Alumkadavu is a popular tourist destination in the town of Kollam, best known for its craft and construction of houseboats. It is that place where the first ever houseboat was built by utilizing eco-friendly raw resources like wood, bamboo poles, and fibres of coconut. The town is blessed with scenic natural beauty and significant flora that house various trees like coconut grove, palm, mango, Banana trees, and many more. It is one of the many trending spots in Kerala that tourists opt to take a visit and have a wonderful time.
Alumkadavu History
Image Credit: Kannan Shanmugam, Shanmugam Studio, Kollam for Wikimedia Commons
Alumkadavu is a quaint village in the municipality of Karunagappally that is located in the Kollam district of Kerala. The village is situated on the backwaters of Lake Ashtamudi. It is considered to be the major spot for the manufacturing of traditional barges named Kettuvallam divided by thatched covers in the state itself.
Kollam, earlier known as Quilon, was the name used widely by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British during their rule in the region. Kollam used to be a part of the ancient historical kingdom of Desinganadu. Desinganadu was quite popular for its trade and business with foreign countries, and Kollam became an important port city during the royal reign.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kollam
Alumkadavu Location & Timings
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At a distance of about 28 Km from the town of Kollam, Alumkadavu is a picturesque village situated on the Ashtamudi Lake Backwaters. Alumkadavu is popular for houseboat constructions and also for coir making.
The ideal time to visit Alumkadavu is from 8 am to 5 pm and it remains closed on Sundays.
Alumkadavu Activities
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The tourists who come here and have a great time, hunt for opportunities to enjoy activities like backwater cruises, Ayurvedic spa and canal tours in this beautiful town. The place attracts not only local visitors but also tourists from abroad who want to have a unique experience in Kerala.
A major center for the construction of Kettuvallams (traditional rice barges) which are then modified and made into houseboats. The gorgeous Alumkadavu town is surrounded by wide stretches of coconut and palm trees. It is also popular for the manufacture of coir products, which are substantially available in Kollam.
Alumkadavu is the hub for the Kettuvallam industry. Earlier, these rice boats were utilized to transport goods across the towns. One part of the boat was covered with bamboo and the coir for the crew. Over the last couple of years, these boats have been modified into houseboats for tourists. You can also spend some time to yourself in this silent paradise.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kollam
Places To Visit Near Alumkadavu
Alumkadavu is a popular tourist destination in the town of Kollam, best known for its craft and construction of houseboats. It is that place where the first ever houseboat was built by utilizing eco-friendly raw resources like wood, bamboo poles, and fibres of coconut
1. Ashtamudi Lake
Image Credit: Arunvrparavur for Wikimedia Commons
Ashtamudi Lake located in the Kollam District of Kerala is a peculiar wetland ecosystem. It is a massive, palm-shaped water body. Ashtamudi literally means ‘eight hills or peaks’ in the Malayalam language. The population of the fish fauna in Ashtamudi Lake houses a total of 87 species under 64 genera that belong to 38 families within 14 orders. Ashtamudi Lake is not just a beautiful spot but is also considered as one of India’s 42 Ramsar sites for its diverse and brilliant ecosystem. The lake comprises a rich variety of flora and fauna, 40 plant species, around bird species, and about 100 types of fish.
Location: Neeravil, Kerala
Distance: From Alumkadavu: 18 km
2. Kollam Beach
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Kollam Beach, or Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is situated in Kollam. Kollam Beach was the first ‘Beach Wedding Destination’ in the entire state of Kerala. The beach also comprises a park of international standards, the Mahatma Gandhi Park, which was inaugurated on 1st January 1961 by the Vice President at that time, Zakir Husain. Kollam beach is one of those beaches in Kerala with a lifeguard outpost. Lifeguards were posted at the beach from th year 2005. Till July 2015, Kovalam, Kollam has been one of the three beaches in south Kerala with stationed lifeguards. Kollam used to be a beloved settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English before Independence.
Location: Kollam, Kerala
Distance: From Alumkadavu: 25 km
Suggested Read: Cherai In Kerala
3. Thangassery Beach And Lighthouse
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The Thangassery beach Lighthouse was constructed in 1902 to help fishermen and sailors navigate their way along the reef-filled waters. Its beacon can be spotted up to 20 km in the sea. History shows that before the lighthouse was built, the East India Company had inducted a tower and an oil lamp. Due to its high maintenance in terms of cost, the number of working lighthouses has decreased drastically and technical navigational systems have doubled.
Still, the essence of the lighthouse makes it an extra tourist attraction as it now is a beacon for the urbanites. Visitors are permitted to climb towards the top, the 140 ft high lighthouse from 10 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening. The intimidating 200 steps go up the spiral staircase at the top of the tower but it feels worth it as you spot the gorgeous 360 degrees panoramic view of the Sea and beauty of the backwaters and the city of Kollam. This lighthouse is the tallest one on the coastline of Kerala and the picturesque sightings from the tower attracts a lot of tourists. The endearing beauty and the calmness of the private area around the lighthouse are also a good option for a little picnic or just to spend quality time alone with your thoughts.
Location: Thangassery, Kollam
Distance: From Alumkadavu: 25 km
4. Jatayu’s Earth Centre
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Jatayu Earth Center, also called Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a vibrant park and tourism hub at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district for the mighty Jatayu from Ramayan. It is located at an elevation of 1200 ft above sea level. Jatayu Nature Park boasts the world’s largest bird sculpture ever, which is of Jatayu. The sculpture is 200 ft in length, 150 ft breath and 70 feet in height and occupies 15,000 sq ft of land area. Master sculptor Rajiv Anchal sculpted it. This rock-themed park was the first public–private partnership initiative for tourism in Kerala and is under the BOT model. The park is 38 km from Kollam and 46 km away from Thiruvananthapuram.
Location: Jatayu Nature Park Road, Kerala
Distance: From Alumkadavu: 58 km
Suggested Read: Best Restaurants In Kakkanad
Alumkadavu Travel Route
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By Water – Visitors can take a tour to one of the houseboat building yards in Alumkadavu and watch their craft of construction.
By Air – Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is around 71 km away and has good access to all the parts of the state.
By Road – Alumkadavu lies about 4 km from NH47 towards Alleppey and is connected by bus services in Kollam.
By Train – Southern Railways network connects Kollam with all important parts in the country.
By Water – Ferry services are available daily to Alleppey and boats for all villages situated in the canals of the backwater system.
Further Read: Shopping In Kollam
Now that you are well-acquainted with the beautiful tourist spot of Alumkadavu and what it offers, waste no time and pack your bags right away! Book your tickets for an exciting Trip To Kerala . Hurry!
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Cover Image Credit: Arunvrparavur for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Alumkadavu
What is the usual weather in the state of Kerala?
Average temperature of Kerala in the entire year ranges between 22°C - 32°C. Weather in the state in March is considered to be the hottest, while weather during the period between the months of December to mid-January is the coldest. November to March is the ideal time to visit Kerala.
What is the best time to visit Alumkadavu?
Winter is the peak season for tourists in Alumkadavu due to its pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures. During this time, temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The dry weather makes it ideal for exploring the backwaters, visiting temples, and enjoying houseboat cruises without the interruption of heavy rainfall.
How much time does it take to cover Alumkadavu?
Tourists should plan a good two or three day trip to Kerala to explore Alumkadavu, stay in houseboats, explore the temples and nature around and the nearby places as well.
What essentials to be carried while travelling to Kerala?
Modest lightweight breathable attire, fold up raincoat/ umbrella/ sunscreen, mosquito repellant, medicines and first-aid kit.
Is there any entry fee to visit Alumkadavu?
Since Alumdkadavu is a town in Kollam district of Kerala, it is absolutely free to visit it anytime and any day.
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