• Punnamada Lake - Upon arrival, a representative will greet and assist you in boarding your private shikkara boat. The journey begins at Rajeev Jetty, entering the expansive Punnamada Lake, renowned for the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race every August.
• Vilakkumaram Jetty - Embark on a scenic cruise from the serene Punnamada Lake towards the charming Vilakkumaram Jetty. As you sail, look left to see the legendary Vilakkumaram, meaning “lamp on a tree” in Malayalam, from Vilakku (lamp) and Maram (tree). This beacon marked an ancient waterway connecting Quilon (now Kollam) to Kochi. Before electricity, these waterways were vital trade routes, with Vilakkumaram guiding boats safely. Today, only a few remain—two in Alleppey and one in Kumarakom—preserving history that still guides travelers. From here, turn right and continue through these historic paths, where the tranquility of the old waterway transports you to a world of rich history and untouched beauty.
• Meenappally Kayal - After about an hour of peaceful cruising, your Shikkara will gently turn left into a narrow canal, approximately 40-45 feet wide, known as Irumbanam Thod. This charming waterway connects Alleppey’s Punnamada Lake to the serene waters of Chambakkulam. As you glide, lush green paddy fields on both sides offer a true taste of rural Kerala’s natural beauty. Soon, your Shikkara will enter the tranquil Meenappally Kayal—a picturesque lake meaning “Fish Lake” in Malayalam. This serene spot is perfect for a peaceful break, and if desired, the boat will pause for a photo session to capture the stunning surroundings. The lake’s scenic beauty is complemented by an extended walkway on the opposite bank, ideal for a leisurely stroll or more photos. It’s a hidden gem, offering an intimate glimpse of Kerala’s peaceful rural life.
• Muttel Bridge - The journey continues towards a small canal near Muttle Bridge. Be amazed by a very narrow bridge gracefully connecting both sides of the canal. After crossing the Muttle Bridge, the journey enters a large river, where the shikkara cruise concludes, paving the way for a narrow canal cruise by canoe boat.
• Kuttamangalam Society Bridge - An open canoe awaits to take you on an exciting cruise through the narrow canals! Step off the shikkara boat and into the open canoe as the journey continues across the scenic Pamba River toward the entrance of the Kuttamangalam Canal.

As the low bridge approaches, gently kneel and bow slightly so the canoe can glide gracefully underneath. Soon, you’ll find yourself drifting through a charming waterway barely 10–12 feet wide, winding through the lively, close-knit villages of Kuttamangalam.

• Chavara Bhavan Shrine - Chavara Bhavan is both a pilgrimage shrine and a small cultural-historical complex built around the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Chavara Bhavan preserves the birthplace and original house of Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805–1871), a 19th-century Catholic priest, educator, and social reformer who co-founded the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and helped establish the Sisters of the Mother of Carmel (CMC). Chavara’s reforms in education, social uplift, and his role in Kerala’s Syro-Malabar Church made him an influential figure; he was beatified and later canonized, and his birth home is treated as a sacred memorial. The complex conserves a 250-year-old lamp and other family artifacts that connect visitors to the everyday world Chavara came from. Enter the shrine and museum: Spend time in the preserved birth home, view the old lamp, and any memorabilia or exhibits that explain Chavara’s life and work. The small display helps bring the era and the man to life.
• KAINAKARY - On the left side, see this higher secondary local school. During the Kuttamangalam canal cruise, visit lush paddy fields, charming local villages, witness village life, birdwatching, traditional homes, and temples. It’s the best place to spot birds like Brahminy Kite (white red eagle), kingfishers, woodpeckers, and parrots.
• Kainakary - Another attraction is the 200-year-old traditional home converted into a homestay. This is on the right side.
• St. Antony’s Hospital - The last stop is a local government hospital, where treatment is completely free for all citizens of Kerala.
• Pamba River - Mundakkal Bridge, recently built to connect Kainakari South Village to the mainland Alleppey. You will cruise underneath this bridge. On the right side, you can see a huge water tank, which provides safe water for local people in South Kainakari Village. Hopefully, you had a chance to see the Kainakari village in Alleppey. The open boat will reach the same place where the shikkara is waiting for you. Alight from the open boat and board the shikkara.
• G98H+73Q - After a half-hour cruise through the Pamba River, the shikkara will reach Munnattumugam, a place where you can see the vast and largest freshwater lake in Alleppey called Vembanadu Lake. Also, you can see many local shops alongside Munnattumugam.
• G938+J7M - The shikkara will enter a small river and stop at Gauri Restaurant. This tea shop provides local coffee/tea and snacks. We will stop here for 15-20 minutes, and you will receive complimentary tender coconut or coffee/tea and local snacks. Start again and reach Punnamada Lake.
• Punnamada Starting Point - Your shikkara glides through the famous Punnamada Lake, the iconic venue of the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race—one of Kerala’s most celebrated events. The journey starts near the bridge and glides along the scenic waterways all the way to the boat race finishing point. As you cruise through the tranquil waters, enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, the lush greenery, and glimpses of local village life along the banks.

After crossing the finishing point, your shikkara will gracefully return to the same spot where the journey began. We hope you enjoyed this peaceful and memorable experience with us—a perfect glimpse into the timeless beauty of Alleppey’s backwaters.

• Private Shikkara Cruise
• Lunch
• Canoe or Open Boat for an hour
• Private transportation

Embark on a captivating 4-hour guided cruise through the mesmerizing backwaters of Alleppey, blending the comfort of a shikkara boat with the allure of a traditional open canoe. Explore narrow canals, verdant paddy fields, and tranquil village life in hidden gems like Kainakari and Kuttamangalam. Drift through peaceful lakes and rivers, observe local life intimately, and spot exotic birds along the journey. This backwater adventure perfectly combines nature and culture, making it ideal for travelers looking to connect deeply with Kerala’s timeless beauty.

Kerala Sadhya - Enjoy a plantain leaf lunch, known as Sadhya in Kerala, a traditional and elaborate South Indian vegetarian feast served on a fresh banana leaf. This meal features a variety of rice, curries, pickles, and sides like aviyal, thoran, and papad, providing a culturally rich, eco-friendly, and flavorful dining experience.

Short City Visit - Take a stroll through the renowned Mullakkal temple before returning to Kochi.

• Since travellers need to shift from Shikkara boat to Canoe, hadicapped person may not be able to do this.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.