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Karamana River

Courtesy - Flickr
Lake & Backwater
4 / 5
  • Timings : 24 Hours
  • Entry Fee : No fee
  • Distance from near by city 6 kilometers from Trivandrum
  • Trip duration (including travel in hours)1 - 2 Hours
  • Transportation OptionsSedan - AC (4+1), SUV - AC (7+1), Tempo Traveller - AC (12+1)
  • Travel Tips Located on the bank of the river is the Thiruvalam Boating Camp where water sports are offered

Karamana River

The Unique Experience

You will find uniqueness at its height when you visit Karamana River, touted as the pride of Kovalam. Most suitable for nature fanatics, photographers as well as young couples, this river calls out to everyone that wants to soak in all the bounties that mother nature has to offer. The river is the hub for water sports like kayaking and boating. Its banks are so enticing that you cannot help falling in love with the green landscape decked up with coconut trees. Its scenic beauty motivates couples to rush here and engage in romantic escapades. Even strolling down the bank of this river makes for a great time pass. 

About Karmana River

Gliding through the state’s capital city Trivandrum, the river makes its way to Kovalam where it congregates into the Arabian Sea. It is popular also because of its dams that are constructed here. Also, one can see many bridges built over the river. The moniker ‘Karamana’ is given aptly to this river as it passes through swaying palms and vast stretches of tropical vegetation dotting Karamana, a tiny suburb. The banks of this river also house Thiruvallam Boat Club. This club attracts many visitors that come here to do boating as well as kayaking. This club also offers houseboat cruises and canoes to water sports lovers. 

Legend 

This river is quite legendary in its own right for it is referred to as Vanamala. It breezed through the thick forested lands of Kerala and hence the moniker. Many world-famous composers like Swathi Thirunal found their muse in Karmana River. Such was his love for this river that he got a mandapa constructed specially to observe the waters during floods. There is also a bungalow called Kunnu near the river. 

More About the Place

Karmana River dam

The river is famous for its two dams namely Peppara and Aruvikkara. The former dam was constructed in 1983 while the latter in the 1930's to solve drinking water shortage of Trivandrum city people as well as for irrigation. So, if you are planning to go for the Trivandrum tour packages, just have a try to visit this beautiful place also.

Rich ecosystem 

Known for its rich biodiversity, the river is a natural habitat for many different species of tropical plants such as water lilies and cane. Local bamboo plants too can be seen dotting the banks and landscape of this river. Fish of various kinds are found too. Most locals catch their fish from this river and make a living. 

What else?

Engage in boating and canoeing while here. Cruises too are offered to lure tourists from far and near. Houseboats too can be booked for staying overnight. Guide services are also available. 

How to reach

Distance in kilometers from - Trivandrum - 6 km

A pride of Kovalam and definitely one of the most pristine places to visit in Trivandrum, this river spellbinds all with its captivating natural surroundings. 

Read more

18 places to visit & things to do in Trivandrum

Anantha Padmanabha Temple
Aruvikkara Dam
Chowara Beach
Halcyon Castle
Hawah Beach
Jatayu Rock
Kovalam art gallery
Kuthira Malika Palace
Lighthouse Beach
Napier Museum
Samudra Beach
Shanghumugham Beach
Valiyathura Pier
Veli tourist village
Vellayani Lake
Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
Water sports
Zoological Gardens