India : Kerala : Kollam : Attractions & Excursions - 5

Guys, here are some remaining attractions and excursion that you must visit.

Ariankavu (70 kms) :Image Source : Ariankavu

This beautiful place is situated on the Kollam Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Sree Sanstha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here.

Palaruvi Waterfalls (75 kms):

Image Source : Palaruvi Waterfalls

The Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from the height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot.

Rameshwara Temple:

This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
(Image Source : Rameshwara Temple)

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu :

The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. the ashram is accessible both by road and boat. (Image Source : Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu)

Picnic Village :

Image Source : Picnic Village

This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main center for recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, and Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 kms from Chandayamangalam) :

Image Source : Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple

This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.

Jatayupara :

A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird Jatayu in epic Ramayana, who is belived to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Image Source : Jatayupara

India : Kerala : Kollam : Attractions & Excursions - 4

Guys, after your visit at Thiruvananthapuram, now we moved towards Kollam. Just take a look on this helpful information.

Image Source : Kollam

Kollam :

Among the towns in Kerala, Kollam is one town that is famous for it antiquity. One of the oldest ports of the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the center of the International spice trade. 30% of this town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi lake. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappzuha is the longest and most enhancing experience of Kerala's backwaters.

Thangasseri (5kms) :

This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The village has a 3 kms long beach on which stands a 144 foot tall lighthouse.

Image Source : Thangasseri

Thirumullavaram Beach (8 kms) :

This scheduled beach is a beautiful picnic center and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Image source : Thirumullavaram Beach

Mayyanad (10 kms) :

Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temple. The most important of ht nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya.

Image Source : Mayyanad

Ochira (34 kms) :

The unique feature of this famous pilgrim center is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma Temple dedicated to the Universal Consiousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku (twelve lamp festival) in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the Padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction.

Image Source : Ochira

Sasthamkotta (29 kms) :

This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim center.

Image Source : Sasthamkotta

kulathupuzha (64 kms) :

Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram Shenkottai road, Kaulthupuzha is known for the Sanstha Temple. The Vishnu Mohatsavam in April/May is the most important festival.

Image Source : Kulathupuzha

Thenmala (66kms) :

This area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. This is home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. Thenmala is also a damsite.

Image Source : Thenmala

India : Kerala : Thiruvananthapuram : Attractions & Excursions - 3

Image Source : Thiruvananthapuram

Guys, Thiruvananthapuram city is considered as one of the loveliest cities in India. Built on seven low coastal hills, the city has on interesting mixture of tree-lined avenues. Massive buildings, ancestral homes and a long sea coat washed by the waves of the Arabian Sea, Clean, Green Thiruvananthapuram, with its spacious layout and regulated life, is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple :

The temple, located near the bus stand at East fort, is one among the 18 sacred Vishnu Temples in India. It is the city's most impressive landmark. Its 7 storeyed gapuram built in the 16th Century is one of the finest specimens of traditional South Indian temple architecture which reflects the Kerala influence. The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars. Beautiful murals and ornamentation adorn the walls. The temple was renovated by the Maharaja of Thiruvithamcur in 1733. Only Hindus can enter the temple, wearing dhoti in a certain style.

Image Source : Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum :

Image Source : Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum

The Palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the roual family and is located near the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

The Napier Museum :

Image Source : The Napier Museum

Built in the 19th century, the Indo-saracenic structure boasts a "natural" air conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery :

Image Source : Sree Chithra Art Gallery

This art gallery located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays among others, select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

Shankhumugham Beach :

Image Source : Shankhumugham Beach

This beach is just 8 kms from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.

Veli Tourist Village :

This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Paddle boats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over that waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape.

Image Source : Veli Tourist Village

Kovalam Beach (16 kms) :

A beautiful, curving, palm-fringed beach of golden sands and safe bathing have made India's major beach resort. It is an internationally known holiday destination. Kavalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach. is the most popular.

Image Source : Kovalam Beach

Varkala (40 kms) :

Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. The Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins), the 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, a century old tunnel and Nature Care Centre are the main attractions here.

Image Source : Varkala

Ponmudi (61 kms) :

an idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs. Ponmudi is located 915 meters above sea level. Along with a variety of beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and the deer park nearby, this hill station also has excellent trekking tracks.

Image Source : Ponmudi

Peppara Wildlife Sanctury (50 kms) :

The sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, has rich flora and fauna and is dotted with hillock, forests and eucalyptus plantations.

Image Source : Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Padmanabhapuram Palace (52 kms) :

The seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore, this wooden palace has extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and black glossy granite floor that have withstood the test of time.

Image Source : Padmanabhapuram Palace

India : Kerala : Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam & Alappuzha : Where to Unpack - 2

Guys take a look at following points, after reaching at Kerala you have to unpack here. In terms of local hospitality and accommodation, you can expect comfortable and value for money options in all price categories at all these destinations. For specific and detailed information of assistance, contact your approved travel agents ore nearest India Tourism / State Tourism Office.

At THIRUVANANTHAPURAM :
Hotel Chaithram (KTDC), Thampanoor, : 2330977
Mascat Hotel (KTDC), PMG, : 2318990
Hotel Samudra (KTDC), Kavalam, : 2480089

At KOLLAM :
Yatri Niwas (KTDC), : 2745538

At ALAPPUZHA :
Yatri Niwas (KTDC), : 2244460

India : Kerala : Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam & Alappuzha : It is god's own country - 1

Image Source : Kerala

Kerala - God's own country with the Arabian Sea in teh west, the Western Ghats towering 500 and 2700 meters in the east and networked by fourty four rivers. Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourism destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long share line with scene beaches. Tranquil stretch of emerald backwaters. Lush hill station and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enhancing art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine....All of which offer you an unique experience. And what is more, every one of this charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala Slide Show :

Guys, here we are looking for Kerala's 3 most beautiful destinations i.e., Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. Let us start with me...

How to reach at THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

By Air :

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 kms from city) has over 30 air links with convenient connections to Colombo, Maldives, and Middle East. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights all over the country from here.

By Rail :

There are direct trains from Thiruvananthapuram to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India.

By Road :

Long distance buses operate form the central bus Station at Thampanoor, opposite the Railway Station. Short distance buses operate from the City Bus Station, East Fort.

Map of Thiruvananthapuram: (Click on the map for larger view)

Image Source: Google

How to reach at KOLLAM :

By Air :

Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms)

By Rail :

Kollam is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.

By Road :

An excellent road network links Kollam to all major towns and cities in Kerala.

Map of Kollam : (Click on the map for larger view)

Image Source : Google

How to reach at ALAPPUZHA

By Air :

Nearest International Airport : Thiruvananthapuram (150 kms), Kochi (Nedumbassery 85 kms).

By Rail :

Well connected to major cities

By Road :

An excellent road network links the district to all major towns and cities in India.

Map of Alappuzha : (Click on the map for larger view)