Varkala is famous for its cliffs and surf, but just a short distance inland lies a hidden world that most tourists drive right past. Where the Ithikkara River meets Paravur Lake, a sprawling network of emerald-green mangrove forests and narrow canals awaits.
Whether you want an active morning of paddling or a lazy afternoon of drifting, this ecosystem offers a level of peace you won’t find on the main beach. At Bils Inn, we’ve partnered with the best local operators to give our guests exclusive discounted rates on these must-do water adventures.
The Kayaking Adventure (For the Active Explorer)
If you want to feel the water beneath you and navigate through the tightest “Mangrove Tunnels,” kayaking is the way to go.
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes of pure exploration.
The Experience: This is a guided trip, meaning you’ll have a local expert leading the way. You can choose a single-seater for solo focus or a double-seater to share the effort with a friend.
The Highlights:
The Mangrove Tunnel: Paddle through the longest mangrove tunnel in Kerala—a natural green cathedral overhead.
Bat Island: A unique spot where you can see local wildlife up close.
Private Island & Water Walking: We take you to a shallow “water walking” area where the lake bed is firm enough to step out and explore on foot.
Migratory Bird Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for rare birds that call these narrow canals home.
Bils Inn Guest Perk: While the standard rate is 800Rs, our guests pay just 600Rs per person.
Country Boating (For the Slow-Life Lover)
Not everyone wants a workout on their holiday. If you’d rather sit back with your camera and a cold drink, the Country Boat is your private floating lounge.
Duration: 2 Hours.
The Experience: This is a private boat for just you and your family/friends. A local boatman will do all the rowing while you enjoy the scenery. No motor noise, no crowds—just the sound of the oars hitting the water.
The Highlights:
Deep Exploration: You’ll still see the famous tunnels and Bat Island, but from the comfort of a traditional wooden boat.
The Swimming Spot: Your boatman will take you to a safe, secluded swimming area where you can jump in and cool off in the calm backwaters.
Golden Hour: This is the ultimate way to witness a Paravur Lake Sunset.
Bils Inn Guest Perk: Book a private boat for up to 5 people for just 2500Rs.
What to Bring for Your Trip
One of the best things about booking through the Bils Inn partner network is that we take the stress out of the logistics. The kayaking team provides all the essential safety gear, including:
Certified Life Jackets (mandatory for all guests).
Waterproof Phone Pouches to keep your tech dry while you snap photos of the mangroves.
Expert Safety Briefing before you hit the water.
Since the gear is handled, you only need to focus on your personal comfort. Here is what we recommend bringing from the Inn:
1. A Change of Clothes & A Towel
This is our top insider tip. The Ithikkara River and Paravur Lake have some incredibly clear, calm spots perfect for a swim. We highly recommend taking a dip in the backwaters—it’s the ultimate way to cool off mid-paddle. You’ll want a dry set of clothes and a towel waiting for you when you get back to the base.
2. Sun Protection (The Kerala Sun is Strong!)
Even though you’ll spend plenty of time under the “Mangrove Arches” and in the “Mangrove Tunnel,” the open stretches of the lake can be bright.
Waterproof Sunscreen: A high SPF, water-resistant formula is key.
A Wide-Brimmed Hat: Great for keeping the glare out of your eyes while bird watching.
Polarized Sunglasses: These help you see deeper into the clear water to spot fish and underwater roots.
For those looking to grab some sun protection before they head out, a long-lasting waterproof sunscreen or a lightweight quick-dry towel are great additions to your beach bag. These will keep you comfortable both on the water and back at the Inn.
How to Book Your Discounted Trip
Ready to explore the “Amazon of Kerala”? Don’t book at the standard tourist rates.
Stay at Bils Inn: Ensure you are a registered guest to unlock the discount.
Talk to Us: Mention your interest at the front desk or via our guest WhatsApp group.
Pick Your Slot: We recommend the 6:30 AM sunrise slot for the best bird watching or 4:30 PM for the sunset.