Paravur Travel Guide

Plan your next visit to Paravur, Kerala with this comprehensive travel guide that covers the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture.


Introduction to Paravur

Paravur is a small town located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. This town is situated on the banks of the Paravur Lake and is a popular attraction for its scenic views and natural beauty. Paravur offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature that attracts tourists from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Paravur

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Paravur Railway Museum

The Paravur Railway Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that exhibits the history of railways in India. The museum displays vintage locomotives and coaches, photographs, and other artifacts that depict the evolution of railways in India.

Kottapuram Fort

Kottapuram Fort is a 16th-century Portuguese fort that is located near Paravur. It is a historically significant landmark in the region and attracts visitors for its architectural beauty and rich history.

Natural Attractions of Paravur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Paravur Lake

Paravur Lake is a beautiful backwater lake that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a boat ride, go fishing, or simply relax by the water and enjoy the beautiful views.

Munroe Island

Munroe Island is a group of small islands located in the backwaters of Kerala. The island is home to a variety of wildlife and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paravur

Paravur offers a range of biking and hiking trails that take visitors through the lush forested areas and along the beautiful backwaters. The most popular trails include the Kottapuram-Puthanathani trail and the Paravur-Kappil trail.

Best Things to Do in Paravur: Activities and Tours

Paravur offers a range of activities and tours that cater to both adventurous as well as leisurely visitors. Some of the best things to do in Paravur include:

  • Take a boat ride on Paravur Lake
  • Go hiking or biking on the backwater trails
  • Explore the Paravur Railway Museum
  • Visit the Kottapuram Fort
  • Try the local cuisine

Week-Long Itinerary for Paravur

Day 1: Explore the Paravur Railway Museum

Day 2: Take a boat ride on Paravur Lake

Day 3: Go hiking or biking on the backwater trails

Day 4: Visit Kottapuram Fort

Day 5: Take a day trip to Munroe Island

Day 6: Experience the local cuisine

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Paravur

Food and Drink Scene of Paravur

Must-Try Dishes

The local cuisine of Paravur is known for its rich flavors and exotic spices. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Puttu and Kadala Curry
  • Appam and Stew
  • Fish Curry
  • Crab Roast

Local Beverages

The local beverage of Paravur is coconut water. It is a refreshing drink that is widely available throughout the town.

Where to Stay in Paravur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Paravur has a range of accommodation options that cater to all kinds of travelers. Some of the best places to stay in Paravur include:

  • Ashtamudi Villas
  • Lake Palace Resort
  • The Raviz Ashtamudi

What to Buy in Paravur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to take back from Paravur include:

  • Spices
  • Handmade crafts
  • Ayurvedic products

Local Culture and Customs of Paravur

Paravur is a predominantly Hindu town and is known for its temple festivals and rituals. Visitors are advised to respect the local customs and traditions while visiting the town.

Best Time to Visit Paravur

The best time to visit Paravur is from September to March. The weather during this time is cool and comfortable, and there are a lot of festivals and cultural events that take place during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paravur

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress conservatively while visiting temples or other religious places
  • Try the local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Carry alcohol in public places
  • Disturb the peaceful environment of the town

Safety and Health

Safety in Paravur

Paravur is a safe town, and visitors can enjoy their stay without any major safety concerns. However, it is advised to take precautions like not going out alone at night and avoiding deserted areas.

Health in Paravur

Visitors to Paravur are advised to drink only bottled water and avoid eating street food to avoid any health concerns.

Getting to Paravur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Paravur

The nearest airport to Paravur is the Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 55 km away from the town. Other airports near Paravur include the Cochin International Airport, which is about 130 km away, and the Madurai Airport, which is about 200 km away.

Bus Stations Near Paravur

Paravur is well-connected by bus, and there are regular bus services from nearby towns and cities. The major bus stations near Paravur are the Kollam Bus Station and the Varkala Bus Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Paravur by train, as there is a railway station in the town. The major railway station near Paravur is the Kollam Junction Railway Station, which is about 13 km away from the town.

How to Get Around in Paravur

The best way to get around in Paravur is to hire a taxi or a bicycle. Visitors can also opt for a boat ride to explore the backwaters of the town.

Where to Go Next from Paravur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are a lot of nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can consider after exploring Paravur. Some of the popular places include:

  • Kollam
  • Varkala
  • Alleppey

Conclusion

Paravur is a hidden gem in the southern state of Kerala that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their next trip to Paravur and experience the best that this beautiful town has to offer.

The seaside road between Pravur and Varkala The seaside road between Pravur and Varkala