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Tourist Places

Kochi

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.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom,situated 13 Kms away from Kottayam is a sleepy little village on VembanadLake in Kerala. It offers wide variety of flora, exotic sightseeing, boating and fishing experience. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is safe home for many migratory birds like Siberian stork, wild duck etc. They live with other birds in flocks such as darters, herons, egret, waterfowls and cuckoos are fascinating sight for the visitors.

The legendary backwaters of Kumarakom have brought visitors from far and wide to its shores. The dancing palm trees and the exquisite houseboats are just an added advantage or flourishes to your vacation.

Munnar

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

Thekkady

Thekkady in Kerala State, India's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms.

The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.

Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.
Places to visit:
Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, The Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery etc...

Kanyakumari



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.

Konni

The Konni Elephant Training Centre
Konni is a major elephant training centre. Located 11 km from Pathanamthitta , it is a major tourist attraction. The prime attraction here are the huge cages built of wood to house elephants. These cages are locally known as Aanakkoodu and can accommodate 3- 4 elephants at a time.

The trainers here train the baby elephants which get separated from their herd, or are found wounded or roaming in the forest. Experienced trainers using their systematic training methods, tame the baby elephants. Visitors can get a close look at these elephants and can observe and understand a lot about their behaviour, especially that of baby elephants, which are often endearingly mischievous.

Tourist destinations:
Kattathipara in Kokkathodu – Located a few kilometres away from Konni,Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. The enormous array of rocks that tell the legend of a hunter and his mistress attract hordes of tourists every year.
Kumbhavuruthy - A beautiful waterfall amidst thick forests,it is a 15-minute drive from the resort.
Achankovil river - Kerala’s famous Achankovil river has its origin in some of the small streams in Konni.
Forest temples - Achankovil and Aluvamkudi are two very ancient temples worthy of visit.
Palaruvi Waterfalls - Amidst evergreen forests, and 16 km from Thenmala towards Shenkotah, this beautiful fall comes down from a height of 300 ft.

Aranmula Vallamkali

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

Gavi

Gavi is an eco-tourist spot in Kerala which has widely become popular after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. A must visit place for all nature lovers as Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untainted by the mighty hands of modernity.

Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. Kerala’s very own treasure elephants can be sighted abundantly. If you are the bird watcher, Gavi is the place for you. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a heaven for birdwatchers.

A splendid spot to be visited at least once for all those who love nature.

Vagamon

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.

Kovalam

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, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Wayanad

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

Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.

Athirappally Waterfalls

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.

Vazhachal

The most famous waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappalli and Vazhachal are situated on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.

The waterfalls are located on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. This is the only place in the Western Ghats where four endangered Hornbill species are seen. Athirappalli is about 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal about 68 km.

Getting there
Nearest railway station: Chalakudy, about 30 km away
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 53 km from Thrissur

Parunthumpara





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.

Malampuzha

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.

Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the snake park, the ropeway which takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi (an enchantress) sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, a renowned sculptor of Kerala.

The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Neck Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Veli



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

Shanghumugham

Shanghumugham is a city beach, the beach of the capital. Conveniently located 8 Kilometres from Trivandrum city centre, city folks reach here to find much needed solace.

Shanghumugham (also Shamghumugham) evenings are magical. Multitude of red in multiple shades spreads brilliance over the horizon. Gentle breeze sends cool comfort, as darker waves continue to splash over the sands in the backdrop of a sinking sun.

The long stretch of golden sands ideal for a stroll or beach side relaxation is however not a good swimming spot. Water here is simply not suitable for bathing. The beach is usually clean thanks to the efforts of local authorities.