden gem
- Green-certified boats — eco-friendly, low-impact on the backwater ecosystem
- Local guides who speak English, Hindi, and Malayalam
- Flexible timing — we can customise any cruise to your itinerary
- Combined packages available: Houseboat overnight + Shikara morning cruise
- Honeymoon special: flower-decorated Shikara with complimentary tea and snacks
SHIKARA CRUISE ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
- Rajiv Boat Jetty → Punnamada Lake (Snake Boat Race venue)
- Vilakkumaram Canal (200ft wide — see houseboats and local life)
- Narrow village canals (10m wide — accessible only by Shikara)
- Kainakary Village — traditional Kerala tharavadu homes and paddy fields
- Meenappalli Kayal — large open lake with stunning horizon views
- Irumbanam Canal — floating shops and riverside markets
- Hospital boats, mini markets, and riverside village life
Travel Tips
Shikara Cruise FAQ
How is a Shikara different from a houseboat in Alleppey?
A Shikara is a small, open wooden boat ideal for 2–6 hour backwater canal tours. A houseboat is a large floating home with bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms for overnight stays. Shikara cruises access narrow canals that houseboats cannot enter, offering a more intimate and authentic Kerala backwater experience.
How many people can fit in a Shikara boat?
DO Houseboats’ Shikara boats accommodate 4–15 guests comfortably. We also offer private Shikara rides for 2 people (honeymoon special). For groups above 15, we can arrange multiple Shikara boats.
Is a Shikara cruise safe in Alleppey?
Yes. All our Shikara boats are licensed by Kerala Tourism and equipped with life jackets, safety equipment, and an experienced local boat guide. We do not operate Shikara cruises during heavy rain or strong winds.
Can I combine a Shikara cruise with a houseboat stay?
Absolutely! Our most popular package is the houseboat overnight stay combined with a sunrise Shikara canal cruise the next morning. Contact us to build your custom Kerala backwater itinerary.
Ready for Your Kerala Escape?
Book your houseboat or Shikara cruise today. Our team is ready to craft your perfect itinerary.