Discover why mangrove kayaking is the #1 thing to do near Varkala. Explore the 10km Paravur Lake trail with Syzygy Ecosports. No swimming skills are required. Book your sunrise or sunset adventure today!
Beyond the Cliff: Why Paravur Lake is Varkala’s Best Kept Secret
While the Varkala Beachside Cliff is famous for surfing and sunsets, the most immersive adventure lies just 14 km northwest. Paravur Lake offers a sheltered and safer environment perfect for those seeking tranquility away from commercial tourism hotspots.
- The Proximity Advantage: Only a 25-to-30-minute scenic drive from Varkala through the coastal road.
- The “Syzygy” Factor: Our venue sits at the unique alignment of the Arabian Sea, Ithikkara River, and Paravur Lake, offering a rare “combo adventure” where you paddle through both saltwater (west of Paravur Backwaters) and freshwater (east of Mangrove forest) in a single trip.
- The 10km Trail: Landmarks You Won’t Find on a Map: Our Mangrove Forest Kayaking Trip is a moderate-to-challenging 10km round trip designed for those who want to “live their legend”.
- The Rail Bridge Crossing: Mangrove forest kayaking trip begins at Syzygy and aims to cross the Lower Paravur Lake by paddling, straight through between the spans of rail bridge, with a bearing of east 092º.
- Temple Island: A short break at the Chithan Thampuran Temple Island—a 200 sqm divine sanctuary in the middle of the lake that remains above water nearly 355 days a year.
- The Mangrove Tunnels: Enter the southwest end of the forest (Bearing East 022º). Here, we drop speed to under 1 km/hour to maneuver through narrow, “L-shaped” canals under a thick, green canopy.
- Black Devil Snail Sandbar: On the return, we aim for the intertidal sandflats inhabited by rare “Lava Snails,” uncommon on India’s west coast.
- Zero Swimming Skills? No Problem: A major barrier for travelers is the fear of water. At Syzygy Ecosports, we’ve engineered safety into every step:
- Mandatory Safety: All participants must wear rescue vests (PFDs) at all times.
- Professional Certification: Our guides are NIWS-certified (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) and experts in navigation and rescue.
- Beginner Friendly: Most of our guests have never been in a kayak. The lake is shallow (2-4 feet in many areas) with no strong currents or waves.
- Gear That Matters: We use high-quality, imported equipment from Europe (Tahe Outdoors, Estonia) and the UK. Whether you choose a single-seat kayak or a stable tandem kayak, our gear ensures maximum comfort and control.
- Planning Your Trip: Pro-Tips for Adventurers:Â
- Timing: Daily expeditions launch at 6:30 am and 3:00 pm
- What to Wear: Light, synthetic clothing (avoid cotton), water shoes to protect against seashells, and a hat.
- Eco-Responsibility: We operate in a fragile ecosystem. We maintain silence in the mangrove forest to protect turtles, rare birds, and fish.
At Syzygy Ecosports, our mission is to connect you with Kerala’s natural waterbodies through eco-friendly, human-powered craft. This isn’t just a tour in Varkala; it’s a “Syzygy experience”—the perfect alignment of land, sea, backwaters, and your quest for adventure.
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