Kerala has got a lot of unique reasons to be called a true paradise. With a calm quiet pleasing climate, sunny beaches, green backwaters, peaceful hill stations, exotic wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls,Ayurvedic health holidays, magnificent art forms, colorful festivals, historical monuments, a mouthwatering cuisine and lot more...... All this gives you a unique wonderful experience
Backwaters
The breathtaking backwaters capture the beauty of the unhurried village life of rural Kerala with it's enchanting web of majestic canals, lakes and lagoons that link the remote islands and villages with the mainland.
Veli Tourist Village
Location
About 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.
The long, undulating shoreline of Kerala is broken by lagoons that merge into inland lakes to form some of the most picturesque picnic spots. One such is the Veli lagoon, separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow sand bar.
The Veli Tourist Village, built at the point where the lagoon meets the Arabian Sea, is replete with fish ponds, wading pools and landscaped gardens, along with facilities for boating and water sports and a children's park around the floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.
The youth hostel takes care of your food and accommodation at Veli. Nearby is the Shankhumukham beach skirting theThiruvananthapuram International airport.
Visiting hours7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 8 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km.
Pookkot Lake
Location
Three km south of Vythiri town, Wayanad district, North Kerala.
Altitude: 2,100 metres above sea level.
Tourist season:August to May.
It's not just a natural fresh-water lake on the Western Ghats. The Pookkot Lake is the only one of its kind in Kerala. It sports a fresh-water aquarium with numerous varieties of fish. At 2,100 metres above sea level the Pookkot Lake is a tourist's paradise.
Boating facilities, a children's park and a spices and handicrafts emporium add to the attraction of the place. Located 700- 2,100 metres above sea level, Wayanad district, home to the Pookkot Lake, has some of the highest hill ranges in the State in its Vythiri taluk (a taluk is a sub division of a district).
Winding hairpin bends and ridges make the journey up the ranges an exciting experience.
With vast stretches of tropical forests and hilly terrain yet untainted by civilisation, Wayanad is also home to the largest number of tribal settlements in Kerala.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 60 km from Vythiri.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 23 kms from Kozhikode town.
Malampuzha
Location
10 km from Palakkad town, North Kerala.
Attractions
Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.
Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.
Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake.
Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the snake park, the ropeway that takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi (an enchantress) sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, the leading sculptor of Kerala.
The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Nek Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Palakkad.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, about 55 km from Palakkad town.
Poovar
An innovative range of tourist accommodation, "Floats", a cluster of 10 floating cottages, is getting ready for occupation at Poovar 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The cottages are located at the meeting point of the Neyyar river, the Arabian Sea and a stretch of backwaters.They are built on platforms made of fibre, steel and ferrocement, in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
The resort also offers facilities like swimming pool, restaurant, conference hall etc., in addition to about 20 other ordinary cottages facing the water body.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 30 km.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 30 km.
Chandragiri
Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district, this destination is known for its large 17th century fort. This fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset.
The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called 'Pattutsavam'.
The Chandragiri Boat Club, run by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation, conducts boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves on the river.
Getting there
Chandragiri is only a few minutes drive from Kasaragod town.
Nearest railway station : Kasaragod
Nearest airport : Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod.
Kuttanad
Location
Spread over Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.
Attractions
Kuttanad is an expanse of waterlogged land, lying below sea level. Often, the level of water here is higher than that of the green paddy fields on either side.
Kuttanad bears a strong resemblance to Holland in terms of geographical features. Three rivers- the Pamba, the Manimala and the Achankovil criss-cross this region, popularly called 'The Rice Bowl' of Kerala, before flowing into the Vembanad Lake.
Until a few years ago, water was the main mode of transport. Today, buses and trains ply in the region. However, the landscape is so unique that a boat trip through Kuttanad is an unforgettable experience, with bustling rural life on the banks of the rivers, green expanses of paddy fields and shady coconut groves.
Getting there
Alappuzha is the nerve centre of the backwaters of Kerala. There are frequent boat services in the Alappuzha-Edathua-Ambalappuzha route covering Kuttanad.
Nearest railway stations: Alappuzha and Changanacherry.
Nearest airports: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km to the north; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 150 km to the south.
Valiyaparamba
Location
Valiyaparamba, about 30 km from Bekal, Kasaragod, north Kerala.
Valiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.
Valiyaparamba, a hinterland separated from the mainland, is a noted fishing centre in the district and is just an hour's drive from Bekal, one of the most enchanting beaches of Kerala. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a headland that runs into the sea, offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route, about 46 km from Valiyaparamba.
Nearest airports: Mangalore in Karnataka State, about 50 km from Kasaragod; Karipur international airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod.
Chithari
Green and beautiful, Chithari is still a virgin destination. This island, which is effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, is accessible only by boat. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to become a mega tourist destination.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 km.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km.
Mattuppetty Lake
Location
About 13 km from Munnar.Altitude:1,700 m above sea level.
A nature lover's paradise, Mattuppetty Lake is nestled on the hills of Idukki, one of the most nature-rich districts of Kerala. The calm, tranquil waters of the Mattuppetty Lake, at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level, lies along 13 km.
A boat cruise on the lake is the best way to experience the idyllic destination. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) at Idukki is providing speed boats, motor boats, pedal boats and row boat facilities at the lake.
Mattuppetty is noted for its IndoSwiss Livestock Project, where improved varieties of cattle are bred. The farm is open to visitors from morning till evening.
Getting there
Mattuppetty is just a 13 km drive from Munnar, the most enchanting hill station of South India.
Nearest railway station : Kottayam, about 142 km from Munnar.
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 130 km.
Kumarakom
Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, 16 km from Kottayam town.
The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast-developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences, which are truly exhilarating.
The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.
The serene lake comes alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta- the snake boat races. It is indeed amazing to watch oarsmen, at least a hundred in one boat, slice their way through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing.
Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu, a picturesque little village near Karunagapally, hardly 23 km north of Quilon (travel time: 30 min) along the Kayamkulam Lake, has become a hot point of Kettuvallam building, with more than a hundred people involved.
These huge boats were traditionally used to move tonnes of goods across kingdoms, with a portion, covered with bamboo and coir, serving as a rest room and kitchen for the crew.
A familiar sight on the waters, these vessels are built with planks of jack wood joined together with coir rope and coated with a caustic black resin made from boiled cashew kernels.
Q S T & R Block
This is perhaps the most interesting name for an idyllic tourist spot.
Located at Kuttanad in Alleppey district, QST & R Block Kayal is a backwater destination.
The rice fields here are four to ten feet below sea level. Extensive track of fertile land is reclaimed from the backwaters, for which, the water is held at bay with the help of dykes resembling those in Holland. This is a unique illustration of the indigenous agricultural engineering skills of the ancients.
A cruise on the canals and backwaters here on a rice boat (kettuvallam) is a one-of-its-kind experience. Serene waterways, quiet life on the shores, water fowl, palm grove and paddy fields… there is no other place like Kuttanad.
Getting there
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha
Ashramom
Location
The Picnic Village is at Ashramom, about 3 km from Kollam town. Located on the backwaterfront, the Picnic Village is one of the main centres of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an adventure park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children’s Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas provide accommodation and entertainment facilities in the village.The District Tourism Promotion Council conducts regular backwater cruises in houseboats, luxury boats and speedboats from the Boat Club.
Getting there
Nearest railway station : Kollam Junction, about 3 km from the Picnic Village.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 75 km from Kollam.
Kodungalloor
Kodungalloor town is situated 35 km south of Thrissur.
Kodungalloor was once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamil Nadu. It was known by the Greek as the Muziris and is a place immersed in rich history.
Kodungalloor is surrounded by backwaters and the sea.It is also famous as Cranganore and has an illustrious past, to tell. It is said to be the place where St. Thomas first preached Christianity in India.
Some important places in this town --
Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque in Kodungalloor resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. It was earlier made of wood. Built in 629 A.D., this is the first mosque in India where Juma prayers were started. Recent changes have been made and it now has concrete minarets. The interiors remain wooden, with a Kerala oil lamp right in the centre. This lamp is of great significance to people of all religions. Some of them bring oil for the lamp on the auspicious occasions of major family events.
Kodungalloor Bhagawati Temple: The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout the state of Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces.
During this occasion, one can also witness the largest congregation of oracles, not seen anywhere in Kerala. The Bharani festival also witnesses the offering of worship to the deity in the innermost sanctum by those belonging to castes other than the priestly class. One day before the final Bharani, the Chandanapodi Chartal or the smearing of the image with sandal paste is carried out.
St.Thomas Church: Christ's apostle St Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.
St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and challenging personality. He had preached the gospel from Ethiopia to China. Many a church in West Asia considers him as the father of its faith.
At Kodungalloor, he established the first Christian church in India and is the architect behind other churches in Kerala: Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Nilackal.
Other places of interest nearby Kodungalloor include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, and the Portuguese Fort.
Getting there
By road: You can access this place by bus from Thrissur's Shakthan Thampuran stand.
Nearest railway station: Irinjalakuda, about 20 km.
Nearest airport: Nedumbaserry International Airport at Kochi, about 60 km.
Pathiramanal
Location
One and a half hour drive by motor boat or 30 minutes by speed boat from Alappuzha, Alappuzha district, south Kerala.
Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.
Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake,stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.
The mainland Alappuzha has a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss-crossing it and is a district of immense natural beauty.
Getting there
Nearest railway station : Alappuzha
Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km north of Alappuzha; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ,about 150 km towards the south.
Harippad
Harippad is known for the Champakulam snake boat race, the oldest and most popular snake boat race in Kerala.
The Champakulam boat race is an event closely connected to the Sree Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha. The race is held on the Champakulam Lake on the Moolam day of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the installation of the deity at the temple. The annual boat race is held in June-July.
According to legend, Maharaja Devanarayana of Chempakasseri, as instructed by the royal priest, built a temple at Ambalappuzha. Unfortunately, just before the installation of the deity, he was informed that the idol was not auspicious.
The king was disturbed, but his minister suggested an inspired solution- to bring down the beautiful idol of Sree Krishna presented to Arjuna by the Lord himself, from the Karikulam temple in Kurichi.
A delegation went to Kurichi, met the authorities there and returned with the idol. On the way back they stopped at Champakulam to spend the night and perform a pooja.
The next morning, boats from the entire region assembled to escort the idol in a colorful, ceremonial procession through the lake to the temple. Thus began the tradition.
The pageant is re-enacted even today with the same enthusiasm. An exotic procession of water floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols and performing arts greets the spectator before the race.
Akkulam
Location
10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.
Attractions
A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.
The Akkulam tourist village has boating facilities, a well-equipped children’s park and a paddle pool. There is also a swimming pool for adults. The calm and serene atmosphere at Akkulam and its unique beauty are a fascination for tourists.
Timings and rates
Boat rentals: 10:00 to 17:00 hrs; Safari boat : Rs.15 per head per cruise; Speed boat: Rs.150 for four persons per cruise.
Children’s park: 09:3019:30 hrs; Adults: Rs.2 ; Children: Re 1.
Swimming pool: 07:3018:30 hrs; Adults: Rs.15; Children: Rs 10.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 10 km from the tourist village.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 7 km from the tourist village.
Kollam
Though backwater tourism in the state has always been associated with canals of Alleppey, a cruise through the serpentine waterways of Kollarn is sure to enmesh you in an eternal love triangle.
Placid lakes with beautiful and luxurious houseboats, lush green-fringed palms rippling on the emerald green waters and Chinese fishing nets patiently waiting for their prey, all make Kollam an ideal destination for the tourists.
Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, is an old seaport town on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake with places mired deeply in history. It was regarded by Ibn Batuta as one of the finest five ports he had ever seen.
Quilon has maintained a commercial reputation from ancient times. Phoenicians, Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans and Chinese traded with this port. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam, followed by the Dutch and the English.
Velu Thampy, the Dalawa of Travancore, did much for the improvement of Kollam town. He built new bazaars and invited merchants from Madras and Thirunelveli to settle there.
Kollam later became the capital of the enlightened and liberal rulers of Desinganadu.
Considering the ever increasing demand of 'Backwater Tourism', the Kollam District Tourism Council has introduced several steps to promote Kollam as the embarkment to the languid backwaters of Kerala.
Places of interest include Thangassery, a fishing port, 5 km away from Kollam. Palaruvi, 5 km from Ariankavu has a beautiful 300 feet silver cascade. Oachira temple is an important pilgrim center.
The Matha Anulthanandamayi Ashram at Vallikkavu, the residence and headquarters of Sri Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of the most prominent spiritual leaders of India also offers solace to the spiritually-inclined travelers.
Mayyanad, 10 km south of Quilon, is also noted for its shrines and temples. There are about nine temples here and the most noted among them is the one at Umayanalloor, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by Sree Sankaracharya.
The Ananda Valleswaram temple attracts people on almost all days.
There are also several churches and mosques in and around Kollam. One of the oldest and most important mosques in the town is the Chirmakkada Palli.
Mahatma Gandhi beach and park, Thirumullavararn beach and Ashramarn picnic village are some of the most important spots of local sight-seeing. The Sasthankotta Lake, the only freshwater lake in the state, is here.
It is estimated that around 45,000 tourists visit Kollam every season to enjoy the backwater cruises.
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