Muttukadu Boating Chennai (TTDC Boat House)

If you are searching for “Muttukadu boating Chennai”, “Muttukadu boat house timings”, or “ECR boating place near Chennai”, this is one of the easiest half-day trips on East Coast Road. It is a calm backwater boating spot run by TTDC, best for families, couples, and anyone who wants a short, breezy water experience without going far from the city.

Why Muttukadu Boat House is Famous

Muttukadu is popular because it gives you a backwater-style ride right on ECR. The water is usually calm, views are open, and sunset time can look beautiful. It is also easy to combine with nearby kid-friendly places on ECR like DakshinaChitra, Crocodile Bank, and beaches, making it a full day plan.

Hidden tip: Go on a weekday if possible. The same ride feels twice better with less crowd and less waiting.

Step-by-Step Process at Muttukadu Boat House (after you enter)

If you are visiting Muttukadu Boating Chennai for the first time, this section explains the exact flow inside the TTDC Boat House so you do not waste time standing in the wrong queue.

🚪 Entry and first stop: rate board + ticket counter

After entering, walk towards the rate board and ticket counter. You will see the ride categories and pricing. Many travellers mention there can be a small entry fee and then separate ride tickets depending on what you choose. Always confirm the total amount at the counter before paying.

💡 Hidden tip: Do not join any queue immediately. First decide the ride type, then buy tickets, then move to the correct boarding line.

🎟️ Choose your ride type at the counter

At the counter, you choose the ride category. The common options travellers choose are:

• Public/shared motor boat ride (you sit with other visitors)

• Private/single boat ride (you book the full boat for your group)

• Speed boat or thrill ride (short and fast)

• Water scooter or jet ski style ride (only if operating that day)

💡 Hidden tip: If you are visiting with elders or small kids, choose a motor boat ride. Keep thrill rides only for adults who want speed.

🦺 Life jacket section: where it happens

Near the boarding or jetty side, there is usually a life jacket point. A staff member offers life jackets and helps visitors wear them. Many travellers notice this clearly, especially for speed and thrill rides. Even if staff do not insist for a normal ride, it is better to request a jacket for children and wear it properly.

💡 Hidden tip: Life jacket for kids is non-negotiable. Ask for it even if others skip it.

🚶‍♂️ Boarding queue: stand in the correct line

After getting tickets, move to the correct boarding queue. Usually there are separate lines for public rides, private rides, and speed or water sports rides. Staff will call batches based on your ticket type and boat availability.

💡 Hidden tip: On weekends, keep your ticket in hand and let one person hold the queue while others use restrooms or buy water.

📸 Photographers during the ride (optional paid photos)

Photographers click DSLR photos during the boat ride. This is usually optional and not included in your boating ticket. The photographer will take pictures while you are seated, and after the ride you can view the photos and choose which ones you want printed.

Important note: Photo pricing can change, so ask the photographer the per-photo print rate before the ride starts. This avoids surprises later.

💡 Hidden tip: Sit facing the open side and smile early. Most photographers click in the first few minutes when everyone is settled.

🖼️ After the ride: photo selection and print counter

After the boat returns, photographers usually guide you to a photo viewing and selection point near the exit path. You can choose the best photo, pay, and they will print and hand it over. If you do not want photos, you can politely say no and walk out.

💡 Hidden tip: Ask the total cost for 1 print vs combo prints before selecting, so you do not feel pressured.

🚗 Exit flow: what to do next

Once you finish boating, move away from the jetty quickly so the next group can board. After that, you can relax, take a few photos near the water, and continue your ECR plan like beach time or nearby attractions.

💡 Hidden tip: If you want a second ride, decide immediately. After 5 PM queues can become longer, especially on weekends.

Muttukadu Boating Timings, Ticket Price, Entry Fee

Types of Boat Rides at Muttukadu

This is where most travelers get confused because there are multiple options. Choose based on your group and comfort.

🚴 Pedal Boat (Best for couples + small families)

Pedal boats are slow, calm, and fun if you want to take photos and enjoy the backwaters at your own pace.

💡 Hidden tip: Avoid pedal boating at peak noon. You will feel tired quickly due to heat.

🚤 Motor Boat (Best for families + groups)

If you want a relaxed ride without effort, motor boats are the easiest option. Good for parents with kids and elders.

💡 Hidden tip: Sit on the side seats for better breeze and better photos.

🏄 Adventure Watersports (Best for thrill seekers)

At times, activities like kayaking and other water sports are available depending on season, staffing, and weather.

💡 Hidden tip: Ask directly at the counter what is running today. Do not assume everything is available every day.

🌐 Muttukadu Boating Online Booking (TTDC)

You can try online booking through the official TTDC website. Sometimes the booking page works best on a laptop browser.

✅ Official website (copy-paste):
https://ttdc.in/

🎫 Booking page (copy-paste):
https://ttdc.in/ttdc-public-boat/boat-list?BId=U2FsdGVkX1_IgbRRlqxOimVhXYcVVyaaGr6r16bNY_I

If online booking does not work smoothly, you can still do counter booking on arrival.

💡 Hidden tip: For weekends, reach early morning or before 4:00 PM. The worst waiting usually happens late morning to afternoon.

Permissions Required (Photography, Drone, Commercial Shoots)

For normal tourist photos and videos on phone, you usually do not need special permission.
For drone shots or commercial photography, always ask the TTDC staff at the counter first.

Hidden tip: If you want clean cinematic shots, the jetty edge during golden hour gives you the best frames even without a drone.

Facilities at Muttukadu Boat House (Food, Parking, Restroom)

Food facilities

There is usually a restaurant or snack options nearby. Still, do not expect a big food street.

Hidden tip: Eat a proper meal either before coming (Sholinganallur side) or after boating (ECR cafes). The boating time is best used for experience and photos.

Parking facilities

Parking is generally available, but Sunday evening can get tight.

Hidden tip: If you arrive during peak crowd, park a little away and walk 3 to 5 minutes. You will exit faster later.

Restroom facilities

Restrooms are usually available inside the premises, but cleanliness can vary on heavy crowd days.

Hidden tip: Carry tissues and sanitizer, especially if traveling with kids.

Peak Season and Crowd Reality (What to Expect)

Weekends, holidays, and school vacation time can get crowded. Expect:

• Longer queue for tickets

• Waiting time for boats

• Parking crowd

Hidden tip: If Sunday is your only option, go before 10:30 AM and finish boating early, then do lunch and nearby sightseeing.

Nearby Tourist Places to Combine with Muttukadu (Best ECR Day Plan)

Here is a simple full-day plan that most travelers love:

Half-day plan (3 to 4 hours)

• Muttukadu boating

• Tea/snacks

• Quick beach stop

Full-day plan (6 to 9 hours)

• Morning: DakshinaChitra or Crocodile Bank

• Afternoon: Lunch on ECR

• Evening: Muttukadu boating + sunset

• Night: Beach walk and return

Hidden tip: Do boating last (evening). You will enjoy cooler weather and better photos.

Muttukadu Boating Traveller Reviews

🟠 The Good

❄️ The Not So Good