She sails in a shikara —

When you thinķ of Alleppey the backwaters come to mind. So does the houseboat, the form of transport that plied these backwaters in the past, and were modernized during present times. However, some areas of the backwaters can be accessed better by shikaras, which also offer a more intimate experience.

A shikara is a small, roofed, wooden boat traditionally used in Kashmir, now popular in Kerala for navigating narrow waterways that houseboats can’t access. If you’re seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly, and authentic backwater experience, a shikara ride might be just what you’re looking for.

What is a shikara?

Shikaras are elegant, low-sitting boats with comfortable seating, cushions, and a canopy for shade. They typically accommodate 2 to 6 people, and are manually rowed or powered by small motors. They glide gently through the waterways.

But shikaras certainly score over houseboats in the way they serve as eco-friendly modes of travel which can be ridden anywhere and anytime into narrow canals and waterways. Unlike houseboats, which are floating homes with all amenities, shikaras offer a closer, slower, and more immersive connection to daily life along the banks.

When compared to a houseboat, which is a large, multi-boat floating house, a shikara is a small open-sided boat with a canopy. Ideal for couples and small families, a shikara can carry 2-6 people. The houseboat, on the other hand, is good for groups or big families as it can accommodate 20 or more people. A shikara is suitable for shorter rides of 2 to 3 hours whereas houseboats are better for longer rides spanning overnight to multi-day stays. The cost of a shikara ride varies from INR 600 to INR 1200 per hour, whereas the cost of a houseboat ride can vary between INR 7000 – INR 20,000 per night depending on size and luxury.

How to Book a Shikara Ride

Booking a Shikara ride is easy, and you can do it in several ways:

On the spot: You can book a shikara from any of the operators waiting at the Alleppey Boat Jetty or Punnamada Finishing Point. Be sure to negotiate the price especially during the off-season months from May to August.
Online platforms: Sites like alleppeyhouseboatguide.com, alleppeyshikara.in, and lakequeenhouseboats.com offer pre-booked experiences with reviews, fixed prices, and optional hotel pickup.
Homestays and hotels: Many local accommodations have tie-ups with reliable shikara operators and can arrange a ride for you, often at better rates.

Tip: Morning rides (7–10 AM) and sunset rides (4–6 PM) are the most scenic and pleasant. It is best to avoid an afternoon ride as the temperatures can rise making for an uncomfortable experience.

Here’s a handy checklist of things to look for before you hop aboard:

Boat Condition

Cleanliness: The boat should be well-maintained, with clean seating, cushions, and no unpleasant smells.
Canopy/Roof: Make sure the shikara has adequate shade to protect you from the sun or sudden rain.
Comfort: Cushioned seats, backrests, and leg space are a must, especially for longer rides.
Life Jackets: Not always standard—but it’s a bonus for safety, especially if you’re traveling with kids or seniors.

Operator Reputation

Ask for a licensed or experienced boatman. Local hotels or homestays often recommend trustworthy ones.
Check reviews on online platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or GetYourGuide if booking online.
Friendly, talkative boatmen can make the ride memorable with stories and insights.

Price Transparency

Always confirm the total cost before boarding—per hour or per trip?
Ask if the rate includes waiting time, fuel, and sightseeing stops.
Take a stand against last-minute price hikes or surprise charges.

Note: The average rate of a shikara ride varies between ₹600–₹1000 per hour depending on season and time of day. Early morning or sunset slots might be in higher demand.

Ride Duration & Route

Clarify how long the ride will last and what areas you’ll cover:

Narrow canals or just open lakes?
Stops at villages like Champakulam or religious sites?
Any hidden gems like toddy shops or floating markets?

Tip: Pick a route that avoids overcrowded zones if you’re seeking a peaceful vibe.

Ride Duration & Route

Opt for early morning (7–9 AM) or sunset (4–6 PM) for the best weather, golden lighting, and fewer crowds.
Avoid afternoon rides unless you don’t mind the rising temperatures.

Amenities

Check if water bottles, umbrellas, or snacks will be offered — otherwise, carry your own.
Some shikaras have bluetooth speakers if you want a musical ride.

Booking Method

Booking via a hotel/homestay often ensures better prices and reliability.
Online platforms provide reviews and safe payments, but you might pay slightly more.
Walk-in bookings near Punnamada Jetty or Finishing Point allow inspection of the actual boat but may require bargaining.

Language & Communication

Ensure the boatman speaks basic English or Hindi, especially if you want to ask questions or learn about the villages and canals.

Red Flags to Avoid

Pushy touts or agents at jetty points.
Very low prices that sound too good to be true—might mean a rushed or low-quality experience.
Dirty or damaged boats with poor seating.

When should you ride a shikara?

The best season to ride a shikara is winter during the months from October to March.

Here’s why:

The weather is ideal with temperatures varying pleasantly between 20–30°C. The humidity remains low, and cool breezes make the experience comfortable, especially during early morning or sunset rides.
The skies remain clear which mean better visibility for photography and wildlife spotting.
Winter is also the peak migratory bird season—perfect if you’re gliding past the Vembanad Lake or through the narrow canals of Kuttanad.
The backwaters are lush and green post-monsoon from June to September, creating a stunning backdrop for sightseeing and pictures.

Avoid the risky Monsoon months (June – September)

June to September (monsoon season) is marked by heavy rains and rougher water conditions. While the backwaters are beautiful during this time, rides may be delayed or canceled, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance.
Houseboat and shikara rides are usually operational but less enjoyable with sudden unpredictable showers.

Summer Caution (March–May)

Alleppey gets hot and humid during summer, with temperatures soaring above 35°C, not the ideal weather to be on a shikara.
If you go during this time, stick to early morning or evening rides, when the temperatures are cooler.

Shikara Routes

One of the biggest advantages of a Shikara is that it can go where a houseboat can’t. Some must-visit spots easily reached by a shikara include:

Kuttanad Region: Often called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, this region is dotted with lush paddy fields that lie below sea level and spread out in a patchwork of coconut groves, narrow canals, and floating farms.
Champakulam Village: The charm of this village lies in its 1,000-year-old church, traditional wooden boats, and vibrant local life.
Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India, this is a stretch of water perfect for a peaceful glide giving the tourist the opportunity to spot water birds and fishermen in action.
Nedumudy and Karumadi: Both are small hamlets with temples, Buddhist relics, and an unfiltered view of Kerala’s rural life.

Why Choose a Shikara Over a Houseboat or Canoe?

Affordability: A 2-hour Shikara ride typically costs ₹600–₹1000, while houseboats start around ₹7000 per night.
Accessibility: Shikaras can maneuver into narrow waterways, offering a closer look at village life, which houseboats often bypass.
Flexibility: You can book rides for just 1–3 hours, perfect for day trippers or those on tight schedules.
Eco-friendly & Quiet: Unlike motor-heavy houseboats, Shikaras make minimal noise and don’t pollute the water, offering a cleaner, more peaceful experience.
Comfortable for Seniors & Kids: Easier to get in and out of compared to canoes, and with more shade and cushioned seats than basic wooden rowboats.

Tips for a Memorable Ride

Carry water, hats, and sunscreen. Even shaded boats can get hot during the day.
Bring cash. Most local operators don’t accept cards or digital payments.
Ask questions. Many Shikara rowers are locals with fascinating stories—engage with them to enrich your journey.
Pack light. Space is limited, so leave large bags behind.
Keep your camera handy. The reflections, birds, and coconut-lined banks are postcard-perfect.

A shikara ride through Alleppey can be your immersion into Kerala’s soulful rhythm. You’ll pass by women washing clothes by the banks, children waving in glee, and farmers wading through fields trying to get their daily work done. It’s quiet, slow, and grounding—the way travel is meant to be. Don’t miss the magic of a shikara ride. It’s Kerala, unfiltered, just as you want it to be.