Kerala Tourist Destinations

KOCHI (COCHIN) - 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'

Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian Peninsula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed 'God's own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and the Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. Kochi (Cochin), situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the western side and the Western Ghats on the eastern side.

Cochin is one of the finest harbours of Kerala and is quiet famous as the commercial hub. Discovery the beauty of Cochin city as you enter and explore the many faceted of the city. The city host a number of attractions that will surely entice you.

Sightseeing places in cochin

Mattancherry Palace: It is also known as Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in the 1555 A.D. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out extensions and repairs in the palace. Its interiors are decorated with murals from the Ramayana and there are some lively displays of the royal costumes and palanquins.
Jewish Synagogue: Situated in Mattancherry the Synagogue was built in 1568 A.D. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of the privilege made by the Kochi rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiled are of interest.
ST. Francis Church: Located at Fort Kochi this Protestant church was originally built by the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. and is believed to be the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. It is here the remains of the inveterate traveller, Vascoda Gama were initially buried and 14 years later his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.
Bolgatty Palace: Bolgatty palace is situated in Bolgatty Island a narrow palm-fringed Island easily accessible from the mainland. The palace was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident and today this has been converted into a hotel run by KTDC.
Hill Palace Museum Tripunithura: Hill Palace Museum is situated 12km away from Eranakulam on the Eranakulam Chottanikkara route. Different type of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient scripts and collection from Kochi Royal Family are exhibited here. Tourist may also visit the Deer Park situated there. Horse riding facility is also available. The Parishith Tampuran Museum situated at the Durbar Hall Ground together with its collection were transferred to Hill Palace Museum in 1997.
Willingdon Island: A manmade island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochi Port. Situated between the main land Eranakulam and the old town Mattancherry separated by the backwaters. Willingdon Island is an important part of Kochi. The Govt. of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Kochi Port Office etc. are all located in this island.
Cherai Beach: Cherai beach is 35kms from Cochin. Located 45kms from Eranakulam city, the Cherai beach boarders Vypin Island. This beautiful beach is stundded with sea shells of various hues and shapes. The nearby village gives you glimpses of rural Kerala and Cherai's main industry -prawn farming. This lovely beach is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach. A very quiet beach, Cherai is well known for sea food and country wine.

Munnar

Breathtakingly beautiful -heaven of peace and tranquillity -the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft. in Idukki district, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantation - pristine valleys and mountains exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air- yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit- it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome Munnar.

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600mts above the sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.

Places to Visit in Munnar: Mattupetty , Kundala, Eco Point, Top Station, Devilulam , Lock Heart Gap , Rajamala, Anayirankal Dam, Eravikulam National Park.

Thekkady

Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful and picturesque state of Kerala. Its about 160 miles from Thiruvananthapuram and is near the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border.It lies on the Western Ghats and is approximately 4000-5000 ft above sea level.

One can see deers, monkeys, tigers, herds of elephants and other exotic flora fauna here.A boat ride in the lake surrounding the sanctuary gives one an opportunity to see the animals. This lake is unique in the sense it is manmade and one can see partially submerged tree-trunks in the lake. For the more adventurous, trekking into the jungle would be an exciting thing to do. There are regular bus services from major towns and cities in Kerala to Thekkady.

Kumarakom

On the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake,14km from kottayam , lies kumarakom a small-town. The most interesting area in the backwaters is the "kuttanad region" called the rice bowl of Kerala. Kumarakom is just one little village in this region on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is a part of Kuttanad region. The bird snctury in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an anornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cukoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Location:16 km away fromKottayam town,central Kerala. Tourist season:Between June and August. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake,and is part of Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acreas is a faviourite haunt of migratory birds and ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, dartes, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild ducks and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow- turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations. Holiday packages on the houseboats,traditional Kettuvallams, are an out- of - this-world experience.

Kumarakom is well linked by Air Rail and Road network. The nearest Airport from Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is 70 kms. Away from the Muhamma boat jetty. The Trivandrum Intenational Airport is 171 kms away from Kumarakom. The nearest Railway Station from Kumarakom is at Kottayam and regular local and Express trains connect the city with rest of India. Kottayam is 14 km from Kumarakom and both State highway and National Highway links Kumarakom with the rest of the country.

Vagamon

It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales.The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco tourism projects. All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 meters tall hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss projects and Kurishumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of enchanting beautiful land.

Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a heaven of tranquillity. The chain of three hills-Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurishumala is a mark of religious harmony.The dairy farm managed by the Kurishumala monks is worth a visit.

If you have not been to Vagamon you have not seen Gods Own Country. Vagamon provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons.Vagamon the final word in your holiday options,provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year,except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons.A land which would make a person come again and again, so that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchanting beautiful land. The breeding centre of Kerala. Live stock board is located here.

Alleppey

Alappuzha(The Venice Of The East): To label Alappuzha (The Malayalam Name For Alleppey) The "Venice of the East" might today appear a far-etched clich of travelogue writers, but this quaint little town is certainly the Venice of India. Nowhere else will you find , spread out across the centre of town, a unique crisscrossing network of canals on which that covered country boats punt along leisurely. The proximity of lakes adds to the Venetian ambience. For tourists Alappuzha is the pivotal point for trips into Kerala's famed backwaters and the state's lush rice bowl, Kuttanad,between Kollam to the South and Kottayam to the east lie some of the most entrancing scenary of palm-linked banks, quiet water-bound villages and little boats taking the local people to and fro-everything framed in green. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad.

The rice bowl of Kerala Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level. Apart from the boat trips through the town's many canals and lakes,and the Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple in the heart of town, Alappuzha offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process- from the coconut husk to the final rope/coir yarn stage. There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets often at prices cheaper than elsewhere. The long sandy beach at Alappuzha has a light house and a pier jutting out into the sea,once active in the unloading of goods from ships calling at Alappuzha. Children can romp in the Vijay Beach Park. The not-to-be-missed spectacle in Alappuzha is of course the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which began in 1952 on the occasion of the visit of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Alappuzha.It is now a major event held on the second Saturday of every August and features the gigantic snake- boats of Kerala,the chundans, once the battleships of the Malayalee kings of yore.Today the Boat Race has grown into Alappuzha's single most important tourist event, with each boat being sponsored by a different village. Competition is severe as the boats, with over 100 rowers in each ,race to the finish to the accompaniment of rousing music.

Kuttanad: Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala, because for her wealth of paddy crops are at the very heart of the backwaters.The scenic country side of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams, which accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes".This is perhaps the only land in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above land level are an amazing feature of this unique land.
Alappuzha Beach: Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha.Its beautiful garden on the shore gives an exclusive sight.Imposing buildings of a colonial past overlook the shore. The pier, which extends into the sea is more than 140 years old and is a rare sight. Dense Palm groves at one end and an ancient towering light house at the other,Vijaya Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss.Boating facility is available in both parks.Facilities at Vijaya Beach Park:Boating, a childrens park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500-2000 hours.
Pathiramanal: According to mythology a young Brahmin dived into the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made away for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting island of Pathiramanal. This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkam and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Wayanad

Edakkal Cave:: This location of breath taking beauty in three kms from Ambalavayal which is 25 kms from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary and quoted in the district Gazetteer,Kozhikode, it is only a "cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft. wide in the rock".It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main body due to some natural causes. The depth of both cleft and fissure is 30ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tones, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it.The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole.
Pookot Lake: It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookot Lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sort after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities are also available. Sentinel Rock Water Fall: This water fall is at Vellarimala village near Chooramala in Meppadi Panchayat.It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre.The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200m in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
Soochippara Waterfall: The waterfalls at Soochippara near Meppadi is really a treasure of nature, yet to be discovered. The stretches of waterfalls ranging at places from 100 to 300 feet height is a treat to the eyes. The pool below, provides for water rafting, swimming,bathing, etc.

Trivandrum

Located at the south western tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian sea in the west and Tamil Nadu in the east. The wooden highlands of the western ghats in the eastern and north eastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spot. A long shore line with internationally renowed beaches, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.

Kovalam

Location: Just 16km from TVM city, south Kerala. Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so far than one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minute. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the nights. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art gallery, the Pathmanabha Swamy Temple, the Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a state owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curious and other articles.

Kanyakumari

(Cape Comorin)- 87kms away from TVM, it is located at a junction at the southernmost tip of India where the three water bodies, namely The Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and The Indian Ocean meet. From here, one can see the sun rise from The Bay of Bengal and sunset in the Arabian Sea. It is a holy place for Hindus be cause of the Kanyakumari Temple. The Gandhi Smarak Mandir and Vivekananda Rock Memorial are additional tourist attractions.

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