A World of Watery Adventures

Tamil Nadu enjoys one of the longest coastlines of any state in India. Lying along the Bay of Bengal, this storied coast played a pivotal role in the ancient Silk Route and spice trade, frequently visited by Roman and Greek traders. Today, this magnificent coastline has transformed into a hotbed of watersports and adventure activities galore.

Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu district is the proud recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag certification from the Denmark Environment Agency. The beach is renowned for its exceptional cleanliness, lush greenery, eco-friendly management practices, and well-planned visitor facilities. These include a designated safe swimming zone, loungers, hammocks, and outdoor fitness equipment.

Kovalam is also a major hub for surfing, hosting a world-class surfing festival each year. The annual surfing and yoga festival attracts a lot of visitors. In September this year, Big Air Flo 2024, Asia’s first-ever night surfing event, was held at Kovalam Beach.

Row, row, row your boat gently down at Muttukadu, where adventure awaits along the East Coast Road. Situated about 40 kilometres from Chennai, the Muttukadu Boat House operated by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), serves as an ideal getaway into the tranquil backwaters. This picturesque location is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of exhilarating activities that invigorate the senses. The boat house is the perfect starting point for your aquatic adventures, featuring leisurely boat rides on calm waters and the excitement of jet ski rentals.

Experience the thrill of sailing, explore the depths of marine life through scuba diving, and enjoy snorkelling in the region’s crystal-clear waters. Rameswaram, the gateway to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, serves as a major hub for marine adventures. Along with scuba diving—where training is available—and snorkelling, the region’s ideal wind conditions make it perfect for kite surfing. The crystal-clear waters of the gulf support thriving coral reefs, home to vibrant fish and a diverse range of marine fauna. For those who prefer not to dive in, glass-bottomed boat rides offer a serene way to float across the water while gazing at the fascinating life below, providing a mesmerizing window into the reef without getting wet.

Kurusadai Island is an uninhabited island in the Gulf of Mannar National Park lying just south of Pamban Island, 13.4 kilometres from the holy coastal town of Rameswaram. The Forest Department operates boats which take you to the island followed by a guided tour run by locals as part of a community-based eco-tourism programme. The island has dense vegetation and some old ruins from the colonial era. There are also some beautiful coral reefs and tranquil beaches.

Thoothukudi or Tuticorin is another major centre of adventure activities along the coast. From kayaking and canoeing to scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and kitesurfing, tourists can indulge in various activities. There’s a world-class watersports academy here. Besides, visitors can also try wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding and even fishing.

About 50 kilometres from Thoothukudi in the same district lies the small seaside hamlet of Manapad. The coastline here was formed by lava accumulation on the beach over hundreds of years and boasts shallow and flat waters. Coupled with strong winds, the Manapad lagoon—nestled between naturally formed sand dunes on one side and encircled by clear blue seas on three sides—is an ideal spot for surfing, especially kite surfing.

Kanniyakumari offers a variety of exciting activities for adventure enthusiasts. Kite surfing at Sanguthurai Beach is a thrilling experience, thanks to favourable wind conditions and a scenic coastline. Vattakotai Beach, with its tranquil atmosphere and 18th-century fort, is perfect for relaxation, while a ferry ride to the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial allows visitors to explore a historically significant site with breathtaking ocean views.

Inland, the Hogenakkal Falls in Dharmapuri district is a sight to behold. This incredible waterfall is created by the Kaveri River when it cascades down the rocky landscape of the area. One of the most popular activities here is a ride in the unique-looking coracal, a round boat fashioned with bamboo. The view of the waterfall from the coracle is stunning. The Hanging Bridge above the waterfall also provides a great viewpoint. The delicious fried fish available from the many roadside stands or at the TTDC restaurant is a must-try. Apart from that, you can visit the Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, Mettur Dam and Melagiri Hills nearby.

Lying just 15 kilometres from the town of Chidambaram is Pichavaram, the second-largest mangrove forest in India after the Sunderbans. The Killai backwaters which wend their way between the myriad islands of this unique ecosystem are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a large number of waterbirds. Indeed, it’s a paradise for bird lovers, with over 170 bird species spotted here, including cormorants, snipes, storks, herons, egrets, herons, spoonbills and pelicans. Winters are especially good for birdwatching, as that’s when migratory birds arrive in droves.

The best way to explore the mangroves is by taking a boat ride, available daily from 9 am to 5 pm at the TTDC boathouse in Pichavaram. You can choose between a motorboat or a rowboat, though the rowboat is highly recommended. It’s quieter and, with its ability to navigate narrow estuaries, allows you to venture deeper into the unique mangrove habitat. The ride offers a scenic journey under the lush canopy of trees, immersing you in the beauty of this remarkable ecosystem. Afterwards, you can gorge on some delicious seafood at one of the restaurants.

TTDC operates nine boathouses, including the picturesque Ooty and Kodaikanal Lakes. Boating on the manmade Ooty Lake is an elegant way to enjoy the serene view and rich biodiversity of the Nilgiris, and you can opt for either a pedal boat ride or a rowboat. In the summer, the Queen of the Hills, as Ooty is fondly called, plays host to a Summer Festival with a wide variety of activities and events. The highlight is the annual boat race organised in May on the lake by TTDC and the Nilgiris administration, which sees tourists pedalling away to glory.

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