The vacation season is on and travellers are trying to list out picturesque tourist destinations tucked away across Kerala. The eastern region of Kollam boasts of quite a few pretty spots charming enough to woo tour enthusiasts. Here are a few of them.
Lookout check dam
The Lookout check dam is known as the tourism gateway of the eastern region of the Kollam district. You could see the milky waters of the Kallada River flowing at a distance from the pavilion near the Kollam-Thirumangalam national highway. The check dam helps in channeling the water flowing from the Parappar dam through various canals.
Thenmala Ecotourism
Thenmala ecotourism, which is India’s first ecotourism destination, has many interesting spots that can attract travellers. The center boasts of adventure zone, leisure zone, butterfly park, musical fountain and light and sound show, among others. One can also go for boating on the tranquil waters of the Parappar Lake.
Shendurney Ecotourism
This mesmerizing place offers both boating and trekking through verdant forests. The exciting Kalamkunnu safari is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the dam and the lake at close quarters. From here you can also get vehicles to go to the enchanting Rosemala.
Pathimoonu Kannara palam (13 Arch bridge)
The Thenmala ‘pathimoonu kannara’ bridge reflects the Britishers’ ingenuity while laying the state’s first railway line. The bridge, which runs parallel to the national highway, is definitely a wonder for travellers and has been part of many south Indian films.
Palaruvi waterfalls
Palaruvi waterfall is the largest waterfall in Kollam district. This popular waterfall, which is situated amidst dense forest, is 4km away from the Aryankavu check post on the Kollam-Thirumangalam national highway. One has to board the vehicles of the ecotourism center from the ticket counter to reach the alluring cascade.
Achankovil
The famous Achankovil temple and the Kumbhavurutty and Manalar waterfalls await you here. After reaching Achankovil via Punalur-Alimukku one can return to Kollam by taking the Chenkotta-Aryankavu route.
Mampazhathara
Here is where you can travel through the traditional path of yore. If can drive through the Nellipalla-Vilakuvettam-Chalikkara-Mampazhathara-Kazhuthurutti road in the woods from Punalur, you can travel to Aryankavu and Thenkashi. The stretch between Chaliyakkara and Kazhuthurutti is dotted with nature’s bounty and many wild animals could also be spotted.
Thenkashi Kuttalam
Once you leave Kerala border town of Kottavasal, vast patches of paddy fields will greet you. The Travancore royal family used to visit Thenkashi Kuttalam very often; and a royal palace and a diwan’s palace, which are presently managed by the PWD department, could be found here. The old Kuttalam and Aintharuvi are near here.