If you love peaceful scenes, green woods, and serene waters that reflect the sky, then Kerala backwaters are your ultimate destination. Kerala is found in the south of India. They call it “God’s Own Country.” The backwaters are one of the finest features of Kerala. Perhaps one of the most picturesque means of admiring this lovely water world is via a Shikara boat trip. They are small, bright, and serene-looking boats. They are mostly seen in Alleppey and Kumarakom. A Shikara boat ride is a peaceful and unusual experience of witnessing the real beauty and culture of Kerala.
What is a Shikara Boat?
Shikara is a wooden boat by tradition, tastefully done and sometimes even sporting a canopy to provide visitors with some relief from the sun. Unlike the large houseboats, Shikaras are small and lightweight, hence able to slide easily through the canals and waterways that make a hairpin turn around corners. With neatly provided seating, multicolored pillows, and even curtains blown around occasionally, the boat is serene and romantic. A Shikara ride is best suited for couples, small groups, or individuals who want to be private because it is akin to floating through a living canvas.
Alleppey –The Venice of the East
Alappuzha, fondly called so, is a paddy field and houseboat country, but its Shikara rides are spells in themselves. Alleppey’s sinuous ring of canals has to be traversed in comfort aboard a Shikara, each turn giving way to a new postcard-worthy scene.
What to Expect
While your boatman slowly cruises down the canals, you get to see beautiful villages with roofs of thatched houses, waving children on the banks, and women washing clothes or vegetables in the canal. Coconut trees incline elegantly over the canals, and the scent of traditional Kerala dishes wafts every now and then from riverfront houses.
You will find fishermen in small canoes casting their nets, birds such as egrets and kingfishers perched on bamboo stakes, and houseboats drifting with anything from crafts to fruits. Early morning or late afternoon witness golden hues descend over each detail to make your experience that much more enchanting.
Kumarakom – Where Nature Whispers
Kumarakom, which is situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake, is less noisy and secluded compared to Alleppey and ideal for those who don’t want to be connected with the rest of the world. It has the renowned Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where birds migrating from as far as Siberia find refuge.
What Makes It Special
Shikara rides in Kumarakom usually take you over long expanses of the lake, where water blurs the horizon. There is here a quieter air, calmer water, and the experience contemplative. Emerald green paddy fields, lotus-filled ponds, and bird flocks over the lake glide beneath as you drift by.
The scenery here is cleaner, and the locals stay in harmony with nature’s pace. Time does not exist, and the peace, broken by the rhythmic movement of oars, is absolutely healing.
Why Prefer a Shikara Ride to a Houseboat?
Although houseboats are perfect for overnight vacations, Shikara rides provide a more personal, flexible, and low-cost means of enjoying the backwaters. Enjoy a one- or two-hour trip, ideal for day excursions or honeymoon evenings.
They are also greener, as most Shikaras are hand-rowed or have tiny motors that generate less noise and pollution. Because they are small, they are able to fit into narrow canals and interior villages inaccessible to houseboats, providing a peek at daily local life.
Best Time to Go
The ideal time to take a Shikara boat ride is early morning or late afternoon. These hours not only provide the best weather but also provide a view of the life along the backwaters in its most scenic manners.
The best time is October to March, with nice weather and clear skies. If you go during the monsoon (June to September), the backwaters in all their green will surround you, but rain showers will break up your ride at intervals.
Tips for a Memorable Experience
- Get booking early when it’s peak season to secure seats.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and bring water, especially for afternoon rides.
- Ask for a covered Shikara to avoid the direct sun.
- Bring a camera, but also make sure to put it down and just appreciate the moment too.
- Talk to your boatman—normally they have fantastic stories and information on the lifestyle here.
A Journey Within
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Shikara different from a houseboat?
Shikaras are smaller, more affordable, and suitable for 1–2 hour rides. They offer a closer, quieter experience of the narrow canals and village life, while houseboats are larger and ideal for overnight stays.
Can I book a Shikara boat in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (October to March), it’s recommended to pre-book your ride to ensure availability and avoid long waits.
Are Shikara boats eco-friendly?
Yes, most Shikaras are hand-rowed or use small low-noise motors, making them more environmentally friendly than larger boats.
