Picnic Spots

Akkulam Tourist Village

Location : About 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south Kerala.

Attractions: A backwater destination and a beautiful picnic spot.

Attappady

Location: 38 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala.

Situated on the north-eastern side of the district and spread over an area of 827 sq km. Attappady is one of the largest tribal settlements in the State. The grandiloquence of this great symphony of forests, rivers and mountains is awe inspiring.

Banasura Project, Padinjarathara

Location: Banasura Project at Padinjarathara, about 25 km northeast of Kalpetta, Wayanad district, north Kerala.

The picturesque Banasura Project is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. Located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees, this spot of enchantment has no parallel elsewhere. With its placid crystal clear waters Banasura is a wonderful picnic spot.

Bhoothathankettu

Location : 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala.

Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here.

Chandragiri

Situated on the banks of the Chandragiri river in Kasaragod district this destination is known for its large 17 century fort. The fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset. The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called Pattutsavam.The Chandragiri Boat Club run by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation conducts boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves on the river.

Chimmini, Thrissur district

Location : About 30 km from Thrissur town, Thrissur district, central Kerala.

Best time to visit : November to April.

The dense tropical forests of Chimmini shelter diverse flora and fauna. The dam across the Chimmini river offers a breathtaking view. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of the people of Kerala.

Ilaveezhapoonchira

Location:about 15 km from Thodupuzha, Kottayam district,central Kerala.

Spread over a thousand acres, this beautiful land locked in by green hillocks skirts the Kottayam district. The place gets its name from the fact that there's not a single tree in the vicinity and hence no leaf falls there

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Location: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, about 19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port on the Arabian Sea, Malappuram district, north Kerala

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.

Kumarakom

Location :16 km away from Kottayam town, central Kerala.

Tourist season: Between June and August.

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Malampuzha, Palakkad

Location : 10 km from Palakkad town, north Kerala.

Attractions : Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Neyyar reservoir

Location: About 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram.

A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.

Palaruvi

Location :
About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.

Parassinikadavu

Location : Parassinikkadavu about 16 km from Kannur town, Kannur district, north Kerala.

The Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is committed to the preservation and conservation of snakes as most species of the reptile are on the verge of extinction. There are about 150 varieties of snakes including the spectacled cobra, King cobra, Russel Viper, Krait and Pit Viper living in the park.

Pazhassi Dam

(37 km east of Kannur): An ideal retreat for tourists, the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. The DTPC provides pleasure boating facilities at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories

Peruvannamuzhi

Location: About 60 km from Kozhikode town.

The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoirs here provide facilities for speed and slowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Ponnani

The only port in the district, this is an important fishing centre. During the months of February/April, thousands of migratory birds arrive here. Located close to Ponnani is Biyyan Kayal, a placid, green fringed waterway with watersports facility.

Tusharagiri

As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall on the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri in Wayanad district by evening.

Vagamon

Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air in many other places but not the Vagamon kind; not just this exciting blend of religious mysticism and European legacy.

Veli Tourist Village

Location: About 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.

Visiting hours: Open 0800 - 1800 hrs.

This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Ph: 2500785. Veli youth hostel Ph: 2501230 Boat rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs): Safari boat: Rs. 15 per head Speedboat: Rs. 150 Pedalboat: 4 seater - Rs. 50 for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs. 40 for half an hour.
Nearby is the Shankhumukham beach skirting theThiruvananthapuram International airport.