• 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. This beacon once illuminated ancient trade routes connecting Quilon (now Kollam) to Kochi, guiding boats safely through misty channels. 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 natural beauty.
• Meenappally Kayal - After an hour of peaceful cruising, your Shikkara will turn left into a narrow canal, Irumbanam Thod, connecting Alleppey’s Punnamada Lake to Chambakkulam. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, this waterway offers a taste of rural Kerala’s beauty. Soon, you’ll enter the serene Meenappally Kayal, meaning “Fish Lake” in Malayalam. This picturesque spot is perfect for a break, and the boat can pause for photos. The lake’s beauty is enhanced by a walkway on the opposite bank, ideal for a stroll or more photos, offering a glimpse of Kerala’s peaceful rural life.
• Muttel Bridge - Head towards a small canal near Muttle Bridge, where a narrow bridge connects both sides. After crossing, enter a large river, ending the shikkara cruise and beginning a narrow canal canoe boat cruise.
• Kuttamangalam Society Bridge - An open canoe awaits to take you on an exciting cruise through narrow canals! Step off the shikkara and into the canoe, setting off across the scenic Pamba River toward the Kuttamangalam Canal entrance. As you approach the low bridge, gently kneel to glide underneath. Soon, you’ll drift through a charming 10–12 feet wide waterway, winding through the vibrant villages of Kuttamangalam.
• Chavara Bhavan Shrine - Chavara Bhavan is a pilgrimage shrine and cultural-historical complex around the ancestral home of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It preserves the birthplace and original house of Chavara (1805–1871), a 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 educational and social reforms and his role in Kerala’s Syro-Malabar Church made him influential; he was beatified and canonized, and his birth home is a sacred memorial. The complex conserves a 250-year-old lamp and family artifacts connecting visitors to Chavara’s world. Enter the shrine and museum to explore his life and work through exhibits and memorabilia.
• KAINAKARY - On the left, see a higher secondary local school. During the Kuttamangalam canal cruise, visit lush paddy fields, charming villages, witness village life, birdwatching, traditional homes, and temples. Spot birds like Brahminy Kite, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and parrots.
• Kainakary - Another attraction is a 200-year-old traditional home converted into a homestay on the right.
• St. Antony’s Hospital - The last stop is a local government hospital offering free treatment to all Kerala citizens.
• Pamba River - The recently built Mundakkal bridge connects Kainakari south village to Alleppey. Cruise underneath this bridge. On the right, see a large water tank providing safe water to South Kainakari village. The open boat will return to the shikkara’s waiting spot. Alight from the open boat and board the shikkara.
• G98H+73Q - After a half-hour cruise on the Pamba River, the shikkara reaches Munnattumugam, where you can see Vembanadu Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Alleppey, and local shops along Munnattumugam.
• G938+J7M - The shikkara enters a small river, stopping at Gauri Restaurant. Enjoy local coffee/tea and snacks, with complimentary tender coconut or coffee/tea and snacks. After 15-20 minutes, continue to 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 follows the scenic waterways to the boat race finish line. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, lush greenery, and glimpses of local village life along the banks. After crossing the finish line, your shikkara returns to the starting point. We hope you enjoyed this peaceful and memorable experience, offering a 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 seeking a profound connection with Kerala’s timeless beauty.

Kerala Sadhya - Enjoy a plantain leaf lunch, known as Sadhya in Kerala, a traditional, elaborate South Indian vegetarian feast served on a fresh banana leaf. It 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.