Destinations

Munnar

Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar's mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travellers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.
Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. A visit to Munnar can witness the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area exposes it's beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.

Distances from Munnar to various cities:

Thekkady - 106 km
Pollachi - 140 km
Cochin - 145 km
Coimbatore - 160 km
Alleppey - 180 km
Kumarakom - 200 km

Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park :
45 mins from Munnar. See Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragas hylocres) - an endangered species of mountain goats, rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills, rare flora and fauna, Atlas moth (largest in the world), lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, The Kurichi or Neelakurinji Flowers turn the hills of Rajamalai blue every 12 years. The next bloom will be in 2018. One can actually debate if going to the high peak just to see some goats is worth all the effort or not. However, the walk along the park is very romantic and has some breath taking view.

Mattupetti Dam
10km from Munnar, this popular picnic spot activities like boating and horse riding and is a great place to spend the day especially if visiting with children. You could take the speed boat ride which is fantastic. It costs 300 INR if you have to hire a boat for you alone. The ride is for 15 minutes. The maximum capacity is 5 persons and you could save some money if you are a group of 4 to 5.

Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm
Better known as Mattupetti (cattle village), Tamil migrant labourers had once upon a time reared cattle here. The cool climate and abundance of fodder made it the ideal location for the Indo-Swiss dairy farm. Established in 1961, the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) manages this highly specialised dairy farm. The dairy farm is a unique one of its kind with more than 100 varieties of high-yielding cattle being reared.

Echo Point
15km from Munnar, on the way to top station from Munnar is a small lake set amidst rolling hills. Every loud call made from a spot on the lake embankment is returned manifold by the echo from the surrounding hills. Young tourists throng to this place to listen to the echoes of their friendship calls.

Kundala Lake
This lake is very beautiful amidst lush jungles. Hiring a pedal boat and exploring the lake and its surroundings is an awesome experience. Except at the place you hired the boat, don't expect to find humans around the lake as it is surrounded by scenic jungles and hills.

Tata Tea Museum
Tata Tea Museum' is located at the distance of around 2 km on the Nallathany road, from Munnar. Tourists can see pieces of colonial era and old bits collection. Videography and Photography is strictly prohibited here. This museum remains open from morning 10’o clock till evening 4’o clock every day, besides Monday which is an off day. There is a 50 rupees ticket on the entry for the adults and 25 rupees ticket for the children.

Thekkady

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.

Kumily :
About 4 kms from Thekkady, this plantation town is closely associated with Thekkady. Situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary, Kumily is an important shopping centre and spice trade centre.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
The rich forest area of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread in an area of 777 sq km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mulla Periyar dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of observing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. Though the greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, you can also see gaur, sambar deer, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats. There are about 265 species of birds including migrants, which make your boat ride more lyrical.

Kumarakom

A cluster of islands on the Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is a place that every nature lover must visit once in a life time. With its natural beauty comprising of hills, lakes and backwaters and the pleasant climate, Kumarakom seems like a paradise on earth. Kumarakom is the right tourist destination for people who want to spend a quiet and leisurely vacation amidst the beauty of nature. A boat cruise on the backwaters of Kumarakom is an experience in itself. The backwater cruises are among the most interesting tourist attractions. A cruise gives one an opportunity to experience the tranquil and intoxicating surroundings with palm trees on the fringes of the lake. The Vembanad Lake itself is known for its scenic beauty and makes for another interesting Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom in Kerala in India. The lake makes a beautiful spot for picnic, fishing, boating and sight seeing.

Attractions
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary will be a delight for the bird watcher and the tourist alike. This 14 - acre Bird Sanctuary is located on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The common dwellers here are the waterfowl, ducks, cuckoos and wild ducks. If you are lucky you will chance upon a Siberian Crane, a special visitor during the migratory season.

Alappuzha (ALLEPPEY)

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is often called as "Venice of east" because of its numerous waterways. These huge networks of lagoons, canals, and lakes provide the lifeline of Alleppey. It was founded in 1762 by Divan of Travanacore, Raja Keshawadasan. With so much water in the area, native children learn how to use a boat at a very young age.
Alleppey was amongst the busiest trade centers and it had an excellent port along Malabar Coast. Traders from across the world came searching for souvenirs and black gold. This all was after the British established it as a trade port in the late 18th century to counteract one that was established by the Dutch. Today, Alleppey is still the center for prawn farming and Coir carpet industries.
This town was established on a narrow land spit between Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake. Thanks to mud walls that have been built, amongst the few places where farming is done below sea level, Alleppey is one. Paddy fields are plentiful in the area thanks to the manmade islands created by the mud walls. Excellent rice wine is created right here
Numerous tourists come to Alleppey to enjoy the impressive natural beauty that can be seen there. It is a popular honeymoon destination, a terrific location to see bird and animal life, and a place to see many exotic sites of religious and historic importance. Beaches, houseboat holidays, and boat races also lure tourists to this destination
The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey gives 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.

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, Vijay Park and Sea view park are all spectacular sights one should never miss. Boating Facility is available in both Parks.
Facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park: Boating, a children’s park with toy train and bicycles. Open from 1500 - 2000 hours.

Backwater Cruise
View the landscape beauty , monuments, temples,churches and industries of Alappuzha by cruising through its rivers,canals and backwaters.The starting point is from Alleppey and the finishing point is at Jetty

Boatraces
Alappuzha district is proud of being the cradle of boat races. All the important boat races, namely the Nehru Trophy boat Race at Punnamada, the Payippad near Haripad, the Thiruvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thaikkoottam boat races are held at different parts of the district during August-September . Thousands of people from all parts of the world come and witness these races.

Kuttanad Region
The region is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala'. It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below sea level. The boat trip to Changanacherry passes through this beautiful and fertile region.

Mararikulam
Situated on the coast south of Alappuzha,12 Kms. from Alappuzha, it houses a quiet beach and has an adjoining fishing village. Pool, tennis, water sports and Ayurvedic treatments are the leisure time activities one can avail of.

Varkala

Varkala is a seaside tourist resort and spa. A small town 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram, it is also an important religious place for the Hindus. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala is a quiet, secluded beach known for its white, silvery stretch of sand, mineral springs and rocky cliffs. Varkala is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, the great social reformer of Kerala, is near Varkala atop a hill named Sivagiri. High cliffs from mineral springs majestically rise is a scene typical of Varkala.
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000 year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam- 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs.A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the name 'Papanasam beach'.A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach,a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by.The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology:"one caste, one religion and one god",in a society torn by the taboos of caste system.Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for the tourist and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.
JanardhanaKrishna Temple entrance, Varkala JanardhanaKrishna Temple entrance, Varkala A famous beach resort, Varkala is also famous for its 2,000 year old Janardanaswamy temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

Kovalam

Situated 16 kms from the Capital of Kerala is a city with four sandy bays called Kovalam. The meaning of Kovalam is 'groove of coconut trees. It is a beach resort. The spectacular beach resort in 1930's broke the shackles and emerged as the most magnificent tourist attraction in the south. In earlier days it was just a paradise and not a lot of tourists, but then it was developed as a great tourist spot and then there was no looking back. The four sandy beaches are just a sight of paradise; all the four bays are separated by rocks. The Samudra Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawa Beach and the light house beach are what gives Kovalam its beauty and attention of the tourists. Kovalam is the most famous place for Ayurvedic massage and many yoga resorts. Meditation and herbal body toning is also very famous and available easily and all around the beaches. A number of cultural programs are also organized in abundance and one of the main attractions is the catamaran cruise. Kovalam can be visited at anytime in the year.
You can go shopping in Kovalam and buy a number of items like handicrafts and spices. Rose wood and teak wood statues are popular at Kovalam beach. There are a number of shopping places lined across the beach.
Kovalam is a beautiful tourist spot and tourists flock all year long but would advise not to visit during the Monsoon which starts from June to October. The sea is high and the beaches will be found drowned in the high sea.
It is approachable by air, train and road routes. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum which is 16 kilometers away. The nearest rail junction is also at Trivandrum and is connected extremely well to all main roads in south India.

Hawwah Beach
The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. Topfree bathing and parading is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches.

Light House Beach
Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.The larger of the beaches is called Light House Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock.

Samudra Beach
Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and thorazite.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is built over seven hills and was one of the most important centers of intellectual and artistic pursuits during the ancient and medieval periods of South Indian history. It formed a part of the Travancore kingdom. Trivandrum, apart from being an important commercial and political center for Kerala, holds a lot of importance for the tourists as well. There are many things in store for the travelers here including museums, palaces and splendid temples. Some of the important tourist attractions in Trivandrum are:

Agasthyakoodam
This is a prominent peak in the Sahyadri ranges and can be approached on foot from Bonacadu which is 61 km away from Thiruvananthapuram

Aruvi Waterfalls/Vaiyanthol
Just 60 kms from Trivandrum and 7 kms from the Bonecaud estate in the Peppara forest range. This 4 ft cascade is one of the most verdant and un spoiled spots in Kerala. Road accessibility b only upto Bonecaud, thereon the Kaani tribesmen accompany trekkers along the mountain path. Prior permission from the Forest Department is required before approaching the area.

Chacha Nehru Children`s Museum
This Museum established in 1980 is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who is remembered for his great love for children. The Museum displays a vast range of objects. On view are dolls, both traditional and proclaim dolls from all over the world, a mini aquarium and the first issue of children`s literature in Malayalam.

Kowdiyar Palace
The home of the late Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to visitors but you can have a glimpse from the main gate. If a friendly guard is on duty, he will let you walk a bit inside the grounds where you can get a view of the grand old building at the end of its long drive.

Neyyar Dam
29 km from Thiruvananthapuram is Neyyar Dam a picnic spot and dam site. There are facilities for boating at the reservoir. There is a lion safari park and a crocodile farm.

Ponmudi
An ideal hill resort situated just 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram is an enchanting one for tourists. Best accomodation and restaurant facilities are available here.

Science and Technology Museum
Located near Mascot Hotel, the Museum is of high educative value for students of science and technology.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Has a rich collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich. It also has copies of paintings of the Ajantha, Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools besides some works from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.

Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The imposing seven storied tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings and, mural paintings. The temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Anantha. Only Hindus are allowed entry inside and the dress regulations are strictly followed.

The Government Art Museum
Open from 10 AM to 5 PM on all days except Monday. Located in a park like complex with the Sree Chitra Art Gallery and the Zoological Gardens it was formerly known as the `Napier Museum` named after a former Madras Governor General, John Napier. It is a gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala styles with good doses of Chinese and Mughal Influences. It has an excellent collection of bronze images, historical ornaments, ivory carvings and temple chariots

The Zoo
Open from 9 AM to 5 PM on all days except Mondays) Is one of the best maintained zoos in the whole of Asia and has beautiful sprawling lawns.

Veli Lagoon
The Veli Tourist Village on the outskirts of Trivandrum is a delightful waterfront park. An ideal picnic spot where the lake merges with the sea. The wadding pool, gardens, exquisite sculptures, a floating bridge and a wide range of aqua sports facilities.

Vizhinjam
Lying just 15 kms from the state capital, this is a historic spot, which was left unnoticed for a long time. The capital of Ay-Vel kings of the 8th - 9th century, the only thing that has withstood time is a rock temple, assigned to the period of the Cheras because of a strong influence to die Pallava Pandya architecture. The rock temple is just a little off the main junction, and is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.

Napier Museum:
This is a 19th century monument which comprises of a collection which is quite rare and unique. Considered to be an important destination amongst the tourist attractions of Thiruvananthapuram it reflects the features of Indo Sarcenic architecture.

Wayanad

The word Wynad has been derived from the expression 'Wayalnadu' which means the land of paddy fields. Kalpetta is the head quarters of Wynad district. Wyanad offers the climate of the hill station to that of Oottacamand and a panorama of undulating hills and dales. Esconced in the North Eastern tip of Kerala, Wyanad is renowned for of Coffee, tea, caradamom, pepper and rubber plantations. There is luxuriant green all around. With picturesque hills, gurgling streams and lush vegetation, Lakkidi is one of the highest spots in Wyanad. Fresh water lake, Tea and Coffee plantations, ancient temples, Caves with ancient carvings, wild sanctuary …… all make this place a nature lover's delight. A hilly district lying close to the Sahya ranges and with almost one forth of the total land area under forest cover, Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. Wayanaddistrict is also home to some of the oldest tribes in South India.
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nigeria Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the bio logical heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the trials and others who live in and around the forest region.

Thrissur

Thrissur, with its history cultural heritage and archaelogical wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. From ancient times, this district had played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Tipu Sultan of Mysore, and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Ram Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. He ascended the throne in 1790. Cochin state was captured by the Zamorians of Calicut in the 15th Century and the later by Tipu Sultan in the 18th Century.
Kerala has no dearth of occasions to celebrate. The fairs and festival form an integral part of the rich cultural heritage.Thrissur is famous for its 'Pooram Festival' which is celebrated at the Vadakkunatha Temple annually in April-May every year. This is a mammoth spectacle with arrays of thirty carparisned elephants bedecked with gold ornaments. Each elephant is ridden by three matouts holding objects symbolizing Royalty - the 'Alavattom, Venchamaram and Muthukkuda'. The beats of drums and cymbals -Chenda Melam adds spice to the festival.
A cultural center, The Kerala Kalamandalam, The Kerala Sahithya Acdemy and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here. The Kerala Kalamandalam Kathakali Training Center at Cheruthuruthy is of wide reputed. The other dance forms like. Mohiniyattom, Thullal etc. are also taught here.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan temple is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Poaram are a spectacular sight. Non Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.