The Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district is the next destination after Ponmudi for enjoying the monsoon showers in Kerala. A cruise along the backwaters, savouring the sight of the coconut palms fringing the waterline, relishing the culinary pleasures of the backwaters land, can be a most rewarding experience to taste the rains.
The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kollam offers special Monsoon Packages this year. The tourists can pick their favourite mode of travel, from a range of house boats, country boats, or speed boats.
Banks of Kalladayar
The boat jetty of DTPC is located near the KSRTC bus stand at Kollam. The cruise starting from here in the morning will take Peruman Bridge – Pattam Thuruth route. From here, the boat will turn into the small streamlets, entering a world of nostalgic rustic beauty. Soon, the boat will reach the backwaters again. The package has a rate of Rs 600 per head, not including food. The rate with food included comes to Rs 1,000.
Another package is Karunagappally – Kannetti, which uses the houseboats. The houseboats can be pre-booked. The day package is from 11 am till 5 pm. The rates can change according to the season, and it is inclusive of food.
The next package is Kollam – Munroe Thuruth. There are two packages of 3-hour or 6-hour duration. The rate per head comes to Rs 1,000 including food. The trip would take you along the rustic beauty of all the 14 wards in Munroe Thuruth. Gliding through the small streams that flow along the backyards of houses can be an unforgettable experience. The trip beginning at 9 am will continue till 1 in the afternoon. The afternoon trip that starts at 2 pm ends with watching the sunset at 6 pm.
Another tour will take you around Ashtamudi Lake, from Kollam, moving via Sambranikkodi. The boat will take the travellers to the isle of Sambranikkodi by going around the backwaters. Sambranikkodi offers facilities for fishing and for taking a break. The food is included in the package.
'See Ashtamudi' is a small tour package beginning from the Adventure Park of Kollam DTPC. The half an hour journey will take you from Adventure Park via Ashtamudi backwaters till Sambranikkodi. The cost comes to Rs 85 per head.
Travel info
More information and details about the booking will be available from DTPC Boat Jetty Information Office, Kollam DTPC – 0474 745625. DTPC Boat Jetty Administrative Office, Kollam – 0474 2750270
Other tourist spots
Ashramam Picnic Village
The Ashramam Picnic Village lies around 1.5 kilometres from Kollam town. The village has an ancient Bungalow, more than 200 years old, an adventure park, children's park, and mangroves. Boating facility is also available here.
Kollam Beach
Kollam Beach is around 2 kilometres from the town.
Thirumullavaram Beach
The Thirumullavaram beach, lying 5 kilometres away from the town, is another important picnic spot in Kollam. The Sunday Rock, which is seen jutting out of the sea is the major attraction here. This beach is also known for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali – the offering made to the ancestors in the month of Karkidakam.
Thangassery Fort and lighthouse
Located around 5 kilometres away from the city, the Thangassery Fort and Light House are historically important spots. Light House – 0474 – 2795619
Neendakara Port is another major attraction in Kollam district.