6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
2 to 3 Hours·Private Shikara
Sunrise Cruise
Start your day on calm backwaters, surrounded by village life, birds and golden morning light.
Morning MistBird WatchingQuiet WatersChai on Boat
ALAPPUZHA · KERALA
Alleppey Shikara Boating – Explore the Alappuzha Backwaters
Discover the hidden beauty of Kerala's backwaters. Cruise through peaceful village canals, lush paddy fields, and palm-lined waterways aboard an authentic traditional Shikara.
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5+ Years Experience
Trusted local boat operatorsAuthentic Village Routes
Quiet canals away from crowdsPrivate & Small Groups
Personalized serene journeysAlappuzha Backwaters
Heart of Kerala waterways
Village Immersion
Quiet narrow canals inaccessible to large houseboats
Authentic Kerala
Experience Alappuzha Beyond the Ordinary
Our private Alappuzha backwater tours let you leave the busy tourist routes behind and discover the quieter side of Kerala's backwaters. Glide through narrow canals, watch village life unfold along the waterways, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of coconut palms and paddy fields.
Unlike massive commercial houseboats that stay on wide open lakes, our traditional wooden Shikara boats are nimble enough to navigate the serene inner waterways of Kuttanad, giving you an intimate window into daily village routines, bird sanctuaries, and tranquil shores.
Curated Boating Routes
Your Journey Through the Backwaters
Every route takes you deeper into the peaceful side of Alappuzha — from tranquil village canals to expansive open lakes.
RECOMMENDED
3 Hours · Most Popular Experience · Forward Cruise
3 Hour Backwater Experience
Our recommended longer journey takes you from Punnamada Lake through village canals and local sights before continuing through Naduthuruth Canal to the open waters of Vembanad Lake.
RoutePunnamada Lake→Vilakkumaram Canal→Kavungal Devi Temple→Kuppappuram Village→Azheekal Canal & Village→Naduthuruth Canal→Vembanad Lake
Stop 01
Punnamada Lake
Begin your extended backwater journey from Punnamada Lake.
Stop 02
Vilakkumaram Canal
Cruise through the serene waters of Vilakkumaram Canal.
Stop 03
Kavungal Devi Temple
Pass the revered Kavungal Devi Temple on the canal edge.
Stop 04
Kuppappuram Village
Observe everyday village life and culture in Kuppappuram.
Stop 05
Azheekal Canal & Village
Journey onward along scenic Azheekal Canal and village shores.
Stop 06
Naduthuruth Canal
Navigate through Naduthuruth Canal toward the vast lake horizon.
Destination
Vembanad Lake
Emerge into the majestic open waters of Vembanad Lake.
Stop 01Departure Point
Punnamada Lake
Begin your extended backwater journey from Punnamada Lake.
Stop 02
Vilakkumaram Canal
Cruise through the serene waters of Vilakkumaram Canal.
Stop 03
Kavungal Devi Temple
Pass the revered Kavungal Devi Temple on the canal edge.
Stop 04
Kuppappuram Village
Observe everyday village life and culture in Kuppappuram.
Stop 05
Azheekal Canal & Village
Journey onward along scenic Azheekal Canal and village shores.
Stop 06
Naduthuruth Canal
Navigate through Naduthuruth Canal toward the vast lake horizon.
Final Destination · Stop 07Final Destination
Vembanad Lake
Emerge into the majestic open waters of Vembanad Lake.
Forward Route: Departs Punnamada Lake, voyages through village canals, and finishes at the open waters of Vembanad Lake.
Open Water FinaleWhy We Recommend 3 Hours
“Three hours gives you ample time to cruise the tranquil village canals, pass local landmarks, and continue outward into the breathtaking expanse of Vembanad Lake without feeling rushed.”
2 Hours · Classic Route · Island-Circling Loop
2 Hour Shikara Experience
A scenic island-circling journey through peaceful canals and villages, starting and ending at Punnamada Lake. Cruise through Vilakkumaram Canal, pass Kavungal Devi Temple, explore Azheekal Kanal, Kuppappuram Village and Azheekal Village before returning to Punnamada Lake.
Loop CircuitPunnamada Lake→Vilakkumaram Canal→Kavungal Devi Temple→Azheekal Kanal→Kuppappuram Village→Azheekal Village↺Returns to Punnamada Lake
Stop 01
Punnamada Lake
Embark from Punnamada Lake, starting point of our island-circling loop.
Stop 02
Vilakkumaram Canal
Cruise into peaceful Vilakkumaram Canal shaded by coconut palms.
Stop 03
Kavungal Devi Temple
Glide past the historic Kavungal Devi Temple on the water’s edge.
Stop 04
Azheekal Kanal
Navigate through scenic, serene waterways of Azheekal Kanal.
Stop 05
Kuppappuram Village
Experience quiet village life and traditional waterside homes.
Stop 06
Azheekal Village
Pass traditional village waterways circling around the island.
Complete
Returns to Punnamada Lake
Complete the scenic loop, returning smoothly to Punnamada Lake.
Island-Circling Circuit · Completes Full Loop
The boat circles around the island canals and finishes by gently returning to the initial boarding point at Punnamada Lake.
Punnamada LakePunnamada Lake
Stop 01Start / Origin
Punnamada Lake
Embark from Punnamada Lake, starting point of our island-circling loop.
Stop 02
Vilakkumaram Canal
Cruise into peaceful Vilakkumaram Canal shaded by coconut palms.
Stop 03
Kavungal Devi Temple
Glide past the historic Kavungal Devi Temple on the water’s edge.
Stop 04
Azheekal Kanal
Navigate through scenic, serene waterways of Azheekal Kanal.
Stop 05
Kuppappuram Village
Experience quiet village life and traditional waterside homes.
Stop 06
Azheekal Village
Pass traditional village waterways circling around the island.
Stop 07 · Loop CompletedCircuit Complete
Returns to Punnamada Lake
Complete the scenic loop, returning smoothly to Punnamada Lake.
Circles island and returns to Punnamada Lake
Loop ClosedTailored Itineraries
Want More Time?
Custom durations are also available for guests who want to explore at their own pace. Trips longer than 3 hours can be arranged on request. While 3 hours remains our recommended option for a balanced experience, we are happy to craft a flexible schedule for your group.
Local Cuisine
Taste the Flavours of Kerala
Make your backwater journey even more memorable with authentic local food.
Breakfast
Idli & Sambar
Start your day with a simple and authentic Kerala-style breakfast of soft idli served with delicious sambar.
Traditional Lunch
Kerala Meals
Enjoy an authentic Kerala meal served traditionally on a banana leaf, with a selection of local flavours and dishes.
Kerala Specialities
Prawns & Karimeen Pollichathu
Taste the flavours of Kerala with fresh seafood prepared in traditional local style, including prawns and Karimeen Pollichathu.
Traditional Kerala Experience
Tapioca & Toddy
Experience a traditional Kerala combination of soft tapioca with locally enjoyed toddy.
Food options can be arranged depending on the selected experience and availability.
Curated Journeys
Choose Your Backwater Experience
Whether you want a peaceful morning cruise or a magical sunset on the water, choose the Alappuzha backwater tour that best suits your journey.
Flexible Day Slots
3 to 4 Hours·Private Shikara
Village Backwater Cruise
Travel through peaceful canals, paddy fields and authentic Kerala villages.
Narrow CanalsVillage TemplesKuttanad FieldsLocal Culture
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
2 to 3 Hours·Private Shikara
Sunset Cruise
Watch the backwaters turn golden as the sun slowly disappears over Kerala’s palm-lined horizon.
Golden ReflectionsCool BreezeEvening TranquilityStunning Views
Looking for custom durations or specific departure points? Contact our local team directly.
Signature Combination
The Complete Backwater Experience
Spend a few hours exploring the waterways of Alappuzha with a combination of Shikara boating and optional activities such as kayaking, canoeing and speed boating.
Shikara Ride
Scenic shaded cruise through backwaters
Kayaking
Paddle through serene narrow canals
Canoeing
Traditional country canoe experience
Speed Boat
Exhilarating open lake cruise
Open Boating
Panoramic open-air backwater cruising
Traditional Lunch
Authentic Kerala meals on banana leaf
Customizable Itinerary
Tailored specifically for your pace — from quiet canal rowing to scenic lakeside breaks.
Transparent Pricing
Simple, Transparent Rates
All prices are for the entire private Shikara boat — never charged per person.
BASE RATE
Standard Shikara
Up to 6 people
₹600/ hour
One boat · Up to 6 people. Price may vary depending on the boat and group requirements.
One Boat · Up to 6 People
Prices are for the private Shikara boat. Price may vary depending on the Shikara boat and group requirements.
Our Hospitality
Why Explore Alappuzha With Us?
Local Knowledge
Explore the backwaters with people who know the villages, canals and hidden routes.
Authentic Experience
See a quieter and more authentic side of Kerala away from crowded tourist routes.
Comfortable Boats
Relax and enjoy unobstructed views of the backwaters.
Personal Experience
Perfect for couples, families and small groups looking for a peaceful experience.
Curated Preview
Moments From the Backwaters
A carefully selected visual preview of tranquil canals, golden hour cruises, and authentic backwater life in Alappuzha.
Shikara Cruises01
Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha
Golden Sunset Bow Cruise
Family & Friends02
Open Lake Waters
Family Moments on the Lake
Couples & Romance04
Punnamada Backwaters
Watching Houseboats in Golden Light
Couples & Romance03
Vembanad Lake Horizon
Romantic Evening on the Waters
View the Shikara Boating Gallery
Explore authentic moments from our Alleppey shikara cruises
Guest Reflections
Loved by Travelers
Authentic stories and experiences from guests who explored Kerala's quiet village canals and serene backwaters with us.
Meeting Point & Boarding
Find Us in Alappuzha
Vazhichery Jn, near AG & P Pratham Indian Oil and CNG Station, near Sea View Ward, Vazhicherry Ward, Alappuzha, Kerala 688001
Conveniently located in town with easy vehicle parking and rickshaw access.
Direct Backwater Boarding
Our boats depart directly from the canal jetty into the tranquil waterways of Punnamada and Vembanad.
Alleppey Village Shikara Boating
Vazhichery Jn, Alappuzha, Kerala
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Shikara boating rates start from ₹600 per hour for a private boat accommodating up to 6 passengers. We charge per boat rather than per person, making it very economical for couples and small groups. We also offer curated 2-hour, 3-hour, and custom full-day backwater packages at transparent fixed rates.