Karen VanHaltren
Associate Project Manager
Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost
Kerala “God’s own country” is hosts to almost 1 million foreign travelers and around 14 million domestic travelers; a considerable figure bearing in mind it’s a relatively small state with a substantial local population. Kerala tourism thrives on its “must visit destinations” like Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady, Varkala and Veli to name the common ones. Tour packages do just that, shuttle you between the popular tourist’s spots which would already be teeming with travelers. If you already know what that feels like, then the next time you trip down to Kerala make sure you take a detour into some of Kerala’s hidden gems. Away from the city and the crowd, these places are just as beautiful, tranquil and fun.
Kollam District, my hometown down south near Thiruvananthapuram, receives much lesser tourists annually compared to the popular spots. The district is home to some beautiful backwaters, beaches and boasts of the cleanest air quality. Here are some of my favorite picks of destinations in and around Kollam.
1. Ashtamudi Lake
Popularly known as the gateway to Kerala’s backwaters, the Ashtamudi lake is one among the most scenic and picturesque locations in Kerala. Grazed by coconut groves and flocks of waddling ducks, the expanse of the lake and its surroundings is a visual treat. One can either rent a boathouse/ferry ride in and around the Ashtamudi lake or better still cruise all the way to Alleppey on a day long ride with sumptuous Kerala meals and Karimeen pollichathu (Pearl spot).
Note: Rent a house boat or travel by ferry from the Kollam Boat House Club (near Kollam KSRTC bus stand). There are also plenty of resorts along the lake front for a relaxing experience.
2. Munroe Island
Definitely the hidden gem of the backwaters in Kollam, not many are aware of this little low lying island tucked away from the mainland. There are around 8 islands connected by canals. Coconut farms and lagoons make for a beautiful backdrop against the narrow canals that are accessible only by small boats called a canoe. The Munroe island will always be on my favorite backwater destination.
Note: There are couple of resorts in and around the Munroe island that offers boat canoeing. Rent a house boat or travel by ferry from the Kollam Boat House Club (near Kollam KSRTC bus stand) or take a bus/drive to Mundrothuruthu.
3. Thenmala
The first eco-tourist destination in India, thenmala does attract considerable number of domestic tourists. A deer sanctuary, a rope bridge and the thenmala dam are also some of the popular attractions. This destination offers boating, trekking and mountaineering experiences (nearby Rosemala). Note: Whilst en-route to Thenmala, a 13 pillar vintage railway bridge built by the British East India company across the Western Ghats and a suspension bridge dating back to 1877 possibly the oldest suspension bridge in India are landmarks to look out for. Thenmala is better connected from Kollam with the nearest railway station being Punalur.
4. Jatayu’s Earth Centre
The latest feather in the cap is the Jatayu Park located at an altitude of 1200 ft amidst a lush green valley below. Credited to be the largest bird sculpture in the world, the effigy is a testimony to the epic Ramayana, where the injured Jatayu having lost its wing falls on top of a rock. The centre also houses a museum and 6D theatre, a cable car facility, helicopter tour and an adventure park. Trek to the top or set up a camp fire nearby, the area has many hills dedicated to attract adventure-savvy trekkers.
Note: Note: For more details on visit http://www.jatayuearthscenter.com
5. Tangasseri
A tiny hamlet along the Arabian Sea, this 99 acre area has a rich history of European and Chinese trade links dating back to the 15th century. The major attractions includes the remains of the St Thomas fort built by the Portuguese, the Tangasseri light house, the tallest along the east coast of India and a harbor stretching into the Arabian sea for 2.1 km. You can climb the light house to see the vast green expanse of the coast, cycle/walk down the harbor or even try fishing by the rocks of the harbor.
Note: heir a two wheeler to explore the place and its popular landmarks
6. Thirumullavaram Beach
This is a tiny stretch of white sandy beach lined with coconut palms along the Kollam coast. As many are unaware of this beautiful beach, it’s a catch if you’re looking for a quiet and shady place for a family picnic or just to relax on a hot day. The Sunday rock which is visible only when the tides are low, is another attraction at this beach. Don’t forget to order some authentic Kerala meals from the small shops along the beach.
Trip down memory lane: As a kid, I remember family picnics to the beach on Sunday afternoons every Onam. My cousins and I would spend hours in the water, while the aunties chatted away under the beautiful coconut canopy and the uncles swam fearlessly far into the sea. And what’s even better is the tasty food from the little shops or thattukada by the side of the beach. Tapioca and hot fish curry, fried Seer fish (neymeen), crab curry, spicy prawns, mussels are just some of the delicacies we used to enjoy after a good time in the water. The icing on the top though is the sweet toddy that takes the whole experience up a notch making it the best of my childhood memories.
7. Palaruvi falls
If you’re down south in Kerala, do visit the picturesque Palaruvi falls in Aryankavu of Kollam district. The water fall gets its name from “stream of milk” and falls from a height of 300 feet. This place usually attracts domestic tourists and is a must visit for its beautiful crystal water and lush greenery. Better still there are three other nearby waterfalls as well, Oliyarik, Kumbhavurutty and Manalar waterfall all in Kollam district and within driving distance.
Note: City buses are available from Kollam town. In case you’re travelling in vehicle you will have to park the vehicle almost 2-3 Km from the falls and then walk up or board a forest department bus.
8. Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam coastal drive
This is an experience that no tour packages will give you. Hire a vehicle and drive down approx 80 kms along some fantastic beaches and backwaters with little or no traffic from Shangumugam beach- Veli- Varkala- Kappil- Paravur-Kollam (Tangasseri beach). The coastal road is a bypass from the NH 47. While in few areas, one might have to drive though the villages, most part of the road are along the coast. For example 90% of the 14.1 km Kollam-paravur road is along a beautiful coastal area, while the Kappil beach stretch runs through the backwaters on one side and sea on the other. Drive down for an amazing experience like no other. As always there’s plenty of little shops for some hot teas, banana fritters (pazhyam pori) and mouth watering meals.
There are still plenty of beautiful must visit places like the Sasthamkotta and Paravur lakes, Azheekal beach, Ayiramthengu, Pinnacle view point and Mata Amritanandamayi Math to name a few. So the next time you pack your bags for a trip to God’s own country, do make your own little travel itinerary to these unsung destinations, in many ways a gamble worth taking.
Note: None of the photos in this article are owned by me. They have been included off the internet for illustration purposes only.