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Showing posts with label places to visit in kerala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places to visit in kerala. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 June 2015

KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF KERALA, PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, TOURISM IN KERALA, BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA, KERALA TRAVEL AND TOURISM

KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Kerala Ayurveda
Though every region of KERALA is full with attractions and beautiful scenery and all the places are counted as must to visit, The entire state of Kerala is a tourist destination and at every corner of this state, one can experience something new. It is not without any reason that the Keralites call their state the 'God's Own Country'. Backwaters, historical structures, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, the state has all these and more.

The major tourist destinations in the state include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai etc.

The state has given great emphasis on eco tourism and new experiments are being done to take tourism nearer to the general public. In this way too, the state is a pioneer in the state.

Kerala Ayurveda
Ayurveda, “the wisdom of life” or “the knowledge of longevity”, is one the oldest and powerful holistic treatment followed in India since many centuries. Ayurveda is not just a treatment, it is a science which helps an individual to enjoy his life in perfect harmony with his environment. The Ayurveda treatment detoxifies and rejuvenates your body. This unique health treatment helps to maintain equilibrium of body, mind and spirit. The main aim of Ayurveda treatment is to detoxify and balance the three doshas, vata (air and space) , Pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and Earth). Doshas are the biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. These doshas are responsible for the mental and physical  balance of the human body. Ever since Ayurveda was globally recognized, Kerala became the famous destination for tourists who wanted to undergo Ayurveda health treatment with the Kerala Ayurveda Package. This approach is also medical tourism , where people from across the world come to Kerala for natural treatments.

Backwaters
The backwaters - a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and lagoons that connect villages and support a rich eco-system- are unique to Kerala. Since ancient times, they have been vital channels of transport. Houseboats offer travellers a unique experience of exploring the beauty of the backwaters and life around them. The backwaters skirt Alleyppey, Kumarakom, Kollam and Punnamada. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat race is held on the Second Sat in August at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.

Beaches
Kerala's 550 kms long coastline along the Arabian Sea is lined with beautiful beaches and coconut groves. Adding to allure of beaches are lighthouses and forts built on headlands. The sight of fishermen returning with their catch of the day adds another facet to the charm of the coast. Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal are most famous for their beaches.

Kochi
Kochi, formerly Cochin, seamlessly blends history and modernity. As a trading port since ancient times it has witnessed the arrival of traders and colonists, who have left their mark in the city's monuments and cosmopolitan culture. The charming Chinese fishing nets seen by the beach at Fort Kochi are not chanced upon elsewhere in India! St. Francis Church is an important landmark; its origins are traced to 1503 and it is the oldest European church in India. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi, built in 1568, is the oldest existing synagogue in the country. The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a worth a visit for its interesting artefacts and architectural design.

Kozhikode
Kozhikode, formerly Calicut, was an important centre of spice trade over the centuries. The 'City of Spices' remains a popular tourist destination for its beaches, monuments, museum and backwaters. Portuguese navigator and adventurer Vasco da Gama landed in Kappad, a short distance from the city, in 1498. Kozhikode retains the charm of a bygone era.

Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, Mattancherry, is a charming double storied place with a central courtyard and a temple in the courtyard. Built in the mid-sixteenth century and renovated subsequently, it is also called Dutch Palace as the Dutch carried out renovations and extended it. It is idyllically located by the picturesque Kochi backwaters. The palace is famous for its exquisite wall murals that depict themes from mythology, religion and the two great Indian epics -the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Palakkad, formerly Palghat, is called the land of palm trees and paddy fields for its lush landscape. It is also called the Gateway to Kerala as it is located near a pass that connects the state to the plains of Tamil Nadu. Among the attractions in the area are scenic dams, the Palakkad Fort, Nelliyampathy hill station and Silent Valley National Park. The national park is blessed with dense forests and is home to a variety of natural life including the endangered lion tailed macaque.

Periyar National Park
The scenic Periyar National Park, set in the ranges of the Western Ghats, is well forested and with a beautiful lake in the centre. The park has a rich variety of natural life from trees to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It has the unique distinction of being a tiger and elephant reserve. Watching elephants by the lake is a fascinating experience.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, traces its origins to ancient times and is one of the most revered temples in Kerala. In the 18th century, the then kingdom of Travancore was ceded to Lord Padmanabha, after which the rulers ruled the kingdom in deity's name.

Tea, Coffee Gardens; Spice Plantations
Munnar- blessed with natural beauty and bracing climate- is a treat for the eyes with miles of tea plantations carpeting its gentle hills. The small and beautiful Christ Church, a stone structure with beautiful stained glass windows, built in 1910, is full of history. Visits to tea factories offer an insight into tea production.

Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is a magnificent, grand and colourful temple festival. The festival celebrates the grand assembly of deities who visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple premises on caparisoned elephants. The spectacular sight of richly decorated elephants, the changing of decorative parasols, mesmeric music performances and dazzling fireworks is breathtaking. The festival falls in April-May.
 
Festivals
Onam, a harvest festival and Kerala's biggest festival, is held to commemorate the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. It falls in August-September. Onam is celebrated over ten days with feasts, colourful floral decorations outside home, thrilling snake boat races and cultural programs.

Kerala requires half a lifetime to be fully explored. Each place is a scenic beauty. Beaches, valleys, forests, parks, zoos, museums, the list keeps going on. The backwaters need a special mention as they are the prime attraction for tourists. True to the sobriquet, Kerala indeed looks like God’s Own Country. As a matter of fact, much of Kerala is still a paradise waiting to be explored.

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Saturday, 30 May 2015

KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KERALA, KERALA ATTRACTIONS

KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Popularly known as "God's Own Country", Kerala is one of the most romantic, beautiful natural attractions of the world. It can attract a traveller with vast expanse of beaches, green shades of palm trees, lowlands, and sky scraping mountains, placid lakes and some of the most picture- perfect locations of the world. The natural beauty packed with beaches, jungles, mountains and backwaters, Kerala is a hot destination for health tourism. This land of coconuts provides an ultimate tourist destiny for its exotic beaches, cousins amalgamated with ayurvedic health resorts, historic monuments, magical festivals and the cool shade under palm trees ashore the emerald backwater. Kovalam is adjudged as country's best beach and for its rich and varied touristic experiences Kerala has been declared as one of the ten "Paradise Found" by National Geographic Traveler.

Places to see in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram :
ThiruvananthapuramThe capital city of Kerala is among those few destinations that offers palaces like Padmanabhapuram Palace and Kanakakunnu Palace, beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, Shankumukham and Azhimala, hill stations like Ponmudi and other attractions like Poovar inside a short distance. Kovalam, one of the finest beaches in the whole of India, is only a half an hour ride from the city. Another wonderful beach and pilgrimage centre, Varkala is also easily accessible by road from Trivandrum. Kanyakumari is the only place in India where you can see both sunrise and sunset and it is only a two hour ride away from Trivandrum. The hill station Ponmudi, 61 Km from the city, offers you a day full of beautiful sights. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, the richest temple in the world is also in Trivandrum.

Alleppey Backwaters :
Alleppey BackwatersBackwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. Whenever you choose to explore the backwaters of Kerala, the Kerala backwater cruise and the scenes from the cruise will surely be among the memorable moments. Alleppey is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as 'Venice of the East' by Lord Curzon. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. Apart from Backwaters some other attractions in Alleppey are Alappuzha Beach offering one of the most beautiful views of the Arabian Sea, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Edathua Church, Champakulam Valia Palli, Krishnapuram Palace also attracts lot of tourists.

Munnar :
MunnarMunnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. The Kundale Tea Plantations, which surrounds a picturesque lake, offers the best opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed, and to try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and paragliding.

Kumarakom :

KumarakomKumarakom is situated in Kottayam district of Kerala. Nearest Airport Nedumbassery is 80km away from kumarakom. You can also use rail or boat to reach there. Kumarakom is a famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad Lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. Other attractions are Pathiramanal, Bird sanctuary and Aruvikuzhi waterfalls. Best time to visit Kumarakom will be between September and March. Houseboats cruises can be enjoyable during this time because of winter season.

Wayanad :
WayanadWayanad is explicitly beautiful with mist clad mountains, intense forests and fertile green plantations. The forests of Wayanad are cosmic landmasses for animals to enjoy their natural dwelling. The district's hilly terrain with numerous trails and trekking routes makes it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. With twenty six percent forest cover, much of the district still remains unexplored, and constitutes the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. Wayanad has two major wildlife reserves Muthanga and Tholpetty which are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.

Cochin :
CochinKochi (Cochin) is a beautiful city bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. It is an ideal gateway for an extraordinary vacation. It is affectionately dubbed as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. It is all about traditions, history, tea coffee and spice gardens, sea food and backwaters. Some of the must-see attractions of Cochin are spice market, Kathakali dance, St. Francis church, Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue and Hill palace museum. Each of these attractions has their own fascinating charm. Also visit its aromatic tea and coffee gardens. It is truly a rejuvenating experience to stroll through the gardens. The tourist season is normally from August to February

Kovalam Beach :

Kovalam BeachKovalam beach is one of the most famous beaches located in the state of Kerala known as the "Paradise of the South". Kovalam, meaning a groove of coconut trees, is true to its name as this village has an endless number of coconut trees. Kovalam has three famous beaches, the most preferred of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach offering an amazing view of the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra beach has a couple of primitive wooden vessels for fishing and where time seems to have frozen. Hawah beach is located in between the other two beaches and is the center is the hub of activities with the fishermen setting out to the sea.

Thekkady :
ThekkadyThekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. It is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife while doing a boat trip. From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian tiger, this place has it all. Elephants, deers, boars, bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area. With some luck, other animals like tiger and leopard can be observed. The tourism department offers trekking right into the heart of the forest either on foot or atop elephants.

Palakkad :
PalakkadPalakkad, a picturesque district located at the foot of the Western Ghats makes a thoroughbred tourist destination. Often known as the granary of Kerala, Palakkad has vast tracts of paddy fields. People are friendly and the city still clings on to its bucolic charm of the yesteryears. The Silent Valley National Park that abruptly rises to the Nilgiris is an everlasting marvel to the tourists. Palakkad Fort, which dates back to 1766 and constructed by Hyder Ali, is one of the best preserved forts in India. The abundant forest wealth, dams, wild life sanctuaries, rivers, rare birds and animals, historical monuments; traditional ayurvedic treatment centres have given Palakkad an exquisite and outstanding touch.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA

PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA
Kerala also known as “God’s own country” is a state in South-west region of India on Malabar coast. The capital of Kerala is ‘Tiruvananthpuram’. If you visit Kerala with air planes then you will observe everywhere green on the land. This simply means that Kerala is world-famous for its extreme afforestation and lively nature. Major part of Kerala receives monsoonal and wet climate. There is heavy rains and wet climate between the months of June-August.

For its Flora and Fauna, Kerala is a good place for tourist visits. Its world-famous, tea plantations, spice plantation and green surroundings attracts a huge crowd from all over the world. Well, its important thing to say; one of the biggest attraction of Kerala state is its Ayurvedic and herbal treatment. There are many institutions and hospitals of Ayurveda in Kerala, They promotes alternative medicine and self living is pure natural and lively.

Places to Visit in Kerala
Palakad:
A region that consists of different features, it is called the granary of Kerala state. Places of historical importance can also be found in Palakad, while there are many exciting irrigation projects and dams that would interest certain tourists.

Silent Valley:
This national park has the kind of serenity that tourists would find very relaxing. This area is situated in central part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is an ecological paradise which preserves its tropical rainforests.

Kumarakom:
This exotic village near the banks of Vembanad Lake consists of many small islands. Tourists can have a great tour of this beautiful lake on houseboats that are provided by private establishments.

Kovalam:
Well-known among tourists for its beach areas, visitors to this region can also find many Ayurvedic salons and recuperation resorts. These Ayurvedic centers provide different kinds of treatments aimed at promoting overall health in an individual.

Thekkady:
This area is known for its wildlife sanctuary that has several species of wild animals. Tourists can also find ample opportunities to indulge in many activities such as trekking, boating and elephant riding. They can have a close view of animals in the wildlife reserve while boating in a lake in this region.

Kollam:
A beautiful little town located near the famous Ashtamudi Lake, this region is believed to be one of the oldest ports of Malabar Coast. It has been a leading spice market since medieval times and this is the reason why it has managed to attract many tourists visiting Kerala.

Wayanad:
Located on an elevated mountainous plateau, this region offers enchanting views of misty mountains. Tourists can also find many other exciting places such as a wildlife sanctuary, dam and waterfalls.

Lakshadeep Islands:

This Union Territory consists of thirty-six tiny islands, five submerged banks, three reefs and twelve atolls. Only ten of these islands are inhabited, including the famous Minicoy and Kavaratti islands. A permit from the Administration is required for touring these islands as they fall under restricted area.

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

MOST VISITING TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA, TOP TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA, TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF KERALA

Kerala Travel Guide
Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful state, to enjoy its scenic beauty, breathtaking views, mists covered mountains and lush green woods. This coastal state is divided into fourteen districts, with Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) serving as its capital. Thiruvananthapuram is also the largest city in the state. Other most visited cities are Ernakulam (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Idukki, Munnar, Palakkad, Wayanad, Trichur, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kollam, Kannur and Kasargod. Every district and city has distinctive features and represents the natural beauty of the state. Kerala has a long and impressive history, which includes trading spices to China, West Asia, Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Kerala has been occupied by Portuguese, Dutch and British, during the Colonial Era in India. As a result, many forts, churches and palaces of Kerala exhibit Colonial architectural style. Kerala is also popular for temples and their annual festivals. Known for its natural diversity, the state is home to a large number of sanctuaries and wildlife reserves such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady), Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Trivandrum) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary). These wildlife sanctuaries contain rich variety of flora and fauna. There are several places in Kerala that offer adventurous sporting activities, such as trekking.

Most Visiting Kerala Tourist Places

Munnar: which served as the summer capital for British while their reign in India is one of the top 10 tourist destinations of India. Three exotic rivers namely- Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly congregate here. In monsoon, one can witness beautiful rivulets and streams. This adds to the charm of Munnar.

Anamudi Peak: Anamudi peak, is the highest mountain in the southern mountain ranges and it is also the highest mountain of Kerala. To trek this beautiful peak, you need to get prior permission from forest and Wildlife authorities of Kerala or Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered species, is the attraction of this national park located near Munnar. It also serves as a hometo other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. Distinguished and rich flora, fauna also make this park a must visit place.

Wayanad: If you wish to experience nature at its utmost tranquility, Wayanad is the plae for you. This place is yet far from the human intervention and blessed with natural beauty. Nearly the entire Wayanad district is bathed by Kabini River. Thirunelli Temple, Pookode lake, Pallikunnu Church, Edakkal Caves and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Meenmutty Falls, and Varambatta Mosque are some of famous tourist attractions of Wayanad.

Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala has many tourist attractions. Mahatma Gandhi entitled it as the 'Evergreen city of India'. Kovalam is one of the finest beaches of Kerala and is located at just half hour's distance from Thiruvananthapuram. It lies on shoreline of Killi and Karamana rivers. At Vellayani, Thiruvallam and Aakulam you can enjoy the backwaters of the city.

In Kanyakumari the beautiful site of dawn and dusk can be captured. Other important tourist locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala are Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Shanghumugham Beach, Tropical Botanical Garden and Bay Watch.

Kumarakom: At a distance of 16 kilometers from Kotayam, set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake is Kumarkom. Tourists who wish to spend some quality time away from the hustble bustle of city and wish to be in the proximity of nature can visit this place and all their wishes will be fulfilled. Its backwaters make it a major tourist attraction. Houseboat stay make the visit to Kumarkom even more fun filled.

Thekkady: Thekkady is a place for animal lovers. A variety of animals like macaques, boars, deers, elephants, tigers, and leopards can be seen here. Here, you have option to explore forest sitting atop elephants in the great Indian Maharaja style. Murikkady, Periyar National Park, and Mangala Devi Temple are the other popular tourist attractions of this place.

Cochin: Kochi is a very popular city of Kerala and is popularly known as the Gateway to Kerala. The famous tourist locations in Cochin are Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica.

Thrissur: Thrissur also attracts tourists coming to Kerala and the famous tourist destinations of Thrissur are Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala Sahitya Academy, Vadakkunnatha Temple, and Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral.

Vagamon: This is the coolest place of Kerala and is termed as a hill station and pilgrimage destination of Kerala. The famous pilgrimage of Nazrani Catholics, namely Kurishumala church is situated in Vagamon. It natural untouched scenuic beauty makes it a true paradise and an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Kollam (Quilon): This destination of Kerala caters to the adventure lovers. Mountain biking, boating, rock climbing, etc., are some of the activities here for adventure sport lovers.

Agasthyakoodam: This place had dense forest cover and one can again experience untouched nature's bliss here. Aranmula boat race and Varkala beach are the famous tourist attractions of this place. Famous flower Neelakurinji are also found here.

Saturday, 23 May 2015

KERALA TOURIST SPOTS, TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF KERALA, PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA

Kerala Tourist Spots
Cochin 
Cochin, formerly known as Kochi, gained its importance in the world trading routes after the world famous port at Kodugallur (Cranganore) were destroyed by the massive flood, giving the way to the then Kochi, the nearby city, to rise to be one of the busiest ports in the region. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime 
     
Munnar
Munnar is one of the most popular hill-resort towns in Kerala and in southern India. Munnar is located on the Western Ghats, situated in the Idukki district. The name Munnar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words Munu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. A drive from Udumalpet to Munnar gives one unforgettable views of the Western Ghats. Chinnar is 25 km from Udumalpet and is home to the Indra Gandhi wildlife sanctuary which is famous for known for the elephants that inhabit the area       

Ernakulum
Ernakulam refers to the western part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. The name 'Ernakulam' is derived from the name of a very famous temple of Lord Shiva called the Ernakulathappan Temple. It is also said that the word Ernakulam was drawn from Malayalam words 'Ere naal Kulam', which mean 'Pond for a long time'. Ernakulam is the commercial capital of the state of Kerala.The Kerala High Court is situated in Ernakulam. Majority of islands in Kerala are in Ernakulam district which was from different parts of old Cochin Travancore Malabar area. The main islands of this district are Willington Island, Valiya Kadamakkudi, Cheriya Kadamakkudi, Ponjikkara, Ramanthuruthu, Chendamangalam, Vallarpadam, Panangad, Kumbalam, Cheppanam, Pizhala, Nettoor, Kankattuthuruthu, Cheranelloor, Korampadam, Chathanadu and World's most populated Vypeen Island. All these islands are populated areas.     

Periyar
Periyar is a protected area, and a nature reserve in the South Indian State of Kerala, set high in the mountains of the Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. It lies in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta. The protected area covers an area of 925 km, out of which a 350 km part of the core zone was made into the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve, sometimes dubbed the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is often called by the name thekkady also. Thekkady is located four km from Kumily, approximately 100 km east of Kottayam, 110 km west of Madurai and 120 km southeast from Kochi. Periyar is one of the most popular national parks in southern India, but these days this is more for its tranquil feel than sightings of wildlife, which many people complain can be few and far between at times. The park is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered.

Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam (16 kilometres (10 mi)), in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake which is the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala. Kumarakom is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. The Vembanad Lake, the largest backwater in Kerala, is habitat for many marine and freshwater fish species and it teems with Karimeen (Pearl spot), shrimp (chemmeen in the local language) and prawns. The bird sanctuary extends over 14 acres, and came into existence following preservation efforts from the government. It is a major tourist attraction.

Alleppey (Houseboat)
Alleppey or Alappuzha is a pleasant little market town consisting of a number of islands surrounded by a network of lakes, lagoons and water bodies, thus making it one of the most bewitching backwater destinations in Kerala. Housing silvery beaches lined with swaying palm trees, this tiny heaven is packed with umpteen tourist attractions that make it hard to forget even after your dream vacation is over. Alleppey is also home to a varied species of plant and animal life. Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style; toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc., which remains more or less unchanged over the years

Idukki
Idukki is well known for tourism in state of Kerala. There are lots of place to see in Idukki and its Natural Wild Beauty is notable. A mosque in Vagamon. Adimali it is the spice city of kerala It is the land of waterfalls Adimali is known as the gateway of highranges munnar is just 30 km from adimali valara, cheeyappara, adimali water falls are main tourist locations. A Landlocked District, Idukki Is One Of The Most Nature Rich Areas Of Kerala. High Ranges And Wooded Valleys Are Girded By Three Main Rivers - Periyar, Thalayar And Thodupuzhayar And Their Tributaries. The River Pamba Also Has It Origin Here. As A Tourist Destination, Idukki Offers Diverse Attractions Like Wildlife Sanctuaries, Hill Stations, Spice Plantation Tours Mountain Treks, Elephant Rides Etc.     

Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India", the city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys. Thiruvananthapuram means "City of Lord Anantha" in Sanskrit and Malayalam. The name derives from the deity of the Hindu temple at the centre of the city. Anantha is the serpent Shesha on whom Padmanabhan or Vishnu reclines. The temple of Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple remains the iconic landmark of the city.

Kovalam
Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists. There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kanyakumari
The name of this place has been christened after the virgin goddess  Kanyakumari Amman. Mythological stories depict that Goddess parvati under the disguise of Devi Kanniya did a penance in one of the rocks in this area to reach the hand of Lord Shiva. This place is also a popular pilgrimage. The tourists who visit this southern most tip of India would certainly enjoy the exuberant scenes of the sunsets, the sunrises especially on full moon days. The nature of the sand in the beaches of Kanyakumari is unique as it is multicolored. Lakhs of tourist, round the year are lured by the serene beauty of this place and the spectacles of sunrise and sunset. Though sunrise can be viewed throughout the year, sunset is visible only from October 15 to March 15 from this southernmost tip

PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, BEST TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA

Places to Visit in Kerala 
Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Kerala is often termed as paradise set in green.Kerala is not just some backwaters and hill stations as it is usually advertised but it has so much more to offer. This Kerala travel blog has tried to give you planning insights, offbeat travel destinations, things to do and tips to make your journey to Kerala smooth and unforgettable.

This article is inspired by one of the comments we got on this blog. Here I am trying to list all the wonderful places you can visit in Kerala. I have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible – from beaches to hill stations, waterfalls to backwaters, from museums to theme parks, from Temples to Churches and Mosques; You will find information about it all

Cochin
A lovely seaside destination to experience the golden carpet on the horizon of sea! Besides being serving as an important port, this place is also said to be the gateway for Kerala’s exploration. There are various excursion points from Cochin along with its own tourist attractions.

Attractions: Kochi beach, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica, Maritime Museum and Paradesi Synagogue

How to Reach: Easily accessible destination as it features own international airport, two main railway stations (Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction) and good network of roads and highways.

Munnar
With mist covered mountains, verdant valleys, beautiful sights, refreshing breeze, and of course adventure activities for your complete leisure, Munnar is, undoubtedly, a perfect honeymoon stopover. Stroll around its awe-inspiring tea gardens or enjoy surrounding misty views while sipping hot tea, everything about this lovely hill station of Kerala is a memory to cherish forever.

Attractions: Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak, Atukkad Waterfalls, Forest Rose Garden, Eravikulam National Park, Pallivasal and Chinnakanal Waterfalls.

How to Reach: Visitors can access Munnar from Cochin International Airport, which is about 108 km away while the nearest railway station is Theni at a distance of 77 km.

Thekkady
Home of Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a place usually meant for those who are looking for a fusion of nature and adventure. Providing the required sting of adrenaline rush to your so-called rejuvenating nature’s trip, one can enjoy elephant rides, catch a glimpse of tigers or trek the quiet paths of countryside in search of something new.

Attractions: Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Kurisumala, Kumily, Murikkady, Mangala Devi Temple, elephant rides, bamboo rafting and trekking.   

How to Reach: Nearest airport is of Madurai located about 136 km from Thekkady while international airport is of Kochi at a distance of 190 km away. For rail commuters, nearby railway station is of Kottayam around 114 km.

Alleppey
Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is one of the best places to see in Kerala. World-renowned backwater lanes, lush green views of paddy fields, boat races, sea products and beautiful lakes are what Alleppey is mainly famous for. But you can also try something different from them.

Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Pathiramanal.

How to Reach: Both Cochin and Trivandrum international airports serve Alappuzha region and as per train transportation, Alleppey railway station is within the city only. 

Kumarakom
When you just need the lap of nature to pamper your body and mind, Kumarakom is the place for you to journey. This serene emerald town is a renowned backwater destination and is bliss for honeymooners and family vacationers. You can experience the vastness of its paddy fields till your sight goes or let the ripples of its backwaters and lagoons give you a soothing effect to enthrall.

Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and Kumarakom Boat Race

How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, around 13 km away while Cochin International Airport, 94 km away, is the nearest airbase.      

Kovalam
Let the waves touch your feet or enjoy the perfect blend of sea, sun and sand beauty at Kovalam, the magical beach paradise of Kerala. Its closeness with Thiruvananthapuram city’s center gives it an internationally renowned identity. Don’t forget to experience the rejuvenating spa therapies and massages.

Attractions: Karamana River, The Lighthouse, Vellayani Lake, Valiyathura Pier, Edakallu, Kovalam Art Gallery, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and Aruvikkara Dam.

How to Reach: Situated just 10 km away is the nearest airport of Thiruvananthapuram and about 16 km away lays the nearby railway station of Thiruvananthapuram central.   

Monday, 23 February 2015

Places to visit in Kerala, Kerala Tourist Places,Kerala Best Tourist Places, Kerala Popular Tourist Places

Most popular Places to visit in Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country". Kerala tourist places are the most popular destinations in India. Kerala is well known for its Backwaters, Beaches, Wild life sanctuaries, Hill stations and Ayurvedic treatments. Kerala Beaches are spread along the 900 km Arabian Sea coastline and it become one of the main attraction in Kerala Tourism. The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. SightSeeing in Kerala is very interesting.This coastal state is rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. Most of all, Kerala is known for its elephants, elaborate temple festivals, and the tranquil backwaters. Kerala the perfect Tourist Places to visit in Kerala as below.

Munnar
Munnar is the most popular hill station in South India and one of the best places to see in Kerala. It has exclusive views of extreme mountain slopes which are covered with about 80,000 miles of green tea farms like organic bedding over mountains which offer views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys. Munnar is usually cold and relaxed and gives you a incredible sensation, with the dense spray around you in the center of the organic tea farms. Munnar was once the summer season of the erstwhile English and English settlers found that the elevation, slope and alignment of the hills were particularly designed for the farming of tea. The modern end result is the lavish organic mountains decorated by tea gardens which is the sight to look out for in modern Munnar. There are also lot of waterfalls and hiking routes in Munnar for the adventure seeking guests. With its drowsy little bungalows, bungalows, old play areas and tea factories, Munnar is one of those unique hill stations in India with an old world colonial feel to the area.

Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey is well known for the backwater trips on houseboats and always comes on top among the best destinations to check out in Kerala, simply because it is a exclusive encounter that you cannot get anywhere else on the globe. Alleppey was described as the one of the locations known as ‘Venice of the East’ by Lors Curzon. A houseboat vacation along the natural backwaters in Alleppey provides a chance to observe landscapes attractions like lavish paddy areas below the water levels, small chapels, fishing with netting, ducks in water, water lilies etc, sure to remain etched in your mind forever. A vacation along the pathways with conventional Kerala food provided in a bananas leaves is fascinating with a meditative spell that is weaving a feeling of calmness and beauty around you . All months from Sept to May are fun to check out and go to Alleppey which has few of the best backwater trips in Kerala. Some other tourist destinations in Alleppey are Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple , Arthunkal Church , Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Marari Beach, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha etc other than the beach in Alleppey which may be among the closest encounters to Arabian Sea. All months from September to May are good time to visit and go to Alleppey which has few of the best backwater tours in Kerala. All months from September to May are good time to visit and go to Alleppey which has few of the best backwater tours in Kerala.

Kumarakom
If you have craved to stay in a small village in Kerala for enjoying the backwaters, sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air, Kumarakom is the place you should be in when you travel to Kerala. Situated near the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a sleepy little hamlet with exotic scenery and rare flora and fauna. The place offers boating, house boat cruising, fishing and sightseeing. Canals, waterways and lakes decorated with lilies and lined with coconut groves, green paddy fields and mangrove forests will be quite tempting for any visitor to have a stress relieving vacation. Kumarakom is situated near to Ayemenem town where the popular book The God of Small Things was set is the most awesome position in Kerala (arguably) providing you the most delightful Kerala food. Sailing through the relaxed wealthy waters of Kumarakom in an experience in Kerala in itself. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary accommodates varieties of birds including teal, wild duck, egrets, herons, cuckoo, waterfowl, darters and also migratory birds. The place offers boat trip around the islands giving you a breathtaking experience of watching the birds and the nature’s beauty. The sanctuary is open for public daily from 6AM to 6PM.Checkout our post on Kumarakom Village and the houseboat experience in Kumarakom.

Kumarakom gives you experiences like relaxing while sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air.

Kumarakom gives you experiences like relaxing while sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air.

Wayanad
To know the greener side of Kerala, one must visit Wayanad which translates to the land of paddy fields in Local language Malayalam. It won’t be irrelevant to call it the ‘Green Paradise’ if you are planning for a sightseeing in Kerala. Calm and quiet, enriched with scenic beauty, tradition and wildlife, Wayanad is a blend of nature and heaven together and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during summer. Wayanad is also famous for the richness it holds in the tribal heritage and agricultural abundance. Observing the lifestyle of over fifty tribes dwelling in this region will be a mind-blowing experience. The place is least populated when compared to other districts in Kerala, but the exoticness and landscape make it a must visit destination in the God’s own country. Wayanad all together has many exotic locations in and around the district like edakkal caves, banasura sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Santuary, Lakkidi, Tusharagiri Waterfalls, Kalpetta, and Sentinel Rockfalls. Checkout an article on Wayanad Tourism and an experience in the hills of Northern Wayanad.

Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady is a popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The forest is situated on the banks of the lake, Periyar. Of the 777 sq kms of area, 360 sq km has been taken up bythe thick evergreen forest. Thekkady’s scenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years. Probably the best position in Kerala to see wildlife while doing a boat trip trip in Thekkady lake. From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian tiger to leopards, boars, bisons, deers etc Thekkady has it all that a wild life sanctuary has. The tourism department provides going up the right into the middle of the jungles either on feet or on top of elephants. If you want some more awesome adventure,you can take the path from Moozhiyar to Thekkadi via Gavi spinning through the thickest wooded miles of Kerala. Elephants are a common sight in Thekkady and boating is the favortie past time for most tourist who visits Thekkady. Checkout Thekkady Boatimings and Things to do in Thekkady Tourism .

Kochi
Cochin is in central kerala and it is easy to get to most of the tourist places in Kerala from Kochi , the primary reason because of which Kochi is the starting point for most of the Kerala tour packages. Though the tourist destination is known as Kochi, it is a part of Ernakulam which is a beautiful district located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and must see place to go in Kerala. Ernakulam city is quite fast and modern and the old art of city is theFort Kochi with a mix of british, portugese and dutch cultures spread all across. Though Ernakulam is also known as Cochin, the latter is an interesting city in the district often known as the commercial capital of Kerala. Ernakulam is also titled as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ as it is one of the finest natural harbors in the world. In the past, Dutch, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese and the British have visited here and left their impressions in the town. Today, Ernakulam is as a booming metropolis city in Kerala with many industrial buildings and IT hubs taking shape in and around it.

Just 8 kilometers away from the Ernakulam town is a historic place of Fort Cochin which has some beautiful impressions of the foreign heritage. The place used to be a Municipal town for more than a century and is now one of the major urban elements of the present day Cochin; Ernakulam is another and Mattancherry forms the third element. One can find old English, Dutch and Portuguese houses and buildings in both Fort Cochin and Mattancherry that take us back to those colonial periods. Besides those beautifully laden busy streets and shops, there are a few places in Fort Cochin as well as Mattancherry that attract tourists, mostly foreigners like Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Cemetery, Mattancherry Palace and so on.

Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of Kerala is a blend of serenity and city life.Thiruvananthapuram means The City of Lord Anantha is of historical importance and has many stories to unfold. Thiruvananthapuram owes a lot to Padmanabha Swamy Temple – for the charm, fame and the name. This huge temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situates in the heart of the city, East Fort. A mix of Dravidian and Kerala architectural style, the Padmanabha Swamy Temple is the right place for art lovers as it holds many ancient stone carvings and mural paintings. The divine idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Anantha is yet another treat to the eyes.

Being the largest and the most populous city in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram has people from various parts of the state living here in social, religious and cultural harmony. The city also holds India’s first IT Park and Asia’s third largest, Technopark, making it a land of technology as well. As large as it is, Thiruvananthapuram has many breathtaking locations, of which some must-visits are Kuthiramalika Palace Museum , Napier Museum , Ponmudi, Kovalam, Veli Tourist Village and ThenmalaSri Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is the riches temple in the world is also in trivandrum.
 
Varkala
Varkala in Kerala is a amazing beach with a little seaside and a high high cliff part which is complete of action and is among the best seaside places in Kerala . 51 miles away from Thiruvananthapuram, on its northern side, Varkala has the appeal and potential to entice guests from all over the world with its natural charm and high cliffs. The seaside is quite well-known among people from other countries as its journey and enjoyment provides many interesting activities such as sun bathing, boat riding, surfing and ayurvedic massages. Varkala also is unique as a important pilgrim of the Hindus and the beach called Papanasham which translates into was away your sins is supposed to be the best place to look at the sunset. The long unique seaside places, amazing resorts, fresh air etc attracts the guests to Varkala, who wish to have a less crowded beach vacation than that in near by Kovalam. The unique and amazing destinations of varkala is one of the best cases for the appeal of God’s Own Country. Varkala seaside is about one range long and divided into two. The northern end is for sun worshippers & the south east end is for Hindu lovers and the varkala tourist sightseeing include attractions like Varkala Beach, Janardhana Temple , Sivagiri Mutt and Kappil Lake.

Kovalam
Rated as among the best beaches in India even before Kerala Tourism shot into prominence Kovalam is the favorite option of many tourists in Kerala for relaxing in the sun, ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massages. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from cocnut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The mild home provide an awesome perspective of the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. To the northern of Kovalam is the Samudra beach and Hawah beach is in the middle of Kovalam. The rocky formations mixes with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a exclusive aquarelle on moonlit evenings. Three beaches at Kovalam are divided the rocky formations that is projecting out to the sea. The bigger one is known as Light House Beach and the second biggest in the Hawah beach.Check out Tourist Places near Kovalam Beach and a weekend holiday experience in Kovalam.

Vagamon
Across the Idukki-Kottayam border, there is an enchanting hill station called Vagamon, pulling visitors and tourists across the world to feel the nature’s rhythm in wild. Studded with meadows, gardens, dales, tea plantations and valleys, Vagamon is a promising hill station holiday retreat in India. Mystic hills, perfectly maintained lawns and fresh air are quite enough to make your visit ravishing. What makes Vagamon extraordinary is a chain of hills contemplating religious harmony – Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala. Vagamon is one of those places that have to be experienced live than just read about and is rated among the best hill stations in India.

Bekal
In Kasargod district of Kerala, locates a place called Bekal with beauty engraved all over. The Bekal Fort enhanced with the Arabian Sea is definitely one of the most significant tourist attractions. Film directors’ favorite, the Fort has also done a major role in enriching various Indian movies, especially their songs. In Kerala, Bekal Fort is the best preserved and the largest among its kind. This giant keyhole shape fort with the excellence of the sea surrounding it, greenery view from the top of the fort and the cool breeze sets an exotic feel. The Anjaneya temple located at its entrance is another attraction of the Fort.

Ashtamudi
Ashtamudi translates into eight channels and translates in local language as a lake with eight branches and is the second longest lake in Kerala stretching a distance of 16 kilometers finally merging into the sea at the estuary in Neendakara in Kollam. The backwater cruise between Ashtamudi and Alleppey is considered to be the longest in Kerala and is the best experience to intimately experience the best backwaters in Kerala . Ashtamudi lake is the best place to enjoy the serene beauty of the coconut groves and palm trees along the banks the backaters and is less crowded unlike Alleppey. Munroe Island (Munroethuruth) which is located at the confluence of Kallada river and Ashtamudi lake is a cluster of eight tiny islands is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro who oversaw the land restoration efforts in Kallada river adjoining the Ashtamudi lake. When you enjoy a cruise in Ashtamudi lake you can enjoy the sightings of Chinese fishing nets which is locally known as cheena vala which is used for fishing and other activities like coconut husk retting used to produce coir products and the canoe from which the ripples from the oar spreads out in the backwaters.
ashtamudi-lake-kollam

Friday, 30 January 2015

Places to Visit | Kerala Tourist Places | Tourist Places in Kerala

Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala     

Thiruvananthapuram
Aakulam Tourist Complex, Agasthayarkoodam, Anjengo Fort, Ammachiplavu, Ananthapuri, Beemapalli, Kanyakumari, Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, Kovalam Beach, Maruthwamala, Napier Museum, Neyyar, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Puthen Malika, Shankhumugham Beach, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sucheendram temple, The Zoo and Museum Complex, Thriparappu waterfalls, Varkala, Vattakkotta, Veli, Vivekanandappara, Vyloppilly Sanskrithi Bhavan,

Kollam
Adventure Park, Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Houseboats, Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, Munroe island, Thangasseri, Thenmala, Thevally Palace.

Pathanamthitta
Aranmula boat race, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kakki Reservoir, Kaviyoor, Konni, Mannadi, Maramon, Perumthenaruvi Falls, Sabarimala, Thiruvalla, Vastu Vidya Gurukulam, Vijnana Kala vedi Cultural Centre,

Alappuzha
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Bhagavathi Temple, Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple, Chavara Bhavan, Karumadi Kuttan, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Kuttanad, Mannarassala Snake Temple, Pathiramanal Island, R Block,, St George Orthodox Syrian Church, St Mary's Church, Champakulam, Subrahmanya Temple.

Idukki
Blossom international Park, Cheriyapalli, CSl Church (St George's Church), Devikulam Lake, Eagle Rock or Parunthumpara, Idukki Arch Dam, Kalvary Mount, Kolukkumalai, Kundala, Kurisumala Ashram, Kurisumala, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Mampara Grasslands, Mangaladevi Temple, Marayoor, Mattupetty, Mount Carmel Church, Munnar, Murugan Para, Nelliyampathy, Orange and Vegetable Farm,Panchalimedu, Peermede, Pine Forests, Pothundy, Rajamalai, Seetharkundu,Summer Palace, Tea Museum, Thekkady, Thommankuthu, Thrisangu Hills, Top Station, Vagamon, Viewpoints, Waterfalls of Munnar,

Kottayam
Ayyampara hills, Cheriyapalli, Erumely, Ganapathiyar Kovil, Good Shepherd Church, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kanjirapally, Kayyoor Temple, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Pala, Poonjar Palace, Shrine of our Lady of immaculate Conception, St Dominic's Cathedral, St George Church, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Church Bharananganam, St Mary's Forane Church, St Thomas Benedictine Abbey, Thirunakkara Temple, Vagamon, Valiyapalli, Kumarakom, Driftwood Museum, Bird Sanctuary, Midlands.

Ernakulam
Antique Shops in Jew Street, Bhoothathankettu, Bishop's House/indo-Portuguese Museum, Broadway, Cherai Beach, Chottanikkara Temple, Clock tower, Dutch Cemetery, Fort Kochi Beach, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi, Kochi, Kumbalangi, M.G.Road, Marine Drive, Maritime Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Pardesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Shiva Temple, SNC Maritime Museum, Spice Market, St Francis Church, Thirumala Devaswom Temple, Willingdon Island, Chendamangalam.

Thrissur
Athirappally and Vazhachal water falls, Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, Cheruthuruthy, The land of Arts, Guruvayur, Irinjalakkuda, The land of Bharatha, Juma Masjid,Kodungallur, Koodalmanik, Yam Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Lourdes Cathedral,Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church, Palayur Church,Punnathoor Kotta, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Shiva Temple,Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar,The Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam, The State Museum and Zoo,The Swaraj Roudn the heart of Thrissur,Vadakkumnathan Temple,

Palakkad
Jain Temple, Lakkidi, Mayiladumpara Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy, Silent Valley, Tipu's Fort, Trithala, Varahamoorthi Kshetram.

Malappuram
Kadalundi Nagaram, Kondotty, Kottakkal(Centre of Ayurveda), Kottapadi, Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur(Forest area), Perinthalmanna, Perumpadappu, Ponnani, Tanur, Teak Museum,Tirur,Tirurangadi,

Kozhikode
Beypore and its ‘Urus’, Beach Road, CSI Church, Kallai, Lokanarkavu of Vadakkanpattu, Mananchira Square, Mishkal Mosque, Mother of God Cathedral, Muchundipalli, Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Planetarium and Science Centre, Tali Temple,Valayanadu Devi Kshetram,

Wayanad
Mananthavady, Brahamagiri, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves,Jain Temple, Karalad Lake, Kerala Kalamandalam, Kuruva Dweep, Lakkidi's Chain Tree, Mahe, Meenmutty Falls,Muthanga,The jungle of secrets, Pakshipathalam,Pazhassi Museum,Pookot Lake,River Nila,Soochipara and Kanthampara Falls, The tree of Karimthandan,Thirunelly Temple,Thrissiteri Temple,Wayanad Heritage Museum,

Kannur
Alluring Beaches, Cheruvathur Kota Palli, Delightful Backwaters, Ezhimalai, Fort St Angelo,Kanhirode weaving Co-operative, Kerala Folklore Academy, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Nileswaram, Parassini Kadavu Temple, Payyambalam Beach,Rajarajeshwara Temple,Thalassery,The tree of Karimthandan,Ummichipoyil and Varikulam,Valiyaparamba Backwaters,

Kasargode
Anandashram, Ananthapura Temple, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Kanhangad Hosdurg Fort,Kanwatheertha Beach, Kappil Beach, Kodagu, Kottanchery, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, Possadi Gumpe, Ranipuram.

Thursday, 1 November 2012


Kerala the land of many varieties, land with ample Heritage and cultural background and much to offer to the tourists is having many interesting places spread through out the region. A few of the places to visit in Kerala are

Alleppey
Alleppey previously called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a bunch of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Because of its large network of canals many times it is referred as the ‘Venice of the East’ by worldwide tourists.  This backwater region is also home to diverse range of animals and birds.  Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir. It holds a special place in the maritime industry of Kerala because of its location in the vicinity of Arabian Sea.

In recent days Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year during August-September, Alleppey is eagerly waiting for the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race a water sport unique to Kerala.

Cochin
Cochin or Kochi being an important port city is strategically located, well connected by aerial routes, railways and road. Travelers who want to arrive by air can alight at Cochin International Airport at Nedumbessary. If you prefer rail journey you have two stations to alight Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction. Many express trains from cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are plying to Kochi. This city is well connected by road to many major cities of other states.

The city is filled with glamorous shopping centers and Jewellery shops. The Hotels and Restaurants are very attractive and serve appetizing food. Among the busy roads and business centers the city also caters to some very beautiful parks, children's playgrounds and beach side pavements. The Naval base and the Cochin shipyard make it a place of importance. Marine drive is also another business area in Cochin which has a beautiful view of the sea and the islands. You can also see the merchant ships and the cruise liner halting for fueling.

Places of tourist interest being Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. It is an eclectic blend of the Arab, British, Portuguese and Dutch legacy. To get a taste of the Portuguese architecture, you can head towards The Santa Cruz Basilica. The St. Francis Church, another specimen from the Portuguese era, boasts of having being the burial site of the famous Vasco da Gama. The Chinese fishing nets, a remnant from the rule of the majestic Kublai Khan, is another major tourist attraction. After a day of wander lust, you can unwind at the Fort Kochi Beach, which also houses a pretty lighthouse. The Jew Street, the Dutch Cemetery and the Princess Street are some of other coveted tourist hot spots.

Kovalam
Well known as the ‘Paradise of Southern India’ is sixteen kms away from Trivandrum city. The word ‘Kovalam’ means a grove of coconut trees. The coconut trees at the Kovalam villages symbolize natural beauty and economic value. A characteristic feature of the sands in theKovalam beaches is that they are black in color. This is attributed to the presence of thorazite and ilmenite. It is having three famous beaches, the most preferred of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach. The northern Samudra beach has a couple of primitive wooden vessels for fishing. Hawah beach is located in between the other two beaches.

Kumarkom

Kumarakom, located about twelve kms from Kottayam is a famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala. This place can be reached from Alappuzha. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad Lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms scattered everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties is fascinating the tourists. On the scenic Vembanad Lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a cluster of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life.

Munnar

Munnar with its impeccable beauty is the most famous holiday destination in South India. In the green and serene Kamman Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar. Munnar is located at a height of 6000 feet above sea level in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations pristine valleys and mountains exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests with aroma of spice scented cool air is how it can be described in brief. Munnar has all these and more.

Periyar
The central attraction of Periyar, is thePeriyar National Parklocated in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The main attraction of the Periyar National Park is the Periyar lake on a huge 5500 Hectares. This lake is formed by the construction of dam on the river Periyar. Along the perimeter of the lake are the marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals like elephants, as it provides a natural protection and nourishment to them. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is having a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The other major attraction being Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing real visitor satisfaction. Spread over an area of around 750 Sq km., Periyar is one of the twenty seven tiger reserves in India. The great thing about the locals of Periyar is they provide people oriented community based ecotourism and help preserving the forests.

Thiruvanantapuram

Thiruvananthapuram district lies at the southern tip of Indian peninsula. The very clean and green Thiruvananthapuram city is the capital of kerala and the headquarters of Thiruvananthapuram district. The name Thiruvananthapuram in local language means ‘the abode of Lord Anantha’, where Anantha is the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu reclines. Lord Vishnu or Padmanabhais the presiding deity of Shree Padmanabhasami temple here. Having arabian sea and the wooded Western Ghats on the boundary, Thiruvananthapuram offers the most enchanting tourist spots, with beautiful beaches, historic spots and palaces, famous shrines and mystic backwaters and also the very rich history that dates back to 1000 BC. It is the major center of Medical tourism in India. The city was officially called as Trivandrum in English until 1991. The city is built on seven low hills. Raja Marthanda Varma is considered as the Father of modern Thiruvananthapuram. 

Varkala
The landscape of Varkala makes it exceptional amongst the beaches of Kerala. The beach is backed by Towering cliffs that guard the sparkling waters. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply mesmerize the visitors. You will observe a composite picture of the beauty and awesomeness of nature with Shining white sands, cloudless skies touching the blue water and the red soil of the hilltop, coupled with yellow-green paddy fields, and green coconut trees. Here nature in its pristine glory remains so untouched that to get to the secluded part of the beach, one has to either scramble over rocks during high tide or climb down the cliff.

Wayanad
Located in the Nilgiri Biosphere, Wayanad district in Kerala is a land of mysterious jungle trails, mountain caves, ancient ruins, thundering waterfalls, exotic wild life and a number of aboriginal tribes. The district's hilly terrain with numerous trails and trekking routes makes it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. With twenty six percent forest cover, much of the district still remains unexplored, and constitutes the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. Wayanad has two major wildlife reserves Muthanga and Tholpetty which are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Nestled at an altitude between 700 - 2100 meters above the sea level, Wayanad Kerala comprises explicit flora and fauna.

The district also has its share of historical and religious monuments. But it's for its natural beauty that Wayanad is best known. This district of Kerala is rich in cardamom and pepper. This region is always filled with the aroma of spices and coffee.


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