Enjoy a peaceful Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise through narrow canals, lush greenery, and serene village life. A perfect budget-friendly and scenic Kerala experience.
- Available
- Cash on pickup
- Instant confirmation
- Printed voucher accepted
- : 1 Day
- Duration : 02:00 hrs
- Location : Kerala
Overview
The Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise is one of the most enchanting and peaceful ways to discover the natural beauty and cultural charm of Kerala’s world-famous backwaters. Designed for travelers who seek an authentic and immersive experience, this traditional shikara boat ride takes you through Alleppey’s narrow canals, tranquil lagoons, lush paddy fields, and charming village landscapes that larger houseboats cannot access.
Unlike the bigger and slower houseboats, the shikara is agile, quiet, and perfect for navigating the hidden waterways of Alleppey. As you glide gently along the calm waters, you’ll witness everyday village life—fishermen casting their nets, locals rowing small canoes, women washing clothes by the water’s edge, and children playing near the banks. The journey offers endless opportunities for photography and peaceful reflection, surrounded by coconut groves, migratory birds, and scenic greenery.
Comfortably shaded and beautifully crafted, the shikara provides a cozy and intimate setting for couples, families, and solo travelers. Whether you choose a short 1–2 hour ride or a more extended cruise, the experience delivers unmatched relaxation and views that define Kerala’s timeless charm.
Perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter, budget-friendly alternative to houseboats, the Alleppey Shikara Cruise guarantees unforgettable memories and a genuine connection to the serene backwater lifestyle. It’s an experience that truly showcases why Alleppey is celebrated as the “Venice of the East.”
Itinerary
| Day | Start | Pick Up Point | End/Duration | Droping Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 11:00 | Guests arrive at the designated jetty/Finishing Point | D: 02:00 | Cruise back to the jetty |
🏁 Arrival & Boarding (0:00 – 0:10 hrs)
Guests arrive at the designated jetty/Finishing Point. After a quick welcome and safety briefing, you will board the traditional shikara boat.
🚤 Begin the Backwater Cruise (0:10 – 0:40 hrs
Set off on a peaceful ride through narrow canals surrounded by coconut trees, lush paddy fields, and serene village life. Witness fishermen at work, local boats passing by, and daily activities along the backwaters.
📸 Scenic Canal Exploration (0:40 – 1:15 hrs)
Cruise deeper through untouched smaller canals accessible only by shikara. Enjoy beautiful photo spots, migratory birds, and the calm natural atmosphere. Your guide will highlight interesting local sights and culture along the way.
🌿 Village & Lagoon Views (1:15 – 1:45 hrs)
Float past charming villages, open lagoons, and green landscapes that make Alleppey famous as the “Venice of the East.” This portion offers the best views for photography and relaxation.
🏁 Return to Boarding Point (1:45 – 2:00 hrs)
Cruise back to the jetty while enjoying the final scenic stretch. Guests disembark with unforgettable backwater memories.
Inclusions
Please take care to go through the following inclusions on your Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise – Best Scenic Boat Ride in Kerala schedule.
- Traditional Shikara Boat Cruise through Alleppey’s scenic backwaters
- Experienced and licensed boat operator
- Comfortable shaded seating on the shikara
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Photo stops at scenic locations
- Bottled drinking water
- Assistance from our operations team 24/7
- Pickup & drop-off arrangements (available on request; additional charges may apply)
Exclutions
Please take care to go through the following exclutions on your Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise – Best Scenic Boat Ride in Kerala schedule.
- Meals, snacks, or refreshments (unless specified)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (available on request for an additional charge)
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs or extra activities
- Tips or gratuities for the boat operator
- Additional sightseeing or extended cruise time beyond the selected duration
- Any services not mentioned in the Inclusions section
important Information
Here is a list of important information which you must cater to while you prepare for your Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise – Best Scenic Boat Ride in Kerala.
- Transportation Assistance:If you require transportation from your hotel or designated location, please contact our dedicated operations team, available 24/7, for seamless arrangements and support.
- Cruise Timings: Shikara cruises operate from early morning to evening. Popular slots are 9:00 AM–11:00 AM and 3:00 PM–5:00 PM for the best views and weather.
- Duration: You can choose from 1-hour, 2-hour, or extended cruises depending on your preference.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the most pleasant weather.
- Boarding Point: Most shikara rides start from Alleppey Finishing Point or nearby backwater jetty locations.
- Safety: Life jackets are provided. The boats are operated by licensed and experienced professionals.
- Comfort: Shikara boats are covered and provide shade from the sun, but carrying sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses is recommended.
- Photography: Allowed and highly encouraged—backwaters offer excellent photography opportunities.
- Food & Beverages: Not always included; you may bring light snacks and drinking water.
- Booking: Advance booking is recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak season.
- Children & Seniors: The cruise is safe and suitable for all age groups.
- Weather Conditions: Trips may be rescheduled or delayed in case of heavy rain or unfavorable weather.
Gallery
Booking Policy
The following are the general conditions for the different booking policies of the Alleppey Backwater Shikara Cruise – Best Scenic Boat Ride in Kerala.
📌 Booking Policy
- All bookings must be confirmed in advance.
- Guests are requested to provide accurate contact details and pickup information (if required).
- Full payment or partial advance may be required to secure the booking.
📌 Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made 24 hours before the cruise are eligible for a refund (if applicable).
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the cruise time are non-refundable.
- No-show bookings will be charged 100%.
📌 Rescheduling Policy
- Rescheduling is subject to availability.
- Changes requested at least 12 hours prior will be accommodated whenever possible.
- Last-minute changes may not be guaranteed.
📌 Weather Policy
- Cruises may be delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled due to heavy rain or unsafe weather conditions.
- If a cruise is cancelled due to weather, guests may choose a full refund or reschedule.
📌 Safety Policy
- We are not responsible for loss of personal belongings, valuables, or unattended items during the cruise.
- Guests participating in the cruise acknowledge that they do so at their own risk, following safety guidelines.
Child Policy
- Children under the age of 04 to 10 years are considered a child.
- Children under 0 to 03 years are considered as infants.
Customer Care / Bookings
- UAE Call Center
- India Call Center
Customer Care / Bookings
- UAE Call Center
- India Call Center