KERALA OPTION
Circuit
1: Cochin(Ernakulam) (1 night) Munnar(3) Periyar(1)
Kumarakonam (2)/Alleppey(2) Kovalam(2)- Trivandrum.
|
Kochi Munnar |
140 kms |
|
Munnar Thekkady |
110 kms |
|
Thekkady Kumarakom |
120 kms |
|
Kumarakom Kovalam |
150 kms |
|
Kovalam Trivandrum |
16 kms |
Kochi
(State: Kerala, Category : Heritage) (1 night)
It
is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, it is the
commercial capital of Kerala. This was once the major trade
centre with the Arabs, Portuguese &the Dutch.
Places
to see visit:
|
Mattancherry (Dutch) palace |
It was built in 1557 by the Portuguese presented
to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi. |
|
Synagogue |
It is one of the oldest in the commonwealth.it is
known for mid-18th century hand painted willow
patterned floor from Canton in China, a clock tower,
Hebrew inscriptions,
etc.
|
|
Bolgatty island |
It is famous for its palace of the same name now a
heritage hotel. |
|
The hill Palace museum, Thripunuthura |
It is the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi
royal family. It contains 49 bldgs in the
traditional architectural style of Kerala &is
surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer
park. |
|
Museum of Kerala History |
showcases historical episodes from the Neolithic
to the modern era through life size figures. There
is an art gallery showcasing over 200 original works
by contemporary Indian artists. |
Excursions from Kochi:
|
Cherai Beach |
This lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal
for swimming. Takes about an hour to reach. |
|
Guruvayoor |
100 kms from Kochi, this is a renowned Krishna
Pilgrimage Centre. Takes about 2 ½ hours to reach. |
|
Kothad Island |
These are small backwater islands located around
Kochi at an hours Drive accessible by a 15 minutes
boat ride from the jetty. |
Munnar:
(State: Kerala, Category : Hill Station) (3 nights)
Munnar,
one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated
at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level,
this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British
Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations,
picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday
facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Munnar - Sight
Seeing Options
|
Mattupetty (13 kms from Munnar) |
The Indo-Swiss project, taking care of over 100
varieties of high yielding cattle is one of the
largest of such ventures in India. |
|
Kundala (28 kms from Munnar) |
The Sethuparvathy Dam constructed in 1946 as a part
of Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project is a ravishing
sight. Pedal boats and kashmiri shikaras are made
available to the tourists to make the memories of
their visit everlasting. |
|
Echo Point (15 km from Munnar) |
On the way to top station from Munnar is a small
lake set amidst rolling hills where there is echo
point. |
|
Top Station (32 km from Munnar) |
The sight of Tamilnadu state spread before you on
the east and the distant sight of the Arabian sea on
the west will remain etched in your memory once you
stand at this point which is the highest on the
Munnar-Kodaikanal road. |
|
Power House Waterfalls (17 kms from Munnar) |
There is a lovely waterfalls, which emanates from
the legendary 'Sita Devi Kulam' near Devikulam,
believed to have been the bathing place of 'Sita'
wife of 'Rama' of Ramayana |
|
Lock Heart Gap (13 km from Munnar) |
The panoramic view of Bison valley and other sleepy
little villages thousands of feet below, wrapped in
mist most of the time, |
|
Anayirankal (27 kms from Munnar) |
Sprawling tea gardens surrounded by evergreen
forests on the slopes of high mountain ranges make
the Anayirankal Lake and Dam a very popular picnic
spot. Herds of elephants often visit the lake to
quench their thirst. |
|
Pallivasal (8 kms from Munnar) |
The first hydro electric project of Kerala. |
|
Attukad (9 kms from Munnar) |
Attukad is an ideal place for long treks. Cascading
waterfalls, rolling hills and wooded valleys enchant
you here. |
|
Chithirapuram (10 kms from Munnar) |
The middle ages charm of cottages bungalows and
courts with the greenery all around captivate the
visitor. |
|
Meesapulimala (25 ms from Munnar) |
The second highest peak in Kerala (2650 metres),
offering a splendid view of Tamil Nadu spread out
below. |
|
Vagavarai (24 kms from Munnar) |
The hill slopes (Varai) covered with well-kept tea
gardens seasonally don bright red colours when the
Vaga trees (Abhizzia Lebbek) bloom all over the
place. |
|
Rajamala (15 km from Munnar) |
The Nilgiri tahr, a very rare type of mountain goat
(Hemitragas bylocres) , on the verge of extinction.
Half the world population of this rare goat is seen
in and around Rajamala. |
|
Nyamakad (10 kms from Munnar) |
On the way to Rajamala from Munnar is another place
full of woodlands and waterfalls. |
|
Anamudi (15 kms from Munnar) |
Rising to a height of 2695 metres, this is the
highest mountain peak south of the Himalayas. For
those who like mountaineering and related adventures
and for the researchers in rare plants, this is one
of the finest places to visit. |
|
Eravikulam (17 km from Munnar) |
A placid lake land-locked by the misty mountains,
grass lands with fascinating tiny flowers, and some
rare near-extinct animals are the star attractions
on this world renowned national park. Anamudi, the
highest peak in South India (2695 Mtrs) is a part of
the park. |
|
Pothamedu (6 kms from Munnar) |
These hills, covered with 'patha grass' are
breathtakingly beautiful and most suited for
trekking and rock climbing. The vast tea gardens,
coffee plantations and cardamom planted woodlands
are also eye-catching. |
|
Marayoor (42 kms from Munnar) |
The relics and remnants of a new stone-age culture
(caves, paintings and under ground tunnels) and
places connected with the legendary wanderings of 'Rama
and Sita' (Ramayana) and the 'Pandavas' (the
Mahabharata) make this place important historically
archaeologically. The largest concentration of
high-quality natural sandal wood trees and a sandal
wood factory are the present day attractions. |
Thekkady (Periyar):
(State: Kerala, Category : Wildlife/Plantation Retreat) (1
night)The Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake
- an artificial lake, at Thekkady. In
addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the
ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple
situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary
offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild
elephants at close quarters.
Other places
of interest are:
|
Kumily |
4km from tekkady Situated on the outskirts of the
Periyar Sanctury,this is a plantation town .also is an
imp shopping &trade centre. |
|
Murikkady |
5km from Tekkady is a panorama of cardamom ,coffee
&pepper plantations. |
|
Pandikuzhi |
5km from kumily .its a popular picnic spots &is a
photographers delight. It offers great opportunities
for trekking. |
Excursions
from Thekakdy:
|
Vandhammedu (25 kms) |
This is a plantation retreat known for spice and tea
plantations. |
|
Peermedu (30 kms) |
This is a hill station located at 30 kms before Thekkady
and is characterized by mist all around all round the
year. |
Kumarakom:
(State: Kerala, Category : Backwater Retreat) (2 nights)
An unbelievably beautiful
paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and
coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals
adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad Lake, in
this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional
country crafts, boats and canoes that will take you into the
heart of the scenic lake.
Optionals:
Kumarakom
bird sanctuary:15kms from kottayam.
Monuments of Kottayam (15 kms from Kumarakom)
Bharananganam
The Church here is another
important pilgrim centre in Kerala. The mortal remains of the
Blessed Sr.Alphonsa is laid to rest here.
Thrikodithanam Temple,
Changanacherry
This is said to be one of the
five temples where the idol of Lord Vishnu, worshipped by the
Pandavas, (heroes of the epic Mahabharatha) is kept. Witness the
beautiful Deepam (lamp) festival held every November/December.
Ettumanoor
Inside the popular Siva temple
here, are beautiful wall murals and scupltures.Scenes from the
epics and Puranas are carved around the shrine..
Alleppey:
(State: Kerala, Category : Backwater Retreat) (2 night)
Take a
cruise from kumarakom to alleppey through the narrow canals
seeing the village life along the backwaters.(3.5hrs)
Today, Alappuzha(Alleppey) has grown in importance as a
backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of
foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its
boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and
coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the
region called Kuttanad. A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is
called the Rice Bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in
the world where farming is done below sea level
Attractions of Alleppey
Krishnapuram Palace
This 18th century palace of
the Travancore kings is built in typical Kerala style of
architecture.On display are antique sculptures, paintings and
bronze artifacts. The mural Gajendra Moksham, on the ground
floor of the double storied palace is one of the largest of its
kind in Kerala.It is the palace of Travancore kings. This is
situated 47kms from Alleppey.
Monuments of Alleppey
|
Ambalapuzha |
This famous Sri Krishna temple at Ambalapuzha, is
famous for its traditional Kerala architecture and
delicious palpayasam(sweet porridge made with milk). At
a distance of 3kms from Ambalapuzha is the 10th century
Karumadikuttan statue, a black granite statue of Buddha.
This is 14kms away from Alleppey. |
|
Aranmula |
The Sri Krishna temple here is famous for the boat race
held annually in August-September. Aranmula is famous
for its Kannadi, hand-made mirrors made of polished
metal. |
|
Aruthunkal |
The ancient St.Sebastian Church was built by the
Portuguese and is a popular centre of pilgrimage for the
Christians of Kerala.The feast of St.Sebastian is held
every January. This is 22 kms north of Alappuzha. |
|
Chettikulangara Bhagawati Temple |
This temple of Bhadrakali (form of Parvati) possess
miraculous powers. The festival is celebrated during
February/ March every year and the festivity 'Kettukazhcha'
is a procession of tall decorated structures in chariots
in which effigies of horses, bullock and epic heroes,
the Pandavas and various scenes from the puranas are
displayed. |
|
Mannarsala |
One of the most important centres of serpent worship in
Kerala. The festival is celebrated on the day of Ayilyam
in September / October. This is situated 32 kms away
from Alleppey near Harippad. |
Kovalam:
(State: Kerala, Category: Beach Getaway) (2 night)
Kovalam is world renowned beach getaway. Kovalam is spread
in the form of various beaches i.e. Samudra Beach, Hawa Beach,
Light House Beach, Mulloor Beach, Chowara Beacn and Poovar
Beach.
Poovar is blessed with both backwaters and Beaches.
Kovalam
is also located just 72 kms from Kanyakumari which is the
sourthern most tip of India and a very known religious
destination.
Kovalam horizon is dotted with thick
Palm / coconut tree cover and clean and long stretches of
beaches.
Other Places to see around Kovalam:
-
Padmanabhaswamy temple:
-
Napier
museum & art gallery
-
Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum .
-
Sree
chitra art gallery
Travel Tip:
1 additional night in Kochi required if Guruvayoor is required
to be visited. However Accommodation at Guruvayoor is also
available if required.
1 additional night in Kovalam is required if Kanyakumari is
required to be visited. However Accommodation at Kanyakumari is
also available if required.
 |
