Sunset Cruise in Alleppey: 5 Ways to Watch the Sun Go Down on the Backwaters
Golden light over Vembanad Lake, fishing boats heading home and coconut palms turning to silhouettes: the backwaters look their best at sunset. The best option depends on your budget, group and pace.
Best Time for a Sunset Cruise in Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Most cruises start at 5:00 PM. Sunset falls between about 5:50 and 6:45 PM depending on the month, and most trips run 2 hours (5:00 to 7:00 PM). The shikara ride starts earlier, at 4:00 PM. November to March has the clearest evenings
Houseboat Sunset Cruise in Alleppey
Our Alleppey houseboat sunset cruise covers Vembanad Lake and the Punnamada lakes, so you can watch the sun go down over open water from the deck. You’re back by 7:00 PM.
- Timing: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Price: ₹7,500 for up to 5 guests, ₹500 for extra person
- Covers: Vembanad Lake and Punnamada Lake
- Tea and snacks: Included
- Best for: Families and groups
Kayaking at Sunset in Alleppey
Paddle the calm canals of Alleppey in the golden hour with a guide beside you. You set your own pace and finish with the sunset ahead of you. Sunset kayaking in Alleppey needs no prior experience.
- Timing: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Price: ₹1,000 per person, guide included
- Covers: Canals, lakes and very narrow village routes
- Tea and snacks: Included
- Best for: Active travellers and adventure lovers
Speedboat Sunset Ride in Alleppey
A speedboat gets you onto open Vembanad Lake in minutes, so you can catch the sunset in Alleppey even on a short stay. It’s quick, exciting, and covers more of the lake than any other option.
- Timing: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (start time shifts with the season)
- Price: ₹6,000 for up to 5 guests (private), ₹500 for extra person
- Covers: Punnamada, Vembanad, Kainakary and Meenappally lakes
- Best for: Short stays and quick lake views
Shikara Boat Sunset Ride in Alleppey
A private, covered shikara takes you into the canals and lakes around Alleppey, away from the bigger boats, as the sky turns orange. It suits couples and small families who want a quiet evening.
- Timing: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Price: ₹3,000 per boat for up to 5 guests, ₹300 for extra person
- Covers: Lakes, canals and inner village routes
- Best for: Couples and small families
Sunset Canoe Tour in Alleppey
This sunset canoe tour in Alleppey takes you through narrow village canals at a slow, quiet pace. Low to the water, you see birds heading home, fishermen ending their day and evening life in the villages, with soft light for photos.
- Timing: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Price: ₹1,000 per person
- Covers: Canals and very narrow village routes
- Tea and snacks: Included
- Best for: Photographers and nature lovers
Alleppey Sunset Time by Month
| Month | Sunset |
|---|---|
| Jan | 6:15 |
| Feb | 6:28 |
| Mar | 6:32 |
| Apr | 6:29 |
| May | 6:38 |
| Jun | 6:45 |
| Jul | 6:46 |
| Aug | 6:36 |
| Sep | 6:15 |
| Oct | 5:58 |
| Nov | 5:52 |
| Dec | 6:01 |
Mid-month times, PM IST. Exact time varies by date.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Best For | Sunset Cruise in Alleppey Price |
|---|---|---|
| Houseboat | Families, comfort | From ₹7,500/boat (2 hours) |
| Shikara | Couples, privacy | From ₹3,000/boat (3 hours) |
| Canoe | Nature, photography | ₹1,000/person (2 hours) |
| Speedboat | Speed, short trips | From ₹6,000/boat (1 hour) |
| Kayaking | Adventure | ₹1,000/person (2 hours) |
Tips for Your Alleppey Sunset Cruise
- Book the day before, or by morning, as evening slots fill quickly in December and January.
- Houseboat, shikara and speedboat prices are per boat. Canoe and kayaking are per person.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure.
- Carry mosquito repellent, sunglasses and a light layer.
FAQs
What is the best sunset cruise in Alleppey?
Houseboat and shikara offer the most comfort, and canoe and kayak offer the closest view of village life.
How long is a sunset cruise in Alleppey?
Most run 2 hours, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The shikara ride is 3 hours from 4:00 PM, and the speedboat ride is 1 hour.
How much does a sunset cruise in Alleppey cost?
Houseboat: ₹7,500 for up to 5 guests. Shikara: ₹3,000 per boat for up to 5 guests. Speedboat: ₹6,000 private for up to 5 guests. Canoe and kayaking: ₹1,000 per person.
What is the extra person charge?
₹500 per extra person on the houseboat and speedboat, and ₹300 on the shikara.
What time is sunset in Alleppey?
Between about 5:50 and 6:45 PM depending on the month. November has the earliest sunset and June to July the latest.
Which lakes and routes does the sunset cruise cover?
The houseboat covers Vembanad Lake and Punnamada Lake. The speedboat covers Punnamada, Vembanad, Kainakary and Meenappally lakes. Shikara, canoe and kayaking cover canals and inner village routes.
Which sunset cruise is best for couples?
The private shikara, which is quiet, covered and enters the smaller canals.
Which sunset cruise is best for families?
The houseboat, which takes up to 5 guests comfortably. The shikara also suits small families.
Which option is best for photography?
The canoe. It sits low on the water and reaches narrow canals, birdlife and fishermen in the evening light.
Can beginners join the sunset kayaking tour?
Yes. A guide is with you throughout, and no prior kayaking experience is needed.
Can I do a sunset cruise if I have only one hour?
Yes. The speedboat ride reaches the open lake quickly.
Is a private boat available?
Yes. The houseboat, shikara and speedboat are private, priced per boat.
What is the best month for a sunset cruise in Alleppey?
November to March has the clearest evenings, and cruises run all year.
What time should I reach the boarding point?
About 10 to 15 minutes before departure.
Can I book a sunset cruise on the same day?
Often yes, but booking the day before is safer.
How do I book a sunset cruise in Alleppey?
Call or WhatsApp +91 7034238555.
Are tea and snacks included in the sunset cruise?
Yes on the houseboat, canoe and kayaking cruises. Shikara: will stop nearby restarants. Speedboat: ill stop nearby restaurants
What happens if it rains on the day of my sunset cruise?
If heavy rain makes the cruise unsafe, we reschedule to another day or evening at no extra cost.
Where do I board the sunset cruise?
Boarding is at Alleppey. Share your location on WhatsApp at +91 7034238555 and we’ll guide you there.