KERALA THE PLACE OF BEAUTY

ALAPPUZHA

2011-06-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

Alappuzha is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of rivers flowing into it.Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Rajakesavadas in the second half of 18 th century, District of Alappuzha figures in classified Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms , was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages. For more historic details please see the page History .Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying strata have an important role in the community life of the people of the district.As the district has got a vast spread of lakes and canals, there is wide potential for lake side tourism and inland fisheries.Alappuzha is already one of the major spots in the tourism map of Kerala.

Kuttanad

The Kuttanad region in Alappuzha district is named the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’ for its picturesque expanse of paddy cultivation which forms the main source of the famous ‘boiled rice’ of the state. As a tourist destination, it holds some geographical peculiarities. It is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with the bright green paddy fields, separated by dykes. The unique feature about paddy cultivation in Kuttanad is that the level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land. It's the area with the lowest altitude in India, and one of the few places in the world where farming is carried out below sea level. The place is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into the rural life-styles of Kerala. Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.

Pathiramanal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

2011-06-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland.

Kovalam

Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum .This unique internationally renowned wonderful beach.Kovalam is home to three marvelous beaches divided by rocky outcrops. These beaches are excellent for the tourists who want to enjoy the seaside and water activities such as swimming.

Padmanabhaswamy Vishnu Temple

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, located inside the East Fort in Thriuvananthapuram is dedicated to Loard padmanabha, a form of Vishnu.The last major renovation of the temple was done by king Marthanda Varma, maharaja of the erstwhile princely state of Teavancore

Neyyar Dam

It is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western ghats. . It is occupying the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. This popular picnic spot has a watch tower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park. The 128sqkm Neyyar sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, dominated by the peak of Agasthya malai. Wild life includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.

Napier Museum & Zoo

The museum was built in the 19th century and is an amazing example of the affluent history of Kerala. Its architecture is unique and an outstanding amalgamation of traditional Kerala, Chinese, Mughal and Italian styles. This museum is a repository of ancient archaeological artifacts and superb paintings..The zoo is near to the museum.

Veli Tourist Village

Veli Tourist Village is located 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, the Veli Tourist Village is bordered by the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea. The lagoon here is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar.The main attraction at Veli is water - a large inland lake, separated from the ocean by only a narrow sandbar.There is a floating bridge and a floating restaurant too. Open every day; boat rides available until 6.00p.m

Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam is a forested peak in the Sahyadri Range of Mountains, and is considered the second highest peak in Kerala. Standing tall, at a height of 1890 meters above sea level, Agasthyakoodam ranks high among favored tourist destinations in Kerala and is located 61 kms north-east of Trivandrum. The forests are rich in medicinal herbs

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) palace is located near Padmanabhaswamy temple.Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, built this magnificent palace.The palace, built in the traditional Travancore style of architecture depicts excellent craftsmanship and possesses exquisite wood carvings.The palace museum has on display, enchanting paintings and other priceless collections of the royal family.

Kanakakkunnu Palace

The Kanakakunnu Palace is sited adjacent to the Napier Museum in Trivandrum.Kanakakunnu Palace is the summer-house of Travancore Royal Family. The palace and its grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets and programmes

Koyikkal Palace

Koyikkal PalaceLocated 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to the Ponmudi hill station and the Kuttalam waterfalls, this ancient place that dates back to the 15th century.Today, the palace houses a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum set up by the Department of Archaeology.
The Science and Technology Museum

The Science and Technology Museum was established in 1984. This is setup by the Kerala government. This was designed to inculcate scientific awareness in the minds of the youngsters. This is a place including recreation with study and is also an essential tourist attraction.There is also a planetarium here.Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays

Varkala

It is an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here. The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, Sivagiri is near Varkala. Besides this, Varkala is a seaside resort.

KOLLAM (QUILON)

2011-06-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one of fourteen districts of Kerala state. Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the district takes the credit for being the hub of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. It was formerly a renowned trading point for spice. The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcotta. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience

Kollam Town

Kollam town is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram. he town edges with the famous Ashtamudi lake There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town. Mahatma Gandhi beach & park at Kochupilamoodu, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam picnic Village, are some of the important spots of local sight seeing, Mahatma Gandhi beach lies just 2 Kms. from the town. It is fascinating place for an evening. Thirumullawaram Beach is 5 kms. from the town. The sea here is ideal for swimming and bathing. Asramam picnic village is located in the 48 acre Guest House Complex. This is the centre of various tourism development activities of the district.

The Government Guest House here is 200 years old. It stands along Ashtamudi lake and is a major attraction for its elegance rates. The adventure park, located in the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, is a novel experiment in the country. Different types of boats, including luxury cruise boats, power boats and motor boats, are available on hire from the boat jetty near to the Adventure Park. A budget hotel for tourists, Yatri Nivas, run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, is also located in this village. The village is just 2 kms. away from the town.

Palaravi Waterfall

Palaruvi is a slender thread of water hurtling down from a height of about 300 feet. Situated 75 km from Kollam town on Kollam-Shencottai road, this area was once a retreat for the Maharajas of Travancore. Palaruvi, which literally means 'stream of milk' collects in a little pool below, where visitors are allowed to take a dip. The remnants of yesteryear grandeur in the form of 'mandapams' and a stable can still be seen here. To get to the falls, one has to trek through narrow paths that run through the woods. Covered with dense tropical forests, the scenic beauty of the place enhanced by hills, valleys and cascades, is breathtaking. A sought-after picnic spot, the Palaruvi Falls is managed by the local community and is best visited after the summer months. Facilities for trekking to evergreen forests and to sandal trees bearing forests are also available

Thangasseri

Thangassery is a place of historical importance a situated 5kms away from the Kollam town.Thangasseri, the picturesque seaside village has a three kilometre long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902.Thangasseri was once a favorite settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English in succession, as Kollam was one of the oldest and most important port for international cashew trade on the Malabar coast. Today, it showcases a few ruined forts built by the Portuguese, and the Dutch and some 18th century churches.

Jatayupara

Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from taking sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the lovers of adventure. The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam junction. itself.

Thirumullavaram Beach

Thirumullavaram Beach is almost 6km north of Kollam, Thirumullavaram is a beautiful beach that's well linked by road and with good facilities. This beautiful beach filled with coconut palms is perfect for an early morning walk as one can see fishermen gliding into the sea for the days catch. The beach has good bathing services

Sasthamkotta Lake

Sasthamkotta, situated about 29 km from Kollam town, can be rightly called the 'Queen of Lakes'. This vast fresh water lake flanked by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. This temple dedicated to both Lord Ganesha and Lord Ayyappa is surrounded by hills and forests

Punalur

Punalur is one of the important industrial centers of kerala. It is 45 kms from Kollam on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line and is also linked with Kollam by road. The Suspension bridge accross the Kallada river erected in 1877,is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft long. A concrete bridge has been constructed near by and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.