#Top 10 Famous Tourist Places In Ernakulam

[gingerhotelsindia]

The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation in Kochi

Visiting Kochi and finding the best accommodation is a challenge. There are many options available, but it is difficult to find the right one. There are many hotels and resorts in Kochi that offer various amenities and facilities. The best thing about these hotels is that they are equipped with all the necessary facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry service, etc. You can find many options to stay in Kochi while you are on your vacation. Some hotels provide accommodation on the beach and offer boat trips to explore the backwaters of Kochi. There are also a lot of budget hotels that have comfortable rooms and facilities at affordable prices that you can choose from.

The following article will give you some insights on how to choose the best accommodation in Kochi.

What Should you Know about Kochi?

Kochi is a beautiful city in Kerala, India. The city has a lot of places to visit and is famous for its backwaters. Kochi is also called the Queen of Arabian Sea as it has been ruled by many different empires from all over the world.

The city has been an important trading point for centuries, especially for spices such as pepper and cardamom, and its natural harbour has helped to establish it as an important regional center on India's west coast. As one of the oldest cities in India, there are many historic monuments including old Hindu temples with stone-carved artworks that have made it one of the most famous tourist destinations in South Asia. You can find pocket-friendly accommodation in Kochi. 

The temple town is also known for its hand-loom industry due to which it is often called "India's weaving capital". There are around 400 looms that produce hand-woven textile products that are exported to other parts of the world.

What are the Top 10 Locations for Accommodation in Kochi?

Kochi, also known as Cochin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is a port city located on the west coast of India and has a population of over 6 million people. The city has been an important trading center for centuries and has attracted traders from all over the world. Kochi was an important spice trading center, especially for pepper, for many centuries.

The following are the top 10 locations for the best hotels in Kochi.

1. Fort Kochi

2. Ernakulam

3. Mattancherry

4. Willingdon Island

5. Kaloor

6. Vypeen Island

7. Cherai Beach

8. Kovalam Beach

9. Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (Periyar)

10. Alleppey Beach

Types of Accommodation in Kochi

There are many types of accommodation in Kochi. They range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. There are also many types of accommodation available for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible rooms and specially trained staff.

The best hotels in Kochi are classified as budget hotels, mid-range hotels and luxury hotels. Budget hotel rooms are usually priced between Rs.1000-Rs.3000 per night and do not have a restaurant or room service. Mid-range hotel rooms are priced between Rs.4000 to Rs.6000 per night and offer more amenities like room service, internet connectivity and a restaurant on the premises. 

Luxury hotel rooms can be found for around Rs.8000 per night with all the amenities that come with it like a concierge desk, spa treatment, fitness center and massage services etcetera.

Ginger Hotel- The Best Accommodation In Kochi

Ginger hotel in Kochi is a luxurious hotel that is situated in the heart of the city. The hotel has a total of six floors with each floor having its own theme. The hotel also has separate wings for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy all kinds of amenities at this hotel which includes a pool, spa, gymnasium, lounge and many more. All rooms are well equipped with all modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can also avail some amazing deals on different packages at this property.

It has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Some of these include:

-A well-equipped business centre with WiFi and printing services

-A swimming pool with a Jacuzzi and an outdoor poolside bar

-An Ayurvedic spa with a beauty salon, massage rooms, sauna and steam room

-A restaurant serving Indian cuisine

Guests can enjoy all kinds of amenities at this hotel which includes a pool, spa, gymnasium, lounge and many more. All rooms are well equipped with all modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can also avail some amazing deals on different packages at this property. Ginger is the best place for accommodation in Kochi.

[myflighttrip]

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala     

Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country is known for its lush greenery and backwaters. The scenery is spectacular and the people are friendly, making it one of the most popular destinations in India for both locals and international tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday or a peaceful getaway, Kerala is the place to go! You can book Kerala Holiday Package or Kerala Tour Packages for an experience like never before.  From beaches to tea estates to crocodiles in Kerala rivers, there’s something for everyone here.

Alleppey

Alleppey is famous for its picturesque backwaters. A network of brackish canals, rivers, and lakes known as the backwaters runs through half of Kerala state. Tourists coming to Alleppey can take a boat ride through the backwaters to see the stunning scenery and get a glimpse of village life in Kerala. Alleppey is considered to be the topmost choice among couples for Kerala honeymoon destinations.

Munnar

Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala that is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The town is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,600 metres above sea level and is surrounded by rolling hills, tea plantations, and lush green forests. Backwaters lined with palm trees, breathtaking waterfalls, warm beaches, misty mountains, and gushing streams—Munnar has it all!

Thekkady

The well-known Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thekkady. For those who enjoy animals and wish to relax in the misty Nilgiris mountains, Periyar is the ideal retreat. Thekkady is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and plantations. It also has many plantations where tourists can learn about and experience the process of growing spices and tea.

Kochi

Kochi is a major port city on the southwest coast of India by the Arabian Sea and part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. It is the cultural and economical capital of Kerala and is known as the Gateway to Kerala due to its strategic location and history. The majority of tourists come to Fort Kochi for its architectural and historical landmarks.

Kovalam

Kovalam's sandy, warm beaches are perfect for dipping your feet in. There are coconut trees wherever you look, and when you combine that with luxury resorts surrounded by beautiful greenery, you get the perfect tourist experience. There are many things to see and do in Kovalam, making it a great place to visit for both families and couples.

Wayanad

Wayanad, a premier hill station in Kerala, is famous for its production of tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, and other spices. This gorgeous hill station is all about magic, a pristine environment, amazing experiences, and fun. It is located at an astonishing height of 700-2,100m. Tourists to this hillside relive and unravel history, which adds to Wayanad's alluring charm.

Kumarakom

Another alluring backwater destination in Kerala is Kumarakom, which is adorned by the Vembanad Lake's ethereal beauty. This region, which is close to Kottayam City, is where being lazy is one of the fun things you can do during your Kerala holiday package.

Kollam

Kollam has a unique allure and charm. It is a picture-perfect vacation resort, captivated by the turquoise Lakshadweep Sea and touched by the emerald Ashtamudi Lake. Tourists can most vibrantly sense and experience Kerala's native cultures and customs when visiting Kollam.

Vagamon

Vagamon is one of the most enchanting and offbeat locations in Kerala. It has the most beautiful picturesque mountains, wholesome beauty, pleasing weather, and a variety of other attributes. It is also considered to be ideal for adventure activities like paragliding, trekking and so on.

Idukki

Idukki is a treasure in the lap of the majestic Western Ghats in the evergreen districts of Kerala. It is home to countless natural wonders, tall peaks like Anamudi and others, mesmerizing sanctuaries, and spice plantations. This exotic region is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Visit us: https://indiator.com/tourist-places/top-10-best-places-to-visit-in-kerala/

[blog-about-everyday]

FAMOUS TOURIST PLACES IN ERNAKULAM

Ernakulam is the industrial capital of Kerala. There is a big variety of traveler locations in Ernakulam. Ernakulam is enriched with historical records. This record brings the way of life of artwork and tradition of Ernakulam. Ernakulam is well-known as it's far from the valuable spice direction of India, apparently known as the spice capital of the world. With nature’s beauty, Ernakulam will provide you with a healthy form of enjoyment in God’s very own country Kerala. 

In this article, we're going to inform you of the pinnacle of 10 well-known traveler locations in Ernakulam. We wager your Kerala journey might be incomplete till you go to Ernakulam. That’s why we've curated a listing of the well-known traveler locations in Ernakulam. So, with none, in addition, in addition, put off let’s begin to undergo the thing to get a top-level view of Ernakulam. 

Top 10 Famous Tourist Places In Ernakulam: 

1. The Museum of Mattancherry:

If you're taking walks via the lanes of citadel press Kochi, then you definitely might now no longer truly forget about the country and old-style community of Mattancherry. This is stated that after a time in the past this avenue become coated with mutton butchers. So, by that point, it ended up with the name “Muttoncherry”. This is over the yr developed into “Mattancherry”. Today the region’s well-known centuries-vintage architectures and various social and cultural imprints are left withinside the again of foreigners. Declared as a historical past web website online through the government, Mattancherry has been a perception by historians, filmmakers, guests, and artists alike. Amongst all the Ernakulam vacationer places, this museum is one of the maximum great attractions. 

2. Vypeen Island:

Vypeen is one of the well-known places to visit in Ernakulam in the future and is really one of the excellent islands in Kerala. A brief and exquisite ferry journey from the metropolis will take you to this serene island that’s dotted with beaches, backwaters, and an array of eating places and hotels. Desktop-worth environment a long way from the bustling environment is what makes Vypeen island one of the excellent places to visit in Ernakulam for lovers. 

3. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary:

One of the number one chicken sanctuaries in Kerala and undeniably a haven for nature enthusiasts. Within the phrases of Salim Ali (world-famed ornithologist), Thattekkad is the “richest chicken sanctuary in India” because it’s domestic to many absolutely exclusive species of migratory birds. This thick deciduous wooded area has plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany, and rubber jogging via it. Confirm to bring about an aggregate of binoculars to induce a glimpse of the birdlife. The best time to head out could be between November and March.

 4. Cherai Beach:

Located on the north stop of Vypin island in Kochi, Cherai beach is a 15 km stretch of wild and rugged beauty. Although now not beaten with the useful resource of the usage of motels or important restaurants, the beach is dotted with small shacks promoting neighborhood snacks like pakoras and chips. Stunning lagoons, massive paddy fields, and coconut grooves decorate the road to the beach. Ernakulam sightseeing isn’t constantly whole without a go-to to Cherai beach. 

5. MG Road:

The Mahatma Gandhi Road can be referred to as the Times Square of Ernakulam. Grand garb stores, expansive rings stores, and superb eateries serving multi-cuisines flank the road on every side. Visited regularly with the resource of the usage of the more youthful and hip crowd, MG road is a shopaholic’s paradise and in reality an extraordinary place to revel in shopping in Kerala. 

6. Hill Palace:

Hill Palace is a prominent Heritage museum, which has well-known infinite archaeological relics and belongings of the Maharaja of Kochi. This famous palace, which turn out to be built in 1865, incorporates forty-9 houses with mesmerizing gardens and a children’s park. It is open to the overall public from nine AM to twelve midday and from 2 PM to 4: 30 PM. Of all the majestic Ernakulam vacationer places, Hill Palace is sincerely one of the top attractions. 

7. David Hall Art Gallery:

A Dutch bungalow near the Dutch cemetery in Fort Kochi turned into given renovated to come to be a number one attraction for art work lovers. One of the great places to visit in Ernakulam is the gallery of well-known works with the useful resource of the use of prominent and close by artists. Travelers also can be delighted to find out a snug lawn-consuming restaurant that serves masses of cakes and snacks, however the café is thought for its clean and crispy pizzas. 

8. Folklore Museum:

Folklore Museum is one of the well-known visitor spots within side the city. It is a three-storied complex that showcases cultural famous suggests and tribal artifacts. The Museum format has become extensively inspired by Malabar architecture. The museum is open to the overall public from 9: 30 Am to 7 PM on a regular basis. 

9. Princess Street:

Vasco DA Gama is thought to own lived during the construction on the give up of this street. The avenue is presently coated with eateries, bookstores, cafes, and little hotels. Identically like MG avenue, Princess Street too will be a shopper’s delight. Hands down, this lively appeal is one of the best locations to visit in Ernakulam. 

10. Santa Cruz Basilica:

It is deemed one of the oldest cathedrals for the duration of the dominion and is one of the exceptional architectural marvels in India. The remarkable ancient portrait inscribed at the partitions of the construction is the unique feature of this cathedral. 

[travelsmadurai]

21 Best Things to Do in Kochi

21 Best Things to Do in Kochi

#AndhakaranazhiBeach

Anthakaranazhi beach is located in cherthala around 5km from the national highway. It’s a calm and serene beach and it’s always a fun to enjoy the sea. Always take care of the waves, and dips which can make issues at times. There are some homestays available near the beach. It will surely make your stressed out day much lighter and have a cool time with family and friends. Altogether its a good option for the beach lovers here.

#AreekkalWaterfalls

Areekkal falls is a must see beautiful place in Kochi, Its 35 kilometers away from the main city on the Ernakulam – Thodupuzha road. One can reach Areekkal falls within one hour travel from kochi main city. The falls is an awesome destination one day outing with the family. The location is surrounded by moderate forest and rubber plantations , you can really enjoy the peace of environment combined by fresh air and occasional rains making it a cool destination for travelers. Areekkal falls is situated within a steep trench near to highway,Best time to visit areekkal falls is during the rainy seasons of June – July [ Monsoon Tourism] when the falls hit the peak water flow.

#AthirapallyFalls

Athirapally Waterfalls are located 1000 feet above sea level at the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district of Kerala. One of the famous tourist attractions in Kerala, the magnificent waterfalls are a sight worth witnessing. This is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. Athirapally falls comes down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams. In the monsoon season, in its full might, the waterfalls appear like Niagara Falls. Once can you reach the top of Athirapally falls in about 15 minutes’ wall. It is blessed with spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and the Western Ghats. The trek down from the top of the waterfalls is about 10-15 minutes trek. Swimming is possible in the stream as you enjoy the spray of the water. Rainbows are also a common sight. It usually takes 2-3 hours to explore the waterfalls. The surrounding environs of the waterfalls is a bio diversity hotspot. The river is blessed with 85 species of fresh water fish living in it. The forest is habitat of different species like the Indian grey hornbill, Malabar pied and grey hornbill, lion-tailed macaque, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, etc. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Sholayar Dam, Valparai and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary near Athirappilly are worth exploring. There are adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.

#BolgattyPalace

The Bolgatty Palace & Island Surrounded by 14 acres of green groves and golf course, Bolgatty Island is neatly tucked away amidst a giant umbrella of refreshing green. The Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort just off the Marine Drive,is literally an Island of Calm right in the midst of the bustling City of Kochi.

#CheraiBeach

Cherai Beach is a favourite haunt of those looking for a relaxing swim being the added incentive. The nearby shacks provide you with fresh cuisine that fills you up perfectly after a delightful swim. It is the ideal blend of both the backwaters and the sea. It provides a wonderful view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Vala well. The area itself has seen many new resorts and hotels crop up, which have facilitated the increase in tourist activity. Today it is amongst the most visited beaches in Kerala with a view that make it near impossible to tear yourself away once you get there.

#ChineseFishingNetsKeralaKochi

The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi is a must visit attraction in Kerala. These nets are fixed on bamboo and teak poles holding it horizontally by huge mechanisms so as to pull them down into the sea. These nets are weighed by large stones tied to ropes. Operated by a team of six fishermen, the height of the Chinese fishing nets is around 10 meters, each sprawling to 20 meters over the water body. Each net has a fixed operating depth and due to this a net cannot be repeatedly worked in tidal waters. There are different fishing nets for operation which are based on the state of the tide. While fishing through Chinese fishing nets, the nets are submersed into the sea and kept for a few minutes, raising it finely at once by six fishermen. However, there are multiple usages of Chinese fishing nets in Cochin Harbour. They form the main fishing accessory in Kochi, The water covered with these nets at the time of sunset makes a bewitching and pleasant scene to the travelers. October to March is the best time to visit here.

#ChottanikkaraBhagavathyTemple

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and

Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees. This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning.

#folkloremuseumkochi

Folklore Museum aims to provide art education to the students and helping to provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers, researchers and travelers from all over the world. Folklore museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala and the treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient terracotta, stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, tribal and folk art, wood works, utensils, masks and traditional art forms etc. these are around 4000 artifacts from tiny to large size on display. This ethnic museum is the essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years.

#FortKochi

A very beautiful Fort Kochi beach is located on the western coast of India and is often known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It’s a serene beach that offers a scenic view and natural beauty to its visitors. With its pristine water and tranquil ambience, it is extremely admired by tourists and local people as well. Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, this beach offers a soothing atmosphere to relax and chill out. The main attraction of this beach is the historic fort, which is the perfect example of the European architecture and the annual Kochi Festival that takes place every year on the white sands of the Fort Kochi Beach. Holiday trip to this beach is like an ideal blend of the historical and cultural moments. Stroll along the Fort Kochi beach and over the slippery sands, where you’ll view the Chinese Fishing Nets. One must enjoy the Kochi Carnival, the very popular festival, which is celebrated every year during the New Year eve. If you are bored with the hustle and bustle of the city, then this beach is a perfect getaway for you. Foodies can find several restaurants and eating joints that offer delicious cuisines. Hence, Fort Kochi beach has become a retreat for visitors of different part of the world.

#GowreeswaraTempleCherai

Cherai Gowreeswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, was constructed in 1912. It is also known as South Pazhani. Sree Narayana Guru installed the idol of the temple. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is one of the principal Hindu temples in Kerala. It is maintained by Vignana Vardhini Sabha (V. V Sabha) and is the only temple in Asia where you can see Sree kovil with four side doors. It is also known as Malayala Palani or the Muruga Temple. The primary deity in the temple is Lord Subrahmanyan. Though the main deity preached in the temple is Lord Subrahmanya, the temple is named after Sree Gowreeswara or Lord Shiva – the father of Lord Subrahmanyan. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is famous for being the only temple in Asia where Sree Kovil has four side doors. The main sreekovil is that of Lord Subramanya, and it faces the east. Lord Ganapati faces the South; Lord Shiva faces the west, and Goddess Parvathy faces the north. The chuttambalam showcases agra-mandapams on all sides. Cherai Gowreeswara festival is one of the main festivals in the Ernakulam the festival happens every year during the last two weeks of January or first two weeks of February.

#HillPalaceofTripunithura

Hill Palace Museum was Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. if you visit oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here. It even has a gallery housing contemporary art. its have relics of such value and significance placed here.

#IndoPortugueseMuseum

The Portuguese left an indelible mark on our history and culture. The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi tries to encapsulate this bond. Their influence on the art and architecture of the region is on full display here. The constant efforts of late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi, played an integral role in its formation so that future generations could understand the Indo-

Portuguese Christian Art heritage. The museum is divided into five main sections – Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. One can see a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop’s House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation contributed sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese. All these and much more chronicle the important relationship shared by our respective cultures.

#KeralaKathakaliCentre

When you will comes to South India, one must watch the traditional Kathakali Dance. which is one of the oldest theatre dance forms in the world. Kochi is one of the best places to witness this heritage dance form. Kathakali artists wear elaborate, billowing costumes with intricately painted faces, flowing scarves, detailed ornaments, and magnificent crowns. In the beginning, you can indulge yourself in watching make-up application on the artists and see the details of the makeup. Then experience the traditional dance form of South India as the artists perform in a classical way. This classical Indian dance performance tells stories of Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata through footwork and hand gestures. Note : Children below 5 years can join free, and those between 5-10 years can book a child package. How to reach Kochi Kathakali Dance Show Centre: The Kathakali Centre is located on KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi which is at a distance of 20 km from Ernakulam Junction. You can easily book with our transportation.

#KodanadElephantTrainingCentre

Elephants are considered as auspicious animals in Kerala. No major festival or celebration in Kerala is complete without a massive elephant processions. Considered an important part of our culture, elephants are loved, revered and groomed with the utmost care and respect. The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, which was moved to Abhayaranyam near Kaprikkad, is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. It is flanked by the high ranges and is set near the southern banks of the Periyar River. Since the ban on capturing elephants was enforced, this place now serves as one of the premier elephant training centres in Kerala. Muthanga of Wayanad and Konni of Pathanamthitta are two other elephant training centres. may also visit PunnathurKotta in Thrissur where over 40 elephants specially groomed for the Guruvayur Temple are kept. Visiting Time: 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

#LuluShoppingMallEdappally

LuLu International Shopping Mall is a shopping mall located in Edappally Kochi, Kerala. The mall its car parking facility, the convention center and the hotel altogether got total area of 1.85 million sq ft. With an average daily footfall of more than 80,000, it is one of the most visited places in Kerala. Spanning 17 acres (6.9 ha), the mall has a total retail space of 6.2 lakh sq ft. A hotel and convention center totaling 0.35 million sq feet is also build along with the project. The mall was opened in March 2013. It contains more than 225 outlets, including food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones, a multiplex, ice skating rink,

gaming arena, Beauty parlours, a toy train joy ride and bowling alley.

#Malayattoor

Have you heard about this place called Malayattoor? It is a village in the Aluva Taluk. If we talk about its exact location, it is somewhat 15 km northeast of Angamaly in the Ernakulam District, in the state of Kerala. How do you suppose it got its name? It is a combination of three small words. Mala (mountain), Arr (river) and Oore (Place). Thus, Malayattoor is a meeting point of the river, mountain and land. It is a wonderful pilgrimage destination around 47 km from Kochi and the Catholic church on top of the Malayatoor Hill is also praiseworthy. It is devoted to St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, where a lot of pilgrims gather together to celebrate the Malaytoor Perunnal during the months of March/April. History Of Malayattoor Let us explore the history of this place. St. Thomas is said to have arrived at the Kodungalloor port in Kerala via an Arab merchant vessel. And in AD 52, he took it upon himself to build a Christian community at Malayattoor. So, while he traversed the entire area, he is believed to have found the churches in Kodungalloor, Quilon, Niranam, Nilakkal, Kokkamangalam, Kottavaku and Paalayoor. Those searching for spiritual happiness shall not be disappointed in this Nature’s lap. As it is believed to be the largest pilgrim centre in India, the most important occasion being the feast of St. Thomas takes place on the first Sunday right after Easter, when a multitude of devotees set their foot in the shrine for his blessings. It shall definitely catch your eye. With the altar designed in a traditional Greek style, the church is a fabulous combination of Greco-Roman architecture with the front portion of the church following the Roman Catholic Church style. If you go to the backside of the central altar, you shall find carvings, designs and paintings, which again comprise the five joyful mysteries of Jesus Christ. You shall also observe the ancient baptismal pond and the traditional pulpit at the pilgrimage site of Malayattoor. They are relevant objects of history which hold a lot of value.

#MangalavanamBirdSanctuary

The ‘green lung of Kochi’. the innate appeal of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is augmented by the Arabian Sea which borders the sanctuary and adds to it a panoramicambience. Mangalavanam, a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds, is a paradise. This green paradise is also a roosting place for resident as well as migratory birds. A survey conducted in 2006 revealed that there were 194 type birds belonging to 32 species, in Mangalavanam. Thickly imbedded with a variety of trees and plants, including teak, the sanctuary enjoys a cool temperature. Mangalavanam also supports many types of mangroves. The mangroves and their associated species that have their roots in the nourishing earth of Mangalavanam include Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichum aureum. Among these Acanthus ilicifolius is considered to be endangered and Rhizophora mucranata as a vulnerable species, according to International Union for Conservation of Nature. This green dreamland also shelters around six species of mammals including Indian flying-fox, painted bat, Eurasian otter, house rat and three-striped palm squirrel, Further, here two species of amphibians, limnonectes limnocharis and duttaphrynus melanostictus. Amid the thick greenery of Mangalavanam cascades a shallow tidal lake bordered with thick mangrove vegetation. The lake is connected to the Cochin backwaters by a canal. And down under the silent depth of this water lives seven species of fishes Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Orange chromide, Etroplus suratensis, Malabar swampeel, Blackline rasbora and Sarotherodon. In the fresh air of Mangalavanam flies 17 species of butterflies, the little beauties that bedeck the sanctuary with multitudes of hues. The best time to visit the sanctuary are the early summer months, especially from mid-January to early-March.

#MarineDrive

Marine drive is a beautiful and picturesque promenade in Kochi which faces towards the backwaters of Kochi. It’s one of the famous must-visit places for tourists and local populace. It’s 140 m walkway that stretches from the Jankar Jetty (north) to the Emakulam Boat Jetty (South). It is situated along the edge of backwaters that begins behind the Children’s Park ending at the Shanmugham Road. It is surfaced with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles. Wooden benches, cast-ironed, weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles offers utmost relaxation. There are various shopping malls and fast food joints which attracts many tourists from all across the world. It’s a major centre of economic activities in Kochi and visitors throng this place to view the glance of rising sun over the sea jaws. A few adjoining areas include the Public Ground, Federal Bank Building, the Kerala Trade Center, Skyline apartments, Pioneer Towers, Abad Bay Pride Mall, Alliance Residency, Hotel Taj Gateway, and DD Samudra Darshan apartment. These buildings and grounds are in between the marine drive walkway and the Shanmugham Road. There are two beautiful bridges along the walkway now where there is a plenty of country boats and motor boats parked for backwaters rides.

#MattancherryPalace

The Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace, is one of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences. Located at around 12 km from Ernakulam, it was built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. It came to be known as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. It is famous for its long and spacious halls along with its central courtyard. It is also the home of the deity of the royal family, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy. This double storied palace has a lovely collection of murals. These depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata along with revered Gods of the Hindu faith like Lord Krishna of Guruvayur Temple. The great works of Sanskrit poet Kalidasa have also been depicted. The mural paintings cover an area of almost 300 sq. km. One gets an idea of the lives of the royal family with some of the other exhibits. These include the life-size

portraits of the Kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers and axes besides ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. Royal caps, coins issued by the Kings of Cochin along with plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch can also be viewed here.

#MuseumofKeralaHistoryEdappally

Museum of Kerala History, also known as Kerala Museum is one of the oldest arts and history museums in Kochi. This Museum at Edappally, Kochi, is established by the entrepreneur and philanthropist R. Madhavan Nayar in the year 1986. It is now preserved as a registered charitable trust by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation. The Museum of Kerala History, the Dolls Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art are the three galleries of Kerala Museum. This museum foretells the history of the state of Kerala through life-size figures of historical episodes and personalities from the state. The museum also displays paintings and sculptures along with 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The most interesting part of the museum is the sound and light shows that is performed in both English and Malayalam.

#SantaCruzBasilica

Though Fort Kochi is full of monuments that throb with history and have an unmistakable old-world charm, the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the eight basilicas in India, makes an indelible impression on visitors. The church, which is more than 500 years old, has an eventful past going back to the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500. As a token of gratitude for the help they rendered in defeating the Zamorins of Calicut, the erstwhile king of Cochin gave the Portuguese permission to set up a fort. Later, in 1505, permission was granted to the first Portuguese viceroy, Dom Franciso de Almeida, to build the church. In 1558, Pope Paul IV raised the church to the status of a cathedral. During the Dutch conquest of Cochin in 1663, all Catholic monuments, except a few, were crushed. Santa Cruz Cathedral, which was the armoury of the Dutch, was unscathed. However, it was not so lucky during the British invasion in 1795. One of the decorative granite pillars of the destroyed church is preserved as a relic in the basilica. Bishop D. Joao Gomas Ferreira who reached Kochi in 1887 spearheaded an initiative to reconstruct the cathedral. The reconstruction work was a success and in 1905, it was again consecrated by the bishop of Damao, Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira. It was in 1984 that Pope John Paul II raised the status of the cathedral to that of a basilica. The Basilica has magnificent Indo-European and Gothic architecture and the grandeur in the use of colours. It has two bright lofty spires. The indelible charm of the monument owes a lot to its pastel-coloured interior, adorned with paintings of Italian painter Brother Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Bangalore. Moscheni has created breathtakingly beautiful paintings on the theme, ‘The Passion and death on the Cross’ in the altar of the Basilica. His imitation of Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ is an arresting sight. The frescos and murals on the life of Christ that embellish the ceilings and the interior and the beautiful stained glass windows add to the charm of the place. The bright blue pillars at the entrance and the pulpit also bear testimony to the craftsmanship of those behind the making of the magnificent monument.

[walmarttravelsblog]

Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Kerala | Walmart Travels

Though every region of KERALA is full with attractions and beautiful scenery and all the places are counted as must to visit.

Some of the best Places to Visit in Kerala are Kovalam, Kottayam, Pallivasal and Kundala. The places can by divided as per the seasons like Trivandrum during the monsoons, Munnar in Winter and Wayanad in summer. Here is the list of top 10 best places to visit in Kerala during the monsoon.

1 Alleppey – Alappuzha

Alleppey is situated along with the Arabian coast of Alappuzha District and offers backwaters, beaches and lagoons tourism. Alappuzha District is one of the major tourist destination apart from backwaters it offers long paddy fields. The paddy fields are grown every year below the sea level and its one of the major attractions in Kuttanad along with backwaters and Boat services.

2 Munnar – Hill Station

Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. It is located on the western ghats range in the Idukki district and famous as the major tea plantations region. Tea plantations,Dense forests, valleys,green mountains and flora and fauna makes Munnar as one of the best romantic honeymoon destination in India. Read More – Kerala Beach Tour Package for Holiday.

3 Wayanad – Kalpetta

The district of Wayanad is located in the north-east of Kerala on the on the high altitudes of majestic Western Ghats. Wayanad is one of the least explore area of Kerala and major portion are tribal habitat. District of Wayanad is full of attractions with Mountains Peaks, Rivers, lakes and waterfall. Meenmutty Falls a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres is located in Kalpetta.

4 Kochi – Port City

Kochi earlier known as Cochin is a port city of Kerala located at west coast of India in the Arabian Sea. Kochi is the part of district of Ernakulam, the eastern part of the mainland of Kochi and they both are called as twin cities. The city of Kochi is home to Port of Kochi,Indian Navy,Indian Coast Guard and other major chemical industries. City of Kochi is the best tourist destination in Kerala and sixth best in India. Kochi Marine Drive and Kochi Harbour,Jain temple in Mattancherry are few famous Spot to visit around the city. Read More – Book Kerala Family tour package for Holiday.

5 Kozhikode – Calicut

Kozhikode is known as Calicut located in the southwest coast of Kerala and bordered by Kannur, Wayanad,Malappuram and Arabian Sea. Calicut is the place where Vasco da Gama lands and among the territories ceded to the British East India Company by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The city known as City of Spices and famous for its many temples and mosques along with other attractions like Thusharagiri Falls, Kuttiyadi Dam and Sea port. Read More – Goa wildlife tour package for holiday.

Conclusion

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[travelsketchbymaitri]

Kerala || God’s Own Country

Imagine, standing at the edge of the hills at dawn, enjoying the nature, the lush green. So decided, I want to visit hills this vacation as mountains are calling me !!!

Ohh.. ohkayy!! Hold on pease. My mind is sending another signal. Let’s rewind this creative ability.

Standing on a beach at dusk, getting a charge out of the breeze, the colorful canvas. Now decided, I am going to visit beaches this vacation, as beaches are drawing me to relax.

No.. no.. wait again. It’s another indication from my mind.

Let’s re-imagine!!!

Stroll in the Jungle!!! Yeah, that’s it. This sounds like doable for this vacation.

Or on the other hand boating sounds exciting too, something like a house boat.

What the heck, why m I so confused? Where to visit for this vacation??

In between all this muddle, my heart said there is one state where all the above are at one spot. Kerala it is !!! Broadly claimed as ‘God’s own Country’.

What else should be it called?

Think of coffee plantation, delightful hills, crashing surf, swaying palm trees, silent backwater, amazing national parks containing diverse species of fauna & flora, the spices, the Ayurveda retreats and so forth.

Everything you get in a single state, Kerala is indeed God’s own country. And imagine you have been teleported to this place, exploring the marvels of nature. There goes the confusion away and I decided to visit Kerala.

Kerala has multiple options to explore and is an enormous state which would require a great deal of time. I have been able to explore a few of them and will share the details here. The rest are yet to explore and will be updated as on time.

Places you can explore in Kerala:

North Kerala- Kannur & Thottada beach, Wayanad.

Central Kerala- Kochin, Munnar.

South Kerala- Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Varkala.

 Kochi/Cochin-

Journey- 

Kochi is one of the town in Kerala and very popular in tourism. It does have a lot to cover. You can spend evenings in exploring lanes in Fort Kochi where you will find colonial houses, cafes, art galleries, churches. Please note that Kochi town is around 25 kms away from Ernakulam where all the transport arrives and departs from. I took a flight from New Delhi to Kochi because I wanted to explore the Cherai beach, Munnar and Thekkady.

Stay-

Since Kochi is a hard-core city, so I decided to stay at Cherai. It is a beach of Kochi which is around 30 kms away from the main city. I stayed at Sea Lagoon, it hypnotizes you as the front of the resort faces the beach, in the mid it has a pool and it touches the backwaters at the end. And on top of it I experienced the amazing weather with the drizzle. There were many more resorts at Cherai but I pre booked this resort and had an wonderful time.

You can also explore the Fort Kochi area to stay where one can also find Homestays at every corner! One can stay in Kochi city, but my suggestion to stay at Cherai and just relax.

Things to do in Kochin-

As stated earlier, it is a town with an astonishing history. It has been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch & British at different times in history. The city still conserves an interesting mix of architecture from its varying colonial past. Ernakulam is the city’s cosmopolitan part, while Fort Kochi is the tourist hub.

Fort Kochi- 

Do not get confused with the name, it’s a beach!!!

As suggested above, it is the tourist hub and you will find all the essences of the colonial culture.

You can observe the Chinese fish net at the shoreline. Interesting fact, these nets are said to be in use for last 500 years! If you stay long at the beach, you might get the chance to watch the fishermen use it.

Fort Kochi does also have Art Museums, Churches around the corner to explore. There are plenty of cafes covering the lanes of Fort Kochi.

Jew Street- 

It has some interesting antiques & gifting items. One can find a varied option from hand- made soaps, little house boats, jewellery, wooden & metal figures, carved wooden furniture, wall hangings or even a painted cow head. However, most of the items sold are not from traditionally from Kerala. I find it quite amusing that many of the artefacts sold were from Rajasthan & Kashimir. In fact, a simple stroll will sweep you back in variety of cultures.

Kerala Backwaters- 

The famous backwaters, which make Kerala a complete God’s own country. Though few people might find it’s euphoric and natures epic work. But few of you might just find it still water and nothing to get excited about. There is also an option of boating where they take you in a motor boat for an hour, gives you an option of coconut water in the way and reveals to you some fascinating articulates.

But to me, backwaters are the most snooping work by nature. Tranquil water fed by approx. 38 rivers surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees. It is a must experience in Kochi.

Art Festival- 

There are many art galleries in Kochi but what it is most known for is Biennale. It is an international contemporary art festival, which happens every other year. This time it was from December 2018 to March 2019 and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore it. This festival takes places at different art galleries planted in 7-8 different venues centered around Fort Kochi to Mattancherry. Let me be very specific, you need to be an art lover to appreciate such deep meaning & astonishing arts. And one must need another level of intellect to even understand the contemporary art. Though I could not understand the some of the Art pieces, but surely it was one of the experiences at Kochi which I relished the most.

Munnar-

Journey- 

If you are searching for more lush greens and sightseeing of nature, Munnar is the place for you. It is often presented as a one-day destination to be covered among the bunch of options in Kerala. However, this scenic hill station of central Kerala, located on the Western Ghats, in Idukki district deserves more of your time.

I took a flight from Delhi to Kochi and from there a cab to reach to Munnar. One note to take here is that private commutation is expensive in Kerala. Either you can choose to take a local bus from Kochi or you may pre book a taxi which could also be a feasible option. I booked my cab from J&J taxi services and I found them simply on Google. The cabbie was a local native of Kerala and he kept telling us the minute details of the way. Before even reaching to the resort they will show you Munnar around.

Stay- 

There are several selections of stay from homestay to luxurious resorts. We stayed at Munnar Fort which was on outskirts of the city. I pre- booked it from makemytrip however, would suggest staying in the mid of the city.

Things to do-

Tea Museum-

A swift walk through the widespread tea plantation will not do the justice to the Munnar tea legacy. Do Visit the tea museum, originally handled by Tata Tea. You will also get to know the difference variety of the tea and how to brew it properly. Browse through the curious, photographs and also the massive machinery in the tea museum.

Mattupetty Dam Lake-

It’s a delightful spot to wonder around with family. Though I heard that there are many options of boating say speed boats, pedal boats and row boats but I couldn’t spectate any. Rain could be the reason for the same, but I am sure it would have been fun on the serene water.

Eravikulam National Park-

It is being considered one of the best national parks in Kerala. Please do keep the timings in mind which is from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Consisting of the endangered species, it is must visit in Munnar.

Elephant Park- 

This park offers short rides of elephant safari of around 10-15 mins. Short bumpy path, slightly slanting at some part and descending for the rest of the path. You can actually feel the muscles moving of the elephant. They even pose along with you for a wonderful pic.

If you pay extra you even get to feed them some fruits.

Kathakali and Kalari/ Kalaripayattu-

There are several performing art theatres in Munnar which have shows of Kathakali Dance Performance which is the traditional dance form of Kerala. With fabulous colors and organic makeup, it is one of the splendid traditional dance forms of India. they also let you see the preparation of the makeup of the artists. They will translate the dance from scratch for you to decode the artists’ gestures.

The theatre has also had shows of Kalari which is a traditional Indian Martial Art form. The artists are massively strong and sound with fit bodies. You will be stunned even at looking at the performance with swords, spears, shields. They sometimes even call people from the audience to be the part of the act. At the end you even get to click the pics with the artists.

The theater is the must visit and both the shows are incredible. Do Not Miss the essence of true Kerala.

Thekkady-

Thekkady is another place in Kerala which attracts tourist mainly for its less commercialization. It’s rich in its serene beauty located in Tamil Nadu- Kerala border. It is a busy plantation town and a center of spice trading activities.

If you wish to directly reach to Thekkady, nearest airport would be Madurai or else you can combine this with one go trip of Kerala.

The Major Attraction of Thekkady is the Periyar National Park, which is the only tiger reserve in Kerala and home to many endangered species. Though it’s a tiger reserve, but it’s the best elephant sanctuary in India. Although walking tours, elephant rides and night patrols are offered through the forest by the tourism department, the best way to see the reserve is to take a boat ride on the lake. It is a huge boat and takes you for a ride along with 50 more people for around an hour in the lake. If you are lucky, you may experience sightseeing for elephant & tiger. Early morning rides are preferred as animals do visit the lake that time.

One can also explore boarder trekking, bamboo rafting and Periyar tiger trail. It also has the options of Kathakali, Kalari and elephant ride & bath like Munnar. It is a must visit especially for the Periyar National Park.

[touroxy]

25 FABULOUS PLACES IN KERALA

To all the nature lover’s out there. A trip to God’s own country is a must in your twenties for its enchanting wilderness. Luscious green trees, pristine water, crazy wildlife experience; visit Kerala for more such wonderful delights. Nature lovers never found best of a place like Kerala famous for Ayurveda. Ayurveda and Yoga in Kerala help in making your soul clean, bring immense energy to fight our daily woes:).

  Best time to visit: November to January and June to August How to reach By air: Kerala has three main airports – Calicut International Airport, Cochin International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport. By rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, Ernakulam Junction railway station, and Kollam Junction railway station are three major rail heads of Kerala. These stations connect the state with cities and towns across India. What is considered the off-season in Kerala? 1. The off-season in Kerala is from April to May. 2. The monsoon season here is from June to August. Is it okay to travel to Kerala during the off-season? During the off-season, hill stations like Munnar are cool enough to travel. Alleppey and Kumarakom are pretty hot for a visit. *Monsoon season does not see a lot of tourists, but the lush greenery all around will ensure tourists to have a great time. Are there any restrictions on photography in Kerala? In few temple photography is restricted What to pack for Kerala? With most airlines imposing a 15 kg limit on baggage, one must make sure to not bring excess baggage. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent is a must be carried. Don't forget airy cotton apparels and comfortable footwear. Make enough space in your bags for taking back home souvenirs that stay in memory which never goes missing. “If nothing makes you happy, Pack your bags and get ready”

1. Periyar National Park (House of Royal Bengal Tigers)

Periyar National Park in Kerala is where the Royal Bengal tigers, Indian Elephants, and many other ferocious yet fascinating creatures find their home. As far as you can see, there is nature’s bounty greeting everyone with open arms. There is a lot to see and observe for nature lovers. Most of the places can be covered in a day with a  well-planned tour.

  NOTE: We will explain how you can plan your Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary tour,  by listing sanctuary’s key attractions, the best time to visit, timings, charges, and other essential information. Best time to visit: September to June is considered the best time to visit Periyar National Park. The monsoon season lasts from September to early October and brings rain showers that bestow the national park with verdant vegetation. The panorama gets greener and the weather stays pleasant. Summer season starts from March and ends in June. It is the best time to spot Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, and other animals. Animals come outside from forests,  in search of water in summers. How to reach : By Road – Kumily is the nearest town and there are various state-run and privately-owned bus services that ply between Kumily and other neighbouring towns such as Kottayam and Ernakulam. By Train – The nearest railway station to Periyar Forest is located in Kottayam, at a distance of 97 km. This is one of the major railheads of Kerala, and is well connected to different cities in the state, and outside. By Air – Cochin International Airport and Madurai Airport are two of the closest airports from Periyar National Park; located at the distance of 150 km and 159 km respectively. One can opt for direct cabs, or board state-run buses to reach Periyar National Park. Timings:  Periyar National Park has different timings for different activities Entry timings – 6:00 am to 7:00 pm Border Hike and Bamboo Rafting – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Guided nature walks – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Boat safari – 7:30 am to 9:00 am, 9:30 am to 11:00 am, 11:15 am- 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm, and 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Note: an Extra fee is charged for cameras. Safety Tips: Wear earthy tones such as brown and greens to avoid the attention of wild animals Talk in whispering tones when game viewing inside the park Do not get off the jeep in the middle of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary safari Don’t feed the wild animals anything It’s always a good idea to reserve your seat in advance through Periyar Tiger Reserve online booking Carry extra batteries for your camera Apply/carry mosquito repellent lotion when going for the safari/jungle camp

2. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. Built-in Dravidian style architecture, this temple dates back to 8th century and is considered as one of the oldest Vishnu temples in the country. The beautiful temple structure, stone carvings, and murals pull tourists around the year, but maximum footfall of devotees is seen during Alpashy festival in October and November and Panguni festival in March and April.  

Best time to visit: October -November, and March- April Ideal duration: 2 hr Highlights: statue of Lord Vishnu, architecture, stone carvings Opening hours: Darshan is allowed between; 3:30 Am-4:45 Am (Nirmalyadarsanam); 6:30 Am- 7: Am; 8:30 Am- 10 Am; 10:30 Am – 11:10 Am; 11:45 Am- 12 noon; 5: Pm -6:15 pm; 6:45 Pm- 7:20 Pm

3. Lakkidi (When you want to explore your Love to Mother Nature )

Considered to be one of the coldest places in the south, Lakkidi is an ideal summer holiday destination in South India. Quaint landscapes and high mountain peaks enable vacationers to stay a little longer. Photography fanatics and nature lovers swoon over the luxurious vegetation and rich wildlife here. Also called the gateway to the Wayanad district of Kerala, Lakkidi is an amazing escape from the scorching heat due to the cold weather that prevails here, making it one of the most chilly tourist places in South India during summer.  

Best time to visit: March- June

Ideal duration: 3-4 hr Highlights: Boat tours, adventure sports, watersports How To Reach Lakkidi: Nearest Airport – Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport, Nearest Railway Station – Kozhikode Railway Station

4. Munnar (Breath in essence of Tea Gardens)

 Munnar is another famous spot among the top summer destinations in South India in June. This place is no less than a dreamland with deep valleys, breathtaking hills, and beautiful tea plantations. Once in Munnar, do visit the tea plantations to witness the process of tea harvesting and also visit the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Besides the misty hills and the scenic lookouts, Munnar also pampers vacationers with its handmade chocolates.  

 Best time to visit: Top summer Ideal duration: 3 hr Highlights: Trekking, camping, bird watching, mountain biking, beautiful tea plantations How To Reach Munnar:  Nearest Airport – Cochin International Airport and Madurai International Airport, Nearest Railway Station – Aluva Railway Station and Ernakulam Railway Station

5. Idukki ( Amazing  Road Trip in mid of Forests)

If relaxation and rejuvenation is your priority, plan a trip to Idukki: Idukki is another famous spot in the list of top tourist places in South India during summer. This place is known for its rich wildlife, murmuring lakes, scenic hills, tea factories, and rubber plantations,  bird watching,  photography buffs with its stunning natural aura and attractions. Idukki has recently started to receive a great influx of holidaymakers who flock here to bolt the monotony of their chaotic city lives and experience peace and happiness in the lap of nature.  

Best time to visit: June to August and November to January Ideal duration: 3- 4 hr Highlights: Tea garden, rose gardens, wildlife, elephant rides, photography, nature walk, bird watching How To Reach Idukki: Nearest Airport – Cochin International Airport, Nearest Railway Station – Theni Railway Station

6. Vembanad (Queen of  the lake)

Vembanad Lake is a perfect spot for picnics, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. This lake has gained tremendous attention from the tourists for its rich scenic beauty. The Kumarakom Tourist village in the vicinity offers attractive package tours and houseboats – one thing you must try if you are travelling on the budget. During the Onam season, you’ll get to witness the historic snake boat races here, with at least a hundred men rowing a single boat and rushing their way through these calm backwaters. For those looking to spend an afternoon appreciating mother nature, Kumarakom bird sanctuary is another major tourist attraction.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year Ideal duration: 2-3 hr Highlights: the snake boat race during Onam,  Spend an afternoon at Kumarakom bird sanctuary How to Reach: The  nearest railway station is Kottayam The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport

 7.Udiyanoor Devi Temple

Udiyanoor Devi Temple is another place of worship in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a famous Shiva temple in Kerala for Hindus. The shrine of Udiyanoor Devi has four hands, holding weapons with the gesture of Shiva and Vaishnava together. Other deities worshipped in this temple are Lord Ganesha, Nagaraja, Dharma Sastha and Sri Madan Thampuran. This is perhaps the only temple in Kerala, which faces north direction. The major festivals celebrated here are Urootu Mahotsav, Pongala Mahotsav, and Thrikkodiyettu. Built 1300 years ago, this is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.  

  Best time to visit: Throughout the year Ideal duration: 2 hr Highlights: statue of Lord Ganesha, Sri Madan Thampuram

 8.Ponmudi Hills (the beauty of nature)

Ponmudi Hills is another best place for the summer holiday in South India in May. The hill town is blessed with spice and tea plantations. Also known as a trekker’s paradise, this tourist spot in South India has a plethora of other adventure and fun activities as well.

Best time to visit: March- June Ideal durations: 2- 3 hr Highlights: Aranmula Temple Festival, trekking, wildlife safari How To Reach Ponmudi Hills: Nearest Airport – Thiruvananthapuram Airport Nearest Railway Station – Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.

9.Kumarakom (one of most restful places to visit in Kerala)

Situated near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quiet little hamlet with alluring sceneries, ever pleasant weather and exotic flora and fauna; making it one of the loveliest places to see in Kerala. You get a mix of everything here – backwaters, authentic Kerala food, uber fresh air, the warmth of Keralites, and deliciously fresh coconuts. There is a lot to do; choose from boating, cruising, houseboat stay, and fishing.

Best time to visit: September to May Ideal duration: 3 hr Highlights: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Juma Masjid, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Kumarakom Beach, and Piramal Island. How to reach Kumarakom: Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 85 km away from Kumarakom. Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 16 km away.

10.Wayanad (The estate of heavenly steam)

Wayanad means the land of paddy fields in Malayalam. Wayanad is one of the greenest places to visit in Kerala. Enriched with godly beauty, serene atmosphere and rich culture, Wayanad is a perfect mix of nature and man-made heritage. After all, the place is famous for its richness in cultures, traditions, and tribal heritage. Small, unnamed waterfalls, that line the city haphazardly, add to the place’s charm.

Best time to visit: October to May; adventure enthusiasts should visit during the monsoon months of July and August to enjoy the perks of trekking and other adventure activities. Highlights: Besides top 10 tourist places in Wayanad, there are Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Banasura Hill, Lakkidi View Point, P Kuruvadweep, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kabini, Papanashini River and Padinjarathara Dam. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at Calicut is just 95 km away. Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station, which is 72 km away from Wayanad.

11.Thekkady (For the love of wildlife)

Thekkady is simply a heaven hidden in thick forests and wild vegetation. You get to see the nearly extinct species of animals including tigers, sambars, gaurs, and lion-tailed macaques. Also, there are elephants, lions, deer, bison, boars, and the Great Indian tigers. Probably, the most favoured among Kerala’s tourist places, Thekkady boasts of abundant beauty and exotic wildlife. Its trekking path from Moozhiyar to Thekkady Gavi is one of the most popular trails in South India. Boating and wildlife observation are two of the favourite pastimes in Thekkady.

Best time to visit: November to early-May Ideal duration: 2-3 hr Highlights: nature, various animals, exotic wildlife Nearest airport: Madurai Airport is just 136 km away. Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 114 km away.

12.Kovalam (beach for pictorial people)

Kovalam beach, one of best beaches in Kerala, is famous for its New Year celebrations, deep strong massages, Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing fests, and water sports like parasailing. It has a crescent-shaped coastline which is always buzzing with activities. People from different countries, cultures, and states come together and add to the beauty of the place.

Best time to visit: September to May Ideal duration: 3- 4 hr Highlights: Sunbathing fests, Parasailing, Ayurvedic treatment Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport is mere 15 km away. Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Railway Station is just 14 km away.

13.Vagamon (seclusion guaranteed)

There is an enchanting hill station called Vagamon which is hidden from all the hoopla. Adorned with magical meadows, mystical gardens, beautiful dales, aromatic tea plantations, and misty valleys, Vagamon has surely earned its place among the best places to visit in Kerala. The fresh air and perfectly manicured gardens of Vagamon are a breath of fresh air.

  Best time to visit: Early-August to May Ideal duration: 4 hr Highlights: mystical gardens, beautiful dales, aromatic tea plantations, misty valleys,  church, Vagamon lake Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport is 94 km away from Vagamon. Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 15 km away.

14.Bekal (heaven on Kerala)

Bekal is especially known for its famous Bekal Fort, which is rated amongst the best tourist places in Kerala. Many Indian movies, like Rang De Basanti, are filmed in the fort premises. The sea breeze passing through your hair, the pleasant weather and good company are key ingredients to have a good time in Bekal. Owing to exotic beauty and serenity, Bekal is among the top three honeymoon places in South India.

Best time to visit: September to May Ideal durations: 2-3 hr Nearest airport: Bajpe Airport is nearest at 72 km. Nearest railway station: Kasaragod Railway Station is just 12 km from Bekal.

15.Kozhikode (For authentic Malabar meal)

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is one of the most active commercial cities in Kerala. The place is famous for its culture, historical sites, educational institutions, and culinary experiences. The architecture of the city has strong influences of the Dutch and the British. It is known for its authentic Malabar food and the exotic spices that make the food so delicious. When in Calicut, don’t miss on delicacies like Dum Biryani, Kallummakkaya, Chatti Pathiri, and Dal Halwa.

Best time to visit: September to May Ideal durations: 2- 3 hr Highlights:  Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, historical sites, educational institutions,  food are delicious Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away. Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station is well within the city limits.

16.Varkala (one of Kerala's most spectacular seasides)

Varkala is one of the best seaside places in Kerala. Varkala is also an important religious place in Hindu culture. which is Dorned with many Hindu temples, it welcomes many religious travelers and heritage lovers to its seams with open arms. The enticing coastline with cliffs on one side and lush greenery on the other attract thousands of tourists and water-adventure enthusiasts to the beach. popular for activities like boat riding, surfing, parasailing, jetting, horse-riding is the life of the beach. The unmatched beauty of the beach is at its prime during sunsets. The hues of colorful rays make for a surreal atmosphere. Add a dash of luxury by choosing from the most exotic beach resorts in Kerala, around Varkala and you are set.

Best time to visit: August to mid-May

IDEAL DURATION: 3-4 hr Highlights: boat riding, surfing, parasailing, jetting, horse- riding, beach Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport is 53 km away. Nearest railway station: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is well within the city limits.

17.Kannur (The picture-perfect seaside town)

Kannur, formerly known as the scenic place to visit in Kerala, popular for weaving industries. Feel the charm of this beautiful colonial town, located on the northeastern coast of Kerala with its sun-kissed beaches bordered by luxuriant cashew plantations, ancient temples, splendid monuments and British and Dutch style buildings.

Best time to visit: October to March to enjoy a cool climate. Ideal duration: 2-3 hr Highlights: cashew plantations, ancient temples, splendid monuments, beaches Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport Nearest railway station: Kannur Main

18.Kasargod (A seaside paradise in Kerala)

Located close to Bekal, tucked between the Western Ghats on one side and the azure Arabian Sea on the other, Kasargod is an entrancing beauty of ‘God’s own country. Featuring rolling hills, plush coconut plantations, soothing sea breeze, and host of heritage temples, it attracts peace-loving travellers but and considered as one of the most photogenic places in Kerala.

Best time to visit: June to November and January to February. Avoid summer months as they are warm and humid. Ideal durations: 3-4 hr Highlights: hills, coconut plantations, soothing sea breeze, temples, photogenic place, Madhur temple, Bekal Fort, wildlife sanctuary Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport Nearest railway station: Kasargod has its own railhead

19.Kizhunna Beach (For complete consolation and composure)

Listed as one of the best beaches in Kerala, Kizhunna Beach is elegant, less crowded and snowy. Adorned by reddish and black cliffs and bordered by lavish green palm plantations. Kizhunna Beach is the ideal place to relax, untangle and modernize. People visit this scenic beach during weekends and indulge in sunbathing, beach strolls, and swimming.

Best time to visit: Round the year, except June to August. Ideal durations: 2-3 hr Highlights: palm plantations, Kizhunna Beach, sunbathing, swimming, beach strolls Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport Nearest railway station: Kannur

20.Kavvayi Backwaters (island) (The dazzling backwater landscape)

To enjoy the real charm of Kerala backwater, Kavvayi Backwaters island should be on your list. Counted as the third largest backwater in the state and one of the most spectacular places to see in Kerala, Kavvayi Backwaters island is formed at the confluence of River Kavvayi and its tributaries Kuppithodu, Konkol, and Kuningan.

Best time to visit: October to March, for soothing weather. Ideal durations: 1-2 hr Highlights: backwater, houseboat, Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport Nearest railway station: Payyanur

21.Kuttanad (Rice bowl of Kerala)

Located in Alappuzha region, Kuttanad is one of the best places in Kerala to see and experience rural landscape with charming villages, backwater, rivers and agricultural lands. Moreover, Kuttanad is the perfect place to see the globally famous traditional Heritage Agricultural System of Kerala.

Best time to visit: October to March Ideal durations: 2- 3hr Highlights: charming village, backwater, agricultural lands,  photography Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport Nearest railway station: Alappuzha

22.Thrissur (Cultural legacy and shine)

Thrissur boasts of its rich cultural spectacular along with breathtaking splendor like pictorial waterfalls and beaches. Famous for Thrissur Pooram festival and Onam celebrations, this small curious town of Kerala is fittingly acknowledged as the ‘cultural capital of Kerala.

Best time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Thrissur. One can also visit during April and May to experience the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram festival. Ideal durations: 2- 3 hr Highlights: Beach, annual festival, Vazhachal Waterfalls Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport Nearest railway station: Trichur has its own railway station and well connected with Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi.

23.Malappuram (A renowned Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy centre)

One of the best places to see in Kerala in Malappuram. Locally translated as ‘land atop hills’ this place is famous for inclusive teak plantations and many tradition temples, mosques and historic monuments.

Best time to visit: July to September to enjoy the beauty of rains. November to February to get away from the scorching heat of cities. Ideal durations: 2- 3 hr Highlights: land atop hills, teak plantations, Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temples, mosques, historic monuments Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport Nearest railway station: Angadippuram- 16 km from Malappuram is the closest railway station. 24. Poovar (The tropical stay -paradise) Located in Trivandrum District of Kerala, Poovar is famed for its charming beach. The beach is also dotted with elegant resorts that make it one of the ideal places to visit, if you’re in search for a pretty tropical staycation.

Best time to visit: October to February Ideal durations: 2 hr Highlights:  Aazhimala Siva Temple, Poovar Beach, Arjuna Backwaters, scenic beach Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport is located just 30 km away. Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is located 27 km away from Poovar

25.Ponmudi (The Golden crown)

This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Kerala is preferred mostly for the hiking and tracking. With many small winding roads, The landscape of Poovar looks surreal. Tea gardens span all around, which add glamour to its beauty.

Best time to visit: All around the year Ideal durations: 2 hr Highlights: tracking, hiking, tea garden,  Ponmudi Rock Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport is 67 km away from Ponmudi Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located about 55 km away. Related Videos "KERALA" Top 10 Tourist Places https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfR4AGvmBjI Top 10 Places to visit in DUBAI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkpBAnxgMVs Top 5 Destinations to visit in Himachal Pradesh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JauFtDGPnY Top 10 Places to visit In Goa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYSk7QRSjaY Read the full article

[soubhagyal]

Cochin Miscellaneous Attractions

Cochin or Kochi is a very old port on Arabean Sea since 1341. It is a part of Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is a settlement full of colonial bunglows, Dutch influences, Chinese fishing nets, backwater and many more interesting features. This video shows (1) Ernakulam road view, (2) Subhas Bose Park, (3) Ernakulam Shiva temple (4) Ernakulam road view, (5) Greenx Village, (6) Aspinwall House and Fish packing, (7) Jamia Masjid, (8) Jawahar Park, (9) Dutch Cemetery, (10) St Francis Church or Vascoda Gama Church, (10) Bastion Bunglow, (11) Indian Naval Maritime Museum, (11) Indo Portuguese Museum, (12) Santacruz Cathedral Basilica etc. Subhas Bose Park is the most important park of Ernakulam, situated near Ernakulam jetty. It has a very good lawn and a peaceful environment. Being by the side of backwater, you can watch the beauty of back water and various types of boats from here. Ernakulam Shiva temple is a popular shiva temple on the opposite side of Subas Bose Park. Greenx village is a cultural art center promoting Kerala’s various arts crafts and cultural programs. This is located in Fort Kochi area by the side of main road. You can buy handicrafts from its showroom. Besides they have a half an hour cultural show at 4 PM showing Kerala dance and martial arts where the ticket is 350/- rs per head. People doing more research on Kerala arts may like to see cultural program. Aspinwall House is a very old heritage building in Fort Kochi. It was originally the business premises of John Aspinwall established in 1867. The company was trading coconut oil, rubber, pepper, ginger, turmeric and other spices to western countries. However there is nothing much to see there. Just behind Aspinwall house there is a huge fish factory. It was interesting to watch fish packaging there which you can see in the video. Jawahar Park or Nehru Park is the main park of Fort Kochi located near Vasco-da Gama square. It is a beautiful place with trees, sitting places and sea view on one side. There are lots of fish stalls where you can buy fishes and get fried fresh before you. Chinese fishing nets are also a great attraction. Vascoda Gama Church, Kochi beach and many other tourist attractions are very near (200 meters) to this place. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is located in Fort Kochi area of Ernakulam. It is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala and considered to be very important for Christians in Kerala. It is quite a big Church and visited by large number of people. It was originally built by Portuguese during sixteenth century which was later destroyed by Dutch and rebuilt by British in 19th century. Santa Cruz was proclaimed as a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The Church has a beautiful interior and worth visiting during your Kochi tour. St. Francis Church or Vasco Da Gama Church is one of the important destinations of Fort Kochi. It is about 200 meters from Vasco Da Gama square and similar distance from Fort Kochi beach. The church is very old and also looks very old. However, the importance is that there is tomb of famous Vasco Da Gama here in this church. People interested in History will definitely like to see the Tomb of Vascoda Gama here. There is also a Dutch cemetery near the church. It is often locked and you can only see from outside. Indo Portuguese museum is a museum in Fort Kochi located inside Bishop’s house established during 1910. There is a huge garden in the front. The museum showcases Portuguese influences on Fort Kochi and neighbouring area in the past. You have to buy tickets to visit the museum. There is a church inside the campus. Indian Naval Maritime Museum is located in Fort Kochi about 2 kms from Fort Kochi Beach. It is managed by Indian Navy near INS Dronacharya. Entry ticket 40/- rs per head, still camera 100/-. Generally I don’t enjoy museums as they all keep very similar outdated stuff. However, this museum was interesting with lot of war weapons, misiles, guns and above all a big helicopter. We took a lot of pictures in the museum and near the helicopter. It is one of the top 5 attractions in Fort Kochi and never miss it when you are going to Kerala.

Thank you for reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed the video. Please view my other videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI0LpxPhq16oCp-qAEdQh1g and subscribe to my Youtube channel.

[indiatraveldestination]

10 Fascinating Places to See in Kerala

Kerala, the God’s own country, is bestowed with some of the best tourist destinations in India for any kind of holiday. The scenic hill stations, enchanting backwaters, cascading waterfalls, sandy beaches and exotic wildlife are the top attractions of Kerala Tourism. Kerala has been one of the top honeymoon destinations in India and also one of the most popular tourist places in India. Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, Kovalam, Thrissur, Athirapally, Trivandrum, Wayanad and Thekkady are the popular places to visit in Kerala. Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha or Alleppey is among the most famous destinations of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala is a delightful experience.

Alleppey

Alappuzha or Alleppey is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey tops the list of best tourist places in Kerala. Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destinations of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise trip in these backwaters is a delightful experience.Alleppey is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most popular boat race in India. Kuttanad, Alappuzha Beach, Mannarasala, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mullakkal Temple and Krishnapuram Palace are the some popular tourist places in Alleppey.

Kochi / Cochin

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a port city in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. It is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala and also a good place for Kerala Backwaters trip. Well known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is the main tourist hub for many Kerala tours. The tourism in Cochin is admired for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture and cultural diversity.  Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace, Marine Drive, Mangalavanam Sanctuary, Edappally Church, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Matancherry Palace, and Chinese Fishing Nets are the popular places to visit in Kochi.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the famous Vembanad Lake in the beautiful state of Kerala. Also known as the Queen of Vembanad, Kumarakom is the most famous Kerala Backwaters destination and is among the best places to experience Kerala Tourism. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Vembanad Lake is really an amazing experience. The Bird Kumarakom Sanctuary, Vaikom, Pathiramanal Island, Aranmula Temple and Erumeli are the popular Kumarakom tourist places.

Thekkady

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, is located at Thekkady in Kerala. The park was established in 1950 and was declared as Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam adds to the charm of the park. Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.Murikkady, Chellar Kovil, Mangala Devi Temple, Suruli Falls and Pullumedu are the popular tourist places in Thekkady.

Kovalam

Kovalam, on the shores of Arabian Sea, is one of the most famous Beaches in Kerala and also one of the most popular places of sightseeing in Kerala. The beautiful Kovalam Beach is also known as the ‘Paradise of the South’. Kovalam is literally filled with endless sight of coconut trees breathtaking views while approaching the beach. Lighthouse Beach, Vizhinjam Mosque, Samudra Beach, and Eve’s Beach are the top places to visit in Kovalam. Kovalam is also famous for Ayurvedic massages and many yoga resorts.

Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the marvelous hill stations in Kerala and also one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kerala. Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns and are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district.Blessed with several rain forests, Wayanad is also a wonderful monsoon destination in India. Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi and Edakkal Caves are the best places to visit in Wayanad.

Thrissur

Thrissur or Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala and also one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Thrissur hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram held in the month of April / May. This festival is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. UNESCO has awarded Thrissur Pooram as the most spectacular festival in the world. The Vadakkunathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Paramekkavu Temple,Guruvayur Temple, Athirapally Falls, Peechi Dam & Sanctuary, Thrissur Zoo, Vilangankunnu and Shakthan Thampuran Palace are the top places to visit in Thrissur.

Athirapally

Athirapally Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in India and one of the top tourist places in Kerala. Formed over Chalakudy River, the waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet through several streams offering a great scenic beauty. In rainy season, the water flow is full and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Chapra falls and Sholayar Dam, Valparai are the nearest attractions to Athirapally.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum,the capital city of Kerala, is one of the popular Kerala places to visit. Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, it is considered as one of the cleanest cities in India. Trivandrum is famous for its alluring tourist spots including beaches, historic monuments, lakes, unexplored mountain ranges etc. Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Kowdiar Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo are some of the top tourist places in Trivandrum.

Munnar

Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Kerala located in Idukki district. Also known as Swiss of South India, Munnar is one of the best summer destinations in India and also one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Also known as the summer capital of British, Munnar weather is pleasant throughout the year. Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls are the top places to visit in Munnar.

[travelsmadurai]

21 Best Things to Do in Kochi

#AndhakaranazhiBeach

Anthakaranazhi beach is located in cherthala around 5km from the national highway. It’s a calm and serene beach and it’s always a fun to enjoy the sea. Always take care of the waves, and dips which can make issues at times. There are some homestays available near the beach. It will surely make your stressed out day much lighter and have a cool time with family and friends. Altogether its a good option for the beach lovers here.

#AreekkalWaterfalls

Areekkal falls is a must see beautiful place in Kochi, Its 35 kilometers away from the main city on the Ernakulam – Thodupuzha road. One can reach Areekkal falls within one hour travel from kochi main city. The falls is an awesome destination one day outing with the family. The location is surrounded by moderate forest and rubber plantations , you can really enjoy the peace of environment combined by fresh air and occasional rains making it a cool destination for travelers. Areekkal falls is situated within a steep trench near to highway,Best time to visit areekkal falls is during the rainy seasons of June – July [ Monsoon Tourism] when the falls hit the peak water flow.

#AthirapallyFalls

Athirapally Waterfalls are located 1000 feet above sea level at the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district of Kerala. One of the famous tourist attractions in Kerala, the magnificent waterfalls are a sight worth witnessing. This is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. Athirapally falls comes down from a height of 80 feet through several parallel streams. In the monsoon season, in its full might, the waterfalls appear like Niagara Falls. Once can you reach the top of Athirapally falls in about 15 minutes’ wall. It is blessed with spectacular views of the Sholayar hills and the Western Ghats. The trek down from the top of the waterfalls is about 10-15 minutes trek. Swimming is possible in the stream as you enjoy the spray of the water. Rainbows are also a common sight. It usually takes 2-3 hours to explore the waterfalls. The surrounding environs of the waterfalls is a bio diversity hotspot. The river is blessed with 85 species of fresh water fish living in it. The forest is habitat of different species like the Indian grey hornbill, Malabar pied and grey hornbill, lion-tailed macaque, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, etc. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Sholayar Dam, Valparai and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuary near Athirappilly are worth exploring. There are adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.

#BolgattyPalace

The Bolgatty Palace & Island Surrounded by 14 acres of green groves and golf course, Bolgatty Island is neatly tucked away amidst a giant umbrella of refreshing green. The Bolgatty Palace & Island Resort just off the Marine Drive,is literally an Island of Calm right in the midst of the bustling City of Kochi.

#CheraiBeach

Cherai Beach is a favourite haunt of those looking for a relaxing swim being the added incentive. The nearby shacks provide you with fresh cuisine that fills you up perfectly after a delightful swim. It is the ideal blend of both the backwaters and the sea. It provides a wonderful view of the famous Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Vala well. The area itself has seen many new resorts and hotels crop up, which have facilitated the increase in tourist activity. Today it is amongst the most visited beaches in Kerala with a view that make it near impossible to tear yourself away once you get there.

#ChineseFishingNetsKeralaKochi

The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi is a must visit attraction in Kerala. These nets are fixed on bamboo and teak poles holding it horizontally by huge mechanisms so as to pull them down into the sea. These nets are weighed by large stones tied to ropes. Operated by a team of six fishermen, the height of the Chinese fishing nets is around 10 meters, each sprawling to 20 meters over the water body. Each net has a fixed operating depth and due to this a net cannot be repeatedly worked in tidal waters. There are different fishing nets for operation which are based on the state of the tide. While fishing through Chinese fishing nets, the nets are submersed into the sea and kept for a few minutes, raising it finely at once by six fishermen. However, there are multiple usages of Chinese fishing nets in Cochin Harbour. They form the main fishing accessory in Kochi, The water covered with these nets at the time of sunset makes a bewitching and pleasant scene to the travelers. October to March is the best time to visit here.

#ChottanikkaraBhagavathyTemple

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and

Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees. This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning.

#folkloremuseumkochi

Folklore Museum aims to provide art education to the students and helping to provide visual and academic knowledge to the art lovers, researchers and travelers from all over the world. Folklore museum is the only architectural museum in Kerala and the treasure trove of stone, wood and bronze sculptures, ancient terracotta, stone Age objects, jewellery, paintings, oil lamps, musical instruments, tribal and folk art, wood works, utensils, masks and traditional art forms etc. these are around 4000 artifacts from tiny to large size on display. This ethnic museum is the essence of the life and culture of the common man over the past 1000 years.

#FortKochi

A very beautiful Fort Kochi beach is located on the western coast of India and is often known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It’s a serene beach that offers a scenic view and natural beauty to its visitors. With its pristine water and tranquil ambience, it is extremely admired by tourists and local people as well. Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, this beach offers a soothing atmosphere to relax and chill out. The main attraction of this beach is the historic fort, which is the perfect example of the European architecture and the annual Kochi Festival that takes place every year on the white sands of the Fort Kochi Beach. Holiday trip to this beach is like an ideal blend of the historical and cultural moments. Stroll along the Fort Kochi beach and over the slippery sands, where you’ll view the Chinese Fishing Nets. One must enjoy the Kochi Carnival, the very popular festival, which is celebrated every year during the New Year eve. If you are bored with the hustle and bustle of the city, then this beach is a perfect getaway for you. Foodies can find several restaurants and eating joints that offer delicious cuisines. Hence, Fort Kochi beach has become a retreat for visitors of different part of the world.

#GowreeswaraTempleCherai

Cherai Gowreeswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, was constructed in 1912. It is also known as South Pazhani. Sree Narayana Guru installed the idol of the temple. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is one of the principal Hindu temples in Kerala. It is maintained by Vignana Vardhini Sabha (V. V Sabha) and is the only temple in Asia where you can see Sree kovil with four side doors. It is also known as Malayala Palani or the Muruga Temple. The primary deity in the temple is Lord Subrahmanyan. Though the main deity preached in the temple is Lord Subrahmanya, the temple is named after Sree Gowreeswara or Lord Shiva – the father of Lord Subrahmanyan. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is famous for being the only temple in Asia where Sree Kovil has four side doors. The main sreekovil is that of Lord Subramanya, and it faces the east. Lord Ganapati faces the South; Lord Shiva faces the west, and Goddess Parvathy faces the north. The chuttambalam showcases agra-mandapams on all sides. Cherai Gowreeswara festival is one of the main festivals in the Ernakulam the festival happens every year during the last two weeks of January or first two weeks of February.

#HillPalaceofTripunithura

Hill Palace Museum was Located about 10 kms from Kochi, the official residence of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Built in 1865, it is now famous for being a full-fledged Ethno-Archaeological Museum and Kerala’s first ever Heritage Museum. The palace complex itself comprises 49 buildings and is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has over 52 acres of terraced land around it. if you visit oil-paintings, murals, sculptures, manuscripts and belongings of the Kochi royal family. Antique ceramics from the Far East, Kudakkallu (tombstone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), laterite memorials and wooden memorials from ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Harappa can also be found here. It even has a gallery housing contemporary art. its have relics of such value and significance placed here.

#IndoPortugueseMuseum

The Portuguese left an indelible mark on our history and culture. The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi tries to encapsulate this bond. Their influence on the art and architecture of the region is on full display here. The constant efforts of late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi, played an integral role in its formation so that future generations could understand the Indo-

Portuguese Christian Art heritage. The museum is divided into five main sections – Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. One can see a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop’s House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from The Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation contributed sculptures, precious metal objects, and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese. All these and much more chronicle the important relationship shared by our respective cultures.

#KeralaKathakaliCentre

When you will comes to South India, one must watch the traditional Kathakali Dance. which is one of the oldest theatre dance forms in the world. Kochi is one of the best places to witness this heritage dance form. Kathakali artists wear elaborate, billowing costumes with intricately painted faces, flowing scarves, detailed ornaments, and magnificent crowns. In the beginning, you can indulge yourself in watching make-up application on the artists and see the details of the makeup. Then experience the traditional dance form of South India as the artists perform in a classical way. This classical Indian dance performance tells stories of Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata through footwork and hand gestures. Note : Children below 5 years can join free, and those between 5-10 years can book a child package. How to reach Kochi Kathakali Dance Show Centre: The Kathakali Centre is located on KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi which is at a distance of 20 km from Ernakulam Junction. You can easily book with our transportation.

#KodanadElephantTrainingCentre

Elephants are considered as auspicious animals in Kerala. No major festival or celebration in Kerala is complete without a massive elephant processions. Considered an important part of our culture, elephants are loved, revered and groomed with the utmost care and respect. The Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, which was moved to Abhayaranyam near Kaprikkad, is one of the largest elephant training centres in Kerala. It is flanked by the high ranges and is set near the southern banks of the Periyar River. Since the ban on capturing elephants was enforced, this place now serves as one of the premier elephant training centres in Kerala. Muthanga of Wayanad and Konni of Pathanamthitta are two other elephant training centres. may also visit PunnathurKotta in Thrissur where over 40 elephants specially groomed for the Guruvayur Temple are kept. Visiting Time: 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

#LuluShoppingMallEdappally

LuLu International Shopping Mall is a shopping mall located in Edappally Kochi, Kerala. The mall its car parking facility, the convention center and the hotel altogether got total area of 1.85 million sq ft. With an average daily footfall of more than 80,000, it is one of the most visited places in Kerala. Spanning 17 acres (6.9 ha), the mall has a total retail space of 6.2 lakh sq ft. A hotel and convention center totaling 0.35 million sq feet is also build along with the project. The mall was opened in March 2013. It contains more than 225 outlets, including food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones, a multiplex, ice skating rink,

gaming arena, Beauty parlours, a toy train joy ride and bowling alley.

#Malayattoor

Have you heard about this place called Malayattoor? It is a village in the Aluva Taluk. If we talk about its exact location, it is somewhat 15 km northeast of Angamaly in the Ernakulam District, in the state of Kerala. How do you suppose it got its name? It is a combination of three small words. Mala (mountain), Arr (river) and Oore (Place). Thus, Malayattoor is a meeting point of the river, mountain and land. It is a wonderful pilgrimage destination around 47 km from Kochi and the Catholic church on top of the Malayatoor Hill is also praiseworthy. It is devoted to St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, where a lot of pilgrims gather together to celebrate the Malaytoor Perunnal during the months of March/April. History Of Malayattoor Let us explore the history of this place. St. Thomas is said to have arrived at the Kodungalloor port in Kerala via an Arab merchant vessel. And in AD 52, he took it upon himself to build a Christian community at Malayattoor. So, while he traversed the entire area, he is believed to have found the churches in Kodungalloor, Quilon, Niranam, Nilakkal, Kokkamangalam, Kottavaku and Paalayoor. Those searching for spiritual happiness shall not be disappointed in this Nature’s lap. As it is believed to be the largest pilgrim centre in India, the most important occasion being the feast of St. Thomas takes place on the first Sunday right after Easter, when a multitude of devotees set their foot in the shrine for his blessings. It shall definitely catch your eye. With the altar designed in a traditional Greek style, the church is a fabulous combination of Greco-Roman architecture with the front portion of the church following the Roman Catholic Church style. If you go to the backside of the central altar, you shall find carvings, designs and paintings, which again comprise the five joyful mysteries of Jesus Christ. You shall also observe the ancient baptismal pond and the traditional pulpit at the pilgrimage site of Malayattoor. They are relevant objects of history which hold a lot of value.

#MangalavanamBirdSanctuary

The ‘green lung of Kochi’. the innate appeal of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is augmented by the Arabian Sea which borders the sanctuary and adds to it a panoramicambience. Mangalavanam, a nesting ground for a large variety of migratory birds, is a paradise. This green paradise is also a roosting place for resident as well as migratory birds. A survey conducted in 2006 revealed that there were 194 type birds belonging to 32 species, in Mangalavanam. Thickly imbedded with a variety of trees and plants, including teak, the sanctuary enjoys a cool temperature. Mangalavanam also supports many types of mangroves. The mangroves and their associated species that have their roots in the nourishing earth of Mangalavanam include Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Acanthus ilicifolius and Acrostichum aureum. Among these Acanthus ilicifolius is considered to be endangered and Rhizophora mucranata as a vulnerable species, according to International Union for Conservation of Nature. This green dreamland also shelters around six species of mammals including Indian flying-fox, painted bat, Eurasian otter, house rat and three-striped palm squirrel, Further, here two species of amphibians, limnonectes limnocharis and duttaphrynus melanostictus. Amid the thick greenery of Mangalavanam cascades a shallow tidal lake bordered with thick mangrove vegetation. The lake is connected to the Cochin backwaters by a canal. And down under the silent depth of this water lives seven species of fishes Anabas testudineus, Striped panchax, Orange chromide, Etroplus suratensis, Malabar swampeel, Blackline rasbora and Sarotherodon. In the fresh air of Mangalavanam flies 17 species of butterflies, the little beauties that bedeck the sanctuary with multitudes of hues. The best time to visit the sanctuary are the early summer months, especially from mid-January to early-March.

#MarineDrive

Marine drive is a beautiful and picturesque promenade in Kochi which faces towards the backwaters of Kochi. It’s one of the famous must-visit places for tourists and local populace. It’s 140 m walkway that stretches from the Jankar Jetty (north) to the Emakulam Boat Jetty (South). It is situated along the edge of backwaters that begins behind the Children’s Park ending at the Shanmugham Road. It is surfaced with black-dotted, red-carpet ultra tiles. Wooden benches, cast-ironed, weather-proof seating on ash grey tiles offers utmost relaxation. There are various shopping malls and fast food joints which attracts many tourists from all across the world. It’s a major centre of economic activities in Kochi and visitors throng this place to view the glance of rising sun over the sea jaws. A few adjoining areas include the Public Ground, Federal Bank Building, the Kerala Trade Center, Skyline apartments, Pioneer Towers, Abad Bay Pride Mall, Alliance Residency, Hotel Taj Gateway, and DD Samudra Darshan apartment. These buildings and grounds are in between the marine drive walkway and the Shanmugham Road. There are two beautiful bridges along the walkway now where there is a plenty of country boats and motor boats parked for backwaters rides.

#MattancherryPalace

The Mattancherry Palace, also known as Dutch Palace, is one of the finest examples of the Kerala style of architecture interspersed with colonial influences. Located at around 12 km from Ernakulam, it was built around 1545 C.E. by the Portuguese as a present to King Veera Kerala Verma of Kochi dynasty. It came to be known as the Dutch Palace as it underwent major repairs at the hands of the Dutch. It is famous for its long and spacious halls along with its central courtyard. It is also the home of the deity of the royal family, Pazhayannur Bhagavathy. This double storied palace has a lovely collection of murals. These depict some of the great Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata along with revered Gods of the Hindu faith like Lord Krishna of Guruvayur Temple. The great works of Sanskrit poet Kalidasa have also been depicted. The mural paintings cover an area of almost 300 sq. km. One gets an idea of the lives of the royal family with some of the other exhibits. These include the life-size

portraits of the Kings of Cochin since 1864, sheathed swords, daggers and axes besides ceremonial spears decorated with feathers. Royal caps, coins issued by the Kings of Cochin along with plans laid out for Cochin by the Dutch can also be viewed here.

#MuseumofKeralaHistoryEdappally

Museum of Kerala History, also known as Kerala Museum is one of the oldest arts and history museums in Kochi. This Museum at Edappally, Kochi, is established by the entrepreneur and philanthropist R. Madhavan Nayar in the year 1986. It is now preserved as a registered charitable trust by the Madhavan Nayar Foundation. The Museum of Kerala History, the Dolls Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art are the three galleries of Kerala Museum. This museum foretells the history of the state of Kerala through life-size figures of historical episodes and personalities from the state. The museum also displays paintings and sculptures along with 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The most interesting part of the museum is the sound and light shows that is performed in both English and Malayalam.

#SantaCruzBasilica

Though Fort Kochi is full of monuments that throb with history and have an unmistakable old-world charm, the Santa Cruz Basilica, one of the eight basilicas in India, makes an indelible impression on visitors. The church, which is more than 500 years old, has an eventful past going back to the arrival of the Portuguese in 1500. As a token of gratitude for the help they rendered in defeating the Zamorins of Calicut, the erstwhile king of Cochin gave the Portuguese permission to set up a fort. Later, in 1505, permission was granted to the first Portuguese viceroy, Dom Franciso de Almeida, to build the church. In 1558, Pope Paul IV raised the church to the status of a cathedral. During the Dutch conquest of Cochin in 1663, all Catholic monuments, except a few, were crushed. Santa Cruz Cathedral, which was the armoury of the Dutch, was unscathed. However, it was not so lucky during the British invasion in 1795. One of the decorative granite pillars of the destroyed church is preserved as a relic in the basilica. Bishop D. Joao Gomas Ferreira who reached Kochi in 1887 spearheaded an initiative to reconstruct the cathedral. The reconstruction work was a success and in 1905, it was again consecrated by the bishop of Damao, Dom Sebastiao Jose Pereira. It was in 1984 that Pope John Paul II raised the status of the cathedral to that of a basilica. The Basilica has magnificent Indo-European and Gothic architecture and the grandeur in the use of colours. It has two bright lofty spires. The indelible charm of the monument owes a lot to its pastel-coloured interior, adorned with paintings of Italian painter Brother Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Bangalore. Moscheni has created breathtakingly beautiful paintings on the theme, ‘The Passion and death on the Cross’ in the altar of the Basilica. His imitation of Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ is an arresting sight. The frescos and murals on the life of Christ that embellish the ceilings and the interior and the beautiful stained glass windows add to the charm of the place. The bright blue pillars at the entrance and the pulpit also bear testimony to the craftsmanship of those behind the making of the magnificent monument.

[soubhagyal]

Fort Kochi Complete Sightseeing

Fort Kochi is an Island inside the sea about 5 kms west to Cochin (or Ernakulam). There are ferry services to go from the mainland to the islands. It’s very cheap to go from Ernakulam to Fort Kochi by a Ferry (about 5 to 10 rs). Cochin or Kochi is a very old port on Arabean Sea since 1341. It is a part of Ernakulam district of Kerala. Greenx village is a cultural art center promoting Kerala’s various arts crafts and cultural programs. This is located in Fort Kochi area by the side of main road. You can buy handicrafts from its showroom. Besides they have a half an hour cultural show at 4 PM showing Kerala dance and martial arts where the ticket is 350/- rs per head. People doing more research on Kerala arts may like to see cultural program. Aspinwall House is a very old heritage building in Fort Kochi. It was originally the business premises of John Aspinwall established in 1867. The company was trading coconut oil, rubber, pepper, ginger, turmeric and other spices to western countries. However there is nothing much to see there. Just behind Aspinwall house there is a huge fish factory. It was interesting to watch fish packaging there which you can see in the video. Jawahar Park or Nehru Park is the main park of Fort Kochi located near Vasco-da Gama square. It is a beautiful place with trees, sitting places and sea view on one side. There are lots of fish stalls where you can buy fishes and get fried fresh before you. Chinese fishing nets are also a great attraction. Vascoda Gama Church, Kochi beach and many other tourist attractions are very near (200 meters) to this place. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is located in Fort Kochi area of Ernakulam. It is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala and considered to be very important for Christians in Kerala. It is quite a big Church and visited by large number of people. It was originally built by Portuguese during sixteenth century which was later destroyed by Dutch and rebuilt by British in 19th century. Santa Cruz was proclaimed as a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The Church has a beautiful interior and worth visiting during your Kochi tour. St. Francis Church or Vasco Da Gama Church is one of the important destinations of Fort Kochi. It is about 200 meters from Vasco Da Gama square and similar distance from Fort Kochi beach. The church is very old and also looks very old. However, the importance is that there is tomb of famous Vasco Da Gama here in this church. People interested in History will definitely like to see the Tomb of Vascoda Gama here. There is also a Dutch cemetery near the church. It is often locked and you can only see from outside. Indo Portuguese museum is a museum in Fort Kochi located inside Bishop’s house established during 1910. There is a huge garden in the front. The museum showcases Portuguese influences on Fort Kochi and neighbouring area in the past. You have to buy tickets to visit the museum. There is a church inside the campus. Indian Naval Maritime Museum- the maritime museum is situated in Fort Kochi (Kerala) about 2 kms from Fort Kochi Beach. It is managed by Indian Navy near INS Dronacharya. Entry ticket 40/- rs per head, still camera 100/-. Generally I don’t enjoy museums as they all keep very similar outdated stuff. However, this museum was interesting with lot of war weapons, misiles, guns and above all a big helicopter. We took a lot of pictures in the museum and near the helicopter. It is one of the top 5 attractions in Fort Kochi and never miss it when you are going to Kerala. Fort Kochi is mainly a fishing beach. It is very near to Vasco Da Gama square and Jawahar Park. There are many Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi beach. You can get fish fries fresh from stalls. The waves are high and rough. There is no sand in the sea beach and you cannot get down to water. You can stand on the concrete road and enjoy the sea view. You can also see large number of boats and ships of different sizes floating on sea at different distances. The port of Vypeen island is visible on the other side of the water.

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