Sunrise Shikara Cruise
Morning mist, still water and the backwaters waking up around you.
From ₹2,500 / boat
Sunset Shikara Cruise on Punnamada Lake (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Golden hour, cool breezes and the backwaters turning pink and gold.
- Timing4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Duration3 hours
- GroupPrivate boat, 2–6 guests (larger boats for groups on request)
- PriceFrom ₹2,800 per private boat (up to 6 guests)
Why choose the Sunset Shikara Cruise?
As the afternoon heat fades, the Alleppey backwaters turn soft and golden. Our sunset shikara cruise sets out at 4:00 PM, winds through quiet village canals and ends on Punnamada Lake just as the sun dips behind the coconut palms — the most romantic three hours you can spend in Kerala.
It is the ideal ride for couples, honeymooners and families who want a relaxed evening on the water without committing to an overnight houseboat. A cool breeze, cushioned lounge seating and an ever-changing sky do the rest. Prefer the morning? Try the sunrise cruise instead.
Shikara advantage: shikaras are small enough to enter the narrow, hidden canals of Kuttanad where large houseboats cannot reach — so you see village life, paddy fields below sea level and birdlife up close.
Itinerary & Route
Times are approximate and can shift with weather, tides and water traffic.
- 4:00 PM
Board at the jetty
Meet your boatman at the Punnamada / Finishing Point jetty and settle into the lounge seats.
- 4:20 PM
Village canals
Explore narrow canals as village life picks up again in the cooler evening air.
- 5:15 PM
Tea break
Optional stop for chai and banana fritters (pazham pori) at a canal-side tea shop.
- 5:45 PM
Punnamada Lake
Move onto the open lake — home of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race — for golden-hour views.
- 6:15 PM
Sunset
Drift on still water as the sun sets over the palms and the sky turns pink and orange.
- 7:00 PM
Return to the jetty
Cruise back in the soft twilight.
What You Will See & Experience
Golden hour on Punnamada Lake
Punnamada is wide and open to the west, so the sunset reflects across the whole lake. It is also the venue of the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
Romantic and relaxed
Lounge-style cushioned seating, a private boat and no fixed agenda — perfect for couples and honeymooners. Ask us about simple flower decoration.
Relaxing breezes
Evenings bring a cool breeze off the lake, making this the most comfortable time on the water for much of the year.
Evening village life
Watch fishermen return, temple lamps being lit and families gathering on the canal banks.
Photos from the Sunset Cruise Route
[Insert Image: Golden-hour sun setting behind coconut palms over Punnamada Lake]
Tips for Your Sunset Cruise
- Sunset is around 6:15–6:45 PM depending on the season.
- Carry mosquito repellent for the return leg.
- Book 1–2 days ahead in peak season (Oct–Feb); evening slots fill first.
Sunset Cruise FAQs
What time is sunset in Alleppey?
Sunset in Alleppey falls between about 6:10 PM and 6:50 PM through the year. Our 4:00–7:00 PM cruise is timed to be on Punnamada Lake at golden hour.
Can shikaras run after sunset?
Kerala regulations restrict boat movement on the backwaters after dark, so all cruises return to the jetty by around 7:00 PM.
Is the sunset cruise good for couples?
Yes, it is our most popular ride for couples and honeymooners. You get a private boat, lounge seating and the option to add flower decoration.
How much is a sunset shikara ride in Alleppey?
From ₹2,800 for a private boat for up to 6 guests for 3 hours. Message us on WhatsApp for group or extended-ride pricing.
Other Shikara Rides in Alleppey
Compare all options on the Alleppey shikara ride page, or stay overnight with our houseboat packages.
Lunch & Day Shikara Cruise
Village canals, Vembanad Lake and a Kerala meal you will remember.
From ₹2,800 / boat
Shikara + Kayaking Combo
Cruise in comfort, then paddle the tiniest canals yourself.
From ₹4,500 / boat
Book Your Sunset Cruise Today
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size — we reply within minutes with live availability and the best price.