Friday, May 23, 2008

keralaTourism Kuttanad Backwaters


Kuttanad Backwaters


General Information
Kuttanad lies sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural Kerala life-styles. The view changes from narrow canals and dense vegetation to open vistas and dazzling green paddy fields. Homes, farms, churches, mosques and temples can be seen among the trees. And if you are lucky you might catch the blue flash of a kingfisher or the green of a parakeet. Endless tranquility is yours for the takinghere




Prime Attractions

Kuttanad Backwaters called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad Backwaters with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas.

How to reach there
Kottayam is accessible by road, boat or train from Cochin the nearest airport.




Climatic Conditions
Maximum 35 degrees Celsius. Minimum 22 degrees Celsius. Annual rainfall 250 mm.tag:keralaTourism Kuttanad Backwaters,

Thursday, May 22, 2008

keralaTourism Kerala Backwaters


Alappuzha Backwaters



General Information
Alappuzha Backwaters is one of the exotic backwater sites of India's southern state Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year.


Prime Attractions

The Prime attractions of Alappuzha Backwaters are-----

Punnamada Kayal
The must-visit place of Alappuzha in kerala, where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place during the month of August-September .The long boats, designed to resemble snakes, can accommodate 120 people, making two rows of 60 each.


Krishnapuram Temple
The two-storied building, displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting, Gajendra Miksham, is displayed in a museum here.


Ambalapuzha Temple


Lord Krishna is worshipped here.Here one can see the typical temple architecture and culture of Kerala along with the chance to taste the Keralan delicacy, payasam.

St. Andrew's Church
Established by the Portuguese missionaries, celebrates the feast of St. Sebastian in a fun-filled, festive way.

Mullackal Temple
dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari, is also a place worth visiting.
The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
This temple is believed to have miraculous powers and hence visited by number of pilgrims every year.


How to reach there






Alappuzha Backwaters is accessible by all the means of communication. The nearest airport is Kochi at a distance of 64 km north. The Trivandrum airport is located 159 km south of Alappuzha. Cities like Cochin, Chennai, Howrah, Bangalore and Bokaro are well connected to Alappuzha. National Highway 47 goes through Alappuzha connecting it with almost all the nearby places of South India.


The climate of Alappuzha Backwaters is temperate and humid in general and relatively more pleasant in the winter season. The temperature ranges from 22 to 35°C in summer and 20 to 32°C during winters.tag:keralaTourism,Alappuzha Backwaters,Punnamada Kayal,Ambalapuzha Temple,St. Andrew\'s Church,Mullackal Temple

keralaTourism Silent Valley


keralaTourism Silent Valley


                General Information about Silent Valley
                                        Area : 90 sq.km
                  Temperature range : 39 C- 20.4 C
                  Best time to visit : September to March.




Silent Valley National Park located 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district, echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife.
The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Silent Valley National Park is probably one of the most magnificent gifts of nature to mankind, a unique preserve of tropical rain forests in all its pristine glory with an almost unbroken ecological history. Thanks largely to its difficult terrain and remoteness, the extent of degradation is minimal in comparison with other sanctuaries.

How to reach
Nearest airport is at Coimbatore, 55 kms.The nearest railway station is Palakkad, 75 kms.40 Kms From Mannarkkad, Kerala.

Prime Attractions of Silent Valley



The park has a huge variety of wildlife, with over a 100 species of Butterflies and 400 species of Moths and other animals like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-Tailed Macaque.

The park has around 26 species of mammals and 120 species of avifauna, many of them considered endangered. Apart from these, there are 11 species of snakes, 19 species of amphibians, and nine species of Lizards in the park.

There is a huge wild tree of Kattualying variety. It is hollow within and can hide at least 12 people in it.

Silent Valley National Park

These pictures have been taken during my stay in the Silent Valley National Park over the past nine months. I had ventured into this year-long project voluntarily as I was inspired by some of the great people who worked hard to preserve this biodiversity for the generations-to-come. Their dedication, commitment and perseverance paved way to the Silent Valley tropical rain forests being declared as a National Park in November 1984.

What trail worth remembering would I be leaving if I don't capture this legacy?

I dedicate my work to the movement behind the existence of the "Greatest Expression of Life on Earth".

I am aware that I have managed to cover only one percent of this biodiversity. I am happy that I have made this attempt as part of the preservation campaign. I hope that my pictures will serve as an eye opener to the people who are still not convinced about what the Silent Valley National park holds in her bosom and are trying to asphyxiate the life that is bubbling in these forests in the name of development.

This is just a beginning and I sincerely hope that my attempt would contribute a drop to the ocean of the Save Silent Valley Campaign.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

keralaTourism Varkala

                                               keralaTourism Varkala




                                         General Information about Varkala
                                               Population : (2001): 42273
                                       Temperature range : 33 C -25 C
                                    Best time to visit : September To May



Varkala is must for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, Varkala is a favourite with tourists who travel to Kerala. What makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional is its landscape. Towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding the sparkling waters, back the beach. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply astound the visitors.This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments.

How to reach

Varkala is a peaceful town just 51km from Trivandrum international airport and 176km from Cochin international airport.

The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. A dip in the holy waters of this beach is believed to purify the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini (destroyer of sin)' for this shore. It is also the centre of Sivagiri Mutt, established by the great social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Janardana Swamy Temple


The Janardhana Temple was built during this period and many Hindu's still visit Varkala to this day, for this very reason. The main beaches and tourist area are located at the cliff top, which is about 7 minutes walk from the Temple. The 'cliff-top' is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located, overlooking the Arabian Sea

keralaTourism Thekkady

                              keralaTourism Thekkady
                          General Information about Thekkady
                              Temperature range : 29 C -18 C
                            Best time to visit : September To May


Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations. Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting tour.

How to reach



Nearest Airport Madurai(140 km) / Cochin is (190 km).Nearest Rail Station Cochin (Kochi) is 190 km / Madurai 145 km for trains to major cities.


The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary



The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Notable among the denizens of Periyar are the tigers, the majestic Asiatic wild elephants and the distinctive Nilgiri langur with an all black body and white face.
Other places to visit in Thekkady are----
Kumily,Murikkady,Pandikuzhi,Mangala Devi Temple,Chellarkovil

keralaTourism Wayanand

                        keralaTourism Wayanand

                          General Information about Wayanand
                                           Area : 2,132 sq.km
                         Population : (1991 census) 671,195
                               Temperature range : 35 C-20 C
                         Clothing : Tropical Cottons
                        Best time to visit : August to may



Wayanad is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats.

Providing a panorama of undulating mist clad hills and dales, Wayanad of Kerala is blessed with a unique geographical position.Luxuriant plantations of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber are strewn all over the hills of Wayanad. Situated at a height of 700-2100 m above sea level, it is bound on the east by the Nilgiris and the Mysore districts of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively. Panorama, Manathavady and Kabini, the fast flowing rivers lend a unique beauty to the whole region.

How to reach


The nearest airport is Calicut.The district is well connected by a railway network.Wayanad's Headquarters, Kalpetta is linked by road to other towns in Kerala and there are frequent buses to Calicut.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu.


Thirunelli Festival
Thirunelli Festival is a two-day festival celebrated on Vishu day and its eve, in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) is the annual festival of Sree Thirunelli Devaswom at Thirunelli in Wayanad.


Lakkidi
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station of kerala.


Valliyoorkavu Festival


Located high in the Wayanad Hills at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kms from Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy.


Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri.Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water.


Banasura Dam
15 kms north west of Kalpetta, Banasura Dam is the largest earth dam in India. A vast expanse of crystal clear water bounded by blue hills on all sides, except one. Its an ideal picnic spot in Kerala.

Kalpetta
This is where the headquarters of the Wayanad District are located. A stronghold of the Jains in the past, the famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala near Kalpetta.

Sentinel Rockfall
Near Chooralmala, about 22 kms south of Kalpetta, it is a rivetting waterfall tumbling down a height of 20 m from a hilltop. The spot is ideal for rock climbing.

keralaTourism Kumarakom

                               keralaTourism Kumarakom

General Information about Kumarakom
Area : 30 sq kms
Population : 7000
Temperature range : 37.80 C--16.10 C
Best time to visit : June and August




Kumarakom is a breathtakingly beautiful paradise stocked with divine mangroves and coconut groves, lush green paddy fields, gushing waters snaking through the dense forests and the magnificent delicate fluttering blossoms.

How to reach





Kumarakom in Kerala is just a few miles (16 km) from the nearest city, Kottayam. There are daily flights to Kerala where, as entry points, you have a choice of three international airports - Kochi (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
This fabulous bird sanctuary is on the banks of the Vembanad lake house. An ornithologist's delight, this place is the favourite haunt of the migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

Backwater in Kumarakom


Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake with its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Pay a visit to the picturesque Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls . It is this beautiful picnic spot where streams tinkle as they make their way through the landscape and waters roar as they cascade down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight),
This is an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.
 

keralaTourism Trivandrum


                                                              
General Information about Trivandrum
                                                                                Area : 2,192 sq.km
                                                          Population : (1991 census) 2,938,583
                                                                Temperature range : 32.2 C - 26.6 C
                                                           Best time to visit : September to may





Koyikkal Palace

Location : Just 400 meter from Nedumangad town.




This exquisite palace shines as an excellent example of the traditional domestic architecture of Kerala. According to the Vastusatra – the traditional architectural science–this building can be classified into “Nalukettu” a quadrangular building with an open courtyard in the middle, which is seldom to be scan today. This double-storied building with gabbled roof is considered to be one among the oldest palace of Venadu dynasty. Koyikkal palace was the official residence of “Perakathai Vazhi” (one of the maternal lane) of “Trippappur Swaroopam” – the Travancore rules:- Dutch and British called this Royal family as “Perithally”. Historians have recorded that this royal family had former relationship with “Odandu” royal family when the civil war out brake in Travancore during AD 1677-1684. The regiant Umayamma Rani refuged in this palace. Later when Travancore was threatened by a Muslim invader Mukilan Umayamma Rani led her troops from here. Four princes from this family have been adopted for the Travancore dynasty.

This palace was in the ownership of Travancore Devaswam board after the state reorganization. In 1979 government of Kerala took over this palace and declared as a protected historic monuments. Today Kerala’s largest Folklore museum and numismatic museum are fused here.


Getting there:

Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 17 km

Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 23 km.
                                                     Ponmudi





Trekker's paradise, the idyllic hill resort Ponmudi is turning out to be the perfect retreat for city residents who want to get away from the sweltering heat. With the mercury level soaring, the resort is turning to be the favorite neighborhood locate for the young and the old alike. Located 915 meters above the mean sea level and 2 hrs drive from Nedumangad Town through a 16 Km ghat road, Ponmudi is perhaps second only to Munnar in scenic beauty. Luxuriant grass and thickets that cover the hills, beautiful mountain blooms, exotic butterflies, rivulets, springs and tea plantations offer a thrilling experience to the visitor. Ever on a summer afternoon, one notices a veil of mist drifting aimlessly in the distance and even a slight drop in the temperature results in a drizzle at the resort. A rivulet that flows through the rocks and the thick greenery below from atop the hill resort and near the deer park is a grand spectacle.Jungle trails lead to the tea plantations on the hills and into the thick forest. The trip to Ponmudi along the stretches dotted with several tea plantations and forest offers a thrilling experience.The Journey through the 3 metre Kallar- Ponmudi ghat has in store some of the best sights.Only modified coaches can make it to the top of the resort as the stretch has 22 hairpin curves.


The roads wind through stretches of thick woods where darkness hovers over the canopy of of trees, with only the sound of the engine of an occasional vehicle breaking the silence. On the way is Kallar and situated on the banks of river Kallar is the upper golden valley. The young and the adventurous can take dip in the crystal-clear water before proceeding to the hill station. But look out! The pools at the foot of the depleted waterfalls at Upper Valley can be treacherous. The conical green roof of the cottages and rooms, designed by the noted architect, Laurie Baker blends with the scenery and resembles small hillocks themselves. Apart from the regular services of the KSRTC to the hill station, the KTDC also operates dawn-to-dusk conducted tours from the capital


Getting there:

Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km

Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 67 km


                                                             Aruvikkara

Location : Just 6 km from Nedumangad Town.

The Hindu pilgrim centre set on the banks of Karamana River is just 6 km from Nedumangad Town. The ancient Bhagavathi temple is built on the rock. The stream in front of temple contains large fishes, which are fed by the devotees.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 17 km

Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 23 km.
                                                               Thenmala

Location : About 54 km from Nedmangad.

Implemented as the first eco-tourism project of Kerala, the Thenmala eco-tourism project has grown to the stature of a classic of its kind. This fact has been proved beyond doubt by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) when it selected Thenmala eco-tourism project as one of the best 64 eco-friendly tourist destinations, spread over 47 countries. This international recognition for Thenmala eco-tourism was announced recently by the Minister for Tourism, Prof. K. V. Thomas in Thiruvananthapuram.Thenmala eco-tourism project was the only one of its kind from India to have achieved this recognition by WTO. The project, which started in the year 2000, had won the national award for the best eco-tourism project in the country, last year on January 31. Thenmala on the Shencottah Road, was declared as the country’s first planned eco-tourism destination as part of the Thenmala eco-tourism project. Thenmala is the nerve center of a chain of 10 satellite ecotourism destinations spread across the hill ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta. The unique features of the destination include four zones : Culture zone, Leisure zone, Adventure zone and Deep woods which offer opportunities for boating, nature walks, bird watching, mountain biking, canopy walks, rock climbing, forest treks and so on. DTPC backwater village cruise on country boat (0900 - 1300 hrs, 1400 - 1830 hrs) Fare Rs. 300 per person DTPC pleasure boating on Thenmala Lake Houseboat operators.

Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: Thirvananthapuram about 72 km.
                                                                    

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 77 km.Palaruvi

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. 35 km east of Punalur, on the Quilon-Shenkottah road is the Ariankavu mountain pass. 5 km from here is the spectacular Palaruvi. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience. The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk white burst of foam that resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest. Visitors love the cool shower. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi.


Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Palaruvi is about 75 km from Kollam.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport about 77 km from Kollam town.


                                              Agasthyarkoodam  
  

The Agasthya forest believed to have been the abode of age Agasthya,a character from mythology.Trekking trails Thick forests Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years. Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:

Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonocaud. Nearest airport : Trivandrum International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud


                                                                                Peppara

Location:About 32 km from Nedumangad enroute to Ponmudi.

Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are commonly seen here.
Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the damsite and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here.

Getting there

Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km from the sanctuary.

Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram, about 56 km from the sanctuary.
                                                               
                                                                      Neyyar
Location: About 16 km from Nedumangad.


A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of which the dam is a part is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.

Getting there:There is motorable road to the dam site which is well connected by regular bus services from Thiruvananthapuram city.

Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram, about 32 km away.

Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 38 km.
           

keralaTourism Kovalam

                                                    keralaTourism Kovalam



                                                     General Information about Kovalam
                                                                  Area : 1414 Sq Km
                                                   Population : (1991 census) 21,05349
                                                      temperature range : 35 C to 22.5 C.
                                                        Clothing: : Light cottons
                                                  Best time to visit : October to April


A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 km away from Thiruvanantapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map.


How to reach


Nearest Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms). Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities. Road Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.

Prime Attractions of Kovalam


Kovalam Beach


The Kovalam beach situated 16 km, south of Trivandrum City, is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see destination of India. On account of it's natural location, if affords facilities for safe sea bath.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque.


Padmanabhaswamy Temple


This temple is one of the 108 Divya Sthalas of Lord Vishnu. Lord Padmanabha is in a reclining position here, and the temple is maintained by the Rajah's of the city.

East Fort Ganapathy Temple



Ganapathy Kovil is situated at Pazhavangady, near East Fort. Sree Ganapathy is the diety of the temple that is owned by the military. You can buy coconuts from the forecourts of the temple to be offered to Ganapathy.

The other popular temples are-----

Pazhavangadi Bhagavathy Temple
Attukal Hanuman Temple
Besides, there are churches like--

St.Joseph Church, Palayam
Christ Church, Paslayam LMS Church
Palayam Lourdes Church, Near PMG
Jn. Pentacostal Church
and Mosques like---

Charachira Jama Masjid, Palayam
Jama Masjid, Beemapally Mosque
Thampanoor Hidayuthul Islam Madrasa
Moyuddin Mosque, Vizhinjam

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

keralaTourism Cochin


                               General Information about Kochi (Cochin)
                                             Area : 83.52 sq. km
                        Population : (1991 census) 5,64,038
                         Temperature range : 35 C to 22.5 C
                            Best time to visit : October to May




Kochi (Cochin), the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is now Kerala's commercial center. It's also quite a tourist attraction and knows how to make a visitor feel at home.
It is actually a loose agglomeration of townships connected by waterways. Its natural situation among the waterways and backwaters is quite lovely, and along with the Indian buildings are many remnants of the three colonial occupations (Portuguese, Dutch, English) that it has undergone.
The Backwaters extend east and south of the harbour and contain tiny islands formed naturally over a long time by alluvial deposits from the rivers that empty into them.

How to reach


The nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode, about 93kms south.Kannur railway station is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State.Ferry service is available for travel between the island towns.




Kumarakom (88 km)
This unique backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a favourite haunt of migratory birds from across the world, which makes it a renowned bird watching centre. Kumarakom is also a centre for houseboat cruises.


Bolghatty Palace



A Scenic island of Kerala , Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD.


Dutch Palace
Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Cochin Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs and extended it further .


Jewish Synagogue


The oldest synagogue in India, it was built in 1586 AD by the prosperous Jewish community whose links with Kerala began in Kodungalloor in northern Kerala.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Indira Gandhi Boat Race is a grand fest on the rolling backwaters of Cochin. Conducted in the last week of December, it is a fitting finale to the Tourism Fair.

Aattachamayam
The festival of Attachamayam is held on the Atham day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/ September), at the historical town of Tripunithura, near Cochin


Cheeyappara Waterfalls


The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Cochin - Madurai highway. The Cheeyappara Falls cascades down in seven steps.


Chottanikkara Temple


Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Devi is worshipped along with Lord Vishnu.


Cochin Carnival
Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed during the last week of every year in Fort Cochin in Kerala. The carnival dates back to the Portuguese New Year revelry held here during the colonial days.


Edapalli Perunal


The feast at the ancient Roman Catholic Church of Edapalli Perunnal is situated on the National Highway (NH 47) between Ernakulam and Aluva.


Kodungaloor Bharani
Kodungalloor, 50 kms north of Cochin, was the ancient port town of Muziris or Crangannore. Goddess Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the ancient temple here.


Malayatoor Perunal
The feast or the 'Perunnal' at the famous Catholic Church at Malayatoor is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, in the months of March/April.


Santa Cruz Basillica Chruch
Close to the St. Francis church, it is Roman Catholic Church, which was also built by Portuguese. It has a beautiful collection of paintings and a decorative ceiling.


St. Francis Church


Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church.


Thalassery Fort
Thalaserry fort, located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur constructed in 1708 AD was the military centre of the British

Tourist Places in Kerala

                                                                             Alleppey

                                                        General Information about Alleppey (Alappuzha)
                                                                       Area : 1,256 sq. km
                                                                          Population : (1991 census) 1,990,603
                                                              Temperature range : 18C -39 C
                                                         Best time to visit : August to march





Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty in Kerala. Today, Alappuzha has grown in importance as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year.It is also famous for boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. It ia also known as the Venice of The East. For a total Alappuzha experience traverse the canals on small vallams (Boats) or anchor in the middle of the backwater lakes on a Kettuvallam (rice boat converted to cozy house boats) - spend the night under the star lit sky, listening to the splash of water on to the boat.


How to reach





The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 95 Kms away. Alleppey is well connected by rail from all major places in India. Alleppey is well connected by Road also.



Prime Attractions of Alleppey

Pathiramanal
This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
R-Block
This area in Kerala is very famous for its backwaters and you can have very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.This is a popular location in the Kerala tour.





Alleppey Beach
Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. . The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to the tourists of Kerala.

Krishnapuram Palace
Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.

Boat Race
Allappuzha Backwater is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.

Some of the important boat races are:
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August)
2. Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day)
3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)


Alppey Hotels
For details regarding accomodations

Kerala Medical Tourism

                                       Kerala Medical Tourism
Kerala is usually marketed as a health destination for its Ayurveda packages. Medical tourism is marketed along with ayurveda and other health packages.
Medical tourism is like any leisure product where apart from travel package, one gets medical treatment at the best hospitals. The medical treatment for various ailments are packaged with leisure packages at luxurious tourist resorts.

Why Kerala As A Medical Tourism Destination?

Well connected by Air from major medical tourism markets in the Middle East European markets and South Asia.

Moderate weather throughout the year.

Advanced and sophisticated hospitals of International standards located in Kerala.

Renowned doctors specialized in almost all major disciplines.

Easier communication with majority English speaking public

World class Resorts & Hotels.

Incredibly competitive cost for packages of medical treatment and surgery compared to other countries.




Kerala is usually marketed as a health destination for its Ayurveda packages. Medical tourism is marketed along with ayurveda and other health packages.
Medical tourism is like any leisure product where apart from travel package, one gets medical treatment at the best hospitals. The medical treatment for various ailments are packaged with leisure packages at luxurious tourist resorts.

Why Kerala As A Medical Tourism Destination?

Well connected by Air from major medical tourism markets in the Middle East European markets and South Asia.

Moderate weather throughout the year.

Advanced and sophisticated hospitals of International standards located in Kerala.

Renowned doctors specialized in almost all major disciplines.

Easier communication with majority English speaking public

World class Resorts & Hotels.

Incredibly competitive cost for packages of medical treatment and surgery compared to other countries.

Kerala Ayurveda

                                  Kerala Ayurveda



           Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India , which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.
Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health care system has been recognized the world over as the most perfected body-mind health care system. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that is rejuvenative and therapeutic, is widely practiced in India . Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest seaboard, is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda.

             
                                                                     About Kerala  
Kerala, formed in 1956,is one of the smallest states in the Republic of India. The state has 14 districts and the capital is in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. The country has the highest rate of literacy (100%) among Indian states.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Graced by the Arabian Sea on the west, the Western Ghats on the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala lies on the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. Kerala is a land of great natural beauty. It is the ideal place to visit during your tour to South India.
                                                                     

The ancient history of Kerala is shrouded in the mists of tradition. The most popular legend would have it that the land crust that forms the state was raised from the depths of the ocean by Parasurama, the Brahmin avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu and hence the sobriquet - "God's own Country". Thus during your tour to Kerala you get an opportunity to be a part of this culturally rich country.






kerala map

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