We launch from Nedungolam Attukadavu straight onto the Ithikkara River, passing Amavattam Appookkan Temple before the mangrove forest closes in around you. Beyond the mangroves the route opens into Paravoor Kayal, a long backwater stretch where migratory birds are genuinely abundant, before reaching Chithan Thampuran — a small temple island marking the turn toward open water. From there it is under a railway bridge and on to the sandbar itself, where the Pozhikkara spillway comes into view, meeting the Arabian Sea at the horizon. We stop, take it in, and paddle the same distance back — a genuine distance covered entirely under your own power, not a shortcut. Guide-led, morning departures only (6:00 or 7:30 AM) — starting early keeps you off the water during the hottest, most exposed hours of a long open-water paddle. Gated to a minimum of 10 experienced kayakers per booking, since a route this long needs a real guide deployment to run safely, not a casual pair.
Varkala Cliff 25 min·Kollam City 35 min·Trivandrum (Airport) 75 min·Alappuzha 100 min
What to expect
Passes Amavattam Appookkan Temple, Paravoor Kayal, and Chithan Thampuran en route
A genuine multi-hour paddle to the Pozhikkara confluence, not a shortcut
Morning-only departures — safer timing for a long, exposed route
Requires a minimum group of 10 experienced kayakers
Guide-led throughout, priced per person at a premium reflecting the distance and supervision involved
What to bring
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with a strap
A hat or cap
Drinking water
A change of clothes and a towel
Water shoes or sandals that stay on
Frequently asked
Why is there a minimum of 10 people?
A route this long, out toward open water, needs a real guide deployment to supervise safely — it isn't viable to run for a solo or small pair booking the way our shorter routes are.
Why only morning departures?
A long, exposed paddle in afternoon heat is a real safety concern, and a late start risks finishing after dark. Morning keeps both the temperature and the light on your side for the full distance.
Do I need real kayaking experience for this?
Yes — this is explicitly the advanced route, priced and paced for people who already kayak comfortably, not a first-timer's introduction. If you're newer to kayaking, the standard Mangrove Forest Kayaking or Kayaking Experience routes are the better starting point.
