Shikara boats in Alleppey are smaller than houseboats in size with a seating capacity of four to fifteen and sometimes up to twenty people. They are traditional boats converted into the present form by arranging seating facilities and are usually decorated using materials made of wood and bamboo giving it an old-world rustic charm. It is one of the most incredible and relaxing aspects of a holiday in Alappuzha, and should be included in your itinerary if you want to experience the surreal beauty of this region to the fullest. Along with the houseboats, it is also considered to be a cultural symbol. But even apart from leisure and tourism purposes, the shikhara is also used by the locals for seaweed harvesting, fishing and transportation. To watch these beautifully decorated boats glide serenely on the lake is a treat to the eyes, and you should definitely not miss out on this experience during your holidays in Alappuzha.
They are conventional small boats built of wood and modern ones, of fiber glass. Some are plank jointed and small ones are carved out of huge tree trunks. The smallest is the single man driven "Duck man's canoe" which can be lifted even with a single hand. Canoes occupying 4 or 5 people are paddled and bigger ones are driven with a bamboo poles. Backwaters of Alappuzha is a network of cohesive canals, watered rice fields rivers and lakes. These waterways are lengthy greenish by the side and serene. The incomparable ecosystem of backwaters is noticeable. Evening images of river mouths where freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater of the Arabian Sea ,is exceedingly attractive..
Kayaking is quite a famous activity in Kerala, especially Alleppey or Alappuzha which is located on the Laccadive Sea. Alleppey is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. Alleppey is also popular for its water sports activities like kayaking, passing through the serene backwaters making it a major tourist attraction. These usually start in the morning and end in the evening, and often include kayaking essentials such as paddling gloves, shoulder straps, coolers, support and mechanized shikara boat, sit on top Kayak, beginners advanced kayak, breakfast, tea, coconut, mineral water, juice and life jacket.
Motorboats are quite different from Houseboats and Shikkara boats.Motorboats are mainly used for Transportation in Kerala Backwaters. It’s more economical to enjoy a backwater cruise in Alleppey and Kumarakom than Houseboats. For small groups, motorboats will be more preferable and cheaper than any other ones. The speed of the motorboats can be can be up to 50km/hr which is more than the Houseboat. A motorboat is comparatively smaller than the Houseboats but bigger than the Shikkara boats. It is powered with inboard engines and outboard motors. It is mostly used for sightseeing and travelling from one place to another for tourists having limited time to spend in travelling. No food or any other facilities like Toilets, wash rooms etc., are not available in a motorboat. It is available in different shapes and sizes. It is completely engraved in wood. One can hire a motorboat at any time and its maximum capacity is 5-70 seats and can weigh about 500-5000 kg and their power is about 40-50 hp. It can be hired by hourly and day basis not by per head basis. It’s the best option for sightseeing. Only day cruises are allowed in motorboats and they don’t provide any overnight stays and is not available during the night. The cruise time will be from 6:30 am to 6.30 pm. We can move freely inside a motorboat. It can travel through narrow canals where a houseboat cannot reach. No a/c facility is available. It makes more noise than the Houseboats and Shikkara boats. Motorboats are fully covered boats and it’s safer than shikkara boats. It’s 100% safe with lifejackets and lifeguards. Motor boats have separate cabins for engines and there is one guest cabin and some motorboats provide 2 guest cabins and one engine cabin.
