Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Around Varkala
Kappil Beach
About 9km north of Varkala, Kappil Beach is a beautiful and, as yet, undeveloped stretch
of sand. It's also the start of a mini network of backwaters. The
Kappil Lake Boat Club
, near
the bridge, hires out boats for short trips on the lake.
Kappil Paradise Resort
( 938775509;
mohdrafi20@rediffmail.com
; r ?1200)
Located just steps from the golden sand of
Kappil and with very little around to disturb the peace, this is a pretty basic place with a
handful of solid cottage-style rooms among the palms. Meals are available and the owner
can help with transport to/from Varkala (around ?150) and motorbike rental.
COTTAGES
$$
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kollam (Quilon)
0474 / POP 349,000
Untouristy Kollam (Quilon) is the southern approach to Kerala's backwaters and one end
of a popular backwater ferry trip to Alleppey. One of the oldest ports in the Arabian Sea, it
was once a major commercial hub that saw Roman, Arab, Chinese and later Portuguese,
Dutch and British traders jostle into port - eager to get their hands on spices and the re-
gion's cashew crops. The centre of town is reasonably hectic, but surrounding it are the
calm waterways of Ashtamudi Lake, fringed with coconut palms, cashew plantations and
traditional villages - a great place to get a feel for the backwaters without the crowds.
