Karunagappally, Kollam | Timings, Carnival, Photos

Karunagappally, Kollam Overview

The town of Karunagapally is located 23 km away from Kollam district. It is the municipality of Kollam and comprises of resorts and beautiful beaches. The beauty of the place is unexplainable which is why it is also known as "God's own country". The main attraction for tourists flocking to the town is due to the boat facility offered at Alumkadavu. It is no less than a paradise for all the visitors coming to stay at the place. The scenic beauty of the place combined with its peaceful ambience is what makes it worth escaping to from the screeching noise and the hustle bustle of the city.

History of Karunagapalli

As per the history of the place, Karunagapally is an old Buddhist site. A Buddhist bhikshu named karinagan lived in Karunagapally, and since it is situated on the bank of Pallikkal River, it got this name. Another popular attraction of the place is Krishnapura Palace which houses a deity of Lord Buddha which was recuperated from the local tank. Idol of Lord Buddha was discovered from the pond of Buddha known as Puthenkulam at Maruturkulangara in Karunagappally.

The idol of Lord Buddha was carved out of a single piece of rock and was first installed in Karunagappally after which many years later it got reinstalled in the Krishnapuram Palace compound. Karunagappally was previously known as 'Onattukara'. The town also has a temple in which Lord Shiva is the primary deity, two ancient mosques and a church named Mar Thoma. This region has crops including coconut, paddy, and banana is grown in the area.

Places To Visit in Karunagappally

Azheekal Beach
Azheekal lies 10 km away from the town of Karunagappally. It is situated near Amrithanandamayi Madom which is flocked by devotees every day. This popular coastal area is located near Kollam district. In the old days, the water transportation from Kollam to Alleppey was connected through Azheekal port. There are numerous resorts present here, and the scenic beauty of the beach is what makes it so attractive especially during the sunset.

Oachira Temple
Oachira Temple is dedicated to Parabrahamam, and numerous pilgrims visit the temple especially during the Oachirakkali festival during June to July. The Panthranduvilakku Mahotsavam held during November to December at the temple too is very famous. Ochira lies at a distance of 8 km from Karunagappally. There are small idols placed in the open area around big trees. Some of these idols are of female forces dedicated to Goddess Shakti and the others to Lord Parabrahmam, the omnipresent.

Alumkadavu
This tourist point in the Kollam-Alleppey National Waterway lies at a distance of 3 km from Karunagappally. Another famous attraction in Alumkadavu is the Green Channel Resort. The process of preparing houseboats can be witnessed here which is very interesting to view. A mix of cashew and fish oil is used as a coating in the manufacturing process by the craftsmen. After the raw work of the boat is finished, the next step requires thatch-roofing. The raw floor is then turned into an apartment in the last and final step. The entire process takes a few months to complete and employs 7 to 8 craftsmen.

Sasthamkotta Lake
Sasthamkotta Lake is the only freshwater lake in Kerala which is spread over an area of 375 hectares located nearby Karunagappally. Neither this lake gets frozen during the winter season not does it get dried up during the summer season. The freshwater of this lake serves as a source of clean drinking water for over 10 million people.

Best Time To Visit Karunagappally

The ideal time to pay a visit to the town of Karunagappally is during the months of October to February. The temperature is low at this time as much as 25 degrees Celcius. January and February have the longest days. Also, the tourists are likely to have a great time while enjoying the water sports and other beach activities as the sea remains warm and quiet.

Tips For Visiting Karunagappally

1. It is an ideal place to visit for those who enjoy a peaceful scenic beauty on the face of Earth.
2. All-important utilities must be carried along in the bag pack at all times.
3. Confirm the way from the locals if you have never been to the place before.

How To Reach Karunagappally

The district of Karunagapally is located at a distance of 73 km from the Thiruvananthapuram airport. It has its own railway station which is well connected to other cities. Public transport such as buses too can be used to reach the town.