Ashtamudi in Kerala is famous for its beauty and is marked by enchanting backwaters, palm-tree-fringed landscapes, and sleepy towns. This beautiful city, which is compared to Venice, is a perfect place for tourists looking for a calm holiday. How does it feel to be in a traditional houseboat enjoying ornithological sights and nature’s majesty in the soothing waters of slow-moving water? Travellers can look forward to giving their minds, bodies, and souls the much-needed touch of Ashtamudi.
7 Things To Do Around Ashtamudi In Kerala
When you are at Ashtamudi, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as the following:
1. Unveiling The Backwaters: A Houseboat Journey
The tourism wonder that sets Ashtamudi apart is undoubtedly its enchanting Backwaters. Go on a houseboat – simply the best thing that one can do in this beautiful land of Kerala and cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. Sail serenely through intricate channels accompanied by palms and lovely countryside. Watch as their existence continues with such Fulgurant Simleness, fishermen with their fishing nets, children with their toys in the shore shallows.
Houseboat Cruise Entry fee: The cost also depends on size, facilities, and the number of days spent on the houseboat. Room rent per night varies between ₹3,000 and ₹20,000, which usually includes food and lodging. Houseboats are usually found in different parts of Kerala.
Location: Houseboats are a mode of tourism that usually starts with the houseboat jetties in Ashtamudi. From where the houseboat for the houseboat tour operates, you should ask the houseboat operator or the accommodation provider you are choosing.
Must Read: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
2. Finding Inner Peace: Exploring Ayurvedic Spas
Ayurveda is the oldest system of health and curing illnesses that originated in Kerala. Get a massaging Ayurvedic spa in Ashtamudi and feel like a new woman or man, free from nagging worries. These processes are comprehensive methods to enhance the body’s well-being and mind using oils, herbs, as well as therapeutic massages. For relaxation from stress, to get over sleepless nights or to cure diseases that require a non-conventional treatment, Ashtamudi has the cure with Ayurvedic spas.
Ayurvedic Treatment Cost: The cost mirrors the chosen treatment and the period of treatment that a client will undergo. The fee can vary from ₹ 1000- ₹ 5000, depending on the session.
Location: Many Ayurvedic spas have been established around Ashtamudi. Search the internet or ask the hotel management for a recommendation to meet your needs and budget.
3. A Glimpse Into Local Life: Visiting The Krishnapuram Palace
Image Credit: Vijay Shankar for Wikimedia Commons
For culture and history, it is recommended that you drop by the Krishnapuram Palace, which is approximately 15 kilometres away from Ashtamudi. This immense wooden palace of the eighteenth century is one of the masterpieces of architecture and contains several exhibits depicting the area’s history. Stroll around the shifting path courtyards, enjoy the paintings showing the legends of the Hindu pantheon, and compare the lives of the locals and themselves.
Krishnapuram Palace Entry fee: ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for tourists.
Location: The Krishnapuram Palace is in Krishnapuram, about 15 km from Ashtamudi. Transportation options include taxis, auto-rickshaws, and, if available, the local bus.
Suggested Read: Eravikulam National Park
4. A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Exploring Munroe Island
Munroe Island, which comprises fifteen islets, is located at the Ashtamudi backwater and is ideal for bird watchers and, more so, nature lovers. Cruise on the canoe with a calm water environment as a backdrop full of living and flying creatures. You will be able to spot ego, herons, kingfishers, and any other migrators passing through this greenery region. Munroe Island is also exposed to the area’s fishing villages built around conventional occupations and relaxed demeanour.
Munroe Island Canoe Ride Cost: The cost varies depending on the time and operator chosen. Many different prices are possible. The cost is reasonable and should fall between ₹200 and ₹500 per head.
Location: Tourists generally take canoe rides in Ashtamudi town, and the ride to Munroe Island starts from the jetties set up for this purpose. Consult the operator or the accommodation provider of your choice about the specifics.
5. A Spiritual Journey: Seeking Blessings At The Punnathur Kotta Shiva Temple
Experience Kerala’s religious importance by visiting the Punnathur Kotta Shiva Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Get captivated by the calm ambience, carved designs, and oriental architecture. Watch religious services conducted by local clergymen and feel the spirituality of this place during its operations. Wondering around the temple is one of the best things to do in Ashtamudi in Kerala.
Location: Punnathur Kotta Shiva Temple is about 10 km from Ashtamudi town towards the east. Local transportation is possible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or even local buses can be employed.
Entry fee: The entrance into the temple compound is open to the public, and there is no fee for entrance.
Suggested Read: Oachira
6. A Feast For The Senses: Savouring Local Cuisine
Before leaving Ashtamudi, one is recommended to try out the very tasty local delicacies. Here’s a glimpse into it:
- Sadhya: Experience Keralan cuisine as you dine on authentic vegetarian food on banana leaves: aviyal, sambar, thoran, and emissary.
- Karimeen Fry: This could be accompanied by a local delicacy, the fried and crispy Karimeen fish.
- Kallummakaya: A tasty and special preparation of mussels steamed and covered with a thick coconut milk sauce.
- Freshly Prepared Backwater Seafood: Savour the offerings of the backwater region by having fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and clams cooked using the keralite method.
7. Unveiling Hidden Gems: Exploring The Backwaters By Canoe
Houseboats are another way of staying in the backwaters, but if one wants to be a tad bit more adventurous, canoes are the answer. Walk along the beautiful channels, sailing through some of the most beautiful corners with much vegetation. This way, a person can cherish the canal’s peacefulness and see birds up close. Favour a canoe tour accompanied by an Indigenous guide who will explain the specifics of the region’s fauna and the inhabitants’ culture. It is one of the best this ngs to do in Ashtamudi in Kerala.
Canoe Tour Cost: The rates for the tour differ depending on the program duration and the company that undertakes the tour. You may be entertained with a mix between ₹500 and ₹1000 per head.
Location: Kettuvallams can be found near the jetties in Ashtamudi for rent and hire for a sightseeing trip. Please check with your hotel or agencies handling such options for further information.
Further Read: Hotels Near Thodupuzha
Ashtamudi in Kerala is a destination that allows one to relax and be surrounded by nature. Everything that it presents is soothing, starting from the boat rides on the backwaters and Ayurvedic massages to the visit to the temples and tasteful food. Therefore, get ready for a vacation and capture the essence of Kerala, the backwater destination that will leave you mesmerised. Why not schedule your restful vacation to Ashtamudi today? Plan your trip to Kerala today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ashtamudi In Kerala
What is the best time to visit?
This is especially true during the dry season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is fine, and there is effectively no rain.
How to get there?
Board the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC), 85 km, and take a taxi, bus or pre-booked car. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, 85 km from the location. Buses connect major cities to Kollam; the distance is 27 km, and one can take a taxi/auto-rickshaw after that.
What to pack?
A T-shirt and shorts, a rain jacket, sunblock, hat, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, a water bottle that can be refilled, and a shopping bag.
Which language is spoken in Ashtamudi?
Malayalam is primarily spoken. Hindi and English are well-comprehensible in the districts famous for tourism. It is recommended that you know several basic Malayalam phrases to enhance your visit experience.
What are the festivals celebrated?
To find out which festivals will be celebrated during your visit, you can search on any search engine or check with your travel host.
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