Located at the south western tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of Kerala, is bordered by the Arabian sea on the west. The district has a long shore line, with secluded, internationally renowned beaches. Enchanting picnic spots on the wooded highlands on its eastern and north eastern boundaries, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this land a much sought after tourist destination.

1. Shanghumukham
   Just 8 km from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Veli Tourist Village. An indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid) and a restaurant shaped like a starfish are some of the attractions here.

2. Kovalam
   This internationally renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southern most, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets (6 km - 1/2 hour)

3. Varkala
   A quiet, secluded stretch of sand, the Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here (40 km -1 1/2 hours)

4. Veli Tourist Village
   Located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Veli Tourist Village is bordered by 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 watersports in the lagoon and an 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge that connects the village to the beach. Ph: 500785 (Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
   Boat rentals: * Safari boat: Rs. 10/- per head * Speed boat: Rs. 120/- per person * Pedal boat: 4 seater - Rs. 50/- for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs. 40/- for half an hour.

5. Akkulam Boat Club
   A very popular picnic spot with boating facilities on the lake and a children's park with a swimming pool. Ph: 443043, (Open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
   Boat rentals: * Safari boat: Rs.15 per head * Speed boat: Rs.150 for four persons Entrance: * Children's park: Adults: Rs. 2; Children: Re. 1 * Swimming pool: Adults: Rs.15; Children: Rs.10

6. Thiruvallam
   This serene backwater stretch, enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. For details contact: Tour India, Thiruvananthapuram Ph: 331507 Karuvayal Tours Ph: 460974 Soma Houseboats Ph: 481600

Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is another coastal district of Kerala. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. 30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. The district which is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

1. Thangasseri (Beach)
   This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town (5 km from Kollam town).

2. Thirumullavaram (Beach)
   This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town (6 km north of Kollam town).

3. Alumkadavu (Backwater)
   Just 23 km from Kollam, Alumkadavu is half way on the route to Alappuzha from Kollam. This quiet little backwater village in Karunagapally town is famed for its boat building yard. It is here that the gigantic kettuvallams (cargo crafts of rural Kerala) were built. Today the kettuvallams which were long replaced by modern means of transport, have been converted into houseboats.

4. Backwater tours:
   DTPC Kollam - Alappuzha cruise
   (departure: 10:30 am from the boat jetty)
   Fare: Rs. 150/- per person. Half way journey from Kollam to Alumkadavu: Rs. 100/- per person. Concession offered to International Student Card holders.

   DTPC backwater village cruise on country boat
   (9:00 am to 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm) Fare: Rs.250/- per person

   DTPC pleasure boating in Thenmala lake
   The District Tourism Promotion Council also has an exclusive fleet of luxury boats and houseboats which are available on rent.

   Houseboat tariff ranges from Rs. 3500 - 7500 for 2 persons for 24 hours.

   
   Exotic blue water houseboat cruises Round trip cruise:
   Departure: 11:00 am from Kollam Arrival: 5:00 pm at Kollam
   Tariff: Single bedroom: Rs. 3000/- (70$) Double bedroom: Rs. 400/- (95$)

   See & sleep cruise
   (Day cruise with overnight stay in the houseboat):
   Departure: 2:00 pm from Kollam Overnight stay: 6:00 pm to 6:00 am Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 8:00 am. Tariff: Single bedroom: Rs. 3000/- (70$) Double bedroom: Rs. 4000/- (95$)

   Star night cruise
   (Sunset cruise & night stay on the backwater):
   Departure: 5:00 pm from Kollam Overnight stay: 6:30 pm to 6:30 am Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 7:30 am. Tariff: Single bedroom: Rs. 2000 (60$) Double bedroom: Rs. 3500/- (85$) (Tariff inclusive of dinner & breakfast)

   Majestic cruise:
   Departure 10:00 am from Kollam Arrival: 5:00 pm at Ashtamudi Backwater Resort with A/c suite room. Departure from Ashtamudi Resort: 8:00 am Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 9:30 am. Tariff (all inclusive): Single family: Rs. 5500 (130$) Double family: Rs. 9000 (215$)

   Elegant cruise & resort stay:
   10:00 am from Kollam Arrival: 5:00 pm at Palm Lagoon Backwater Resort, with natural cottage accommodation & special sea food cuisine Departure: 8:00 am from Palm Lagoon Resort Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 9:30 am. Tariff (all inclusive): Single family: Rs. 3000 (85$) Double family: Rs. 6000 (145$)

   Houseboat cruise with Kathakali performance package

   Full day houseboat cruise, Kathakali performance in the sunset hours and night stay on board the houseboat Departure: 1:00 pm from Kollam Performance of Kathakali at Thouryathrika performing art centre: 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm Overnight stay: 6:30pm to 6:30 am Arrival at Kollam (2nd day): 10:00 am . Tariff (all inclusive): Single bedroom: Rs. 5500 (130$) Double bedroom: Rs. 7000 (165$)
   

   Kollam - Alappuzha/Alappuzha - Kollam Cruises

   The internationally popular regular one way - 8 hour - backwater cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha/Alappuzha - Kollam is specially designed on double deck cruiser. Departure: 10:00 am from Kollam Arrival: 6:00 pm at Alappuzha Tariff: Adult (per person): Full way - Rs. 150/- (4$) Half way - Rs. 100/- (3$) Children (below 12 years): Full way Rs. 100/- (3$) Half way Rs. 100/- (3$) International Student Card Holders: Full way Rs. 100/- (3$) Half way Rs. 100/- (3$)
   
   Canal cruises
   Kollam DTPC's prestigious canal cruises to the Munroe island village is the best of its kind in India. Departure: 9:00 am from Kollam Arrival: 1:00 pm at Kollam Tariff: Adult: Rs. 300 (7$) per person Children below 12 years): Free
   

With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers criss crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

1. Pathiramanal (Backwater)
   This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only by boat.

2. Boat races :
   1. Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada
      (2nd Saturday of August)
   2. Alappuzha Tourism Boat Race
      (9th January)
   3. Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race
      (last Saturday of August)
   4. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
      (Moolam day of Midhunam - July)
   5. Payippad Jalotsavam
      (4th Onam day - August/September)
   6. Neerettupuram Boat Race
      (Onam - August/September).

Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.

1. Vembanad Lake
   Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

2. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake,is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Located on the coast of the Arabian sea, Ernakulam district is a cluster of islands networked by lagoons and backwaters. Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the queen of the Arabian Sea. Once a major centre of commerce and trade with the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the British, all these foreign traders have left their mark on this beautiful island. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots.

1. Cherai (Beach)
   This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
   Vypeen island (21 km from the city) is a major centre for commerce. The island which is connected to the main land by a bridge is more easily accessible by boat. The ferry ride over the backwaters takes just 30 minutes.

2. Fort Kochi (Beach)
   Access: Backwater ferry / bus / three wheeler auto rickshaw A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history to tell. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the middle ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town was shaped by the Potuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the many remains of Indo European architecture that still exist here. The huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, are a fascinating sight on the Kochi shore line.

3. Bolghatty Island (Backwater)
   This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British. Today it is a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.

4. Willingdon Island (Backwater)
   Named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

A land of serene beaches, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience, Kozhikode is a much sought after destination. Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by.

1. Kappad (Beach)
   This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded, pleasant beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. The Kappad Beach Resort is one of the leading centres for Ayurvedic health holidays in Kerala (16 km from Kozhikode)

2. Backwaters
   Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination. Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.

With the Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendour, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Some of the popular beaches here are:

1. Dharmadam Island (Beach)
   The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam)

2. Kizhunna Ezhara (Beach)
   This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala (11 km from Kannur).

3. Payyambalam (Beach)
   The long, secluded beach is a local picnic spot (2 km from Kannur)
   
   
4. Ezhimala (Beach)
   The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 M high). A Naval Academy is being developed here.

The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast bordered by hilly Kodagu and Mangalore districts of Karnataka in the east and north. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood along with the coir and handloom industries. With its unique natural and cultural attractions Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabiansea, is the largest and best preserved fort in the State.

1. Pallikere (Beach)
   This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort, and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation (1 km from Bekal Fort).

2. Kappil (Beach)
   Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian sea (6 km from Fort)
   

3. Valiyaparamba (Backwater)
   (30 km from Bekal): This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.
   

4. Chandragiri Cruises (Backwater)
   Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge.
   Situated on the Chandragiri river, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

    

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