How to Book a Shikara in Alleppey Online
Prices, routes, and tips to book right — written from real experience on the water.
Quick Answer: How to Book
- 1 Choose your timing — sunrise, sunset, or a day trip
- 2 Decide what kind of experience you want
- 3 Contact Alleppey Shikara Club directly on WhatsApp
- 4 Confirm route, timing, and price
Why Booking Online Saves You Money
Most shikara bookings in Alleppey don't go directly to the operator. They pass through agents, cab drivers, or hotel contacts first — each adding their own margin before the price reaches you. By the time you get a quote on the street, you're paying for at least two or three middlemen.
Booking directly via WhatsApp or the club website cuts that chain. You get a clear price upfront, the route you actually want, and a confirmed private boat — not whatever happens to be free.
- Know the exact price before you arrive
- Choose the route that suits your group
- Avoid last-minute decisions at the jetty
- Get a confirmed private boat, not a shared one
What a Shikara Ride Actually Looks Like
A shikara is a flat wooden boat, covered and open on the sides — slow by design. The pace is the point. You move through narrow village canals where houseboats can't go, then out onto the wide open stretch of Punnamada or Vembanad Lake.
Along the way you'll pass coconut palms growing right to the bank, small bridges, fishermen working the water, and homes that haven't changed much in decades. It's a quiet experience — genuinely quiet, no engine roar, no crowds.
- Narrow village canals — real local life, not a tourist lane
- Open backwaters and large lakes
- Coconut trees, local homes, fishing boats
- A private boat — no strangers on board
Shikara Prices in Alleppey
These are the current rates from Alleppey Shikara Club. No hidden additions — what you see here is what you pay.
| Package | Duration | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Shikara | 3 hours | ₹3,000 | Couples · calm water |
| Sunset Shikara | 3 hours | ₹3,000 | Couples · scenic light |
| Sunset with Dinner | 4 hours | ₹6,500 | Couples · premium |
| Day Out Package | 5 hours | ₹5,000 | Families · up to 5 |
| Extra Person | — | ₹1,000 | Above 5 years |
Two-hour rides and other custom durations are available on request. Ask when you message on WhatsApp.
Types of Shikara Tours
Each tour covers a different slice of the backwaters. Here's what to expect from each one.
Sunrise Shikara Boat Tour
The most peaceful option. You're on the water before the day starts — calm surface, soft morning light, almost no other boats.
- Canals first, then out to Vembanad Lake
- Sunrise view over open water
- Optional village breakfast stop
- Alleppey before the crowds
Sunset Shikara Ride
The most popular. The evening light on the lake is genuinely different — warm, low, and worth the timing.
- Canal route into Punnamada Lake
- Sunset on the open water
- Optional tea stop at a village spot
- Most couples choose this one
Sunset Shikara with Dinner
Same sunset route, extended into the evening with a Kerala dinner on the water. A good way to end the day without rushing back.
- Full sunset route
- Extended ride into dusk
- Dinner with local Kerala cuisine
- No need to find a restaurant after
Day Out Package
The most complete experience. Covers canals, lakes, and village stops. Best for families or anyone wanting to properly explore the backwaters.
- Covers canals, lakes, and Kainakari village
- Toddy shop stop (local coconut drink)
- Simple fishing in the backwaters
- Optional speedboat, kayaking, or jet ski at the floating terminal
- Up to 5 people in the base price
The Best Routes
The route matters as much as the timing. A good shikara ride combines both canals and open water — each gives you something the other doesn't.
Narrow Village Canals
The most honest part of the ride. Actual village life — homes, boats, daily activity. Houseboats can't get in here.
Punnamada Lake
Wide open views. The best place for the sunset. Site of the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
Vembanad Lake
Kerala's largest lake. Expansive and calm — ideal for the sunrise hour.
Kainakari Region
Less crowded, more natural. Coconut-lined canals, quiet villages, open water stretches.
Any ride that only covers one environment — just canals or just open lake — is giving you half the experience. Ask for a route that combines both.
How to Book — Step by Step
Choose your timing
Sunrise (6 AM), sunset (4 PM), or a morning day trip (10 AM). Each gives a different experience.
Pick a duration
Short rides are 2–3 hours. The full experience is 5 hours. Custom lengths are available on request.
Message on WhatsApp
Contact Alleppey Shikara Club directly. Share your preferred date, group size, and timing.
Confirm route and price
We'll confirm the route, timing, and total price — no surprises later.
Pay the deposit
A small deposit via bank transfer or Google Pay secures your slot and private boat. We'll send a full confirmation with all details once verified.
Booking date and time · Duration · Route and places covered · Boarding location · Total price and remaining balance. Show this to the boat driver on the day — the remaining balance is settled at check-in.
Which Ride Is Right for You?
Couples
Sunset ride or the candlelight dinner package
Families
Day Out package — activities, villages, best value for groups
Solo Travelers
Sunrise ride — quiet water, no crowds, calm start to the day
Ride Comparison
| Feature | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | 6–9 AM | 4–7 PM | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Duration | 3 hrs | 3 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Price | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Best For | Peaceful ride | Scenic views | Full experience |
| Highlights | Sunrise, calm canals | Sunset, open lake | Villages, activities |
| Flexibility | Fixed | Fixed | Flexible start |
When to Book
The backwaters are good year-round, but peak season runs October to March. During those months, slots fill early — especially for sunset rides and weekends. Booking at least a day or two in advance keeps your options open.
Outside peak season, same-day bookings usually work fine. But confirming in advance always helps.
If a quote you're given looks much higher than what's listed here, it's worth messaging the club directly to compare. Most inflated prices come from middlemen, not the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book?
Message us directly on WhatsApp. Tell us your dates, group size, and preferred timing — we'll take it from there.