Trekker Trail and Waterfalls at Thommankuthu

You’ve read those hotel brochures that offer private pools with every cottage? Thommankuthu is a natural beauty which offers a waterfall cascade and step at every pool. Seven Steps to Beautiful Waterfalls is what this splendiferous wild waterfall would be headlined if in a brochure. For there are 7 waterfalls flowing into the river near a village.
 What’s On Offer

• There’s a mix and match of green patches here. There’s evergreen forest, an array of medicinal plants – 180 species in all and wild versions of plants that you’d otherwise see growing in private gardens neatly. 
• There’s a 12 km trail through thick forest. It’s a rough hewn path that gives way to boulders as you move up. 
• There’s a lake for boating.
• There’s fishing and horse riding.
• There’s quiet. For those looking for an undisturbed picnic spot, it’s here. 

Getting There: It is equidistant from Kochi or Kottayam, 60 km each way. You can catch the bus to Thodupuzha which is 18 km away Or take the Munnar – Thommankuthu bus to reach (20 km).

 Accommodations in Thommankuthu: Thodupuzha is where the hotels and rest houses are, as Thommankuthu is still being developed as an eco-tourist spot. So as of now Thommankuthu can be done only as a day trip.

   

Trekker Trail at Ilaveezhapoonchira

Ilaveezhapoonchira means leafless abode. It is a valley submerged between 3 hillocks Kodayathoormala, Mankunnu and Thonippara. During the monsoon season the Valley becomes a glistening lake.                     Once upon a time it was a flowering paradise, but now it is mostly a grassy knoll with a few flowers. Nevertheless, the view is breathtaking.

What to See

• From atop Kodayathoor Vindyam (hillock) you get a 360 degree bird's eye view of Alapuzha (Allepey) Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur. The highest peak is around 3200 ft above sea level.
• A rubber plantation.
• Kallar river.
• Muniyara - a cave

 Tips:

• Only 4x4 wheel jeeps allowed to the top and trekkers.
• It is an arduous climb so if you've never trekked take the jeep.
• It is a 7 km climb to the peak and then another 1.5 km to view the 360 degree view.
• Take plenty of water and a large picnic hamper, the climb parches and leaves you panting.
• The road is mostly stony so wear shoes. 
• There's a lemon juice stand on the way so be sure to refresh yourself

How to Reach: It is near Melukavu Mattom 60 km from Kottayam and 20 km from Muvattupuzha. Take KSRTC  buses or private taxis or the tourist coaches for a large group.

Accomodations:  KTDC rest houses - Call 04862243273 

                     

Sightseeing and paragliding at Vagamon

Vagabond in Vagamon

Vagamon is a mesmerizing hill station on the Idukki-Kottayam 1,1000 m above sea level. It is the next pit stop for eco-tourism. It’s dotted by ravines and streams and plantations of tea. Waterfalls sparkle in the lush green landscape.

Getting There

• 64 km from Kottayam.
• Take the train to Kottayam Railway station.
• Then take the bus that comes every 15 mins to Kattapana/Kumily.
• Get off after 2 hours at Kuttikkanam.
• Then take a bus to Elepara 8km away. 
• Walk if you can 11 km to Vagmon. Or look for the jeep/bus/taxi.
• A bus gives an elevated view.

The view is stunning as the road winds its way up hewn through rock, past pine forests and way below emerge the Kurismala, Murugan and Thangal hills and beautiful meadows.

What to See

·      Rock formation at Thangal Para

·      Kolahalamedu (10km away) grassy hills on a roll is the paragliding heaven.Take off from a 10 km ridge, soar 3000ft but you have to shell out Rs.1.5 lakhs for solo glide ~ or just watch them fly for free!

What to Do at Vagamon

·      If you want a bird’s eye view go paragliding

·      If you want to pause and drink in the view, take the trekker trail

·      If you want to be one with the landscape cheek by jowl, go rock climbing

·      If you want none of the above, Just breathe in the chilly breeze and bliss out

Spend the New Year Cycling for Charity in Kerala

Heal, a 19 year old UK based charity involved in facilitating existing schools to support underprivileged children in Andhra Pradesh, is constructing Heal Paradise Village in Thotapally and is planning to construct a self-sustaining school for 1000 orphaned children. As part of its fundraising drive it is organizing a cycle tour of Kerala.

Dates - January 20-30th, 2012

Route - Kochi-Thattekad-Kulamavu-Periyar-Vagamon-Marari and then a flight to visit Heal projects in Vijayawada and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

For details check the Heal website:

Kerala On A Cycle

Cycling tours are a leisurely way to explore Kerala and the best season is October-April. There are routes with various degrees of difficulty depending on the terrain. 

Image from Atlas Cycles website

The Straight Path – 1 day

·         Kochi airport to Athirapally-Vazhanchal waterfalls which offers lovely treelined roads with hardly any vehicular traffic and the sight of the Sholayar forests.

     Accomodation - Athirapally and Kochi

Athirapally Waterfalls Kerala

                                         

           The Straight Path – 1 day

·         Chinnar’s sandalwood forest to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.   

Accomodation - Machans

           The Slight Elevation – 2 day

·         Kochi to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Thattekkad near Periyar in Thekkady. Spot over 280 species of birds like the Sunbird, Fairybluebird, Hornbill, Crimson-throated Barbet.

·         Thattekad to the Edmalayar rain forest region along serene country roads and mountain roads.

Accomodation - Forest Department Inspection Bungalow called Hornbill
                       Contact: Assistant Wildlife Warden
                                    Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
                                    Njayapilli, Kothamangalam P.O.
                       Call     :  0485-588302
                                  

           The Slight Elevation – 2 day

·         Follow the holy River Pampa in Ranni - the Queen of the Eastern Hill Lands along uninhabited dirt roads passing through forest and grassland and spot wildlife to the end of the coast

·         Rest pause at a hotel or homestay and spend time cruising the pepper, cardamom, chilly, turmeric, clove and ginger plantations

             The Straight Path – 3 day

Allepey

                                                              

·         Allepey’s paddy fields and serene backwaters OR Vembanad lake in Kumarakom and visit the bird sanctuary. Stay overnight on the traditional houseboat.  

·         Cycle along Marari Beach along coastal and country roads with an overnight stay at beach hotels

·         Wind up at Fort Kochi. Take in an open air performance on the beaches of Kochi. Stay at boutique hotels or homestays in Fort Kochi or stay at Kochi

 

            The Flatland to Uphill Climb – 3 day

·         Kochi to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Thattekkad near. Spot 275 species of birds.

·         Kochi to the rain forests of Edmalayar rain forest region along serene country roads and mountain roads.

·         Periyar to Adimali hills of the Western Ghats. Ride along the banks of the river Periyar, past the cardamom plantations and pineapple patches and rubber estates. Cross the 1935 built bridge across the Periyar river at Neriamangalam from where starts the climb up mountainous terrain giving a glimpse of villages growing spices carved out of canyons and watered by mountain streams and lakes. You can take a break and see the Cheeyapara waterfall plunge 1000ft pounding down 13 rock slabs and bathe in it if you wish and also catch the Deviyar river plunge 200ft to become the Valara waterfalls near Adimali as well as the Adimali waterfall and take a walk around the pepper estates while staying at a homestay.

                Uphill All the Way – 2 day

                                                          

Munnar Tea Plantation First Glimpse

                                                            

·         Munnar’s tea estates through the highest tea estate in the world.

·         Take a rest for a day more in hotels or homestays in the old town of Chithirapuram and soak in the beauty.

                 Uphill All the Way – 2 day

·         Valparai at the elevation of 3500 ft from sea level in the Anamalai mountain range will drive you round the bend literally as the narrow mountain pathway takes 40 dizzy hairpin turns giving a glimpse of the tea estate on what was once forest land and rain forest.

·         Take a rest pause at hotels or homestays and visit the Grass Hills 15 km away from Valparai, the rare tall grass forest that’s home to the elephant, boar, cheetahs among other wildlife that roams the Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Where to Be at New Year in Kerala

KOCHI CARNIVAL 2011

Fort Kochi's Santacruz Basilica Church

A Portugese legacy, the carnival is held in the last week of December 

at  Vasco da Gama square in Fort Kochi. The Chinese fishing nets, Goshree bridge &

Vallarpadam container terminal are illuminated.

There are coir climbing and walking on broken glass events.

3 people can walk on water in a balloon on the sea for 7 minutes.

Houses in Fort Kochi compete for the best lit home.

Decorated houseboats will move down to Kamalakadavu harbour mouth.

On 31st December the traditional burning of Santa Cruz will take place.

The highlight is the New Year Procession, led by a caparisoned elephant.
To the sound of drums and music, spectacular floats come out.

There are performances of Panchavadyam and traditional dance forms.

How To Reach

• Catch a flight or train to Kochi.
• Take the local ferry to Fort Kochi.

Contact: 94470 14659

PALA FLOWER SHOW 2011 – Dec 28 to 1^st January

The Pala Agri-Horti Cultural Society is organizing a Flower Show combined with a Mega Shopping Festival at the Municipal Stadium, Pala, Kottayam

On view besides the flowers will be:

·         Government pavilions and commercial stalls

·         A Food Festival  

·         A Kids Show, Fashion Show, Dog Show, Mr. Kerala Contest

·         Auto Show

For General Entertainment, there are stage programs and an amusement  park for kids. 

How to Reach: Take a train to Kottayam Railway Station or catch a flight to Kochi and proceed there 

Contact: 9846985056

Visiting Gavi in Kerala

Gavi is a smorgasbord of rolling hills, vales, spice plantations of cardamom, waterfall, grass meadows, shoal and tropical forests with deep ravines. It’s an eco-project of the Kerala Forest Department that’s part of the larger Periyar Reserve to promote tourism that conserves the environ with the help of the locals who at as guides, cooks etc.

To Do List

·         Animal Spotting by Day – Nilgiri Tahr and Lion tailed Macaque, Tiger pug marks

·         Animal Spotting Safaris at Night to Kullur, Kochu Pampa and Pachakanam

·         Bird Spotting by Day – Woodpecker, Hornbill and Kingfisher 

·         Bird Spotting by Night – Tree House in the forest and try to spot the other 257 species

·         Boating on the Gavi lake

·         Cardamom Processing Factory run by locals 

   Accomodation: You get a rare opportunity to tent it in the heart of the forest – but be prepared to establish blood ties with the leeches! 

   Room Tariffs: 

   ·         Jungle camp for 20 persons – Rs. 10,000

   ·         Cottage Tents for two- Monsoon-Peak Seasons – Rs.4000-Rs.5000 

        Room it at the Eco-lodge:

   · Green Mansion for 1/2/3/4 persons –

        Monsoon season rates: Rs. 2200-3520-5280-7040

        Peak season: Rs.1740-4400-6600-8800       

   

   How to Reach:

Thekkady Junction Road

·         Best way is to hop onto a bicycle and cycle down from Thekkady 18 km away.

·         Thekkady can be reached in 3-5 hours drive from Kottayam or Kochi cities.

·         Short Trek from Sabarimala temple town

·         Enroute to Gavi are tea plantations and picturesque spots like Peermade, Vandiperiyar, Mundakayyam and Kuttikanam.

Contact Information:                                  

 ·         Tourist Information Office, Thekkady – 04869-222620

·         Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd.

Call –

·         Landline - 91-4869-223270, 91-481-2582640

·         Mobile -91-944720138
Email-gavi@kfdcecotourism.com

Visiting Napier Museum in Thiruvanthapuram

The Napier Museum Thiruvanthapuram is a complex comprising 4 parts:

1. The Napier Museum

Named after the former Governor of Chennai Lord Napier, the original structure was pulled down to make way for the present structure built in 1880 by Robert Chisholm. A gothic structure with elements of Mughal style in its minarets as well as traditional Kerala and Chinese architecture.

The works on display include a model of Gurvayur Temple, an unfinished temple chariot made of wood, ivory figures including an embedded pair of tusks, sculptures of Lord Padmanabha, bronze idols and ancient ornaments and musical instruments.
The walls behind the display cabinets, unfortunately like everything else in Kerala, have been painted over in white obscuring the details of the carvings.

The upper floor is out of bounds for visitors. It tends to get crowded and visitors often have to move single file slowly to really view everything. Due to the high vaulted ceiling, there’s natural air conditioning inside so that helps.

2. Sri Chitra Art Gallery

This is the best section of the complex. It houses Raja Ravi Varma portraits, including his self-portrait and the 3D painting of a woman. In another gallery are paintings of the famed Nicholas Roerich as well as of his nephew Svetoslav. There is a section given over to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma’s relatives as well.

There is a section of paintings from other countries from Asia like Tibet, China and Japan.

There is s an exquisite collection of miniature paintings as well as paintings of Mughal era and Rajasthani/Rajput paintings. Works from Bali and the famed Tanjore paintings are also on display.

At the counter at the entrance, postcards of Raja Ravi Varma paintings and a book on Raja Ravi Varma are available for sale. Students and teachers can show letterheads attesting them to be from educational institutions to avail of discounts.

3. The Zoo

4. There is an Art Gallery with the history of the kings of Travancore with paintings representative of each event written on the information boards. A royal chariot used during Dussehra by the royal king of Travancore is on display here.

Napier Musem Timings 

All the areas of the complex are open between 10 am – 4:45 pm

Wednesdays – the museum is closed for cleaning in the morning. Open only from 1 noon to 4:45 pm.

Napier Musem Tickets Prices

Tickets cost Rs.5/ per adult per museum.

The same ticket can be used to see up to 2 museums in the complex. So retain the tickets. 

Eating Out

There’s a self-service café right at the entrance which offers eats and coffee/tea at very reasonable rates.

There’s a cold drink stall outside the gates.

Parking facilities at Napier Museum:Parking is down a side lane down the road to the left.

Napier Museum, Thiruvanthapuram

Napier Museum, Thiruvanthapuram

Napier Museum, Thiruvanthapuram

There is ample place for sitting inside the complex with a garden and a few benches. It is an open area, so keep a wide brimmed hat handy.

Keralam Museum of History & Heritage

The Kerala Museum of History & Heritage is situated in a heritage building called Park View in Thiruvanthapuram, about 5 mins away from the Napier Museum. It offers a glimpse into the heritage and history of Kerala. Inaugurated as recently as February 2011, it is contemporary in its layout while showcasing ancient history. There are interactive kiosks and multimedia presentations including documentaries to expand knowledge of the land, a mini seminar hall as well as a Cultural Shoppe for souvenirs which are metal figurines of the original whitewood one. 

Sprawling over 7000 sq.ft it has sections for different ages through history and displays artefacts from each era.These include rock paintings, murals,  engravings, tools in iron and wood. Two ancient cannons and a royal horse cart is on display.

What you see are different aspects of the Iron Age, Pre-historic Age, Roman Empire and 14-17th century Kerala.

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Booklet Cover

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Heritage Building - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Glimpses - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Glimpses - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Artefacts - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Artefacts - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - Ground Floor Plan - Booklet

Keralam Museum, Thiruvanthapuram - First Floor Plan- Booklet

                                                   

Museum Timing: It is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays. 

Museum Entry Fees:
1. Tickets for Indians: Adults – Rs. 20 / Children – Rs. 10
2. Tickets for Foreigners: Adults – Rs. 200 / Children – Rs. 50

For tickets and Advance Reservations Contact Information:
Curator, Keralam – Museum of History & Heritage
Park View, Thiruvanthapuram 695033
Kerala, India.
Ph: 91-9567019037 
Email: info@museumkeralam.org

Visiting Silent Valley National Park

A Protected Ecosystem

The Silent Valley National Park is a combination of rainforest and evergreen forests and Shola grassland spanning 2 districts of Palakkad and Mallapuram.The river Kunthi runs through it and Aniguida Peak and Poochipara Hills peak in it.

Tribals who once cared for and lived inside the forests now stay outside it. Its inhabitants now are:

• Over 100 species of butterflies.

• 400 species of moths.

• Flying Squirrel

• Malabar Giant Squirrel

• Civet Cat

• Black Monkey

• Nilgiri Laughing Thrush

• Great Indian Hornbill

• 107 species of Orchids

• Banyan Trees

• 1000 species of flowering plants 
  

Best time to visit - November to February

How to Reach:

• Coimbatore and Ooty in TN or Pallakad Railway Station in Kerala to Manarkad in west Kerala to Anaketty which is closest to Mukkali where the Silent Valley Office is located. 
• Scenic Route is the 1 hour by bus from Manarkad to Anaketty as it offers a glimpse of forest and hills, being along the Ghats.

Caution: Check the road condition before proceeding to Mukkali. Call – 04924-253225

             
Timings o Silent Valley National Park: The park is open to the public only from 8am - 1pm

Tickets advance booking information at Silent Valley National Park:
Book in Advance - Call – 4924-253225

Book your entry tickets at the Office

Entrance fees & charges at Silent Valley National Park:

• Bus Ride Rs.125
• Bonafide Students Rs. 15. 
• Indian nationals Rs.25. 
• Foreigners Rs.210.
• Camera Rs.25.
• Video Camera Rs.200
• Drivers + Jeep for 6 persons Rs.1000

Things to Do:

• Hiring a guide is compulsory. Charge Rs. 250/-

• Only jeeps allowed on the road into Silent Valley. Charge Rs. 50/-

• 2 hour Jeep Ride to the top  

• 1 ½ hour ride to the Watch Tower at Sairandhri

• Climb 300 steps of the 150m watch tower

• Tour the Museum of Flora Fauna

• Cross the Hanging Bridge over the Kunthi River

• Trekking-  Book in Advance Call 04924-222056. 6 persons per trek with 30 minutes between each trek. Rs.100/- per person. Rs. 300 minimum per trek

 Trek Trails at Silent Valley National Park
            

1. River Trail: From the Watch Tower, 6 km to and fro to the Kunthi river bank. 3 hours -  It is a guided trek through the riparian forest area. Bird watching.

2. Waterfall Trail: From the buffer zone of park to Mukkali, 8 km to and fro, 4 hours.  It is a guided trek through the riparian forest area. There's the Karuvara waterfall to be seen, no bathing is allowed.

3. Keerippara Trai: From the forests of the buffer zone, 8 km to and fro.  It is a guided trek from evergreen to deciduous to grasslands. Bird watching & Butterfly spotting are what you should be doing on this trek.

There is also a Nature Camp – Contact Silent Valley Division, Mannarkkad. Call 04924-222056

Kerala Rising on New Year....

2012 New Year Festivities in Kerala

• Allapuzha (Allepey)

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:40 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:40 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm

• Kasargod

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:52 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:17 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:52 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:17 pm

Enjoy the traditional Theyyam combining dance, mime and music forms of Chamundi and Vishnumoorthy
Showing at Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam, Kasargod 20 km from Kasargod Stationn. here by train

• Kollam

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:38 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:38 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:17 pm

• Kottayam

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:40 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:15 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:40 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm

• Kozhikode

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:46 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:15 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:47 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm

• Kochi 

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:41 am
                                      Sunset - 06:15 pm

January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:41 am
                                     Sunset - 06:16 pm

Enjoy Vypeen Carnival from 26th December-31st December, 2011
Showing at at Vypeen Islands
Reach Kochi by air or train and catch the local ferry

• Thiruvanthapuram (Trivandrum)

December 31, 2011       Sunrise - 06:37 am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm


January 1, 2012             Sunrise - 06:37am   
                                      Sunset - 06:16 pm


There is also UTSAV showcasing 72 traditional art forms of Kerala from tribal to folk to classical with live open air performances from 19th December 2011-29th February, 2012  in 14 districts of Kerala.
Check out the official kerala tourism site for programme and venue details.

Kerala Accomodation - Tips on Hotels and Home Stays

Good to Go Season

Just after the Diwali season of lights and just before the Christmas season of lights. That’s late October, beginning of November to mid-December. This is not exactly the off-season but it’s not peak season either. So you’ll get reasonable rates. The weather is cool. You can experience the rains in Kerala coz the winter rains start around this time and in full flow by December. 

Tips for Hotel Booking in Kerala

• Book well in advance as tourists arrive in droves to Kerala and you’ll be hard pressed to find a room at the nth moment. Going through a travel operator will get you discounted rates or you can negotiate them but travel operators can really get you discounts and rooms even in the peak season because they have developed a relationship with hotels over time. Individual emails may not get a reply speaking from experience. 

• Hotels will offer rooms and free breakfast. Lunch or dinner options depend on the plan you opt for. 
• Trying to cater to tourists from the globe means they will rarely have Kerala cuisine to serve. It will be on offer on the menus but when you ask you’ll be told it’s not available at that given moment. Or that the menu is being changed etc. The houseboat is the most likely place you'll get it. Or en-route at dining places. 
• Check whether they offer a la carte menus or only buffet for lunch/dinner, especially in Munnar because hotels are way away from the main town. A la carte is a better option as buffet costs Rs.300-450 plus tax and may be more non-veg than veg and buffets are strictly okay. The food is rarely hot for one thing as the days of keeping the burners below the steel containers are long gone. 
• When they say breakfast again check if it means a table with an array or only select dishes. It’s often an array - South Indian idli, sambar. Jam, bread. Juice. Tea/Coffee. 
• Most hotels come with fans and air conditioners. Most. Not all. They offer washing, pressing, laundry. Check the fine print. Laundry may mean washing, not dry cleaning. And they’ll still charge you dry cleaning rates. So if push comes to shove, dry clothes under fan at full blast. Where hotels forbid you to wash clothes, don’t. That means they have a water scarcity problem. 
• Most offer TV in the room and wireless. If it’s deluxe, they’ve tea/coffee maker. Extra bed is usually a proper rolled in bed not a mere mattress.
• The view could be the cement building coming up next door or dirt road or hills depending on location. Location is everything in Kerala. So check which view you’re getting for your buck. 
• Some hotels in Kerala have the reception and then rooms move below the reception. So 2nd floor means two floors below reception not above. Check this when doing the booking. Hotels don't have lifts.

Tips for Homestays in Kerala

• Homestay means following the rules of stay. Check if they allow eating in the room you’re staying in or at the family dining space. Extra bed means mattress or bed. Since it's for the family, the homestays don't offer king size beds that come in hotels. The rooms are also smaller. So make sure to check the pix before booking.
• The rooms may all be the same and yet they’ll charge extra claiming it’s deluxe, it’s their choice.
• When they say breakfast what does it include? Some will give the eats but charge extra for tea/coffee which should be but isn’t part of their defined breakfast. Plus they may not be early to rise. So you can’t demand early breakfast. It’s not a hotel where kitchens open at 7 am/7:30 am. 
• Sundays may be kitchen closed days so you have to fend for yourselves. And no, you may not be allowed to cook for yourself in the kitchen. 
• Since lunch/dinner is not offered, as homestays are mostly Bed & Breakfast, check if they invite you to their lunch and dinner and evening tea/coffee and how much it will cost. If you want another eating out option, how far you have to travel for it, walking distance or not. 
• See how far the homestay is from the market, the tourism spots. Sometimes homestays help to arrange with the local autos to ferry you, in case you don’t have your own wheels. Check if they can do so before you go. 
• There usually is no TV in the room, but in a common space. The host/hostess may ask you about yourself which hotels don’t. As in what do you do, where you from etc. 
• If it’s near the port, you’ll get the smell of fish and the view will be of the fishing nets. So check what homestay type you want. Scenic view, near to town…Location is everything in Kerala.

Houseboat Cruises - Beyond Allepey

1. Kuttanad River Cruise

Kuttanad means low-lying. It is the Rice Bowl of south Kerala. Its spread is across the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Allapuzha (Allepey).

        
          Lower Kuttanad – paddy fields are below sea level and bunds keep out water from the crop.

         Upper Kuttanad – fields are slightly above sea level making cultivation easier.

The villages are situated higher than the paddy fields and interlinked canals and waterways.  4 rivers comprising Pampa, Achankoil, Manimala and Meenachil irrigate the fields, before mingling with the Arabian Sea.

Sightseeing at Kuttanad:

A cruise provides the unique sight of living habitats above the paddy fields  with narrow bunds of coconut palms and a view of  the network of canals above the land mass.  The Kumarakom falls within Kuttanad and offers a glimpse of rice fields, mangroves, coconut groves. Afloat on the lake of Vembanad, Kumarakom is flush with water lilies.

From Kumarakom, accessible by  boat is Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) home to the bird sanctuary. 

2. Kasargod Sightseeing & River Cruise

Kasargod in North Kerala has the Arabian Sea on the West and the Western Ghats to its North and East making for a breathtaking lush landscape.

Housboat cruise covers Chandragiri 4km away with a tour of the 17^th century ChandragiriFort. You will get a spectacular sunset view and a glimpse of the forests of the islands. Nearby is Valiyaparamba.What you get is a surround sound of greenery and the twitter of birds that have made it their watering hole.

Contact for Houseboat Cruises:

Bekal Resorts Development Corporation 

Call - 0467-2272007

Email: brdc@sancharnet.in

           

For trips from Sultan Canal to Parassinikadavu Mutthappan Temple in Kannur, is 8-10 hours.

Cost Rs. 2500-5000

3. Kozhikode (Calicut)

The houseboat cruise offers a view of the two piers and a lighthouse on Kozhikode beach. This is the beach where Vasco da Gama set foot in 1484. There’s a 1 hour stop-over at the Pazhassirajah Museum with its rare treasure of gold and silver coins used by Vasco da Gama and the British as well as bronze sculptures, paintings and murals.  The cruise moves through the backwaters fringed by coconut palms giving a glimpse of village life.

For Malabar Houseboat Cruises

Contact: Mavila Resorts - 0495-2352447

Email: keralacruises@aol.com

      

Houseboat Cruise Packages

Housboat Allepey View

 

• 2 day cruise from Kollam to Allapuzha (Allepey)

          At 2 noon take houseboat from Kollam and overnight at resort.

          Next day check out from resort at 2:30 noon and take DTPC luxury cruise to Allepey

          Sights to see: Kerala villages, sunset at Neendakara

          Cost: Rs. 5500-6500-8000 for 2/4/6 persons + taxes extra

• 2 day cruise from Kollam to Allapuzha

          Travel by coach bus at 9am to Monroe Island, then take a canoe cruise, 

          then 9:30-1:30 pm take a canal cruise in a country resort, then 2:00pm back at Kollam, 

         check in at 2:30 noon on thehouseboat and end at 6pm by checking in for at a resort.

         Next day check out of resort at 12:30 noon and go to Allepey by DTPC’s luxury cruise.

         Sights to see – coir making, bird watching, prawn farms            

         Cost: Rs. 6500-7500-8500 for 2/4/6 persons  + taxes extra

• Ashtamudi isles

• Round trip Kollam to Kollam from 11am-5pm

          Cost: Rs. 4000-4500-5000 + taxes extra  with lunch for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom                

• Sleepover cruise

         Travel from  Kollam by houseboat from 2 noon-6pm and 6pm-7am overnight stay

        Arrive at Kollam next day at 7 am.

        Cost: Rs. 4000-5000-6000+taxes extra with breakfast & dinner  for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Sunset Cruise

          Travel from Kollam by houseboat from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, overnight stay from 6:30pm-6:30am

          Arrive at Kollam next day at 7:30 am.

          Cost: Rs. 3000-4000-5500 + taxes extra  with breakfast & dinner  for 2/4/6 persons 

          for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Prestige Houseboat Cruises city to city

          DTPC offers prestige houseboat cruises connecting cities on the baclwaters:

• Kollam to Kollam – 22 hours one day cruise with overnight stay

          Cost: Rs. 6500-8200-9900 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

          Full day cruise - Kollam to Alumakadavu to Kollam or Kollam to Amrithapuri to Kollam

          Cost: Rs. 5000-6000-7000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• One way 22 hour cruise – Kollam to Thottappally

         Cost: Rs. 7000-9000-10000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Kollam to Allapuzha (Allepey) one way one day and overnight stay

         Cost: Rs. 10,000-12,000-14,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Kollam to Allapuzha (Allepey) to Kumarakom or Kottayam 2 days and overnight stay

         Cost: Rs. 14,000-16,000-18,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Kollam to Allapuzha (Allepey) to Kochi 2 days and 2 nights

         Cost: Rs. 18,000-20,000-22,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Houseboat cruises from Allepey Boat Jetty

          Tourists can customize starting and check out points. Rs.1000/- extra for A/C (6pm-6am) boats:

• Round trip Allepey to Allepey 24 hours

         Cost: Rs. 6,000-7,000-8,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Allepey to Kumarakom 24 hours

         Cost: Rs. 7500-9,000-10,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Allepey to Kochi 24 hours

         Cost: Rs. 8500-10500-12,500 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Allepey to Thottappally 24 hours

          Cost: Rs. 8,000-10,000-12,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Allepey to Kollam 24 hours

          Cost: Rs. 10,000-12,000-14,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Kochi to Kollam 48 hours

          Cost: Rs. 18,000-19,000-21,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Kumarakom to Kollam 28 hours

         Cost: Rs. 14,000-16,000-18,000 + taxes extra for 2/4/6 persons for 1/2/3 bedroom

• Canal Tour

•          Halfday Backwater Village Cruise to Munroe Isles – 9am to 6:30pm

                   Cost: Rs. 400/- per person . Group bookings separate special rates

                   Sights to see: Munroe isles are 8 islands in the midst of Kallada river, Ashtamudi lake 

                   and Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district with intertwining canals. 

                   Village life, coir making, boat building, fishing, migratory birds 

                   like kingfisher, woodpecker, egret,  bee-eater 

                   as well as spice plantations of pepper, nutmeg and clove.

• Group Tours

• Luxury/Speedboat/Safari boat for 50/4/8 persons can be booked

          Cost:  Rs.1500-1500- 7500 per hour

• Housboats for 15/15/8/10 persons can be booked

         Cost: Rs. 950-950-800-750 per hour + 10% tax extra

For Information:

• Call: Tourist Information Toll Free – 1800-425-4747
• Email: info@keralatourism.org deptour@keralatourism.org
  
  DTPC Office KSWTD Boat Jetty - Telefax: 91-474-2750170

Allepey Images

There’s the serene backwaters….

There are the local boats…

There’s the paddy fields with bunds of coconut groves…

Paddy fields with coconut grove bunds - Allepey Village

The homes…

House in Allepey Village

The locals - kids playing hide and seek

How to Reach Allepey

From Kochi you can take the ferry to Allepey. From Quilon, that is an hour from Trivandrum, you can also take the regular ferry to Allepey. 

The best way is by train as you can see Allepey’s scenic beauty on the way. Check any South Indian railway trains and whether there’s a halt at Allepey.