Nature/ Scenic

Elaveezha poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 kms from Kottayam is gaining tourist importance. Located among three beautiful hillocks Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali the legendary princess of the Holy book-Mahabharata. The D.T.P.C. is developing this place into a trekking spot. A tourist bungalow with rooms and dormitory to accommodate 15 people has been constructed. The beautiful valleys of Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres.

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world. According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water madeway for the land to rise from below. The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Located at a distance of 5 km from Kollam, Thanagasseri is a beautiful village having the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The lighthouse in Thanagasseri offers amazing views of the beach. Mahatama Gandhi Beach. Located at a distance of 2 km from Kollam, Mahatama Gandhi Beach offers serene and beautiful environment. It is ideal for bathing and swimming.

Sastham cottah 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. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. Buses are frequently operated to Sasthamcottah, which can truly be called as Queen of Lakes.

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. 5 km from Ariankavu is the lovely waterfalls at Palaruvi at a height of 300 feet. Nearby one can see smaller cascades. A pristine spot, the waterfalls give the impression of flowing milk from where it gets name. The water falls steeply down into a small and shallow pool is ideal for a swim.

Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to prevent the demon Ravana from taking Sita (wife of Lord Ram, hero of the epic) away. The rock is ideal for trekking by lovers of adventure.

Thirumullavaram just 6 km north of the town centre and easily reached by bus, is a beautiful and quiet little beach ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun. Thirumullavaram, 5 kilometres from Kollam, is the best beach spot. The tranquil Arabian Sea stretches a long way and the tourists can laze around in the cool breeze pervading the place. This open beach is an ideal spot for swimming and bathing.

Kadappuram beach is a golden sandy beach in Thrissur district, few kilometers away from Kodungallur city. This is an eco friendly and eye catching beach suitable for exquisite vacation stays. There are many tourist resorts on the beach. The lined up coconut trees with swaying palms add lusting greenery to the environment.

Willingdon Island is a man-made island that was created in 1933. The island is made by sand that was dredged while deepening the backwaters for the Cochin Port. Sir Robert Bristow was the man that was in charge of this endeavor. It was named after Lord Willingdon who was a former British Viceroy of India This island is the home of the Cochin Port as well as the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command. Today, the island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centers. The fact that it is surrounded by backwaters makes it a tremendously beautiful location.

Cherai Beach is picturesque beach located on the north end of Vypeen Island. This island is one of the several tiny islands that are located just off the shore of the mainland. Vypeen island is one of the few that can be reached by both land or by boat. The beautiful sandy beach is lined by luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields. The combination of white sand, blue water, and green vegetation makes for one breathtaking oasis. In fact, this beautiful spot is extremely popular with picnickers as well as sun worshippers and beach lovers.