| About: |
| 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: |
| 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: |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Kollam Railway station |
| Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport |
| 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: |
| 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 ParaJatayu 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: |
Indian Oil Petrol Pump
NH 47, Puthiyakavu, Karunagappally
Kollam, Kerala.Leela petrol pump
Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pumb
NH47, Karunagappally, Kollam, Kerala |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Nearest Hospital:Hotel Sudarsan
Parameswar Nagar
KollamPalace Hotel Kollam
Cheerancavu, Ezhukone,
Kollam, Kerala 691505 – 0474 252930Karthika Plaza Resort
Wachermukku, Varkala, 695141- 09946388654Keys Hotels Trivandrum
Opposite Fire Brigade, Housing Board Junction
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Tel: 09820451618 |
| Things to carry: |
| 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). |
| Tips & Suggestions: |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:Kollam East Police Station
Kollam, Kollam, Kerala
Tel: 0474 -2742072.valathungal police station
Kollam, Kerala.Police Station
Karunagappally, Kollam, Kerala.Police Station
Kottarakara, Kollam, Kerala.Punalur Police Station
Punalur, Kollam, Kerala.Nearest Hospitals:Lakshmi Hospitals
Naturopathy and AyurvedaAM Hospital
NH 47, Karunagapalli, Kollam
Kerala 690518- 0476 3290262. |
