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Ashtamudi

Ashtamudi is located in Kollam, which was once a blooming trading and commercial center. This city is positioned on the periphery of the popularAshtamudi Lake. It was also among the Christian community’s early centers. Presently, it is known to be constructed by Sapir Iso, a Syrian merchant, in the ninth century. The place is very popular for its coir manufacturing and cashew processing.

There are various interesting activities for you to participate in. You can also enjoy several cruises that entertain you the whole night. Among the prominent attractions in the area are the Ananda Valleshwaram temple, ThangasseryLight House, Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Pullichira Church, and Ashtamudi Lake. The region is also known for being home to Chinnakkada Palli, an ancient mosque.

How to Reach

The city’s railway station is connected well to the other cities of Kerala and also most of the prominent cities in the country. For those traveling from Chennai’s south, Kollam express would be the most preferable alternative. For those approaching through north, the better alternative would be via flights as there is no direct train available.
The airport closest to the city is Trivandrum International Airport, 71 km away. More than forty international and national flights fly out of this airport daily. Taxis can be boarded from there.

National highways NH-208, NH-220 and NH-47 connect this area to most of the major places. Lots of interstate buses are available. Cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Madurai and Thrissur can also be accessed via buses. Luxury and semi-deluxe buses are also operated by private companies.

Climatic Conditions and Best time to Visit


The area witnesses oppressive summers and pleasant winters.

Between March and May, temperature ranges between 25° C and 32° C. Monsoons bring moderate rainfall. Between November and February the temperature ranges between 18°C and 25°C. Thus, winters are the best time to visit.

Cruises from Ashtamudi

Exotic Blue Water Cruises:Three options are available in this package. Firstly, the Round-the-trip Cruise. Secondly, the See & Sleep Cruise. Lastly, there is the Star Night Cruise.

If you select the first, your cruise will last a whole day and cover all the islands of Ashtamudi backwater. The next cruise sails during the day and stays overnight over the backwater. The last one will take you on an amazing sunset cruise along with spending the night over the backwater.

HouseboatCruise And Resort Stay: This one again has three options.

The first one is 'Majestic Cruise & Resort Stay' which would take you sailing over a houseboat. It starts during morning and reaches Ashtamudi Backwater Resort in the evening. When you reach the resort, you will be welcomed with facilities such as accommodation in a suite room and food of various cuisines. Next morning you will bid farewell to the resort. The cruise heads towards the beginning in Kollam.

'Elegant Cruise and Resort Stay' starts right in the early hours of morning and then reaches the Palm Lagoon Backwater Resort by evening. This is a place for you to chill out inside the cottages and enjoy the beeautiful ambience, along with seafood delicacies.

Thirdly, 'Serene & Resort Stay' yet again starts early in the day and later it heads towards Aquaserene Backwater Resort. By evening you’ll be at the resort and will be able to revel in multicuisine dishes. You will leave for the start next morning.

HouseboatCruise & Kathakali Performance: This is one more interesting package provided by DTPC Kollam. It offers a houseboatcruise which lasts the whole day. You will get to enjoy Kathakali performances at dusk and a night on the houseboat. Your cruise generally begins during noon time and then returns towards the start point by morning next day.

Prime Attractions


Thevally Palace

Situated on the peaceful banks of Ashtamudi Lake, this place was occupied by rulers during meetings involving the British. Constructed about 2 centuries ago while Rani Gauri Parvati Bai was ruling, this landmark of architecture is huddle among hills.

Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard

Placed between backwaters of Kollam, this place is close to Karunagappally. It is known for crafting the infamous kettuvalloms (i.e. houseboats). This area is also well known for making coir.
Mahatma Gandhi Beach: This fascinating beach is situated about 2 km away from Kollam. It is perfect for walking along the banks and is so serene it is suited for swimming and bathing.

Monroe Island

This beautiful palm lined island is placed away within Kollam backwaters. Valuable primeval finds such as megaliths and Stone Age tools are proof of the island’s old age.

It owes its name to Colonial Munroe, who resided in the former state of Travancore. The island is shaped by the Ashtamudi lake and Kalladi river backwaters. Colonial Munroe is known to have combined backwater areas by creating canals.

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