A shikara boat in Alleppey is a traditional wooden boat designed for cruising through the calm backwaters of Kerala. Smaller and more intimate than houseboats, shikaras are covered with a roof for shade and fitted with cushioned seating, offering both comfort and scenic views. Their compact size allows them to navigate through narrow canals, lagoons, and village waterways, giving travelers a closer look at the daily life of Alleppey’s backwater communities.