Kerala is situated on the south-western coast of India. This tropical paradise enjoys a unique topography with Arabian Sea, a part of the Indian Ocean on the west and the Western Ghats on the east.This unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations.
A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, each of these charming destinations are few hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other destination offers.
Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travellers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprint on this land in one form or the other like architecture, cuisine, literature etc …
Kerala is divided into three geographical regions: Highlands, which slope down from the Western Ghats onto the Midlands of undulating hills and valleys into an unbroken coastline with many picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. The Western Ghats are nowhere more than 120 kms from the sea.
Season
The monsoon( mid-June to September & October to November) and summer (March to mid Jun) are the seasons distinctly experienced here, while winter is only a slight drop in temperature from the normal range of 28-32°C, except in hill stations like Munnar.
Major Cities in the state are – Thiruvananthapuram(airport), Kollam, Kochi(airport), Thrissur and Kozhikode(Calicut / airport)
Kochi,formerly known as Cochin is popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, also flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world and was the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi loosely refers to a group of islands which comprise Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, etc. Today Kochi includes Ernakulam city, old parts of Kochi, Kumbalangi, and outlying islands.
To explore the historic town of Fort Kochi, there is no better choice than setting out on foot. Relax, breathe deep and come out in cotton, soft shoes and yes a P cap & sun glasses. At each and every nook of this island steeped in history, there is something amusing awaiting you. It is a world of its own, retaining the specimens of a bygone era and still proud of those days.
Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi: The Chinese fishing nets are distinctly unique to Cochin. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi: It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry: The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace): The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi were held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years, will bloom next in 2018. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking& photography.
Eravikulam National Park: This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the NilgiriTahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.
Anamudi Peak: Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty: Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows.
Chinnakanal & Anayirangal: Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have travelled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal.
Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station: Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum: Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.
The very sound of the word Thekkady summons up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice plantations. The Periyar forest is very picturesque and holds great opportunity for treks and mountain walks.
Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old.
Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.
Of late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel including WELL furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms with air conditioning, a kitchen and even a balcony. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.
Munnar The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and are a fascinate the visitors.
One of the Kerala’s leading trade hubs, Kollam is the centre of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. This famous port on the Malabar Coast was once part of the international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. Board a houseboat to enjoy the lush landscape of this land.
Located 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, old name of Kollam was Quilon. The district has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. The major tourist attractions in Kollam are the Ashtamudi Backwaters, Thenmala Ecotourism Centre, Palaruvi Waterfall, Jatayupara and Alumkadavu. Those who wanted to explore beaches in Kollam then they have the Kollam, Thirumullavaram and Thangasseri beaches.
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, cultural events & boat rides are some of them.Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km 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.
The City of Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.
Home to fascinating legends, mysterious mountain caves, hidden treasures, aborigine tribes, treehouses, jungle trails and exotic wild life, this well-known district of Kerala is the perfect setting for plenty of great adventures! Dominated by the Western Ghats, one of the world's last surviving tracts of tropical biodiversity, Wayanad's terrain is characterised by extensive stretches of wilderness.
Its proximity to major cities like Bangalore, Calicut & Mysore makes Wayanad a perfect weekend holiday destination
Chembra Peak: At a height of 2100 metres, the towering Chembra Peak is the tallest of peaks in the region and climbing this peak would test ones physical ability. Going up and coming down the peak would take a full day. Those who would like camp at the top are assured of an unforgettable experience. Prior permission is required to camp on the top.
Neelimala: Located in the south-eastern part of Wayanad, and approachable from Kalpetta as well asSulthanBathery, Neelimala is a trekker’s delight. At the top of Neelimala, the sight is a breath-taking one with a view to the Meenmutty falls located nearby and the valley in the foreground.
Meenmutty waterfalls: Spectacular Meenmutty falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ooty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad, and adds to ones curiosity with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres.
Thirunelli Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill. The temple is at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is 32 km away from Manathavady.
Pakshipathalam: Pakshipathalam is located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 metres, near Mananthavady / close to Kutta region of Karnataka. The region predominantly comprises large boulders, some of them really massive. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. A visit to the region would require a 7 km trek through the forest, starting from Thirunelli. Visitors to Pakshipathalam are to seek permission from the DFO- North Wayanad.
Banasura Sagar Dam: The dam at Banasura Sagar is reckoned as the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located in the south-western part of Wayanad district. The project area of the Banasura Sagar Dam also has the start point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
While you take in the captivating sights, sounds and fragrance of Wayanad, you may also shop for some specialities of Wayanad like spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants.
Pookot Lake: It is vast with an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres. Located at three kilometres from Vythiri, Pookot Lake and the verdant greenery of the rolling hills overlooking the lake, offer a view that is so riveting that it reminds you of a beautiful picture postcard. It is a natural freshwater lake and the weather here is exciting.
Lakkidi: Lakkidi is the gateway of Wayanad as it is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarasseryghat pass. There are nine hairpin curves from downhill to Lakkidi through steep mountains and a journey through the serpentine ghat pass is worth an experience. It is about 2296 ft (700 m) above the sea level and the major town nearby is Vythiri which lies five km away.The lush greenery of the hills, gorges and streams seen on both sides of the passage up the hill are sure to linger in the visitors’ mind for a long time. Tourists often stop by Lakkidi View Point, the vantage point which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys.
Chain tree: You can see monkeys frolicking through the roadside and once you start travelling through the road to Vythiri, you will see a ficus tree on the left side. You will also notice a heavy chain anchored to the ground and tied around the stout branches of the tree.
There is a legend associated with the chain bound ficus tree. It is said that a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided him in making the route. The engineer was reluctant to share the glory and hence he killed Karinthandan. Local people believe that later the soul of the tribal youth started haunting the travellers on this way and at last a priest chained the spirit to the tree.
A serene village in Kasaragod district of North Kerala, Bekal is a land with a storied past. The sun kissed beaches, the royal forts, majestic hills, meandering rivers and the rich cultural tradition of this land all pale in comparison to the ancient stories it has to share.
Kappad is a famous beach near Kozhikode (Calicut), North Kerala, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on 20 May 1498. It is said that his voyage established the sea route from the Europe to India.
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