Muttukadu Boat House

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.

Muttukadu Boat House, Mamallapuram
Practical guide

Plan Muttukadu Boat House

Typeactivity
Nearest baseMamallapuram
Best timeOctober to February is the pleasant season, and mornings are usually calmer and cooler for being on the water
Time neededMost visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours here depending on how many rides they take
EntryNominal entry ticket per person, with boats and water sports charged separately (indicative)
Nearest town/baseMamallapuram
DistrictChengalpattu
Place typeactivity
Time neededMost visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours here depending on how many rides they take.

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.

The experience

Muttukadu Boat House — at a glance

TimingsRoughly 9 am to 6 pm daily (indicative)
Best timeOctober to February, with mornings calmer and cooler for boating (indicative)

Entry: Nominal entry ticket per person, with boats and water sports charged separately (indicative)

Getting there: 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.

What to expect

Highlights

  • The wide, calm backwater lagoon that makes for easy, scenic boating close to the sea.
  • A range of craft from rowboats and pedal boats to motorboats and speedboats for different budgets and thrill levels.
  • Water sports including kayaking and windsurfing for more active visitors.
Getting there

How to visit

  • 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.

Distance by road

  • Chennai55 km
  • Kanchipuram65 km
  • Puducherry95 km
  • Chengalpattu (town)30 km
  • Vellore130 km

Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.

Timing

Best time

October to February is the pleasant season, and mornings are usually calmer and cooler for being on the water.

Weather in Muttukadu Boat HouseSeasonal guide

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Visitor notes

  • Weekends and holidays get busy, so arrive early to avoid queues at the boat counter.
  • Ticket and boat charges are paid separately at the counter, so carry some cash as a backup.
Safety

Good to know

  • Wear the provided life jacket, follow the boatman's instructions, and keep a close watch on children near the water and on the jetty.
On the map

Where Muttukadu Boat House is

Good to know

Muttukadu Boat House — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Muttukadu Boat House?

October to February is the pleasant season, and mornings are usually calmer and cooler for being on the water.

What are the entry fee and timings at Muttukadu Boat House?

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.

How do I reach Muttukadu Boat House?

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.

How much time do I need for Muttukadu Boat House?

Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours here depending on how many rides they take.

What else is near Muttukadu Boat House?

Nearby you can pair DakshinaChitra (1.8 km), Covelong Beach (2.3 km), Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (7.0 km), Krishna's Butterball (21.5 km).

What should I know before visiting Muttukadu Boat House?

Wear the provided life jacket, follow the boatman's instructions, and keep a close watch on children near the water and on the jetty.

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