Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram is 10 km North of Kollam on the backwaters. The Ashram is a spiritual trust in India that conducts several charitable, medical and educational programs, that includes an orphanage, free home for widows, hostel for tribal children, hospital for cancer treatment, Ayurvedic clinic, Computer technology institute, technical school and many more. Headquarter at Vallikkavu, the ashram is almost a village having fruit stalls, shops and lodges.
Thevalli Palace on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake is an additional appeal and has attractive architecture.
Karumadikuttan Statue : lots of interesting legends are associated with this 11th century black granite sculpture of Lord Buddha. Some people suppose that it is the statue of Jain.
Boat cruises of the Kollam DTPC departs at 10.30 am and arrives at 06-30 pm. Normally there are only two stopovers on the way. The first for Lunch break at 1- 00 PM at Aalumkadavu and the second stop for a Tea break at 4 - 00 PM. If someone wishes to go to the Vallikavu Ashram, they can stop there and can carry on the rest of the journey with the same ticket.
