Step into a floating poem aboard an Oloppara Shikara—the elegant, canopy-covered wooden boats that glide like swans across the mirror-still Akalappuzha River. Tucked 12 km north of Kozhikode in the quiet village of Chelannur, Oloppara’s shikara rides offer the most intimate way to experience Kerala’s backwaters: no engine roar, no crowds, just the soft dip of a bamboo pole and the rustle of palm fronds overhead. Handcrafted by local artisans using centuries-old techniques, each shikara seats 2–6 guests beneath a woven coir canopy, creating a private cocoon for romance, reflection, or family storytelling. As the sun melts into the water, these boats become your front-row seat to a living watercolor—kingfishers diving, otters slipping between roots, and village children waving from bamboo bridges
Why Choose a Shikara in Oloppara?
- Silence That Speaks: Pole-propelled motion lets you hear the river breathe—perfect for mindfulness and wildlife spotting.
- Secret Passages: Narrow canals (some just 3 meters wide) accessible only to shikaras, hidden beneath mangrove arches.
- Cultural Immersion: Your boatman—often a third-generation villager—shares tales of toddy tappers, pearl-spot fishing, and monsoon legends.
- Eco-Gentle Travel: Zero fuel, zero noise, zero wake—leaving the ecosystem untouched.
- Golden Hour Magic: The low draft lets you drift inches from lotus pads and water hyacinth blooms at sunset.
“It wasn’t a ride—it was a meditation with scenery.” – Rahul & Priya, Mumbai (2025)
Our Shikara Fleet
Each boat is built from Anjili wood (sustainable local timber) with hand-stitched coir cushions and bamboo lattice sides for breeze and views. Freshly painted in earthy greens and maroons, they blend into the landscape like river chameleons.
| Shikara Type | Best For | Capacity | Special Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couple’s Nest | Honeymooners, anniversaries | 2 | Heart-shaped cushions, lantern-lit |
| Family Float | Parents + kids (5+) | 4–5 | Kid-safe railings, snack basket |
| Sunset Soiree | Groups, photographers | 40 | 360° open sides, tripod-friendly deck |
Always Included:
- Skilled poleman-guide (multilingual: Malayalam, English, Hindi)
- Chilled tender coconut or herbal infusion
- Handwoven palm-leaf hats
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Bird checklist & mini binoculars
Shikara Journey Packages
All trips launch from Oloppara Bamboo Jetty (a 5-min walk from parking). Bookings open 6 AM–7 PM.
| Journey Name | Duration | Highlights | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawn Whisper | 90 mins | Mist over mangroves, breakfast at floating hut | 1,100 / couple |
| Heritage Drift | 2 hrs | Village walk, toddy tasting, clam collector meet | 1,800 / boat (up to 4) |
| Twilight Romance | 75 mins | Sunset, flower garland, live flute music | 1,500 / couple |
| Moonlit Mangrove | 1 hr | Bioluminescence (Nov–Feb), starlit silence | 1,300 / boat (up to 6) |
| Custom Charter | 3–5 hrs | Picnic at hidden lagoon, photography stops | 3,000+ / boat |
Kids under 10: Free with parents | Groups 8+: Private flotilla
Add-ons:
- Floating high tea (₹600)
- Professional photographer (₹2,500)
- Message-in-a-bottle keepsake (₹300)
Sample Journey: Twilight Romance (75 mins)
- 5:45 PM – Board at jetty; welcome with jasmine garland & nannari sherbet
- 6:00 PM – Pole gently into Canal of Whispers—mangrove tunnel aglow with fireflies
- 6:20 PM – Pause at Lotus Pond Viewpoint; flute melody floats from neighboring shikara
- 6:35 PM – Sunset anchorage; sky ignites in coral and violet
- 6:55 PM – Return under emerging stars; drop a wish in the river
- 7:00 PM – Disembark with a pressed palm-leaf bookmark
Safety & River Etiquette
- Stable Design: Wide base, low center of gravity—no tipping even with excited kids
- Life Jackets: Stylish, breathable (infant to XL)
- Weather Wisdom: Rides paused during sudden squalls; full refund or reschedule
- River Rules: No standing, no feeding wildlife, no litter—shikaras carry bamboo trash baskets
Sustainability Promise
- Boat Renewal: Old shikaras repurposed into village benches
- Poleman Welfare: 80% revenue directly to families; health insurance provided
- Mangrove Guardians: Every 50 rides plants 10 saplings along eroding banks
- Silent Tourism: Volume capped at 12 shikaras daily to preserve tranquility