Kallada River

About Kallada River

Kallada River has its origin on the Kulathupuzha hills near Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram District. This is 121 km long river traverses the state through Pathanapuram, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara and Kollam before draining into the Ashtamudi Lake at Kollam District. kallada is a river whose serenity lies in its stillness, the pythonic pace with which it embraces the muddy riversides.Emanate from here are the rusticsimplicity and emotionality of a village populace, named east kallada.untouched by the onslaught of administrative modernisation,here is an area called uppoodu.The virtues of the word called “kinship”, define itself here better than anywhere else.these words are attempted for nothing,but to eulogise the umblical relation between the river kallada and the unique life of rustic magnanimity.The famous Hanging Bridge is built across this river. Palaruvi Waterfalls is another highlight in this river.

Interesting things to Visit

Kulathupuzha:

This Kulathupuzha is Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha.

Ashtamudi Lake:

The Ashtamudi Lake is named because of its eight ‘arms’ or channels is the gateway to the backwaters. Located in Kollam district, Ashtamudi is famed for its panoramic for its magnificent views.

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:

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 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.

Nearest Visiting places

Ashramam Picnic Village:

Ashramam picnic village is located in the 48acre Guest House complex. 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 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.

Thirumullavaram Beach:

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:
This beach is Situated just 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.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Nila Palace Hotel Kollam
Cheerankavu Ezhukone
Kollam Kerala 691 505

Hotel Beach Orchid
Beach Rd, Kollam
Kerala
Tel: 0474 2769999

Sudarsan Hotel
Parameswar Nagar
Hospital Road, Quilon
Kerala 691 001
Tel: 0474 2744322

Hotel Shah International
Kollam,Kerala
Tel: 0474 2742362

Rahumaniya Kethels Chicken
Kollam, Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

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

Police Station Chavara
NH47, Kerala.

Old Police Station
NH47, Kerala.

Police Station
Karunagappally, Kollam
Kerala.

Police Station
Kottarakara, Kollam
Kerala.

Valathungal Police station
Kollam, Kerala.

Police Station
Pallikkal Velinalloor Road
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Amruthanjali Ayurvedic Hospital
Amruthanjali, Kankathukku
Thirumullavaram P.O
Kerala 691012
Tel: 0474 2792849.

Shankar’s Hospital
Kollam, Kerala.

Kollam District Hospital
Kollam, Kerala.

Travancore Medicity
Kollam, Kollam
Kerala.

Perl Hospital
Karunagapalli, Kollam
Kerala.

SBM Hospital
Karunagappally, Kollam
Kerala.

Link:

http://pazhayathu.blogspot.com/2009/02/suspension-bridge-at-punaloor-over.html
http://apovaidagumsarvam.blogspot.com/2007/11/on-banks-of-kallada-ar.html
http://munroe-island.blogspot.com/2007/12/kallada-river.html
http://awldew332.blogspot.com/2009/02/kallada-river.html
http://punalurkannan.blogspot.com/2008/06/kallada-river-flows-silently.html

Location info

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

• District: Kollam District

• Nearest City: Trivandrum, Kallada and Kovolam..

• Best time to visit: October to March

Climate & weather

The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoonaand is is of tropical humid type with an oppressive summer and plenty seasonal rainfall, cool and enjoyable.

Things to do at Kallada River

You can see the famous Hanging Bridge is built across this river, Boat race, scenic beauty of river, and Palaruvi Waterfalls is another highlight in this river.

Nearest petrol pump

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

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kayankulam, Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Varkala Edava Kappil Road
Thiruvananthapuram, 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 Kallada River

The best time to visit Kallada 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 Kallada River

Kallada 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.