Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters near Varkala and Kollam
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Paravur Backwaters is one of the lesser known, tightly kept secret locations in southern Kerala. The Paravur Backwaters is safe and a sheltered waterbody, without much influence of the tidal effects.
You can be assured of the safety as the depth of the lake in general is not more than 10 feet and not wider than 1 km. This ensures you don't paddle out and lose orientation in unknown waters.
Our paddling center is located on a tiny sandbar (not wider than 70 meters) that sits between Arabian Sea and Paravur Backwaters.
Unique and a very rare trail of 10 KM distance which allows the participants to paddle and experience two types of waterbodies (Trip starts from saltwater area and go to east side of fresh water area and return.)
– Paddle under and pass the Railway Bridge.
– Visit Chithan Thampuran Temple Island.
– Paddle through the tunnels and canals inside the Mangrove Forest.
– Visit Black Devil Snail Sandbar Islands.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age as independant paddler is 10 years
Operates in rain or shine conditions except when it's windy/lightning that makes paddling unsafe.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. Keep a change of cloth.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
1) After reporting at Syzygy, please proceed to select suitable size life jackets. 2) Our Trip Guide will provide Basic Kayaking Instructions before trip starts. Our Guide will come along in another kayak for your safety during the entire trip. 3) Within 30 to 45 minutes of paddling from the launch point, you will reach Railway Bridge. We pass the bridge and aim for a small island. Chithan Thampuran Temple Island is our stopover point for a short break. 4) Paddling for 45 to 60 minutes from there to east, you'll reach the tropical Mangrove Forest Island. We enter the Mangrove Forest and paddle through small canals covered by mangroves. 5) We exit the Mangrove Forest and head back. After passing Railway Bridge, we aim for the Black Devil Snail Sandbar. It is a sand flat which constantly changes its shape and size due to wind, tide and current conditions. It is an ideal place for taking rest or for swimming. Avoid going near the Spillway Regulator (that drains water from lake to sea) for safety reasons. 6) Paddle from here for 25 to 30 minutes to reach Syzygy and end the trip. 7) Take shower or change clothes before you go back to your hotel or home.
What‘s Included
Single or Tandem Kayaks (Sit on top kayaks)
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Public Liability Insurance
TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
Food and drinks
Options
Paddle to Mangrove Forest
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Samson was a great tour guide. Fantastic photographer too👌🏿👌🏿 The setting was picturesque! Loved this expedition
Noreen N,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely location Well organised Beautiful environment Good quality equipment Samson was amazing! Definitely get the waterproof phone cover, they work like a dream
Good Must Visit
Rinkuindore,,May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Must Visit if you are in kovalam Without this trip your trip is incomplete One must Visit with the proper person who explained everything
Kayaking. Trip to Mangroves
jc5491,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We kayaked across two lakes to reach the mangroves so that was the bulk of the trip of four hours. I have been in mangroves; they are a distinct and different eco system supporting a wide variety of wildlife. These mangroves were a thin line of mangrove trees on their last legs, the only wildlife was a huge crow population, and the area was a playground for many speedboats canoes etc. People were enjoying themselves flicking water and fooling around but it not the sort of ecosystem I had signed up to visit. I was thinking exotic birdlife lizards etc not a watersports leisure area. Admittedly I didn't ask beforehand I just assumed.
Amazing, but can be tiring.
Ajay S,,Feb 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is brilliant. However, the route is a bit long. Almost 10 kms. Advisable to be well hydrated. The mangrove canopy is absolutely amazing.
Great
Adam M,,Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful activity ! experienced and kind staff . Professional accompaniment . Great bang for the buck
Took booking for a holiday, no refund given
Sherpa47801561586,,Dec 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Viator & Agoda are absolutely unreliable in India. They charged us 20% higher than the actual price and confirmed booking for Dec 25th, on which day the activity was closed! I planned my trip accordingly, couldnt do the activity and also did not get refund! The attached pic shows how the booking shows completed!
“Tranquil Kayaking Adventure in Paravur Backwaters”
368jerinj,,Dec 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kayaking in the Paravur Backwaters near Varkala is a serene and scenic experience. Gliding through mangroves amidst calm waters and vibrant wildlife makes it a must-try for nature lovers and adventure seekers! The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience while sharing fascinating insights about the mangroves and local wildlife.
Beautiful and a bit strenuous
Marc G,,Dec 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Very friendly staff and employees. Very easy process to go from arrival at the location to being out in the water. It was a bit long going from the point of departure to the mangroves. Approximately 5 km of rowing for about 30 minutes of touring the mangroves. Not for the weak.
Great kayaking
iguanawolf6,,Nov 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice kayak ride in the mangrovr. Calm quiet. Saw many birds, bats. The guide was really good and nicr. We recommand it and not to far from varkala
Amazing trip in the mangroves
Donald F,,Nov 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide paced us perfectly, two 75 year olds and two 35 year olds. He was always checking in with us about resting or taking pictures. The mangroves were another world, mystical and transporting. The weather was pitch perfect. We kayaked in doubles - more stable. The total trip was 12 km. All of us had kayaked before so we had a good idea of how far we could go.
From ₹1,400.00
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Operated by Syzygy Ecosports