Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
perience. The DTPC organises various houseboat cruise packages, both locally and to Al-
leppey and Kochi.
Festivals & Events
Kollam Pooram
is a colourful annual temple festival held in April, featuring elephants and
mock sword fights. Snake-boat races are common in villages around Kollam. The
Presid-
ent's Trophy Boat Race
, held on Ashtamudi Lake on 1 November, is the largest and most pres-
tigious in the region.
Sleeping
The DTPC office keeps a list of
homestays
in and around Kollam.
Karuna Residency
( 3263240; Main Rd; s/d ?350/450, r with AC ?700; )
This little budgeteer is starting to show its
age and is very basic, but it's still in reasonable condition and the owner is accustomed to
travellers.
GUESTHOUSE
$
Ashtamudi Villas
( 98471 32449, 2706090
www.ashtamudivillas.com
; near Kadavoor Church, Mathilil; d ?1000-1500; )
These
charming brick cottages on the water's edge are easily the best choice for a relaxing, af-
fordable stay in Kollam. Ebullient host Prabhath Joseph offers a warm welcome and pulls
out all the stops with thoughtful architectural design, colourful decor, gleaming bath-
rooms, hammocks swinging between palm trees by the lake and a library of books on Ker-
ala. Access is by road or boat - call ahead for directions.
GUESTHOUSE
$$
HOTEL
$$
Nani Hotel
( 2751141;
www.hotelnani.com
; Chinnakada Rd; d incl breakfast ?1300, with AC ?2080-3650; )
This
boutique business hotel is a surprise in Kollam's busy centre, and very good value. Built
by a cashew magnate, it's beautifully designed and mixes traditional Keralan elements and
modern lines for a sleek look. Even the cheaper rooms have flat-screen TVs, feathery pil-
lows and sumptuous bathrooms.
