Varkala is also famous for 2,000 years Janardana Swami temple is an important sanctuary Vaishnavaite in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash their sins, and is also an important center for Ayurveda treatment. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch ship which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.
Varkala is a tourist destination. The town has excellent telecommunication facilities, an average nominal power system, fire station, several post offices and police station. The city can boast of modern medicine run by the government, ayurveda, hospitals and nature cure, and more than 10 private hospitals, clinics and some dental clinics.
Location:Situated at a distance of 50 Km from Trivandrum. Only 32 Km from Kollam.
Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one of the fourteen districts in Kerala, India. The district is representative of all the natural properties in Kerala and has a long coastal region, a major port on the Arabian Sea Astamudi inland lake and was called Tarsish. Kollam is the capital of trade and cashew processing industry in Kerala. Kollam is also known as God's own funds.
Kollam district has five administrative divisions (taluk): Punalur, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara, Karunagappally and Kollam. District Collector, a key leader of the government, heads of district administration and exercises great power and responsibility. He or she plays a dual role. A security agent for the government and others as chief administrator of the district, under the state government.
Among other tasks, policing a priority for the District Collector. District Collector is also the head of the Department of land revenue for the district. The District Collector of Kollam now is Devendra Kumar Dhodawat. IAS. The district has a single revenue division with headquarters at Quilon. For administrative reasons, Kollam district is divided into 5 thaluks, 13 blocks, 69 Panchayats, 1 Company 2 communes and 104 villages.
The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq km of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 55 square km.
Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, Nilgiri langur, Hanuman langur, Malabar giant squirrel, etc can be seen here.
The vegetation in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary consists of coast tropical evergreen forest and west coast semi evergreen forest. There are about 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations within the forest area.
Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.
Location: About 35 km from Thalasserry railway Station.
Payyambalam beach is a major tourist spot that attracts tourists and local people. It often finds mention in tourism related publications as a beautiful beach. A long clean beach, its enchanting ambience invites you to play in water, sunbathe or just lounge around with your near and dear ones. At one end of the beach is a flat laterite cliff just into the sea. It is Picturesque and incredibly beautiful. The well laid out gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child by Kanayi Kunhiraman greet the visitor to Payyambalam. A part of the garden is especially for children.
Many movies have been shot in this location including the Maniratnam movie Alai Payuthe.The Worldspace ad featuring A.R. Rahman was also shot here. Payambalam is the largest and most beautiful beach in Kerala
Location: It is situated around 2 km from Kannur town.
The Vallikunnu beach has always been regarded as a great spot to indulge in a soulful communion with nature. As you sit contemplating on the unspoiled beauty of the place, you will almost be lulled to sleep with the rhythmic clapping of the waves against the sandy beach. Watch the local fishing folk go about their day-to-day activities, chat with them or explore the nearby village - you will surely have an agreeable beach holiday at Vallikunnu. Kadalundy bird sanctuary is situated near this beach. There are several places to stay.
There is a Guest House in Malappuram under the Department of Tourism. PWD Rest houses and Tourist Bungalows are also available at important centres. There are Rest houses under University of Calicut at Thenhippalam, under K.F.R.I. at Nilambur and under Kerala Water Authority at Tirur. In the private sector, there is a 2 star hotel at Malappuram. Hotel Sabrina, Perintalmanna, KTDC Hotel Sabala, Nilambur, KTDC Hotel Sabala, Perinthalmanna are good to stay.
Kappad Beach is one of the most historical places of significance in the world. Thus, it is one of the many places in India where a tourist must go and see. Kappad Beach is very famous and significant because of the fact that the famous world explorer Vasco De Gama first set foot on the Kappad Beach on his world famous journey. Vasco De Gama set foot on the Kappad Beach in 1498 AD. In fact, to honor this significant historical event, there is a stone monument that is erected on the Kappad Beach so that the visitors can get a feel for those times.
Kappad is a quiet place where it is pretty easy (and loved) to lose connection with the outside world and turn attention inwards. Sitting on the smooth sands of the beach, you can feel the openness penetrate deep within you. It is perhaps one of those opportunities for you for which you have been yearning for long. Be with yourself, watch the clear sky and the rushing waves, walk in the cool water, make paper boats and sand castles, kick a ball......there are so many options to discover yourself.
Location: Located at a distance of 16 km from the Kozhikode town.
Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathappuzha, Ponnani is an important fishing center. Ponnani is connected by road from Kuttipputam railway station. National Highway 17 passes through this town, which is divided by the Canolly Canal, adding to its beauty.
Ponnani is a town of mosques and Khabaristans. Though described as a place of 23 mosques, there are nearly more than 50 mosques. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who came to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. The Huma Ath mosque, the biggest mosque in the town was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century. Zainuddin was proficient in Arabic and he wrote books. Zainuddin Makhodum-II was another scholar who wrote the early history of Kerala Muslims. The religions established by the Makhodum-I, is renounced all over the country.
Light House-Ponnani
Trikavu in Ponnani was one among the seats of the Zamorin, from where he controlled the trade and commerce. The famous Trikavu Durga temple here, clebrates Navarathri festival.
10km South-East of Ponnani, is the legendary Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple, one of the ancient Durga temples of Kerala. It is believed that Sankaracharya is associated with founding of the temple. The Karthika Mahotsav, celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December) attracts thousands of devotees. The Mookkuthala stone, believed to be growing from below the idol every day, is considered sacred. Sukapuram temple near Edappal, is another important Hindu temple.
Ferry Service-Ponnani
Biyyam Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town, where a boat race is conducted annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly a dozen country boats, including some rowed by women participate. A big scheme is underway to develop a tourist complex here, with hotel, park and pedal boats.
Cherai beach is one of the must-visit places of passage for all those parts of southern India. It is located at a distance of 35 km from Cochin in the village Cherai. It has a coastline of 15 km, Cherai beach is different from many beaches in the sense that it is very clean and shallow and therefore ideal for the purposes of swimming and sunbathing. Being so near the city of Kochi, an important capital of Kerala, Cherai Beach is a tempting option for those who want to get away from the noise of city life yet.
Sometimes, people also see dolphins in the water. Cherai Beach is justly considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Kerala.
This is a beautiful combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut rice fields. There is a playground for children on the beach. Tourists and visitors can also take water scooters and motorboats are available for rent. There are also a number of hostels and hotels in the area where you can put in place. In general, many rush to the beach during the holidays.
Cherai Beach
Thus, you will find many locals and tourists picnicking on the sandy beach which is surrounded by coconut palms and green paddy fields. Cherai beach is the golden beach of Kerala and is also known as "the princess of the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The main beach has been recently added to the bridge 400 meters long. Fires mesh high along the edges of the bridge allows Cherai beach enjoyable even at night. Aside from that, the beach is also known for its fresh seafood and delicious.
Location: Located at a distance of 35km from Kochi.
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors. Today, Alappuzha and its beach are a huge attraction for tourists who are in search of some different experience. The waters of the sea rush towards you as you approach it and seems more than willing to reveal the earthly story of this quaint little town.
Boating In Vijaya Park
Alappuzha Beach
Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.
A view from Vijaya Park
Of late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.
Location:Around 3km from Alappuzha town
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.
Kovalam Beach is one of the well known beaches in India. It has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of meters are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services. The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 meter high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock.
The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach. There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam.
Location: Situated near Vizhinjam route just 18km from Kizhakke Kotta. Only 16 km to the south of Thiruvananthapuram.
Veli Beach lies 1 km away from Shanghumugham beach, by the side of the Veli lagoon or lake. The Veli lagon is seperated from the Arabian sea by a narrow sand bar. A beautiful park and a floating restaurant attracts tourists.
Boating in Fibre Boats through the serene backwater watching the natural beauty of the surroundings is a fantastic experience to anyone who loves nature. There are facilities for Pedal boating, row boating, speed boating, swimming and small parties in Veli.
The Veli tourist village is connected to the Veli beach by a waterfront park with a wooden floating bridge. The swinging effect of this hanging bridge thrills children as well as elders. There are some huge beautiful sculptures in the ornamental park at Veli.
There is a playground for children. The Youth hostel which provides dormitory accommodation for nominal rates is a very convenient place for stay. Veli is easily accessible by road.
Location: Only 4km from shanghumugham beach. It is about 3 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
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Location: Only 8 km west to Thiruvananthapuram. Near to Trivandrum International Airport.
Details: The best location to watch the sunset sipping a cup of hot tea is the Indian Coffee House overlooking the beach. The coffee house run by the workers cooperative of the coffee board serves various south Indian snacks along with coffee and tea from 7.30 am to 9 pm.
Varkala is also famous for 2,000 years Janardana Swami temple is an important sanctuary Vaishnavaite in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash their sins, and is also an important center for Ayurveda treatment. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch ship which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.
