Kerala is rightly popular for its beautiful backwaters, emerald greenery, coconut-lined canals, and villages. Whereas a houseboat cruise is one of the preferred ways to explore Kerala, a boat ride offers a chance to see the canals and the villages from close. A Shikara ride is a great option for those who want to take a short boat ride on quiet canals with a chance to see local villages and experience the backwaters at a leisurely pace.
Smaller than houseboats, a Shikara ride allows you to navigate smaller waterways and is the preferred option for exploring Alappuzha backwaters. Kerala Tourism offers a Shikara experience in Alappuzha as a way to see narrow canals, villages along the shores and the boats. Perfect for couples and families, a Shikara boat ride can complement a longer houseboat cruise or can be an independent adventure for exploring Kerala canals.
What is a Shikara ride in Kerala?
A shikara is a small boat used for sightseeing. In Kerala, shikaras are popular in Alappuzha and other backwater areas.
The boats can navigate narrow canals, offering a close view of coconut trees, paddy fields, local homes, fishing boats, and village life. Compared to the longer houseboats, a shikara allows you to see more unique sights, as the boats are small and can access smaller waterways.
In addition, a Shikara ride provides an alternative for those who are not interested in spending a day or more on a houseboat: depending on the company and the route, a boat ride can last several hours.
Why should you experience a Kerala Shikara Ride?
A Shikara ride in Kerala is not only a boat ride but also a unique insight into the life of local villagers who live in the backwaters.
First of all, a Shikara boat ride allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the backwaters: in contrast to bus tours or long houseboat cruises, a Shikara is a perfect way to take in the scenery and the village life at a leisurely pace.
While on a boat ride, it is possible to admire fishermen, who populate these waters; watch local boats; and watch birds and take photos of traditional houses surrounded by palm trees and paddy fields.
Another advantage of a Shikara ride is that the boats can navigate narrow canals: this makes them a popular choice for those who want to see more unique views.
Best Places for a Shikara Ride in Kerala
1. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Alappuzha is one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala.
According to Kerala Tourism, the city is one of the gems of Kerala’s backwater region with its waterways, Vembanad Lake, houseboats, villages, and natural beauty.
A Shikara ride in Alappuzha can include a journey through narrow canals and paddy patchwork, larger vistas of the backwaters, as well as Punnamada Lake and Vembanad Lake. Alappuzha is a great option for first-time visitors: there is a choice of boats, from small shikaras to houseboats, as well as motorised boats. The District Tourism Promotion Council also arranges Shikara and motorboat cruises on Vembanad Lake.
2. Kumarakom
Another popular destination for a Shikara ride is Kumarakom, located on the eastern shores of Vembanad Lake.
The scenery is similar to Alappuzha: Kumarakom is surrounded by canals, lagoons, coconut trees, mangroves, and wetlands. The area is well known for its vast birdlife: nature lovers and photographers will enjoy a boat ride along the canals and the lake.
A small boat can navigate through smaller village canals, providing a chance to see closer the landscape and the local lifestyle.
3. Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake is a large sheet of water in Kerala, a popular destination for houseboat cruises as it spans several areas of the state. A Shikara ride on Vembanad Lake is a chance to enjoy expansive vistas while navigating the lake’s narrow canals and marigold plantations.
For a more well-rounded experience, pick a route that combines the lake and the local villages.
4. Kollam and Ashtamudi Lake
The next popular backwater area is Kollam with Ashtamudi Lake. Ashtamudi Lake is known for its scenic environment and a network of water channels.
While Alappuzha and Kumarakom are more well-known for Shikara rides, a trip to the south of Kerala is not complete without experiencing the local backwaters.
Best time for a Kerala Shikara Ride
Depending on your preferences, the best time for a Shikara ride in Kerala is early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Early morning
is a great time for nature lovers and photography: the temperatures are cooler and the sunlight is gentle on the scenery. Early morning is also a good time to spot birds. For those who prefer to enjoy the view without the crowds, a boat ride at sunrise is a great option.
Late afternoon and sunset
are also a great time for a Shikara ride: as the sun sets, the sky puts on a beautiful show, and the waters turn gold. A boat ride at this time is romantic for couples and a great opportunity for taking pictures. Depending on the weather, the sunset can be a great view over the coconut trees, villages, boats, and the backwaters.
Most local Shikara operators suggest these two times of the day as the best time for a boat ride: sunrise and sunset provide cool temperatures and beautiful scenery.
The best season for a Shikara ride
Kerala can be visited all year round, but depending on the time of the year, the weather and activities may vary.
October to March is a great time for a visit to Kerala: the weather is pleasant, making it a good time for both nature walks and boat rides.
November to February is a great time for nature lovers: Kumarakom wetlands host a large variety of birdlife.
June to September brings monsoon rains: the backwaters turn into lush greenery, but the weather may be cloudy with short spells of rain.
If you plan a Shikara ride during the rainy season, make sure to leave a flexible schedule for your Kerala vacation.
How long should a Shikara Ride last?
As a rule of thumb, a two-hour Shikara ride is a good choice: it allows to navigate through the canals without spending a day on a boat. If you want to take in more of the scenery, a three- or even four-hour boat ride is a good option.
The ideal length of a Shikara ride depends on your itinerary: if you have a few days in Kerala and want to combine a longer houseboat cruise with a few shorter excursions, a two-hour ride is a good choice. Here is a breakdown of ideal durations for a Shikara ride:
- 1-hour: A brief introduction to the backwaters.
- 2 hours: Great for a first-timer or a family with small children.
- 3 hours: A good choice if you want to see more canals and the scenery.
- +4 hours: Ideal for a more involved backwater experience.
Some of the local Shikara excursions in Alappuzha offer 2, 3, and 4-hour rides.
Tips for a better Shikara experience
1. Pick the right time
Avoid scheduling a Shikara ride in the middle of the day: the weather is warmest during this time. Pick either early in the morning or in the late afternoon for a boat ride.
2. Know your route
Always ask about the route when booking a Shikara ride. Some excursions are centered around smaller canals while others take you through Vembanad Lake.
3. Confirm the price
The price of a Shikara ride varies depending on the duration, the route, the number of passengers, and the type of a boat. According to the District Tourism Promotion Council, Shikara and motorboat tariffs vary depending on the passenger capacity.
Before embarking on a Shikara ride, confirm the price and what is included.
4. Double-check the safety equipment
Make sure that life jackets are available, especially if you are traveling with small children. The Kerala Tourism recommends making sure that the necessary safety precautions are in place before embarking on any water excursion.
5. Pack sun protection.
Even if you are not a fan of the bright sun, make sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, a cap or a hat, and a bottle of water. You may spend several hours on a boat, so it is important to take care of your skin.
6. Take your camera.
A shikara ride is a great opportunity to take pictures. Make sure to capture the beauty of the backwaters, local canals, the unique village life, birds, reflections, coconut trees, and the sunset.
7. Pack rain gear.
If you are visiting Kerala during the rainy season or during an unpredictable weather period, make sure to have a raincoat with you: this will protect both your clothes and electronic devices from the rain.
8. Respect the area and its residents.
Keep in mind that you are visiting someone’s home. While on a Shikara ride, avoid bothering residents, birds, and animals.
Shikara Ride vs Houseboat Cruise: Which is Better?
Both the Shikara ride and houseboat cruise have their advantages and disadvantages. As a rule of thumb, a Shikara ride is better if you want to spend a couple of hours on a boat and see the local scenery. Houseboat cruise is a good option if you are looking to spend a day or more on a boat with an opportunity to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
There is no need to pick one over the other: a combination of a longer houseboat cruise with a few Shikara rides is a great way to see more of Kerala’s backwaters.
What to pack for a Shikara ride?
While there is not much to pack for a Shikara ride, there are a few must-haves: a sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, a cap or a hat, a bottle of water, a camera, a power bank, a change of clothes, a towel, an umbrella or a raincoat, and some mosquito repellent. Avoid packing too much: a Shikara boat is smaller than a houseboat, and the space is limited.
Final thoughts
A Shikara ride is a great way to experience the beauty of Kerala’s backwaters: narrow canals, paddy fields, coconut trees, and local lifestyle. From Alappuzha backwaters to Kumarakom villages and Vembanad Lake, a Shikara boat ride is a short and fun adventure that is perfect for complementing a longer houseboat cruise or an independent visit to Kerala. For travelers looking to explore these scenic waterways, Backwater Holidays can be a helpful option for planning a memorable backwater experience.
When planning a Shikara ride, make sure to pick either early morning or late afternoon as a time for your excursion. Always confirm the details of your ride with the operator: ask about the route, the duration, and the price. Double-check the safety equipment on board and make sure to have appropriate attire for a boat ride. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the backwaters without rushing, pick a longer duration for your Shikara adventure. And remember to bring your camera: there will be plenty of beautiful views to capture on film!
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