Alleppey: Kayaking and Shikkara Boat Tour with Local Meal

Exploring Kerala’s Backwaters: A Detailed Look at the Alleppey Kayaking and Shikkara Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of Kerala’s famed backwaters, this tour offers a fantastic combination of activity, culture, and scenery. It’s a well-rounded experience that blends adventure with authentic local life, all for just $51 per person. From paddling through narrow canals to enjoying a home-cooked Kerala meal, this outing aims to give travelers a genuine taste of the region.

What truly sets this experience apart are the guided kayaking session, the scenic Shikkara boat cruise, and the informative local hosts. We also love the inclusion of a speed boat ride to add a splash of adrenaline at the end. However, it’s worth noting that water activities mean you need to be comfortable around water, and it isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or seasickness. This tour appeals most to active travelers craving a mix of nature, culture, and adventure.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Authentic exploration of Kerala’s backwaters with kayaking and boat rides.
• Local home-cooked meal served on a banana leaf, offering genuine regional flavors.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with safety and cultural insights.
• Varied activities suit those seeking both relaxation and excitement.
• All-inclusive price covers gear, transportation, meals, and support, making it good value.
• Not suited for non-swimmers or those with mobility or seasickness issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Special

This tour gives you a well-rounded introduction to Kerala’s backwaters, a landscape famous for its tranquil beauty and traditional lifestyle. It’s designed to balance active participation—via kayaking and speed boating—with laid-back cruising and authentic local experiences.

The guides play a notable role here. They’re described as knowledgeable and friendly, providing safety instructions, the route overview, and cultural tidbits along the way. One reviewer mentioned feeling well-supported and safe during the kayaking, thanks to attentive crew and clear guidance.

Itinerary Breakdown: From Kayaking to Cultural Dining

Starting off: Warm Welcome and Safety Briefing

Your day begins by meeting your guide at the jetty, where you’ll receive a quick safety overview and get fitted with your life jacket and kayaking gear. Expect a warm welcome with a refreshing drink—either tender coconut or herbal juice—that helps set a relaxed tone. The brief introduction is helpful, especially if you’re new to water activities.

Kayaking: A 2-Hour Paddle through Hidden Canals

The kayaking segment is a highlight. You’ll paddle through narrow canals flanked by coconut palms, a scene that feels like stepping into a postcard. The route is carefully chosen to include quiet village waterways inaccessible by motorboats, giving you a glimpse into local life untouched by tourism.

The reviews praise the serenity and the opportunity to see birds and local villagers. One guest mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the different plants and birds we saw along the way—made it more meaningful.” The activity is suitable for those comfortable in water, as it’s a guided, support-supported session, but non-swimmers should consider their comfort level.

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Authentic Kerala Lunch at a Traditional Home

Post-kayaking, the group walks to a nearby Kerala home for a homely meal served on a banana leaf. This is a real highlight, offering a taste of regional cuisine: Kerala rice, aviyal (a vegetable curry), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), sambar, pickles, and optional fish fry. The local hosts take pride in their cooking, and many reviews mention the warmth and friendliness of the hosts, which adds to the experience.

One guest said, “It was such a treat to eat on a banana leaf in a real Kerala home—felt like a meal shared with family.” The interaction with the hosts also enriches your understanding of local traditions.

Scenic Cruise on a Shikkara Boat

After lunch, you board a covered Shikkara boat for a 3-hour cruise through the scenic canals of Kainakary and Kuttanad. The boat’s covered design ensures comfort, and the slow pace allows for easy photography and leisurely taking in the views. The cruise is described as relaxed, with many guests appreciating the peaceful surroundings and lush greenery.

Optional tea and snacks are served onboard, further enhancing the laid-back vibe. One reviewer appreciated the calm, scenic ride and said it was a perfect way to unwind after the active kayaking.

The Thrilling Speed Boat Ride

The tour wraps up with a 10-minute speed boat ride, adding a dash of excitement. This shorter segment offers vivid photo opportunities and a chance to feel the wind as you speed through the water. Reviewers mention that this part is a fun contrast to the earlier tranquility but note it’s quite quick, so don’t expect a long thrill.

Practical Details: What to Know Before Booking

Transportation & Group Size:
The tour includes all necessary support, gear, and guides. While hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, they can be arranged upon request, making it easier for those staying outside the immediate area.

Duration & Timing:
The activity lasts around 6-7 hours, starting with the kayaking and moving to lunch, then the boat cruise, and finally the speed ride. Most reviews highlight the well-paced schedule, with plenty of time to enjoy each segment.

Cost & Value:
At $51, the price covers everything—gear, meals, boat rides, support crew, and taxes. Given the quality of the experiences, the variety of activities, and the authentic local meal, this seems like a fair value. It offers a comprehensive glimpse into Kerala’s backwaters that would be hard to match when considering separate bookings.

What to Bring:
Travelers are advised to carry a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for water activities. It’s important to be prepared for sun exposure and to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy being on the water and want to experience Kerala beyond just boat cruises. It’s perfect for those interested in local culture, as the meal and interactions with hosts add a personal touch. Nature lovers will appreciate the birdwatching and lush scenery, while adventure seekers will enjoy the kayaking and speed boat.

However, it’s not suited for anyone with mobility issues, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness. The water-based activities require a basic level of comfort and confidence around water.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For anyone looking for an authentic, balance-of-active and relaxing experiences in Kerala, this tour offers excellent value. The combination of kayaking, scenic cruising, and a home-cooked meal is hard to beat at this price point. The guides’ local knowledge and the chance to see off-the-beaten-path waterways make this a memorable outing.

The inclusion of different activities ensures you get a variety of perspectives—whether paddling yourself, soaking in views from the boat, or enjoying a local meal in a homely setting. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Kerala’s culture and natural beauty in one well-organized package.

If you’re comfortable with water activities and want an authentic, engaging day exploring the backwaters, this tour is well worth considering. It offers not just sights, but a chance to experience life in Kerala’s villages and waterways firsthand.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No, but it can be arranged on request, which makes it convenient if you’re staying outside the immediate area.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6-7 hours, including kayaking, lunch, the boat cruise, and the speed ride.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable water-appropriate clothes. Think lightweight and sun-protective.

Are all water activities suitable for non-swimmers?
Participants should be comfortable around water, as the activities involve paddling and boat rides. Non-swimmers may need to assess their comfort level.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially for active families or older children who enjoy water activities, but it’s best to consider individual comfort with water.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it involves walking to/from homes and water-based activities.

What is included in the price?
Guided kayaking with safety gear, the Shikkara boat cruise, a speed boat ride, a traditional Kerala lunch, welcome drink, bottled water, and all taxes and service charges.

Are there any optional extras?
Yes, additional soft drinks or packaged snacks are not included but can be purchased separately.

What is the best time of day to do this tour?
Most reports suggest morning to early afternoon to enjoy the best light, cooler temperatures, and the serenity of the waterways.

How scenic are the backwaters?
Expect lush greenery, coconut trees, birdlife, and tranquil water scenes that provide a peaceful yet lively environment. Many guests describe the views as memorable and picture-perfect.

This tour offers a lively, authentic view of Kerala’s backwaters, perfect for travelers eager to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation—all at a reasonable price point.

You can check availability for your dates here: