Alumkadavu Backwaters
About: |
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The Alumkadavu is in little place in the town of Karunagapally just 23 km from Kollam. Hub of the Kettuvallam building industry, Karunagapally has hundreds of artisans who can be seen busy at work putting together a traditional houseboat like it has been done for hundreds of years.At Alumkadavu,you might get a chance to see a floating conference hall, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world. Designed for 35 persons, it has a dais and a sophisticated public address system. these days working at full capacity to churn out as many houseboats as they can to meet the ever growing demands of the kerala's tourism industry. The boats which were earlier called kettuvallom's were originally intended to carry cargo. but as more and more places gained road and rail access the faster transport through road and rail took over the job from the traditional water transport. Alumkadavu has been a boat building centre. Traditional houseboats are still built and repaired here. The village of Alumkadavu is filled with the earthy scent of coir and wood on water. The beginnings of boat building can be traced back to this place where every day except on Sundays, you can watch the kettuvalloms being constructed. One can also visit coir-making units and learn all about how rope is made. |
Location info: |
| Address:Karunagapally, Kollam, Kerala, India. |
| District: Kollam District. |
| Nearest City:Attingal,Trivandrum, Shenkottah,Chirakkara, Eravipuram, Kalluvathukkal, Kilikolloor, Kizhakkke Kallada,Kovolam |
| Best time to visit:Semptember to May. |
Climate/Weather: |
| climate is largely tropical and the weather Temperature ranges from Max 36oC and Min 22.4 oC. |
History: |
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Interesting things to do: |
| Fishing, boating, You can tke the beautifull snap of natural scenaries.. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Achankovil: One of the main temples of Lord Ayyappa, it is believed that the idol here is consecrated by Lord Parasurama himself. The temple is similar to the famous shrine at Sabarimala. The Manalar Falls and the Kumbuvurutty Falls, which also has a Nature Interaction Centre, are along the way to this temple. Chavara: This is six miles from Kollam on NH47. The mineral factories, premo pipe factory and indo-Norwegian project centre are the main attractions of this place.They can be reached only by boat from Alappuzha. Punalur: This is located in Kollam district, at a distance of 46km and is the most important industrial centre of the state. The suspension bridge built in 1879 over Kallada river is a star attraction. The Lord Ayyappa temple at Sasthamkonam is popular among the devotees. Punalur is the hottest place in Kerala. Sasthamkotta: This is located in Kollam district. The beautiful town on the right bank of Kallada River is 26km north east of Kollam. It is known for the temple of Lord Sastha and Sasthamkotta Lake , which is the only major fresh water lake in the state. The lake is set amidst scenic surroundings covered by high hills on the three sides. Ochira: Ochira is 6km from Kayamkulam on the NH47, Ochira is famous for its Parabrahma temple and the annual temple festival. It is believed that Ochira was the Army Training Centre of the Kayamkulam Rajas. It is also an important handicrafts centre. Thenmala: A small township amidst rubber plantations and thick forest,located 30km from Punalur, Thenmala is an interesting picnic spot to enjoy the natural scenery. Ariyankavu: 70km from Kollam, Ariyankavu is the gateway of Tamil nadu. There are five tunnels dug through the mountains for the Southern Railway in this area. The Ariyankavu tunnel constructed in 1904 is the largest. The Sastha temple here is the most important among the Sastha temples. Kottarakkara: 74km from Trivandrum , Kottarakkara is an important junction town where roads from Kottayam, Punalur, Trivandrum and Kollam meet. Kerala Institute of Rural Development is at Kottarakara. Thankasseri: It is about 5km from Kollam and is known for the Colonial building-like churches and bungalows. The 44m tall light house is the special attraction of the town. Kolattupuzha: 64km from Kollam, Kolathupuzha in situated in the forest range and is famous among devotees for its shrine. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway station |
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Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport |
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Road Transport: Kollam (Quilon) is connected by road with many tourist centers in India. Regular buses are available for intra state transport. Buses also run to the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. And from Thiruvananthapuram - Attingal - Kollam - Karunagapalli - at the end Alumkadavu. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Ashramam Picnic Village: Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. The children's traffic and entertainment park, designed by NATPAC is also located in this village. It is the largest traffic park in Kerala. The adventure park located in the village along the shores of the Ashtamudi back waters , is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yathrinivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old . Thangassery: Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is light house, built in 1902. The 144ft high light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Jatayu Para Jatayu Para, a huge rock is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C. Road. The name comes from the epic , Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic fell here after falling in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking Sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure. Krishnapuram Palace: The Krishnapuram Palace is fully restored in March 1999, is a fine example of Keralan Architecture. The palace is well worth a visit . The palace is open 10am to 5pm every day except Monday. Sabarimala: Sabarimala temple is one of the oldest existing temples in India. Historians and Archaeologists have studied deeply about the temple, its construction pattern the interpretation of the legends associated with Sabarimala etc and suggested that the temple is at least 4000-4250 years old. But according to popular beliefthe temple is 4800-5000 years old. Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple: A beautiful temple that has been carved out of rocks, this magnificent temple is a must see for all those who like unique architecture. Shendurni Wildlife Sanctuary: Located at a distance of 70 kilometers from Kollam, this beautiful wildlife sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Shendurny River. It a splendid green valley and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Kollam Police Museum: India's first and only one police museum. Explores India's police history other attractions are watch tower, meditation hall, garden, traffic guidance. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Indian Oil Petrol Pump Leela petrol pump Indian Oil Petrol Pumb |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Nearest Hospital: Hotel Sudarsan Palace Hotel Kollam Karthika Plaza Resort Keys Hotels Trivandrum |
Things to carry: |
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Carry some pens / Chocolates with you for supplying to the backwater village children’s, if you can, don't give any money,Try to wear cotton light dress on cruise; it can avoid humidity on summer time. (March, April, May).
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Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Kollam East Police Station valathungal police station Police Station Police Station Punalur Police Station Nearest Hospitals: Lakshmi Hospitals AM Hospital |
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Video Gallery
| Thangasseri Beach |
| This beach is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Kollam town. There are many historical sites that you can explore while at the Thangasseri Beach. You can see the ruins of an Old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. One of the major attractions is the Thangasseri Lighthouse, open to all visitors. The Thangasseri Light house was first used in 1902 and is 144 ft tall which used to warn the seafarers about the dangerous reefs in the Thangasseri coastline. It is open to the public from 1530 to 1730. Thangasseri, once favoured by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British has its place in history due to the ruins of their old forts. Other places of interest are the churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri beach stands as a silent spectator of the golden past and the glorious present. This beach envisions the glory of life and ages.....more |
| Thirumullavaram Beach |
| The Thirumullavaram Beach in Kerala is situated at a distance of around 6 kilometers to north of Kollam town, Kollam District. Unexplored and untouched by time, the beach offers unadulterated tranquility and peace of mind. In case you are looking for an ideal way to spend a peaceful and quiet day, far away from the bustling life, in Kollam, Thirumullavaram beach is the place for you. Just lie down on the soft sands while soaking up the sun and relaxing quietly in the lap of nature.The quiet and isolated beach provides plenty of opportunities for not just relaxing, but also other activities like swimming and sun bathing. The waves over here are pretty calm so you can venture out in the sea without much of hindrance. The beach is a favorite haunt among tourists and locals and is easily accessible from anywhere in Kerala. The beach has golden sands and the turquoise blue sea makes it picture perfect.....more |
| Kollam City |
| Kollam, located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, is the center of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. It is interesting to note that about thirty per cent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most captivating experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.....more |
| Fort at Thangassery |
| Thangassery Old Fort is just 5 km from Kollam, Thangassery or Dutch Quilon as it was called was once a British enclave. Meaning is gold village in local parlance, this was the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency. This seaside village of historic importance shelters the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built during the 18th century. The famed lighthouse of Thangasseri which is 144 ft high, constructed in 1519 by the British Thangasseri, a silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902.Thangasseri was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast.....more |
| Munroe Island |
| 27 km from Kollam formed by the backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, this island is named after Colonel Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. He is credited with having integrated several backwater regions by digging canals. The discovery of stone age tools and megaliths stand testimony to the antiquity of this islet which shelters a quaint little village.Monroe Island is a private island owned by a local family. It is not open to the public. It has been open to MITA members for many years. If you are a MITA member visiting the island be sure to read up on where to camp and pull up boats. There are absolutely no open fires on the island.....more |
| Ashtamudi Lake |
| Ashtamudi Lake is located in Kollam district, Kerala, South India.The Ashtamudi is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Kerala State. It is a palm-shaped extensive water body with eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. The arms converge into a single outlet at Neendakara near Kollam, to flow into the Arabian sea.The river feeds on the Kallada River, which is formed when the Kulathupuzha, the Chedurni and the Kalthuruthy merge together.t is a palm-shaped extensive water body with eight prominent arms, adjoining the Kollam town. The arms converge into a single outlet at Neendakara near Kollam, to enter the Lakshadweep sea. This estuary is the deepest among all the estuaries of Kerala with a maximum depth of 6.4 m at the confluence zone.The backdrop of Chinese fishing nets lends an oriental ambience.....more |
| Paravur Kayal |
| Paravur Kayal is located in Paravur , Kollam district, Kerala. Paravoor is located along the Malabar Coast in the district of Kollam.Paravur is stated to have the largest natural backwater lakes (the Paravur Kayal), This in turn has given rise to a number of tourist resorts, with facilities for boating, swimming and surfing.It is a fishing village with traditional coir making factories and coconut palm weaving centers.Although it is small, with an area of only 6.62 km² , it is the end point of the Ithikkara River and part of the system of lakes and canals that make up the Kerala Backwaters. Paravur Kayal is a lake in Paravur, Kerala, India. It has been connected to Edava Kayal and Ashtamudi Kayal as part of the Trivandrum - Shoranur canal system since the late 19th century.Paravoor has it's share of temples and churches.Paravoor has many temples.One of the famous temples is "PUTTINGAL TEMPLE".....more |
| Sasthamkotta Lake |
| Sasthamkotta Lake is located Sasthamcotta, 27 kms. from Kollam Town, Kollam District, Kerala.It is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala, the water in the lake is special in that it does not contain common salt or other minerals and metals. t is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. he place is gifted with natural beauty and is surrounded by hills and vallies. A must visit place in Kollam. The lake and its very setting is an ideal spot to experience some quite moments, occasionally broken by the shrill pitched call of the monkeys in the trees by the lake side.The lake is surrounded by hills on all sides except south where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields. It is a freshwater lake spread over a huge area of 375 hectares. The highlight of this lake is that it neither gets frozen during the winter season nor does it dries up in the summer.....more |
| Ithikkara River |
| Ithikkara River is a 56 km long river in Kerala, India. It originates in Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram District and flows through Kollam District, finally emptying into Paravur Kayal.10 acres of land having a fertile soil, suitable for plantation, situated near ithikkara river at kaithakuzhy, aadichanelloor in kollam district along with an old bungalow suitable for resort, ayurveda tourism, amusement park etc is available for sale, No brokers.....more |
| Kallada River |
| Kallada River has its origin on the Kulathupuzha hills near Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram District. This is 121 km long river traverses the state through Pathanapuram, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara and Kollam before draining into the Ashtamudi Lake at Kollam District. kallada is a river whose serenity lies in its stillness, the pythonic pace with which it embraces the muddy riversides.Emanate from here are the rusticsimplicity and emotionality of a village populace, named east kallada.untouched by the onslaught of administrative modernisation,here is an area called uppoodu.The virtues of the word called "kinship", define itself here better than anywhere else.these words are attempted for nothing,but to eulogise the umblical relation between the river kallada and the unique life of rustic magnanimity.The famous Hanging Bridge is built across this river. Palaruvi Waterfalls is another highlight in this river.....more |
| Palaruvi Waterfall |
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Palaruvi waterfalls is 75 Kms away from Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkottai road near Aryankavu. Aryankavu. This waterfall is one of the attractions in Kerala.Palaruvi Waterfalls, Kollam. Palaruvi is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kerala that cascade down from the height of 300 feet. Palaruvi is inside thick forests on the high ranges off Thenmala in Kollam district. It is near the Tamil Nadu border, 5 kms from Ariankavu. The waterfalls is from a height of 300 feet. This fall is into a shallow pool and is ideal for swimming. During the rainy season, Palaruvi waterfalls is attarctiveand normally get crowded by thousands of tourists. The water gushing during the monsoon season attracts huge crowds at this waterfalls. The fall gets dry during the summer season and the mansoons bring it to its full glory.....more |