Approx. 8 hours · Private tour
Hidden Kollam
Two things almost no visitor to Kerala sees: a temple cut into solid rock thirteen centuries ago, and a Victorian suspension bridge across the Kallada river.
The day, hour by hour
Hotel pickup
We collect you from your hotel in Kollam.
Kottukkal cave temple
Carved out of a single rock between the 6th and 8th centuries. Two east-facing caves with a Ganesha between them; the larger holds a Shivalinga and Nandi, the smaller a Hanuman. That combination is found nowhere else in India.
East through the estates
Rubber and pepper country, and the road up toward Punalur.
Punalur suspension bridge
Four hundred feet across the Kallada river, completed in 1877 by Albert Henry, chief engineer of Travancore. The first motorable bridge in South India and the only suspended-deck design in the south. Now a protected monument, restored and open to pedestrians.
Lunch
In Punalur.
The Kallada river
A walk and a river stop before turning back.
Tea
On the road home.
Hotel drop
Back at your hotel.
Highlights
- Kottukkal cave temple, carved from solid rock in the 6th–8th centuries
- A Shivalinga, Nandi and Hanuman combination found nowhere else in India
- Punalur suspension bridge, built 1877
- South India's first motorable bridge, and the only suspended-deck design in the south
- The drive through rubber and pepper country
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking local driver-guide
- Lunch
- Tea
- Drinking water
- All parking and tolls
Not included
- Temple offerings
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities
Good to know
Kottukkal is an active temple — modest dress and footwear removed at the shrine. The Punalur bridge is open to pedestrians only.
Book at least 24 hours ahead so we can hold the vehicle and any boats.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.
Private group — you will not be joined by strangers.
Common questions
Yes. We collect you from your hotel or homestay in Kollam in the morning and bring you back the same evening. There is no meeting point to find.
Yes. The vehicle, the driver-guide and any boats are yours for the day. You will not be grouped with strangers.
Yes, every tour runs in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with drinking water on board.
Yes. Tell us when you book and we will arrange it. A vegetarian Kerala sadya is available on any tour.
Kerala rain usually passes within the hour. We reorder the day to keep you indoors until it clears rather than cancelling. If a boat cannot sail safely we substitute another stop or refund that portion.
At least 24 hours, so we can hold the vehicle and any boats. In peak season, a week ahead is safer.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour date.
Kottukkal is an active temple — modest dress and footwear removed at the shrine. The Punalur bridge is open to pedestrians only.
At a glance
Approx. 8 hours
Private, 2 to 12 guests
Hotel pickup & drop
08:30 pickup · 17:00 drop
