Karicharakadavu - unspoilt nature

You may not find Karicharakadavu in any tourist literature or even in any blogs. It is small village not far from Kazhakuttam. On National highway, you turn left at Kaniyapuram after the bus stand (at Althara junction) to the Chirayinkeezh road and within a few kilometers, you are at Karicharakadavu.Another left turn and a brief ride you are reach the water's edge. The waterbody you see is an extension of Murukkampuzha. Kadinmkulam is on the opposite side.  One can see a few country boats and a lone cottage used by some  picnickers. 

Kollam : Boat ride for Rs. 5

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Where can you get a One Hour boat ride in the backwaters for Rs. 5? You can have it Ashtamudi kaayal. The boats of the Kerala Water Transport Corporation takes you from the boat jetty near the Kollam bus stand to Guhaanandapuram - a journey of over one hour for just Rs. 5. Of course, it is not as luxurious as a houseboat costing about Rs1000 for one hour. But is is quite adequate and you do not miss on any of the sights. The boat stops at intermediate jetties with names like, Kadavur, Panamuttam, Sambranikodi, Pallikodi bridge etc. So, you also get to interact with the locals who are happy to meet and converse with you. Next time you are in Kollam, try it. You can return in the same boat for the princely sum of 500 paise!

Kadinamkulam, poor man's Vembanad

Thanks to Google maps, I discovered Kadinamkulam on a Saturday evening. It is just 12Kms from Kazhakuttam, the seat of Technopark. You proceed on NH 47 and turn into Vettu road. It takes you to the junction at St. Andrews. Turn right (North) at St. Andrews and proceed for about 4-5 Kms to Mariyanad Kadinamkulam lake is just 1 km from this junction. For locals, this just an everyday sight, but to me it appeared like a poor man's Vembanad. A country boat can ferry you to the other bank (Mrukkampuzha) in about 15 minutes.On the way from Kazhakootam you can also enjoy the isolated beaches at St.Andrews, Vettiyathura and also some magnificent churches and one or two small temples.