Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.
From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar anytime, every time
Kanniyakumari is the southern most district of Tamil Nadu. The district lies between 77o 15' and 77o 36' of the eastern longitudes and 8o 03' and 8o 35' of the northern Latitudes.
The District is bound by Tirunelveli District on the North and the east. The South Eastern boundary is the Gulf of Mannar. On the South and the South West, the boundaries are the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. On the West and North West it is bound by Kerala.
Venue: River Pamba
Location: Aranmula
District: Pathanamthitta
A boat race that is more a ritual than a race event, the Aranmula boat race (Aranmula Uthrittathi Jalolsavam) is noted for its grandeur and longstanding traditions.
The ritual takes place on the Uthrittathi asterism (as per the Malayalam calendar) during the Onam festival. There is an interesting story associated with the boat race that makes it all the more beautiful.Legend has it that a devout Brahmin vowed to offer all the requirements for the thiruvonasadya (the grand traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as thiruvonathoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. In order to protect the thiruvonathoni people from neighbouring areas decided to accompany the thiruvonathoni on their snakeboats. Later on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord Parthasarathy in the form of a snakeboat race, held on the Uthrittathi day, which eventually became popular as the Aranmula boat race.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 10 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 117 km
Vagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam- Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level.
Vagamon is a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens , Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest ,small waterfalls , attractive meadows inviting you to vagamon.
Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.
Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 76 km. from the sea shores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife.
Featured here is the first of the four trails in the northern district of Wayanad as conceived and promoted by Wayanad Tourism Organization (WTO) an organization taking the lead role in fostering a culture of 'responsible and sustainable tourism' in Wayanad.
Of the four trails, we would like to introduce first the 'Outdoor Trail', which would cover the following locations in the District of Wayanad.
Chembra Peak
Neelimala
Meenmutty waterfalls
Chethalayam
Pakshipathalam
Banasura Sagar Dam
The soothing sounds take you to the nature's most relaxing, rejuvenating place, East of Chalakkudy, ?The Athirapally Waterfalls? in Trichur District, Kerala, India. Athirappally is an 80ft high waterfall which literally takes your breath away. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the "Picturesque" ...not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.
Perched high above in the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's framed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those warning to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirapally. These scintillating waterfalls in the thick green forest are part of the Chalakudy river stream.
Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.
Parunthumpara is a small village, located between Peermade and Thekkady. It is the charming place with huge extend of rock along with the abundant green grass, a hill point blessed with its naural beauty.
The word ‘parunth’ in the local language means Eagle and ‘para’ means rock. It is called Parunthumpara or eagle rock because of a large area around the place is like an eagle. It is 6 km from Peermade, 25 km from Thekkady & 3 km From National Highway 220.This area provides a bird’s eye view of an endless stretch of green forest land and low-lying areas. We can get the view of the Sabarimala forests and we can view “Makara Jothi” (sabarimala) from this beautiful place.
This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Veli Tourist Village also has a children's park and a Floating Cafe by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 8 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 3 km