Alleppey Houseboat vs Shikara Ride: Which Should You Choose?

On the Alleppey backwaters you'll see two very different boats: large houseboats and small shikara/canoe boats. If you're deciding between them, here's how they compare.

The Houseboat

• What it is: a large private boat you stay on — with bedrooms, a kitchen, a deck and a crew
• Experience: an afternoon cruise, sunset, dinner, an overnight stay and a morning cruise
• Best for: the full backwater experience with meals and accommodation included
• Explore: our Alleppey houseboats

The Shikara / Small Boat Ride

• What it is: a small open boat (shikara or country canoe) for a short ride, typically 1-3 hours
• Experience: gets into the narrow village canals that big houseboats can't reach
• Best for: a quick, close-up look at village life, or travellers short on time

Houseboat vs Shikara: Quick Comparison

• Time: houseboat = overnight; shikara = a few hours
• Reach: houseboat = canals + open lake; shikara = narrow village waterways
• Includes: houseboat = meals + stay; shikara = the ride only
• Cost: houseboat is a full package; a shikara ride is much cheaper but far shorter

Why Not Both?

The ideal trip combines them: do the overnight houseboat for the full experience, and add a short shikara/canoe ride into the narrow canals of Kainakari for the up-close village views. Many houseboat trips can arrange a canoe add-on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a houseboat and a shikara?

A houseboat is a large private boat you stay on overnight with meals and crew. A shikara is a small open boat for a short ride into narrow village canals.

Should I do a houseboat or a shikara ride?

For the full experience, the overnight houseboat. If you're short on time or want to reach the narrowest canals, add a short shikara/canoe ride — ideally do both.

Plan the trip with our Kerala Houseboat Guide.

Ready to book your houseboat?

Check availability and book your Alleppey houseboat.