The Muttukadu Boat House is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on the edge of the Muttukadu backwater, a broad lagoon where the ECR crosses calm, sheltered water. Its easy access from Chennai makes it one of the most popular boating stops on the coastal drive.
The Muttukadu Boat House is run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on the edge of the Muttukadu backwater, a broad lagoon where the ECR crosses calm, sheltered water. Its easy access from Chennai makes it one of the most popular boating stops on the coastal drive.
The centre offers a spread of options from gentle rowboats and pedal boats to motorboats and speedboats, along with water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing. The lagoon also hosts a backwater festival, drawing visitors for boating and shoreline activity.
Entry: Nominal entry ticket per person, with boats and water sports charged separately (indicative)
On the ECR at Muttukadu, about 36 km south of central Chennai and a short drive north of Mamallapuram; reach by car, taxi or bus (indicative)
Go on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and long waits, and confirm which boats and water sports are running before you buy tickets.
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
October to February is the pleasant season, and mornings are usually calmer and cooler for being on the water.
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Add a nearby businessOctober to February is the pleasant season, and mornings are usually calmer and cooler for being on the water.
Entry: Nominal entry ticket per person, with boats and water sports charged separately (indicative). Timings: Roughly 9 am to 6 pm daily (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
Drive along the ECR to Muttukadu, roughly 36 km from central Chennai, and park at the boat house. Buy your entry ticket and then choose a boat or water sport at the counter, checking prices and durations first. Head out onto the lagoon, ideally in the calmer morning hours, and allow time to relax by the water afterwards.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours here depending on how many rides they take.
Nearby you can pair DakshinaChitra (1.8 km), Covelong Beach (2.3 km), Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (7.0 km), Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple (10.7 km).
Wear the provided life jacket, follow the boatman's instructions, and keep a close watch on children near the water and on the jetty.