A sheltered 10 km paddle that starts in saltwater, threads under a railway bridge, visits a temple island and winds through mangrove canals before returning across a shifting sandbar. Ideal for paddlers seeking wildlife, cultural stops and calm backwater scenery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You push off from a narrow sandbar where the Arabian Sea exhales into a sheltered lagoon; salt spray on one side, a glassy freshwater channel on the other. Paddles slice the surface and the world narrows to mangrove roots and the occasional call of a kingfisher. The route threads beneath a low railway bridge, pauses at a compact temple island, then slips into shaded canals where prop roots knit a green tunnel overhead.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to paddle continuously for stretches of 30–60 minutes with brief breaks
Wildlife
History
The Paravur backwaters have long been used by coastal communities for fishing and transport; the nearby temples and fishing hamlets reflect a shoreline culture tied to lagoon channels and seasonal harvests.
Conservation
Mangroves here stabilize shorelines and support juvenile fish—avoid trampling roots, carry out all trash and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce local impacts.
Reserve your spot on the Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters near Varkala and Kollam today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early or late
Morning and late-afternoon sessions avoid onshore winds and offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife sightings.
Wear closed water shoes
Mangrove canals and sandbars have sharp shells and slippery roots—protect your feet when launching or exploring the sand flat.
Bring a spare change of clothes
High humidity and splash-prone kayaking mean you’ll want dry clothes for the return and travel home.
Respect currents near the spillway
Do not paddle near the spillway regulator; guides will route you around stronger outflows for safety.
USCG-approved life jacket
Provided by the operator but wear a properly fitting jacket for safety and comfort.
Closed water shoes
Protects feet from shells, mangrove roots and slippery sandbars during launches and landings.
Sun protection (hat & reef-safe sunscreen)
Direct sun on open water is intense—use high SPF and a brimmed hat to avoid burns.
summer
Dry bag and change of clothes
Keeps valuables and a dry set of clothing safe for after the paddle.