Life in God's Own Country

Thangasseri old lighthouse

There's more to Kollam than what meets your eye. Kollam was one of the earliest ports famous for cashew imports. Maritime traders from Portugal and Holland (Dutch) used Kollam as a base for trading.

Thangasseri one of the seaside town near Kollam  has an old lighthouse. You can see the remnants of Dutch in the old ruins near Thangasseri beach. First Dutch came, then later English settlers stamped their mark in this town. Thangasseri is also famous for old 18the century churches.


About Thangassery Fort

Thangassery Old Fort is just 5 km from Kollam, Thangassery or Dutch Quilon as it was called was once a British enclave. Meaning is gold village in local parlance, this was the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency. This seaside village of historic importance shelters the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built during the 18th century.

The famed lighthouse of Thangasseri which is 144 ft high, constructed in 1519 by the British Thangasseri, a silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902.Thangasseri was once a favourite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast. Today, it showcases a few ruined forts built by the Portuguese, and the Dutch

Location  Thangasseri, Kollam, Kerala, India.( Source: http://www.keralaorbit.com)

Vattakotai - Circular Fort View

The typical seal of Travancore at Vattakottai. If you're visiting the tip of Indian penunsila, then you might as well visit this fort ( Vattakottai).

I find Kanyakumari stale, crowded and boring. Only good visiting points are the vivekanda rock memorial, and the light house. Apart from that, all points has lost its sheen.

Here's a great picture of Kanyakumari beach, Thiruvalluvar statute and Vivekanada memorial. See pic

Chinese Fishing Nets

Great picture capturing the silhouette of Chinese fishing nets against the backdrop of descending sun. The chinese fishing nets known in Malayalam as (Cheenavala) are believed to be introduced byexplorer, Zheng He.

For a traveler to Cochin, there are many cultural icons to see. Cochin has traces of influence from  Portuguese, Dutch and British. This city also has a Synagogue, and majority of population are Catholics.

Places to Visit In Cochin:

Chinese Fishing Nets view video

Fishing with Net

                                                   ( Photo Courtesy: Sasi)
Thanks again for Sasi for capturing this classic picture of fishing net spread out to snare the little fish close to the shore. I think he has taken this picture at Poovar in Trivandrum.

How often have you thought of trying fishing in our tropical water. Here's an opportunity to angle for pearl spots or catfish from our wide labyrinth of lagoon and backwaters. Use the local baits to lure local fishes in your line! How fantastic it would be, to wait for the perfect catch or just to leave empty handed without a fish in your line!

Don't be just a spectator in 'God's Own Country'. Get out of the usual tour trip, indulge in activities done by the locals for their livelihood.

If you're interested to know these offbeat trips in Trivandrum or stay in places away from he humbug of life, you're welcome.

Contact me for details. I can arrange personal English or German or French speaking guide to take you around for a personalized trip in Trivandrum or Bangalore.

Trek beyond the Usual

Trivandrum offers more than the usual tourist destination like Kovalam, Varkala, Napier Musuem or the traditonal massage centers.

Beyond these, you can explore the green tropical forest. For those who like hiking, Trivandrum offers a rich bounty of tropical delights. For an outsider, it's not easy to venture to the forest. First hurdle is the persimssion from forest department. Even for localites it a hassle to go to these Govt offices and get the required license.

Despite the pains of getting the offical entry pass, it's a good way to get into the tropical wilderness of wester ghats. If you're keen to use your treking boots, you can get admist these ever green forest with our treking service.

We have lot of options for a green conscious folks coming to visit Kerala. Contact us by mail to know the options. We can arrange guided tour in Trivandrum forest location or in Munnar for a long trek.

Explore the green canopy along with sun lit beaches. Contact us for more detailed on eco-friendly travel.

Home Stay At Kottayam & Pala

Here're few homestay's around Kottayam Pala side. Most of these homestays are amidst the plantations, giving you secluded private moments.

Ann's Homestay Kurumannu, Pala Ph # 914822-221287 / 221887  View details







Other homestays in kerala View details