Important Tourist Places in Kerala
• Munnar • Cochin • Kovalam • Trivandrum • Varkala • Aleppey • Thekkady • Kumarakom • Silent Valley • Wayanad
• Munnar • Cochin • Kovalam • Trivandrum • Varkala • Aleppey • Thekkady • Kumarakom • Silent Valley • Wayanad
Munnar
Munnar - one of the best hill stations of South India - is situated at a height of 1600 m from Sea Level. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, this hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantations, small towns and beautiful houses make this a popular hill station. Munnar is also famous for exotic flora - like Neelakurunji, which blooms once in 12 years. Anamudi, the highest peak of south India is situated in this area and is an ideal place for Trekking.
Places to see
Munnar - one of the best hill stations of South India - is situated at a height of 1600 m from Sea Level. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams, this hill station was once the summer capital of the British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea Plantations, small towns and beautiful houses make this a popular hill station. Munnar is also famous for exotic flora - like Neelakurunji, which blooms once in 12 years. Anamudi, the highest peak of south India is situated in this area and is an ideal place for Trekking.
Places to see
Mattupetty
Is famous for its highly specialized Diary Farm - the Indo-Swiss live stock project.
Devikulam
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offer a unique experience to visitors. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.
Rajamala
2695 mt. above sea level this place is a natural habitat of the rare species - Niligiri Thar.
Top Station
This is the highest Point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal route and one gets good view of the nearby towns from this peak.
How to reach
Nearest airport is Cochin, which is 140 Kms from Munnar. No rail head to Munnar. Roads are well connected.
Aleppey (Alappuzha)
Aleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty. Known as the Venice of The East, it is famous for backwaters, boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is the one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 95 Kms away. Aleppey is well connected by rail from all major places in India. Aleppey is well connected by Road also.
Places to see
Pathiramanal
This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
R-Block
This area is very famous for its backwaters and you can have very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Aleppey Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Aleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Krishnapuram Palace
Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Boat Race
Allappuzha is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.
Some of the important boat races are:
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August) 2. Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day) 3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)
Aleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty. Known as the Venice of The East, it is famous for backwaters, boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is the one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 95 Kms away. Aleppey is well connected by rail from all major places in India. Aleppey is well connected by Road also.
Places to see
Pathiramanal
This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
R-Block
This area is very famous for its backwaters and you can have very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Aleppey Beach
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Aleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Krishnapuram Palace
Built by Marthanda Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
Boat Race
Allappuzha is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.
Some of the important boat races are:
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August) 2. Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day) 3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)
Cochin
Cochin - 'Queen of the Arabian' Sea is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Cochin was once the major center of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.
Reaching Cochin
Cochin is well connected by air and Rail from all major cities in India.
Places to see
St.Francis Church
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is India's oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 but later the remains were taken to Libson, Portugal.
Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
Mattancherry Palace
(Dutch Palace) (Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Fridays)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Mural Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu Legends are a real attraction. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.
Jewish Synagogue
(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs and 1500 - 1700 hrs- closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The Dutch rebuilt it in 1664. The main attractions include the hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Chandeliers, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
(Open 0900 - 1200 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs- closed on Mondays)
10 Kms from Kochi, Hill palace was the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family and was built in 1865.
Excursions from Kochi
Kalady
The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century.
Kodanad
Kodanad is one the largest elephant training centers in South India.
Athirapally Water Falls
The cascading falls are enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal picnic spot.
Cochin - 'Queen of the Arabian' Sea is the commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Cochin was once the major center of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.
Reaching Cochin
Cochin is well connected by air and Rail from all major cities in India.
Places to see
St.Francis Church
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is India's oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 but later the remains were taken to Libson, Portugal.
Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
Mattancherry Palace
(Dutch Palace) (Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Fridays)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Mural Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu Legends are a real attraction. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.
Jewish Synagogue
(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs and 1500 - 1700 hrs- closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The Dutch rebuilt it in 1664. The main attractions include the hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Chandeliers, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura
(Open 0900 - 1200 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs- closed on Mondays)
10 Kms from Kochi, Hill palace was the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family and was built in 1865.
Excursions from Kochi
Kalady
The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century.
Kodanad
Kodanad is one the largest elephant training centers in South India.
Athirapally Water Falls
The cascading falls are enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal picnic spot.
Thekkady
Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants. There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife.
Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be seen.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 192 kms [5 hrs drive] away. Nearest Rail head is Kottayam which is approx. 120 kms away. Periyar is well connected by road.
Places to see
Periyar National Park
National Park is open from morning 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boating is the only way to view the wildlife in Periyar National Park.
Boating
Timing: From 07:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs From 14:00 hrs. to 16:00hrs.
Trekking
Trekking is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. It will be good if you can carry your trekking boots and gear. 4 days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight tent camping can also be arranged.
Plantation Tours
Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants. There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife.
Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be seen.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 192 kms [5 hrs drive] away. Nearest Rail head is Kottayam which is approx. 120 kms away. Periyar is well connected by road.
Places to see
Periyar National Park
National Park is open from morning 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boating is the only way to view the wildlife in Periyar National Park.
Boating
Timing: From 07:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs From 14:00 hrs. to 16:00hrs.
Trekking
Trekking is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. It will be good if you can carry your trekking boots and gear. 4 days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight tent camping can also be arranged.
Plantation Tours
Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady.
Kovalam
Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in South India, is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous beach. Ayurvedic treatment especially during monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Trivandrum, which is 16 Kms from Kovalam. The nearest railway station is Trivandrum. Kovalam is easily accessible by road.
Excursions from Kovalam
Kanykumari and Trivandrum
Kanyakumari
The southern most tip of India, Kanyakumari is the point where the three mighty water bodies, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. The famous Vivekananda Rock memorial amidst the turbulent sea is a major attraction. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and the Devi Temple.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Enroute to Kanyakumari 40 Kms away is the majestic old palace famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Begian mirrors, Granite dance halls and special lac shiny floors made of a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcol and river sand. The palace is built in the traditional Travancore architectural style.
Suchindram Temple
Enroute to Kanyakumari, it is another famous attraction - The Sthanumalaya temple which is a popular pilgrim centre. the temple also houses an emporium of art treasures from various periods in history.
Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in South India, is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous beach. Ayurvedic treatment especially during monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Trivandrum, which is 16 Kms from Kovalam. The nearest railway station is Trivandrum. Kovalam is easily accessible by road.
Excursions from Kovalam
Kanykumari and Trivandrum
Kanyakumari
The southern most tip of India, Kanyakumari is the point where the three mighty water bodies, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean converge. The famous Vivekananda Rock memorial amidst the turbulent sea is a major attraction. Kanyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and the Devi Temple.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Enroute to Kanyakumari 40 Kms away is the majestic old palace famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Begian mirrors, Granite dance halls and special lac shiny floors made of a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcol and river sand. The palace is built in the traditional Travancore architectural style.
Suchindram Temple
Enroute to Kanyakumari, it is another famous attraction - The Sthanumalaya temple which is a popular pilgrim centre. the temple also houses an emporium of art treasures from various periods in history.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom: 16 kms from Kottyam, Kumarakom is a small backwater town.
Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is one the world famous Backwater destinations of Kerala. Fishing, Boating and visits to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward to. Kumarakom also has a small bird sanctuary where different species of birds can be seen. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters. Luxury hotels situated in this area to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 80 kms away and Kottayam, 16 Km away, is the nearest railway head, which is well connected by trains from all major cities in India. It is easily accessible by road also.
Kumarakom: 16 kms from Kottyam, Kumarakom is a small backwater town.
Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is one the world famous Backwater destinations of Kerala. Fishing, Boating and visits to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward to. Kumarakom also has a small bird sanctuary where different species of birds can be seen. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters. Luxury hotels situated in this area to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.
How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 80 kms away and Kottayam, 16 Km away, is the nearest railway head, which is well connected by trains from all major cities in India. It is easily accessible by road also.
1 comment:
Traveling to Munnar is not at all a problem as there are many ways for reaching Munnar from Madurai. We can rent a car to visit all the attractive places in Munnar. It is easy to get Munnar Car Rental. From Madurai to Munnar Distance is 160 KM approximately.
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