Paddle the Ithikkara River into a hidden mangrove stream, thread two tunnels and a natural arch, then ease into a quiet swim spot — 25 minutes from Varkala Cliff.
Every craft launches from the same jetty near Varkala — 25 minutes from Varkala Cliff. Departures run sunrise to sunset, 6:00 AM–5:30 PM — sunrise and sunset slots are the most requested, so book those early.
Pay only 50% deposit now · Balance at the riverbank
A full day, sunrise to sunset — every water activity, every meal, one flat price. Minimum 10 people.
A completely separate experience from kayaking — no water, no boats, just a genuine walk through one of Kollam district's most documented bird habitats.
"Must-visit for friend groups! Had an amazing experience with zero complaints, even during off-season! Our group of 9 friends were taken care of very well with clear instructions and very well-maintained equipment. Never at any point during the entire experience did we have any doubts about the safety. It was a safe yet memorable experience. The views were simply magnificent. 10/10 Experience. Special mention to Mr. Justin, our guide throughout the kayaking experience!"
From the mangrove tunnels to where the river meets the Arabian Sea. Select a route below.
The signature Walking Trees route. Short tunnel first — roots almost close enough to touch — then the long mangrove tunnel where the canopy closes completely overhead. Out through the arch, past the swimming area, and back along the river.
The mangrove tunnel is most spectacular at high tide and sunrise — when the canopy glows amber and the water rises to meet the roots. Our morning session is timed exactly for this.
Just 25 minutes from Varkala Cliff, Walking Trees Adventures operates from the banks of the Ithikkara River in Nedungolam, Paravoor — home to one of the last intact mangrove tunnels near Varkala. The river here is narrow, quiet, and largely untouched. The tunnel is real. The kingfishers are real. The silence is real.
We run eight water-based experiences — from a 45-minute open paddle to the full 3-hour mangrove loop through both tunnel systems, and now a dedicated Sandbar Visit and an advanced expedition for experienced kayakers. Every session is guided, every group is small, and every route stays entirely on water.
Beyond the main route, our own prawn fields sit fringed with mangrove and coconut palm — land we maintain ourselves as part of the same ecosystem. We're currently developing private pool kayaking through these mangrove-lined ponds, launching soon.
Walking Trees is promoted jointly by the Department of Fisheries, Govt of India and the Department of Fisheries, Govt of Kerala under PMMSY — the Government of India's flagship scheme for fisheries development. The scheme supports recreational fisheries as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem conservation, and responsible inland waterway tourism.
Yes. We're in Nedungolam, Paravoor, Kollam — about 25 minutes' drive south of Varkala Cliff. It's one of the closest mangrove tunnel kayaking experiences to Varkala, and taxis from town reach our jetty directly.
Pay 50% deposit now — balance at the riverbank.
