Kayaking introduced in Muthupet backwaters to explore mangrove scenary

The Tamil Nadu forest department has introduced kayaking in the picturesque backwaters of Muthupet in Tiruvarur district. Tourists can now enjoy a 90-minute kayaking experience while exploring the scenic mangrove forests.

The backwaters extend around 11km from the sea. The department has added two kayaks to its existing fleet of five boats at Muthupet’s new boat yard to help visitors explore the area. “Tourists can book tickets for Rs500 for a 90-minute session at the ticket counter and kayak in the backwaters for about a kilometre. They can explore the mangroves lining both sides,” said P Sathish Kannan, forest range officer, Muthupet.

The boat yard is located around four km from Muthupet’s old bus stand. The backwaters have a depth of around two to four feet. The department provides life jackets along with double-bladed paddles for rowing the kayaks. “Since the water depth is less than the average human height, the area is safe for tourists to row on their own,” added Kannan.

Muthupet is renowned for its mangrove forests, which span over 12,000 hectares and rank among the largest in the state. The Muthupet lagoon covers around 6,800 hectares, while the boardwalk stretches for about three km.

The mangrove forests are managed under the Muthupet range of the forest department. Led by chief conservator of forests (Trichy) N Kanchana and the in-charge district forest officer S Krithiga, the range team includes a ranger, a forester, seven guards, three watchers, five anti-poaching watchers, and three ferrymen.

The yard was established around 2019, and boating services were introduced to explore the backwaters, lagoon, and boardwalk. A tourist boat ride costs around Rs2,000 for a group of up to 10 people for approximately 90 minutes.

While the tourist boats are steered by ferrymen and guided by a personnel appointed by the department, tourists can paddle the kayaks themselves. Both boat rides and kayaking are available between 9am and 6pm.

On Tuesday, CCF N Kanchana and DFO S Krithiga paddled a kayak and inspected the feature.

Sukanya, a 40-year-old homemaker from Thillaivilagam in Tiruvarur district, described the experience as truly memorable. “The kayaking was thrilling and enjoyable. This is a must-try service for all tourists,” she said.