The Muttukadu Boat House is a lakeside boating centre run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) on the East Coast Road, about 36 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. It sits on the Muttukadu backwaters, a brackish lagoon where the Buckingham Canal meets the sea, and has long been a popular weekend outing for families from Chennai. The main activity is leisure boating: visitors choose among motorboat, rowing boat and pedal boat rides across the sheltered water, with some water-sports options offered depending on the season and the day.
There are no real skill or fitness prerequisites. The rides suit all ages, and children can ride when accompanied by an adult and wearing a life jacket. Swimming ability is not formally required for boat rides, though it is useful. Life jackets are provided at the counter, while visitors bring a hat, sunscreen and non-slip footwear for the jetty. Cameras and phones are fine on the boats, but a waterproof pouch protects them from spray.
As a government-run facility, the Boat House operates under TTDC, the state tourism body, which gives it an established reputation compared with informal operators. Staff issue life jackets, assign boats and brief riders on staying seated and keeping within the permitted area. Boats are operated by trained boatmen on motor rides, and the staff on duty provide first response. The nearest full hospital facilities are in Chennai, about an hour or more away, and visitors should treat the site as a relaxed recreational stop rather than an adventure site.
The best season is October to March, when temperatures are cooler and the sky is clearer. Reported hours are 09:30-18:00 daily, weather permitting, and late afternoon offers softer light and fewer midday crowds on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays are busy and can mean queues for popular boats, and rides may be suspended during heavy rain, strong wind or cyclone warnings. Entry is reported at ₹10 (approx $0.10 USD), and a 20-minute motorboat ride costs about ₹1,000-1,200 (approx $10-13 USD) per boat; confirm current rates at the counter. A visit typically takes two to three hours.
| Price | Entry reported at ₹10 (approx $0.10 USD); a 20-minute motorboat ride about ₹1,000-1,200 (approx $10-13 USD) per boat (reported; confirm at the counter) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20-30 minutes per boat ride; allow 2-3 hours for the visit |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | October to March |
| Address | TTDC Boat House, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu 603112, India |
Activity facts
- Where
- Muttukadu, East Coast Road
Equipment
- Life jackets (provided)
- Hat and sunscreen
- Non-slip footwear
Location
TTDC Boat House, East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu 603112, India
12.8042, 80.2421 View on map
Highlights
- Motorboat, rowing and pedal boat rides on the Muttukadu backwaters
- Run by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
- Low entry fee, reported at ₹10
- Easy stop on the East Coast Road combined with other attractions
- Life jackets provided at the counter
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday or before 11:00 to avoid long weekend queues.
- Motorboat prices are charged per boat, so sharing with family or friends reduces the cost.
- Wear non-slip footwear and carry a hat and sunscreen; shade on the water is limited.
- Keep phones in a waterproof pouch because of spray, and confirm the current hours before travelling.
- Pair the visit with MGM Dizzee World nearby, but start early to fit both.
When to visit
October to March; arrive on a weekday or in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Accessibility
The jetty and boarding areas involve steps and uneven surfaces, so wheelchair access is limited. Staff may assist visitors with mild mobility needs onto the boats.
Frequently asked questions
What activities are available at Muttukadu Boat House?
Visitors can take motorboat, rowing and pedal boat rides on the backwaters. Availability of other water sports varies, so confirm at the counter.
How much does a boat ride cost?
Entry is reported at ₹10 and a 20-minute motorboat ride at about ₹1,000-1,200 per boat. Rates may change, so check at the ticket counter.
What are the opening hours?
Reported hours are 09:30-18:00 daily, weather permitting. Confirm before a weekday visit.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Children can ride with an adult and a life jacket, which is provided.