Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters in Trivendrum, Kerala

About Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters

Akkulam Lake, the paradise of peace loving travelers, is situated 3 km away from Ulloor junction, in Thiruvananthapuram. A beautiful picnic spot developed on the banks of this lake has boating facilities, a well equipped children’s park and a paddle pool. Those who live a life in multistoried flats and congested dwellings of the crowded city can breath fresh air and have cool bath in the swimming pool for as low as 15 rupees per head.Akkulam is a backwater tourism center just ten kilometer from Thampanoor –the heart center of Thiruvananthapuram city. Akkulam backwater is an extension of the well known Veli Lake.All sorts of boats are available for the entertainment of the tourists at very affordable rates. Speed boats, pedal boats row boats, all very colorful and light even children can handle them with ease.There is a fort and a palace in this place which are worth seeing. The palace is rich in wood carvings of the old age. There are even house boats for overnight stay on the idyllic scenery of the backwaters.

Considered to be a picnic spot, there is a large swimming pool in the Akkulam Tourist Village which is one of the major highlights of this area. The calm and serene atmosphere and its unique natural beauty is fascinating for the tourist.There is a boat club with over dozens of boats, available for joy riders.he Sculptures of Sri Kanai Kunjuraman makes this place more beautiful.

Interesting things to Visit

Sri Kanai Kunjuraman:

The Matsya Kanyaka ( a giangetic 35m long sculpture of mermaid) made by the famous sculptor Sri Kanai Kunjuraman.

Pozhikara Beach:

Pozhikara Beach is a nearby haunt beloved by tourists. The Karamana and Parvathy Puthanaar Rivers empty into the Arabian Sea at this spot.

Flora and Fauna:

Brilliantly colored flowers, striking in variety beauty, the dense green foliage, the natural vegetation, the exotic water birds and others flora and fauna make your tour on the Thiruvallam Backwaters an unending bag of pleasant surprises

Veli tourist Village:

The Veli Tourist Village is sandwiched between the Veli Lagoon and the Arabian Sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar. Facilities at the village include water sports in the lagoon and 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach.

Canoe Rides:

Tourists enjoy canoe rides and capture breathtaking views of the country life on Thiruvallam backwaters tours.

Temples:

Tourists can make a visit to the famous temple dedicated to the Sri Parasurma, the mythological creator of Kerala. The temple has gained immense popularity in the last few years and is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Legends say that when Parasurma threw his axe northward from Kanyakumari, a land was created where his axe fell and that particular land was named as the ‘Land of Parasurma’.

Nearest Visiting places

Agasthyakoodam:

Lying at an altitude of 1,890 m, Agasthyakoodam is the highest peak in southern Kerala. It forms part of Western Ghats and the Agasthyavanam forest, The hill is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara; for Hindus it is the abode of sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva.The hills are rich in medicinal plants, herbs and many species of birds and wild animals. Trekking to the top takes two days and is only permitted between December and April.

Neyyar Dam:

It is a wonderful dam located near the ranges of Western Ghats, and is a well-liked tourist spot. This dam is also an ideal spot for the picnic and for spending some quality moments with friends and family.
Your tour to Trivandrum will become one of the most memorable events in your life as you will come across some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring places that you hardly would have witnessed before.

Varkala Beach:

Varkala is a seaside resort. It is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2,000-year-old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Center are the two main attractions here at Varkala.

Paripally Gajamela:

Paripally, 48 km north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival in the month of February-March.

Ponmudi:

An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooded environs, Ponmudi is located 913 met~s 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 trails. Food: KTDC restaurant.

Kanyakumari:

This is the land`s end of India and is only 87 km from Trivandrum. This is also known as Cape Comorin. This beautiful spot is located in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu state. This place has got international recognition because of Vivekananda who started his journey from this place.

Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad:

Located on the way to the Ponmudi Hill Station and the Courtallam waterfalls, this ancient palace dates back to the 13th century. Here you can see a double storeyed traditional Nalukettu building with slanting gabled roofs, an inner courtyard and museums of folklore and numismatics set up by the Department of Archaeology.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple:

There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture ofVinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi

Sree Chithra Art Gallery:

Located near the Napier Museum, this art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Raiput, Mughal andTanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Ball.

Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum:

Children of all age groups will enjoy the vast collection of nearly 2000 dolls, stamps and masks displayed here. Observatory: Located at the highest point in the city, near the Museum complex 60 metres above sea level, one can have a bird`s eye view of the city from here.

Anivikkara Dam:

This picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full offish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church :

This Roman Catholic church is situated near the St. Francis church and is worth a visit. It is a specimen of Portuguese architecture built in 1503. ‘Frescoes’ and mural paintings decorate the ceiling and interior parts of the church. The gothic architecture and the lofty spires gives it a unique grandeur
Bolghatty Island : Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.

Willington Island :

Connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge, Willington Island is named after the former Viceroy of India, Lord Willington. It is a manmade Island created from the materials dredged while deepening Cochin Port. Willington Island sites some of the district’s best hotels, Trading and industrial offices. Besides the airport, ship building yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Head Quarters, the customs house and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the government of India

Vyppin light house :

The biggest Island, situated between the sea and the backwaters of Cochin. It is 24 km long and 2 1/2 km wide. There is a light house at Ochanthuruthu which is open to tourists from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Island can be reached only by water transport provided by boat services and Junkar. There are bus services on the Island.

Pallippuram Fort :

Pallippuram fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vyppin Island at Pallippuram. The catholic church at Pallippuram is an important pilgrim centre of the Christians.

The Pareekshit Thampuran Museum :

Its archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva temple in Durbar Hall Road,Ernakulam. This museum features collections of the 19th century paintings , Pre-historic monuments , Old coins in a numismatic gallery, Scriptures in stone & Plaster of Paris, Copies of mural paintings etc & the collection from the Cochin royal family. In the earlier days the museum was the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas where guests were welcomed, and where official ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
Vazhuthacaud
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Statue General Hospital Road
Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Chalai
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Thampanoor Petrol Pump
Thycaud
Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

IOC Petrol Pump
Thirumala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Keralagreenery
Tutors Ln, Palayam,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala 695001
Tel: 0471 2573011.

Keys Hotels Trivandrum
Opposite Fire Brigade
Housing Board Junction
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Tel: 09820451618.

Fortune Hotel The South Park,
M. G. Road, Trivandrum
Kerala 695034
Tel: 0471 2333333.

SP GRAND DAYS Hotel
Railway Station Rd,Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala 695014
Tel: 0471 2333344.

Shirleysbeach Hotels and Tour operators
Behind Coconut Groove restaurant
kovalam Beach, trivandrum
Kerala 695527
Tel: 0471 2317303.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Pothencode Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Vizhinjam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Nedumangad Police Station
Nedumangad
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

KIMS Hospital
Trivandrum, Kerala
Tel: 0471 2447575.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Kesavadasapuram, Trivandrum
Kerala 695004
Tel: 0471 2447183.

Sree Ramakrishna Mission Hospital
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Tel: 0471 2722125.

Medical College Hospital
TrivandrumKerala-
Tel: 0471 2444270.

ROY MEDICAL CENTRE
Thycaud Hospital Road, Opp. Amritha Hotel
Trivandrum, Kerala 695014
Tel: 09387809779.

Divya Prabha Eye Hospital
Nalumukku Medical College Rd
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
Tel: 0471 2442050.

Link:

http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/akkulam-lake.html
http://keralahangout.blogspot.com/2008/02/thiruvananthapuram.html
http://mybeautifulkerala.blogspot.com/2007/12/backwaters.html
http://keralatourismnewsupdates.blogspot.com/2009/05/vs-to-convene-meet-on-saving-akkulam.html
http://trivandrum-bloggers.blogspot.com/2009/09/letters-to-hon-minister-dr-shashi.html

Location info

**Address:**Ullor, Trivendrum, Kerala, India
District: Trivendrum
**Nearest City:**Kanyakumari,Madurai,Nagarkoil,Nedumangad,veli,valiyachala,Thycaud.
**Best time to visit:**August to April.

Climate & weather

The climate is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and The temperature normally ranges between 27º and 32º C.

Things to do at Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters

Its have a popular picnic spots for the tourists. There is also a swimming pool at this serene picturesque place and There is a boat club with over dozens of boats, available for joy riders

Things to carry

Carry light warm clothing, Some foods, water etc..

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Best time to visit Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters

The best time to visit Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the backwaters are at their serene best. March to May is hotter but houseboat rides remain enjoyable. Monsoon (June–September) brings higher water levels transforming the backwaters into a lush paradise, ideal for Ayurvedic treatments although rain interrupts boat rides.

Timings & opening hours

Backwater areas are accessible from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Houseboat check-in is typically at 12:00 PM and check-out at 9:00 AM the next morning. Shikara boat rides operate throughout daylight hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Access to backwater areas is free. Houseboat charges: INR 5,000–25,000 per night depending on boat category (regular, deluxe, premium). Shikara boat rides: INR 500–1500 per hour. Canoe rides: INR 300–500 per person.

Duration needed

Half day to full day. Shikara rides: 1–2 hours. Houseboat overnight stays: 24 hours (12:00 PM check-in to 9:00 AM check-out). Backwater village walks can add 1–2 hours.

Safety tips

Always wear a life jacket during boat and houseboat rides, as provided. Do not lean over the edge of the boat or houseboat, especially when it is moving. Listen to the boat operator’s safety briefing carefully. Avoid swimming in the backwaters as the water depth and currents can be unpredictable. Keep children under close supervision near the water.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala, including Akkulam Boat Club Backwaters, are a unique coastal ecosystem formed by the confluence of numerous rivers, lakes, and the Arabian Sea. These waterways have served as the region’s primary transportation and trade corridors for centuries. The backwater region has a rich history of coconut farming, fishing, and coir manufacturing. The unique houseboat culture evolved from traditional Kerala cargo boats (kettuvallams) which were used to transport rice and spices along the waterways.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a houseboat cost? — Houseboat rates range from INR 5,000–8,000 for regular, INR 8,000–15,000 for deluxe, and INR 15,000–30,000+ for premium/luxury categories per night (including meals). Rates vary by season. Do houseboats include meals? — Yes, most houseboat packages include all meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening tea with snacks. The cuisine is typically Kerala-style with rice, fish curry, and vegetarian options. How long is a typical houseboat cruise? — Standard overnight packages: check-in at 12:00 PM, cruise until 5:00 PM, moored overnight, and check-out at 9:00 AM after breakfast. Day cruises (12:00 PM–5:00 PM) are also available. Can I book a houseboat for just a few hours? — Yes, half-day cruises (3–4 hours) known as shikara rides are available for those short on time. These are more affordable and offer a glimpse of the backwaters. Is it safe for solo female travellers? — Yes, Kerala backwaters are generally safe. Houseboat crews are professional. Book through reputable operators. Inform your accommodation about your houseboat booking.