Kayamkulam, Alleppey

Located on the western coast of India, Kayamkulam is a small village in the state of Kerala. This wonderful place was an ancient maritime trading center. Surrounded by the waters of the Arabian Sea, Kayamkulam lies almost at the equal distance from Alleppey and Quilon, both of which connecting the emerald backwaters of Kerala. This place is also famous for the largest thermal power plant, The Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant run by NTPC, which is situated here. Besides this, one can find many old cashew factories in the locality. The rich culture and tradition of Kayamkulam make it a must-visit place for everyone. This small hamlet is also popular as it is linked with the myth of Kayamkulam Kochunni, who was a known highwayman in Central Thiruvithamkoor (Central Travancore) during the 19th century.

History Of Kayamkulam:

A medieval feudal kingdom known as Odanadu, Kayamkulam was ruled by the Kayamkulam Rajas, having their royal palaces at Eruva and Krishnapuram. It is said that this kingdom was conquered by Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1706-58), who defeated Kayamkulam Rajas and took over the kingdom’s territories to Travancore. It is also said that the kingdom of Kayamkulam had a large army led by Yeruvayil Achutha warrior-a valiant commander and thus the army of Travancore attempted three times to succeed in conquering Kayamkulam. The present-day palace in Kayamkulam was built in its place by Marthanda Varma after he annexed Kayamkulam to Travancore. It is also believed that Kayamkulam had slave markets in the 17 century.

What To See In Kayamkulam:

Krishnapuram Palace- This palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the major attractions in Kayamkulam. Functions as a museum in the present day, the palace was constructed in typical Kerala-style architecture. Krishnapuram Palace is one of the perfect examples of architectural excellence and features the largest mural paintings in Kerala. This palace museum at Krishnapuram has the famous Kayamkulam double-edged sword.

Cartoonist Sankar Memorial National Cartoon Museum and Art Gallery- This is the first of its kind in the state and would be elevated to the ‘top cartoon study center’ in India.

Kayamkulam Lake- This Lake is a part of the Kerala backwaters tourist map. Here the Kayamkulam Boat Race is held on the fourth Saturday of August every year. One can find the famous Chinese fishing nets on the banks of this lagoon.

Besides all the above, there are some other attractions like Ananthapuram Palace, Sri Subrahmany Swamy Temple, Karthikapally Pithampi Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, St Mary's Malankara Catholic Church, The St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral or the Kottakakatthu Suriyani Palli, Kovalam Beach, Azhikkal Beach, and Valiaya Azhikkal beach, which have gained popularity as tourist locations in Kayamkulam.

Weather And Climate In Kayamkulam:

The climate remains pleasant throughout the year in Kayamkulam. The rainy season begins in the month of June and continues till October/November. The suitable time to visit this place is from August to March.

How To Reach Kayamkulam:

This place is well-connected by road and rail networks. Apart from this, Alappuzha-Kollam boat service runs via Kayamkulam.

By Air- One can get a flight to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is 85 km away from Kayamkulam. Travelers can also get a flight to Kochi Airport, Ernakulam Kerala, which is 95 km away from Kayamkulam. Travelers can hire a private taxi from the airport to reach Kayamkulam.

By Bus- Kayamkulam is well connected to major cities in Kerala by regular buses. NH66 passes through Kayamkulam, which conveniently connects it to the major cities like Alappuzha, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kollam, and Coimbatore. KSRTC Bus Station located near to the national highway and all the KSRTC buses halt at Kayamkulam Bus station. There is also a new Railway Terminal Bus Stand near Kayamkulam Railway Station, which connects railway and road transport.

By Train- There are regular trains available from other major cities of the country to Kayamkulam. Kayamkulam Junction is the major railway junction in Kayamkulam.