More places in Kerala to visit.

Near by places to visit - Ashtamudi, Kerala?

• Can anyone please let me know what places are worth visiting near Ashtamudi Kerala. We will be visiting at the end og September. Will be there for 4 days.

• Answer:

  Ashtamudi Lake (Ashtamudi Kayal) in the Kollam District of Kerala, India, is the second largest and deepest wetland ecosystem, a palm-shaped (also called octopus-shaped) large water body. The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Kollam District has a large area under forest. Pathanapuram, Anchal, Kottarakkara and Chadayamangalam are blocks having large areas of forest. The forest divisions are at Thenmala and Punalur. 1. KOLLAM TOWN The town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake. It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport. 2. THANGASSERI Thangassery is a place of historical importance situated 5 kms. away from Kollam town. The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century. The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery. Thangassery was an enclave of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in succession. The remnants of the Portuguese and Dutch forts still exits 3. NEENDAKARA Situated about 8 kms north of Kollam , Neendakara is the Headquarters of the Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community project, which was established in 1953.The important institutions under this project are the boat building yard at Sakthikulangara the Fisherman's Training Institute, the ice factory and the refrigeration Plant. Neendakara Port, the hub of fishing activities is here. 4. SASTHAMCOTTA LAKE Sasthamcottah is an attractive village situated about 19 kms. From Kollam Town. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The extensive freshwater lake here is said to be the biggest of its kind in Kerala. . 5. BEACH (THIRUMULLAVARAM, KOLLAM) Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing, Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district. 6. CHAVARA Chavara is situated 14 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from Chavara to various countries. The Kovilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara Panchayat. Four major industrial establishments 1.Indian Rare Earths 2.The kerala Premo Pipe factory 3.Kerala Mineral and Metal factory 4.Titanium Complex are in Chavara 7. THENMALA Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists center is situated at Thenmala. All buses passing through Kollam-Shencottah road stop at Tenmala. There is also a Railway Station here. 8. PALARUVI WATERFALLS The famous waterfall in Kollam District is situated at Palaruvi near Aryankavu, Kollam - Sencottah NH 208. Season to visit the places is from June to January 9. ARYANKAVU Situated about 73 kms east of Kollam is one of the important pilgrim centers of the district. From very early days, it was an important trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats. The chief attraction of Aryankavu is the shrine dedication of Lord Sastha. The temple has some fine sculptures and mural paintings 10. ACHANKOVIl Achankovil is a place of pilgrims located in Kollam District of Kerala. The Achankovil forest range, is bounded by Tamil Nadu state in the east, Ranni forest division in the northeast, Konni forest division in the west, Punalur forest division in the southwest and Thenmala forest division in the south More information and help please contact •DTPC Tourist Information Centre, KSRTC Bus Stand Ph: 2745625 DTPC •Tourist Office, Guest House Complex, Asramam Ph: 2750170 •Department of Tourism - District Office, Govt. Guest House Ph: 2743620.