Destinations
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Alappuzha (Alleppey), known as Venice of the East is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Alapuzha is beautiful place with the unending stretch of paddy fields, canals, small streams and with lush green coconut palms.
Alappuzha is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. "Kettuvallam" (Traditional House boats of Kerala) are available on hire to take visitors on the waterways of Vembanad Lake, the largest Lake in Kerala. Alappuzha is strongly connected by the waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.
Kuttanad in Alappuzha District is known as the rice bowl of Kerala.
Pathiramanal is a little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This beautiful island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom is accessable only by boat.
Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Vijaya Beach Park adds to the attractions of the beach. The Alappuzha Lighthouse here built in 1862 is a major tourist attraction.
Snake boat races involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. Snake boat races are usually held between August and October. Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake is the most famous snake boat race.
Fort Kochi
The venerable city of KOCHI (Long known as Cochin), is Kerala's hottest tourist spot, spreading across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and backwaters.its main sections-modern Ernakulam, in the east, and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west-are linked by a complex system of ferries, ad distinctly less romantic bridges
Fort Kochi is a small village located near the larger city of Kochi. There are picturesque beaches along this part of the coast line. Scattered throughout the beaches are many famous Chinese fishing nets as well as many sailing ships. The effect created by such fishing necessities is quaint and relaxing. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline, since this location was where the first European settlement in India was located. This particular stretch of the coast also contains numerous small stalls which sell delicious traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish right on demand.
Athirappilly and Vazhachal
Athirappilly and Vazhachal are popular tourist places of Kerala, located in Thrissur District.
Athirappilly water falls, approximately 80 feet in hight, situated in Chalakkudy river, originates from the Western ghats mountain ranges. Vazhachal water falls is just 5km from Athirappilly.
Athirappally and vazhachal are the most famous water falls in Kerala. The surrounding thick green Sholayar forest adding beauty to this tourist place. Sholayar forest is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna. Many Indian film makers chose Athirappilly as their location because of the scenic beauty of this place. Millions of tourists are visiting this beautiful tourist place yearly. The amusement parks, Dream World Water Park and Silverstorm water theme park are just a few kilometers away.
Nearest railway station is Chalakkudy(35km) and Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery is 55km away.
Kanyakumari
A beatiful sea side tourist place, in the southern end of India. Kanyakumari is not only a tourist place, a popular pilgrim destination too. This is the only place in india where you can watch both sunrise and sunset because, the three oceans - Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian sea meets here.
Kanyakumari takes its name from Goddess Kanyakumari Amman and the temple of the presiding diety is on the edge of the ocean at the confluence of three oceans.
Important tourist attractions of Kanyakumari are Vivekananda rock memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, both are situated on two giant rocks reached out of the sea, looks like two small islands in the sea.
Vivekananda memorial is on the rock named Sreepada parai (means the rock blessed by the touch of feet of the goddess). You can see the footprint of the goddess Kanyakumari there. Swamy Vivekananda(one of the most famous philosopher and spiritual leader of india) is said to have sat in deep meditation on Sreepada parai. There is a meditation hall inside the Vivekananda memorial monument. Spending some time there would be an amazing experience.
Thiruvalluvar Statue built in the memory the great Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar on the adjescent rock of Sreepada parai is one of the biggest statues in Asia.
Regular boat services are available here. Kanyakumari was formerly a part of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. When the agitation of larger tamil population of Kanyakumari for the merger with tamilnadu intensified, the States reorganisation commission also recommended the same. In 1956 Kanyakumari district formed and merged with Tamilnadu state.
Kovalam beach of Kerala is 87km away from Kanyakumari. There are somany interesting tourist spots in and around kanyakumari.
Kovalam beach
Kovalam beach, the paradise of south India. A fine sandy beach on Arabian sea backed by lush coconut trees attracts thousands of indian and international tourists weekly. Kovalam has been one of the most popular beaches in India among tourists, especially europeans since 1930's. Over the past years Kovalam has been well developed and now figures prominently on world tourism map. Kovalam is located 16 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Thiruvanathapuram international airport is just 10 km away and Thiruvanathapuram central railway station is about 16 km away.
Kovalam beach consists of three crescent shaped beaches seperated by outcrops projected out to the sea. Light house beach, Hawah beach and Samudra beach. There are many private beaches also, owned by Hotels and Resorts. Light house beach is the longest and most popular among tourists. The Light house belong to the British period on the high promontory at the southern end of the beach offers a spectacular view of the sea. A massive rock promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. There are plenty of leisure options and activities here. Sun bathing, swimming, surfing, catamaran cruising, special cultural programmes etc. The local fishermen provides cruises in fishing boats. Many Hotels and resorts here offers Ayurvedic body toning massages, Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments and Yoga(Indian way of meditation).
There are several restaurants provides Indian and Euoropean style delicious food. Kovalam is famous for grilled seafood items like Lobster, King prawns and Kalamari which are got fresh from the sea. The main tourist season is from September to May. The best time to visit here is November to february.
Bekal
Bekal is a tourist place located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kasargod district of Kerala. Extremely scenic landscape, extensive beaches and backwaters and unspoilt environment qualified Bekkal as a potential site for an International standard beach destination.
Kasaragod, the northern end of Kerala, is a magical land of forts, rivers, beaches, backwaters, lush green forests, hills and plantations. The important tourist attractions here are the magnificent 300 year old Bekal Fort and the Bekal beach surrounding the fort.
Bekal fort is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala. The Fort is built by the Jeheri Nayak dynasty and completed during the period of Sivappa Nayak. Bekal subsequently fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans. The Tipu Sulthan who died fighting against the British and subsequently the Bekal fort came under the British East India Company. There is an Observation tower more than 30 ft. high, where a few centuries ago huge cannons used to be placed, offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea and the green landscape. There is an old mosque nearby said to have been built by the Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
In 1992, the Government of India declared Bekal as a Special Tourism Area. Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd (BRDC) was formed in 1995 with the Chief Secretary to Government of Kerala as Chairman, senior Government officials as Directors and Managing Director to develop Bekal as an international standard Beach Tourist Destination. BRDC focuses on planned, environment-friendly and ecologically viable methods of development. Comprehensive infrastructure development at the Bekal Project site includes water supply scheme, roads, street lighting, sanitation, solid waste disposal systems, public amenities, communication systems and basic tourist facilities.
Bekal is a favourite shooting location for the film makers.
Nearest railway station is at Kasaragod, about 16 km away. Nearest airport is at Mangalore, about 50 km away and Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode is about 200 km away.
Thekkady
Thekkady is an important tourist place of kerala located at an altitude of 900 to 1800 meters above sea level. Main tourist attractions of Thekkady are Periyar National Park, Thekkady Lake, Boating, The evergreen forests, Wild animals etc. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is very dense evergreen forest spread 777 squire kms area declared as Tiger reserve in 1978. Periyar wildlife sanctuary is famous for its evergreen forests, savannah grass lands and wild animals elephants, sambar, gaur, Nilgiri langurs, tigers, wild boars, lion tailed macaques....
The sanctuary is situated around an artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar Dam accross the Periyar River.
The herds of elephants playing in Lake is a wonderful sight while boating through the Periyar lake.
Thekkady is also known for plantations of various natural spices like black pepper,clove,cardamom,cinnamon,chilly,tamarind etc.
Forest department,Kerala tourism development corporation(KTDC) and many private agencies offers many programs to promote adventure tourism in Thekkady.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam (114 km)
Nearest airport : Madhurai (140 km), Kochi(180 km)
See the pictures of Thekkady below...
MATTUPETTY
This beautiful hill station is situated 1700m above sea level, just 13 km away from the famous tourist place, Munnar in Idukki district of Kerala on the way to Top Station(tourist spot located in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu offers a spectacular view of western ghats). If you are on a trip to Munnar, don't miss this heavenly tourist place. Main tourist attractions are Mattupetty Dam made in 1940's and Mattupetty Lake. Boating services on speed boats and slow motor boats, provided by DTPC(District Tourism Promotion Council) Idukki are available here. Cruising through the lake in speed boat is an amazing experience.
Shola forest nearby mattupetty is ideal for trekking and birdwatching. Streamlets and waterfalls here and there adds more attraction for this place. Echopoint is another tourist attraction nearby Mattupetty, got its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Lake view from here is quite amazing.
Mattupetty is also known for the Swiss livestock project farm established in 1961, where over 100 varieties of highly yielding cattle are reared. Visiters are alowed here from 9am to 11am and 2pm to 3.30pm(Rupees 5 per head for pass). Kundala tea plantations and kundala lake here are also very nice picnic spots.
Kumarakom Back Waters
Kumarakom village is a cluster of little islands on Vembanad lake and is a part of Kuttanad region, famous for its mangrove forests, green paddy fields, coconut trees, etc. Cruising through the Kumarakom backwaters is an amazing experience of a lifetime. Cheap small rowing boats to luxurious houseboats(Kettuvallams) are available here for backwater cruising. Kettuvallams are the houseboats of kerala previously used to transport goods. Now these houseboats are well modified, using as luxury houseboats having all the facilities like well furnished luxury rooms, toilet, kitchen etc. You can spend the whole day in these houseboats and enjoy the beauty of this place.
Kumarakom Bird life Sanctuary spread across 14 acres is on the banks of Vembanad lake. This Bird sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds. You can watch the birds while cruising round the islands. Vembanad lake is habitat for several marine species like Karimeen(Pearl spotted fish), Prawns and Shrimp. Kumarakom is famous for Karimeen and Toddy(an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of palm trees) There are several lakeside resorts here offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like Ayurvedic massage, meditation, yoga,boating, fishing and swimming. Alapuzha is the nearby backwater tourist destination. You can journey right upto Kochi through the backwaters.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam(16km)
Nearest airport : Kochi(85km)
Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is an amazing hill station on the western ghats mountain ranges in Palakkad district of Kerala, 60km from Palakkad town, is one of the best places for ecotourism in Kerala. The green lush forests covering the whole hill area, coffee, tea, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations, water falls and the misty and cool climate of Nelliyampathi offering a delightful vacation for the tourists. Nelliyampathy is situated at a height of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level. Journey to Nelliyampathy itself thrilling. There are about ten hairpin curves on the way. The road is narrow and it is recommended that one who drives the vehicle should be experienced to drive in such roads. Pothundi Dam is one important picnic spot near, in a distance of 21 km away from Nelliyampathy. Pothundi Dam is an irrigation Dam. The speciality of this Dam is that, it is built without cement or concrete. A mixture of jaggery and quick lime is used in place of cement to construct this dam. This Dam, built in late 1800 AD is a real wonder for the new technology. Boat services are there in the reservoir of Pothundy Dam. The sight of Nelliyampathi mountains from here is quite spectacular.
Seetharkundu is one important spot of attraction in Nelliyampathy. There is a waterfall about 100m in height. It offers a fantastic sight of the valley below. We can see one-third of the entire Palakkad area from here.
Nelliyampathy is the paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Several species of birds and animals including some rare species are found here. The tea plantation and coffee plantations of Nelliyampathy are famous.
Nearest town Nenmara is about 30km away from here. Thrissur town is 48 km away from Nenmara.
Wayanad
A beautiful hill station lies on Western Ghats mountain ranges at a height of 700 to 2100 m above sea level. Wayanad is an amazing tourist place located at the north eastern part of Kerala, attracts millions of people yearly from all over the world. This green paradise fascinates nature lovers and adventure tourists. A large area of Wayanad is covered by dense forests.
Kalpetta is the headquarters of Wayanad district.Wayanad is the district with highest share in the Tribal population (about 36%) of Kerala mainly consists of Paniyas, Kurichiyans, Kattunayakan and Adiyas. A larger percentage of people here are migrants from other parts of Kerala and the neighbor states.
Most of the people here are depending agriculture for livelihood. Cash crops like Coffee, tea, cocoa, plantain, pepper, vanilla etc. and rice are the main crops.