Ithikkara River

About Ithikkara River

Ithikkara River is a 56 km long river in Kerala, India. It originates in Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram District and flows through Kollam District, finally emptying into Paravur Kayal.10 acres of land having a fertile soil, suitable for plantation, situated near ithikkara river at kaithakuzhy, aadichanelloor in kollam district along with an old bungalow suitable for resort, ayurveda tourism, amusement park etc is available for sale, No brokers.

Interesting things to Visit

Ariankavu Pilgrimage:

This popular pilgrim center is located at some distance from Kollam, yet is worth the visit. The temple holds its annual festival in December and is a grand spectacle to watch out for.

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:

This place is just 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.

Palaruvi Waterfalls:

This waterfall is Located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, just 5 kms from Ariankavu is the lovely waterfalls at Palaruvi, at a height of 300 feet. Being the pristine spot, the waterfalls give the impression of following milk.

Thirumullavaram Beach:

This beach is 6 kms north of Kollam town, is the beautiful and quiet little Thirumullavaram Beach, which is a lovely picnic spot and is also ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun .It has frequent bus connections from the town.

Thangasseri Beach:
Thangasseri Beach is loacted Situated 5 kms from Kollam Town, this seaside has ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in 18th century.

Vilappuram :

Its a small place, home of the famous Vilappuram Devi Temple (Anandavilasam Bhagavathi Temple). In the same compound there is the famous Anandavilasam library, affiliated to Kerala State Library Council having more than 1000 members and around 10000 books. In the library there is the facilities of computer, internet, telephone etc.

Polachira:

Its a favourite haunt of migratory birds. Now it is a developing zone in tourist concept. Now there is a bridge over polachira which connects road named ‘Polachira Bund Across Road’. It is the shortest route from Chathannoor to Varkala. We can go to see elephants in ‘Anathavalam’ at Chirakkarathazham from here and it is only one km from Polachira.

Chavara:

Chavara is situated 14 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Kovilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara Panchayat.

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. The Govt. Guest House here is 200 years old .

Thangassery:

Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated just 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 Museum

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:

This wildlife sanctuary is 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.

Adventure Park:

This place is 3 kms from the central bus stand and next to the government guesthouse at Asramam, is an Adventure park, which delights children. The Kollam District Tourist Promotion Council organises backwater cruises from there and during the season conducts cruises to Alappuzha.

Anchal:

Anchal is situated 13 kms south of Punalur, Anchal is known for its cattle market held twice a month. The Mudi festival of the Bhagavathy temple here, conducted once every 12 years, attract huge gatherings.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Nila Palace Hotel
Cheerancavu, Ezhukon
Kollam, Kerala 691505
Tel: 0474 2529301.

Hindustan Beach Retret
Papanasam Beach
Janardhanapuram, Varkala
Trivandrum, Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2604254.

Hotel Aquaserene
South Paravoor P.O
Kollam
Tel: 0474 2512410.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Pallikkal Velinalloor Road
Kerala.

Kadakkal Police Station
Kerala.

Police Station
Kottarakara, Kollam
Kerala.

Varkala Police Station
Kerala
Tel: 0470 2602333.

Punalur Police Station
Punalur, Kollam
Kerala.

Kollam East Police Station
Kollam, Kerala
Tel: 0474 -2742072.

Nearest Hospital:

Govt Homeo Hospital
Elamadu, Kollam
Kerala.

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital Varkala
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd.
Near Varkala Court, Varkala,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141
Tel: 0470 2607766.

Government Hospital
Kollam, Kerala.

Vijayas Hospital
Kottarakara, Kollam
Kerala.

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

Link:

http://allaboutkerala-anishpanthy.blogspot.com/2008/08/kollam-quilon-or-kollam-old-sea-port.html
http://1history-com.blogspot.com/2009/08/river-which-ends-on-arab-sagar.html

Location info

• Address: Ithikkara, Kollam District, Kerala, India.

• District: Kollam District.

• Nearest City: Trivandrum, Kallada and Kovolam.

• Best time to visit: October to May.

Climate & weather

Climate is largely tropical and the weather Temperature ranges from Max 36oC Min 22.4 oC.

Things to do at Ithikkara River

You can see madannada temple, old bungalow and Scenic of Itthikkara river.

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
NH 47, Puthiyakavu, Karunagappally
Kollam, Kerala.

Leela petrol pump
Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram
Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
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 Ithikkara River

The best time to visit Ithikkara River is from November to February with pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after the monsoon (July–November). Summer months (March–May) see reduced water levels. Boating and riverside picnics are best in the post-monsoon months.

Timings & opening hours

River areas are accessible 24 hours. Boating and bathing are recommended only during daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Some riverside temples and ghats have specific access timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to riverside areas is generally free. Boating or rafting charges, if available, vary by operator. Rivers flowing through forest areas may require forest entry permits.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for riverside walks and photography. Additional time for boating, fishing, or picnicking if available.

Safety tips

Be cautious of strong currents and depth variations when near the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during heavy flow. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar stretches. Be mindful of slippery riverbank rocks. During monsoon, water levels can rise rapidly — avoid riverbanks during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Comfortable footwear, drinking water, camera, light snacks, mosquito repellent, a towel if you plan to wade, and an umbrella or rain cover for your bag. For riverside picnics, carry a ground sheet or mat.

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 Ithikkara River

Ithikkara River is part of Kerala’s extensive river network — the state has 44 rivers, 41 of which flow westward to the Arabian Sea and 3 eastward. These rivers originate in the Western Ghats and have shaped Kerala’s geography, agriculture, and culture. Rivers have been central to Kerala’s civilisation — providing water for rice cultivation, serving as trade routes, and inspiring countless works of literature and folklore. The riverbanks are dotted with temples, churches, and settlements that have flourished for centuries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go boating on the river? — Boating availability depends on the river’s width, depth, and current. Some rivers offer boat rides, especially wider stretches. Inquire locally. Is the river safe for swimming? — Swimming in rivers requires caution. Some stretches are safe, while others have strong currents. Check locally and avoid swimming near dams or after heavy rain. What is the best time to visit? — Early morning for the best light and bird sightings. Post-monsoon (October–January) offers the best water levels and scenic beauty.