1. Munnar
Munnar is Known as Kashmir of South India & its
situated in Kerala. Munnar is located at an altitude of 1600 feet above
sea level. It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s
popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign traveler's
snuggled in the lap of such an alluring terrain, Munnar is one of the
most beautiful hill stations in Kerala.
Main Attractions in And Around Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park:
Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western
Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. The Western Ghats, Anamalai
Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under
consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.
Mattupetti Indo Swiss farm is open from morning to
evening for the tourists to visit it. This farm is well looked after, as
it is abundantly rich in nature. In fact, it is believed to be the
nature’s paradise with Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the
Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of
Kerala. Cochin international airport is the nearest airport at a
distance of 130 km, the Kottayam railway station is 142 km from Munnar
and Mattuppetti is 13 km from Munnar by road.
- Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary:
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain
shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, India., and represents a
large number of plants and animals unique to the thorny vegetation.
Apart from the dry thorn forests, due to the significant variation in
altitude and rainfall, it has a wide array of habitat types like
deciduous forests, dry thorny forest,riparian types, sholas and
grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs
which provide micro habitats for varied forms of life.
The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas,
towers over the sanctuary inmajestic pride. The slopes of the hills
abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna.The Atlas moth, the largest
of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare
species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed
macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of
Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. 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.Not only this,
but much more about what all you desire for you perfect vacations or
honeymoon, can be availed here. The best nature speckled beauty, long
natural walks, drives, romance and grandeur will make your trip an ideal
one.
Idukki Arch Dam is the world’s second and Asia’s
first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550
ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage.
To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located
close by. This prestigeous project of our nation is situated in Idukki
District and its underground Power House is located at Moolamattom which
is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha.
2. Thekkady
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| Thekkady |
Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to
observe wildlife and hence its a dream destination for any tourist
visiting Kerala.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.
Main Activities Near By:
- Nature Walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve:-
Nature Walk is an interpretive sandal protection
trekking programme offering excellent opportunity of watching birds,
butterflies and other wildlife through a range of habitats during the
4-5 km 3-hours walk.
3.Alappuzha Backwaters
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| A B |
Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist center,
attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The
intricate networks of canals that snake their way through the vast
expanse of paddy fields, through the lanes give Alappuzha the sobriquet
of Venice of the East. The district is famous for its boat races
houseboat holidays, beaches , marine products and coir industry.
Main Attractions in Allappey
- Statue Of Karumadikuttan:
The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the
black granite statue of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The statue
dates back to 10th century. Karumadikuttan is located in Karumadi, a
small village near Ambalapuzha. Karumadikuttan statue is located 3 kms.
East of Ambalappuzha, in Alapuzha district. When you travel 15 Km from
Alappuzha enroute NH 47 between Kollam and Alappuzha, you can reach the
Karumadikuttan statue. Buddhism came to Kerala in the 3rd century B.C.
Renaissance in the 8th century B.C. saw the decline of Buddhism.
- Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple:
Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient
and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of
serpent gods. The temple is located about three kilometers to the
south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district
of Kerala.Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent
role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite
green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the
adjacent hamlets.
- Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum:
The Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum is an
architectural marvel. There is a lush lawn with a large kidney shaped
pond with full of exotic varieties of water lilies. And the other side a
beautiful gazebo with 6 statues made by Italian marbles.entrance of the
museum has a curved shiny tined glass. area of museum is 28000 sqft
including 10000 sqft for exhibition purpose.
4. Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station situated 1,100 meters above
sea level. located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool
climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer
midday. Vagamon also known as the ‘Scotland of Asia’, was discovered by
the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they
were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service
at Kurisumala in Vagamon.
5. Cochin / Eranakulam
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| COCHIN |
Kochi located in Ernakulam district formerly known as
Cochin is one of the important seaport in India. Ernakulam is a wide
choice for recreation and tourist interests in the Kerala. And an
immense scope for shopping. The famous 13th century Italian
traveler aptly remarked: “if China is where you make money, then Cochin
surely is the place where you spend it!”
Main Tourist Attractions In and Around Cochin
- Jewish Synagogue:
The Jewish synagogue built in Jew Town in 1568 is a
beautiful structure. This place of worship attracts numerous visitors
every year because of its impressive furnishings. There are splendid
Chinese tiles and impressive Belgian chandeliers that have been used to
decorate throughout the entire synagogue.
- Cherai Beach:
Vypin Island was formed after the great floods of
1341. The Island is 25 kilometers long and has an average width of 2
kilometers.
- Marine Drive:
Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most
beautiful parts of the Kerala Tourism. It is also called Shanmugham
Road. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the
view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is excellent. At night
the lights from the various ships anchored at the harbor is just
breathtaking.
- Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica:
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Is situated at Fort Kochi & it is one of the Eight
Basilicas in India. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala,
this church is one of the finest and impressive churches in India and
visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as
well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural
and artistic grandeur and Colours of the Gothic style.
- Fortkochi & Chinese Fishing Nets:
The eventful history of this city began when a major
flood in AD 1341 threw openthe estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked
region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the
world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over
the world and became the first European township in India when the
Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
- Mattancherry Palace:
Mattancherry palace (Lat: 9°57′N Long: 76°15′) is
located at a distance of 12 km from Ernakulam in Kerala State. The
nearest airport is Nedumbaserry international airport. Mattancherry
palace is one of the oldest examples of the Portuguese architecture with
oriental influence and is unique from the historical and architectural
point of view.
- Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary:
Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is a rural riverside village in the Ernakulam
district of the state of Kerala . Its a popular picnic spot and tourist
destination in kerala too. It is the only elephant rescue and training
center in Kerala specialized for rescuing and training stranded adult
and baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala.
- Ezhattumugham Nature Village :
Ezhattumugham is a country village in the Ernakulam
.It is situated 11.8 km from the Kochi Airport and 40 km from Cochin.
You can get there hiring a taxi from the nearest town Angamaly as there
is no public transport to the location.Ezhattumugham is yet to enter the tourist’s itinerary for one very good reason.
- Athirappally Falls
Athirappally falls which sashayed into celluloid history with Raavan,
starring Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Film crews, both from the
north and the south, often camp in its precincts to exploit its raw
appeal. Therefore the quiet charm of Ezhattumugham, through which
Chalakkudy flows leisurely, remains eclipsed by the glamour of
Athirappally
6. Kovalam
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| KOVALAM |
Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea located
around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala. It is also known as
the paradise of the south. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and
true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.
Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km
coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam
beach.
7. Thiruvananthapuram
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
"Evergreen city of India",the city is characterized by its undulating
terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys.
Near By Major Tourist Attractions
- Priyadarshini Planetarium
- Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple
- Kuthiramalika
- Kanakakunnu Palace
8. Thrissur
Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala
because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout
history. It houses the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Kerala
Lalithakala Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Academy. The city hosts the
Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple
festival in Kerala.
Attractions
- Athirappally Waterfalls & Vazhachal Waterfalls:
Athirapally Waterfalls is the most prominent getaway from Cochin and
attracts millions of visitors every year. Together with Vazhachal and
the picturesque route through Western Ghats presented Athirapally a
prominent seat in World tourist Map. The most beautiful waterfalls in
Kerala, a must visit spot for anybody who would like to enjoy the beauty
of Kerala is Athirapally Waterfalls.
- Anakkayam:Anakkayam is Located near Chalakudy en
route to Sholayar Peringalkuthu, Anakkayam is famed for its sparkling
sylvan lakes that shimmer like a mirage of quicksilver, the beautiful
and tranquil waters that present a spectacle with the nimble movements
of the diamonds of sunshine dancing on their surface and its fascinating
range of cascading waterfalls that enrapture the tourists. Anakkayam is
shrouded in history.
- Koodal Manikyam Temple
9. Wayanad
Wayanad is the 12th District in Kerala was formed on 1 November 1980 by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur
districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only
municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra
(Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad
and finally to Wayanad.[1] The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad
(land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous
tribals in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats with
altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m
Attractions in wayanad
- Kalpetta: It is the district headquarters of
Wayanad, is the only municipality in this hilly region. The town has
hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base to
visit this place while at the same time enjoying these facilities.
- Pookot Lake
- Edakkal Caves
- Pakshipathalam
- Lakkidi: The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is
situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat
Pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to
the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. (5 km south of
Vythiri)
- Sulthan Bathery: This Place is situated at about
930 meters above mean sea level. One can find beautiful folded hills
across the horizon. This town was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got
its name because the presence of the Kidangans the tribes. Later, it
came to be known as Sultan Bathery, the Malayalam version of its name.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: This project is the largest
earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is located
in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and
park full of flowering trees.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary It is spread over 344 km² & It is
Situated on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery in Wayanad,
Kerala.Wild animals such as Indian Bison, Elephant, Deer and Tiger can
be spotted here.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area.
This is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
- Neelimala view point : Closer to Vaduvanchal,
Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating
trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading
Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.
- Meenmutty falls: An interesting 2 km jungle trek
off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular
waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300
metres over three stages.
10. Thenmala
Thenmala is the meeting point of kollam-Shencottah
road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms
east of kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations
in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts
of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists
centre is situated at Thenmala.
Main Tourist Attractions
- Thenmala Eco Tourism Centre:
Thenmala Eco Tourism is India’s first planned
eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique
vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72 kms from
Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism
shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at
the foothills of the Western Ghats.
- Thenmala Reservoir
- Deer Rehabilitation Centre:
This deer park of Thenmala is a distant part of
Thenmala eco tourism and is built within the Kallada river side forest.
Apart from various varieties of deers what you can see interesting here
is a Tree House and a small Childrens park with some ecologically
blended resting places.
