Kayak dans la forêt de mangrove des backwaters de Paravur près de Varkala et Kollam

Hi, Thanks a lot for choosing Syzygy Ecosports for your kayaking trip while you were in Varkala/Kollam, Kerala, India. We are happy to know that your kayaking experience was good and our guide Sebin was resorceful for your trip. Thanks a lot for sharing your feedback and review of our kayaking tour program. Kind regards Team SYZYGY.

Hi Marion, thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry your experience didn’t feel engaging or “wow”. To set clear expectations for future guests, our standard route is a 10 km round trip, where the mangrove stretch itself is roughly 1 km, and the remaining section is through open backwaters from west-end (coastal area) to east-end (confluence of salt waters and fresh waters). Many guests come specifically for the calm paddle, scenery, and birdlife, but we fully understand that if someone is expecting a longer mangrove-only experience, it can feel disappointing. We’ll do a better job of communicating this clearly before the trip starts so guests can choose the experience that best matches what they’re looking for. We’re also concerned by your comment that the staff seemed uninterested and that there was hardly any interaction. That’s not the experience we want anyone to have. We’ve identified the team member who was on duty and have addressed this internally, with a stronger emphasis on guest briefing, on-water communication, and basic hospitality throughout. Thank you again for the review. Feedback like this helps us improve both how we set expectations and how we show up for guests on the water. — Dani Gorgon, Founder, Syzygy Ecosports

Thank you for visiting our paddling center all the way from Kovalam. We are glad to know that the journey from Kovalam to our place was worth the effort and the kayaking trip in Paravur Backwaters played a nice role in your vacation memories. Thanks again for the feedback. Kind regards Team SYZYGY

Hi, Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly value all feedback as it helps us to continually improve and strive for the exceptional experiences we aim to provide. We are disheartened to hear that your visit to the mangrove forest did not meet your expectations. When we started our paddling center in 2013, we were mesmerized by the rich biodiversity of the mangroves, and it has been our goal to share this unique ecosystem with our guests in an eco-friendly and preserving manner. Our love for paddlesports and the environment forms the core of our philosophy, which, despite numerous challenges in the last 12 years including three natural disasters and a pandemic, has not wavered. We understand your disappointment in not experiencing the quiet and pristine environment you anticipated. Regrettably, the issues you've encountered are ones that have grown outside our control. The proliferation of operators who do not share our commitment to the environment and allow activities that disrupt the natural tranquility and balance of the mangroves deeply saddens us. We remain dedicated to conducting our tours with the utmost respect for the ecosystem, refraining from activities such as swimming near or in the mangroves and operating speed boats or playing music loudly. The unfortunate transformation of these areas due to activities allowed by other operators is far from what we wish our guests to experience. As we respect the fragile environment we operate within, we have shifted our focus towards multi-day expeditions that explore less-traveled paths, offering a serene and unspoiled nature experience, away from overcrowded sites. These hidden trails are treasures we wish to preserve from the adverse impacts of commercial adventure tourism. We genuinely regret that aspects of your adventure were not as you hoped and understand your feedback pertains to experiences beyond our influence. However, it reinforces our dedication to fostering positive, eco-conscious explorations in the environments under our care. We are constantly seeking ways to enhance our offerings within the scope of what we can manage, including educating our guests about the importance of preserving such ecosystems. Your insights are invaluable, and we sincerely apologize for any part of your experience that was not up to expectations. Should you be open to discussing your experience further or would like to know more about our eco-friendly expeditions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on one of our expeditions, where the peaceful connection with nature that you seek remains untarnished. Warm regards, Dani Gorgon Founder SYZYGY ECOSPORTS

Hello Ajay, Thank you immensely for joining us on our unique 10 KM kayaking adventure through the mangrove forests of Paravur Lake. Completing this journey is an impressive feat, akin to conquering a half marathon on water! We take pride in offering this extraordinary experience, which stands as a rare opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the beauty of Paravur Backwaters—a journey not available anywhere else in India. Your feedback is invaluable, and we're delighted to know you found the journey brilliant despite its length. Staying well-hydrated is indeed crucial for such endeavors, and we commend you for your preparedness and enthusiasm. We look forward to welcoming you on more remarkable kayaking adventures in the future. Warm regards, Team SYZYGY

Hello Adam, thank you for choosing Syzygy Ecosports to explore the mangrove forest in Paravur Lake. We are happy to know that you enjoyed your half-marathon kayaking trip. Thanks a lot for writing your experience and review here. Kind regards Team SYZYGY

Dear Ayush, First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for the confusion and inconvenience you encountered with your booking for the kayaking trip in the Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters near Varkala and Kollam. It is truly regrettable to hear about your experience, which is not representative of the high standards of service we strive to maintain. Regarding the miscommunication about our holiday closure on December 25th, due to Christmas, it appears that our efforts to inform you through the Viator Customer Management Portal on November 18, 2024, were unsuccessful. This oversight led to significant disappointment, and for that, we are deeply sorry. We recognize the critical nature of seamless travel arrangements, especially during such festive times. Additionally, we acknowledge your frustration upon discovering the price difference stemming from the markup applied to our retail prices on partner platforms. I wish to clarify that this markup is essential in covering operational costs and facilitating the enriched booking experience our partners provide. By collaborating with esteemed platforms, we offer additional benefits such as greater booking flexibility, comprehensive customer support, and enhanced security measures including full refunds. Our commitment is to provide you with a service that is both reliable and of added value. It brings us relief to know that Viator has processed a full refund for you. However, we are intent on doing more to rectify the situation. Should you retain an interest in exploring the serene beauty of the Paravur Backwaters, we are pleased to offer you a complimentary tour on your next booking directly with us—you will only need to pay for one participant, and the cost for your partner’s tour will be covered by us as a token of our apology. Our aim is to demonstrate the true essence of our tours and the dedication of our team, ensuring you receive an exceptional and memorable experience. To avail of this offer, or to discuss how we can further address your concerns, please reach out to us directly at +91 9916799949. Your feedback is invaluable, driving us to improve and better manage such situations in the future. Thank you for your understanding, and we sincerely hope for the opportunity to welcome you on one of our tours, delivering the outstanding experience you undoubtedly deserve. Warmest regards, Dani Gorgon Founder Syzygy Ecosports

Thanks a lot for visiting our kayaking center and choosing to paddle the 10KM kayaking trip to explore the mangrove forest and paravur backwaters. We are glad to know you enjoyed the kayaking trip with us. Thanks again for sharing your feedback. Kind regards Team SYZYGY

Hello Marc, thank you for visiting Syzygy Ecosports and choosing to go for the Mangrove Forest trip. As you described, this trip is not for the weak as it is a total of 10 KM distance roundtrip. But you have done it and it is a doable trip with right mindset, preseverence, moderate fitness, and best equipment. We are happy to know that you enjoyed the 10 KM trip wtih exploration of mangrove forest and Paravur Lake. Thanks again for taking time to write your trip experience and feedback. Best regards