Alumkadavu Backwaters

About Alumkadavu Backwaters

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.

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.

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 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.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Nearest Hospital:

Hotel Sudarsan
Parameswar Nagar
Kollam

Palace Hotel Kollam
Cheerancavu, Ezhukone,
Kollam, Kerala 691505 - 0474 252930

Karthika Plaza Resort
Wachermukku, Varkala, 695141- 09946388654

Keys 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).

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 Ayurveda

AM Hospital
NH 47, Karunagapalli, Kollam
Kerala 690518- 0476 3290262.

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.

Things to do at Alumkadavu Backwaters

Fishing, boating, You can tke the beautifull snap of natural scenaries..

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

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 Alumkadavu Backwaters

The best time to visit Alumkadavu 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 Alumkadavu Backwaters

The backwaters of Kerala, including Alumkadavu 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.