Kerala

Kerala Destination - Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

2010-05-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the Northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the Southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.

Kerala Destination -Varkala

2010-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Varkala

Location: 51 km North of Thiruvananthapuram city and 37 km South of Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram district, South Kerala.

Attractions: Beach, mineral watersprings, the Sivagiri Mutt and a 2000-yea- old Vishnu Temple.

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the ashramam- Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach. At the serene Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name 'Papanasam beach'. A two thousand year old shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856 - 1928) is also close by. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days - 30th December to 1st January. Sree Narayana Guru propagated the ideology: "one caste, one religion and one god", in a society torn by the taboos of caste system. Varkala offers excellent accommodation facilities for tourists and is fast becoming a popular health resort with many Ayurvedic massage centres.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Varkala, 3 km away.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, nearly 57 km away.

Kerala Destination -Valiyaparamba

2010-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Valiyaparamba

(30 km from Bekal)This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Kerala Destination -Veli Tourist Village

2010-05-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Veli Tourist Village

Location: About 8 km from Thiruvananthapuram city.

Visiting hours: Open 0800 - 1800 hrs.

This picnic spot, where the Veli Lake meets the Arabian Sea, offers boating facilities. Pedalboats and paddleboats can be hired to explore the charms of the lagoon in a leisurely manner. For a quick ride over the waters, speedboats are available for hire. Children enjoy climbing over the huge sculptures which dot the landscape. Ph: 2500785. Veli youth hostel

Ph: 2501230 Boat rentals (1000 - 1730 hrs): Safari boat: Rs. 15 per head Speedboat: Rs. 150 Pedalboat: 4 seater - Rs. 50 for half an hour; 2 seater - Rs. 40 for half an hour.

Nearby is the Shankhumukham beach skirting theThiruvananthapuram International airport.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 8 km.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km.

Kerala Destination -Vagamon

2010-05-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Vagamon

Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air in many other places but not the Vagamon kind; not just this exciting blend of religious mysticism and European legacy.

Like a lot of other beautiful things in life, Vagamon too has to be experienced, not read about or its stories merely listened to. What you've got to do is get yourself some means of transport, head straight for Idukki district and then on to Vagamon. Once there, try taking off your shoes, closing your eyes and just listening to Vagamon.

And when you're through with the mystic getting to know session, you could take a trek across the chain of three hills - the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala, important for Muslims, Hindus and Christians respectively.

And don't miss the nice, little dairy farm of the Kurisumala monks.

Getting there:

By road: 25 km from Peermede, the famous plantation town.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam which is about 75 km from Peermede.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Peermede.

Kerala Destination -Vadakkumnatha Temple

2010-05-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Vadakkumnatha Temple

One of the oldest temples in the State, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a spectacular sight. Non Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.

(Open: 04:00 - 10:30 am & 05:00 - 08:30 pm)

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How to Prepare:

Kerala Destination -Thusharagiri Waterfall

2010-05-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Thusharagiri Waterfall

As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall on the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri in Wayanad district by evening.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikkode about 50 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport about 23 km from Kozhikkode town.

Kerala Destination - Tea Museum

2010-05-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Tea Museum

Munnar is perhaps the choicest of places to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges. With special emphasis to Munnar, and to the delight of tea lovers and tourists, Tata Tea recently opened a Tea Museum which houses curious, photographs and machineries, each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region.

The museum set up at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar is a fitting tribute to the toils and rigours of its pioneers, who showed utmost determination and were resolute in their efforts to transform Munnar into a major plantation centre of Kerala.

The Tata Tea Museum diligently portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates, veritably conveyed through some of the displays like the rudimentary tea roller to the modern fully automated tea factory. Visitors to the museum can satiate their curiosity on various stages of tea processing, and also learn a thing or two about the production of black tea.

A sundial, placed on a granite block, which was made in 1913 by the Art Industrial School at Nazareth, Tamil Nadu, greets a visitor to the Tea Museum. At the museum, if one is curious to locate an item with some antiquity, then the burial urn from the second century BC, which was found near Periakanal estate tops the list.

Some of the attention grabbing items on display at the Tea museum include the original tea roller, the 'Rotorvane,' dating back to 1905, used for CTC type tea processing; the 'Pelton Wheel' used in the power generation plant that existed in the Kanniamallay estate in the 1920s; a rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway that shuttled men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century.

A section of the Tea museum also houses classic bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and EPABX of the1909 telephone system.

A demonstration room for tea tasting is another attraction where one would come across different varieties of tea. Those eager to understand the nuances of tea processing can do so at the CTC and orthodox tea-manufacturing unit at the museum. The museum authorities are also contemplating on the idea of allowing tourists to pluck tea leaves themselves and have them processed in their presence.

The Tea Museum by Tata Tea would soon become yet another reason for travelers to visit the enchanting plantation hills of Munnar, which have already become one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala.

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (open 7 days a week)

Entry Fee:

Adults: Rs.50

Children below 12 years: Rs.10

Address:

Tata Tea Museum

Nalluthanni Estate

Munnar, Idukki district.

Kerala Destination - Teak Museum(Nilambur)

2010-05-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Teak Museum, Nilambur

If you are a nature enthusiast who is desperately pouring your head over volumes to get your much-needed information on Teak, the wonder tree, then the world famous Teak Museum at Nilambur is just the perfect place for you to be in. Here, you can satisfy yourself with loads of information on this magical bounty of nature.

The well-known Teak Museum is located at Nilambur in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub-centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995. The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The world's first Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British.

The fascinating abundance of information on this wonder tree attracts an entire horde of tourists to visit this museum throughout the year. The extensive root system of a 55-year-old teak tree exhibited in the portico for welcoming the tourists is itself metaphorical of the past, present and future of the museum.

The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wild-life sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division. Another translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly's Plot at Nilambur offers the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago. Some of the other other attractions here are the traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel called Uru made of teak wood.

Teak poles of varying sizes and qualities obtained during the process of 'Thinning' of teak plantations are also displayed along with the necessary details of standard classification of teak poles. The depiction of foliage, flowers, fruits and bark of the tree gives us a deeper insight in to the other characteristics of the teak. Here, one can also find the large stump of a 480-year-old teak tree brought from Nagarampara forest range in Kottayam division.

Detailed description on the flower, fruit and natural regeneration of teak as well as the prominent characteristics of these species of trees are exhibited in the first floor of the museum. In addition to this, the various methods of seed-grading, presowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps, vegetative propagation of teak and the different stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak from seed to mature tree are also on display.

Apart from teak, the mueusm also has a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations. Another exclusive section in the museum deals with the various physical disorders of teak, disease-causing insects and pests, plantation and other nursery diseases.

Some of the special attractions of the Teak Museum at Nilambur are a series of interesting paintings portraying tree felling operations, a collection of photographs on the phonological events of teak at different seasons, exhibits on traditional harvesting tools and wood samples of different ages from various parts of the world.

The portraits of great figures who had carved out milestones in the successful establishment of teak plantations as well as of those who had laid the foundations to the plantation forestry in India like H.V.Conolly, Chathu Menon and T.F.Bourdillion offer a strong perspective of a glorious era spanning a period of 150 years. This museum also has a world-class library on teak and a mini auditorium for audio-visual presentations.

The 800-metre long bio-resources nature trail on the museum campus is indeed, an interesting one. This nature trail passes through a heavy growth of shrubs, trees and bamboos. One can also find the different species of birds and reptiles here. There are 50 naturally grown tree species and 136 endangered and near-extinct tree species of the Western Ghats planted in this nature trail. About 58 species of birds, both resident and migratory, has been recorded in this area. A medicinal plant garden consisting of 150 species is also another attraction worth seeing.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Nilambur, about 3 km from the Teak Museum.

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 36 km from Malappuram.

Kerala Destination -Vasthuvidya Gurukulam

2010-05-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam

Location: Aranmula, 16 km from Pathanamthitta, the district headquarters.

Attractions: It is a unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings.

The Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, a school constituted by the State Cultural Department is situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings. It also aims at the renovation and conservation of traditional buildings and mural paintings.

Vasthuvidya is the ancient science of Indian architecture which is a pure and ethnic expression of Indian socio-cultural heritage.

The gurukulam conducts a one year Post Graduate Diploma programme in vasthuvidya, in addition to a four month training course in the application of the principles and practices of vasthuvidya for the craftsmen engaged in the construction industry. The gurukulam has a consultancy wing for designs and constructions based on the principles of vasthuvidya.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Chengannur, about 10 km.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 119 km from Pathanamthitta

Kerala Destination -Thirunavaya

2010-05-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thirunavaya

(8 km south of Tirur) Situated on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha, this was one of the venues for Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once every 12 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766. Today, Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre. During Karkidakavavu, people flock at the banks of River Bharathapuzha here, to perform the pithrukriya for the departed souls. The site of Melpatthur Illam, the home of the great poet, Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri; author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from here.

Kerala Destination -Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple

2010-05-22T00:19:00.000-07:00

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple

(Open 0400 - 1100 hrs, 1700 - 2000 hrs) In the heart of Kottayam town is this 500-year-old temple built by the Thekkumkoor Maharajah. This temple built in the Kerala style of architecture has colourful murals on its walls which are worth seeing. The Koothambalam, the special building in the temple premises used for cultural purposes, is one of the best in Kerala.

Phone Number: 0481-2583898

Kerala Destination -Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

2010-05-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km Northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, Central Kerala.

Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the River Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the crimson-throated barbet, beeeater, sunbird, shrike, black winged Kite, night heron, falcon, grey jungle fowl, white-breasted water hen, hornbill, ceylon frogmouth, rose-billed Roller and blue-winged parakeet live here.

Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany, etc. The dense forest is also the home to nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Aluva, about 48 km away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.

Kerala Destination -Thenmala (Eco-Tourism)

2010-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Thenmala, Eco-Tourism

It is India's first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats.

The word Thenmala in the local language Malayalam has an interesting meaning. 'Then' means honey and 'Mala' means hill; and they combine to mean 'Honey Hill'. It is believed that the honey collected from this region is of very good quality owing to its unique biological settings. Managed by Thenmala Eco-Tourism Promotional Society, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, Thenmala Eco-tourism is a unique destination from a visitor's point of view. It has equal opportunities for fun, adventure, leisure and for learning the significance and necessity of eco-friendly measures for promoting tourism related activities.

At Thenmala Eco-Tourism, a visitor is taken care of by its well-trained staff providing guidance and information about the various attractions and facilities, enabling one to move about, explore and experience every bit of this remarkable destination. There are well-placed signboards, direction pointers, and information boards to facilitate one's movement inside the project area. Divided into different zones with a particular theme, the project area currently has three major zones viz. Culture Zone, Leisure Zone and Adventure Zone.

At the Culture Zone one can indulge in a variety of activities like trying few traditional Kerala dishes at the restaurant there, a bit of shopping for memento sake, a peep on Kerala's art and culture, an amphitheatre etc. But the highlight of the Culture Zone is the open air Musical Dancing Fountain, which is a big attraction among the visitors. There is also a Tourism Facilitation Center in the Culture Zone to provide information on a wide range of tourism products available at Thenmala.

Step into the Leisure Zone here and try the boardwalk leading to the dam. The sway bridge here could be an exciting proposition, especially for children. Adding more variety and elegance to the landscape here is the Sculpture Garden, which has Man & Nature as its theme.

For those with an overdose of adrenalin and those willing to test their adventure spirit would find the Adventure Zone here quite a thrilling experience. Take the elevated walkway for a journey that winds through the canopy of trees and going over rocky terrains bringing one close to life at different heights. And still those who don't mind to give their body muscles a real work out can go for mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing.

Besides the zone-based activities for a visitor, Thenmala Eco-Tourism also offer other attractions, like an invigorating boat ride in the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary; a visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre, where one can have a look at a group of spotted deer, the sambar deer and the barking deer, which have been given protection after straying out from the forests. The project area also has tree top huts and children's eco-park, riverside treks, and battery powered vehicle rides through the forest, enabling one to sight wildlife from a close distance.

For a visitor to Thenmala Eco-Tourism, some of the nearby attractions are also worth exploring. One may visit the picturesque Palaruvi waterfalls, about 16 km away, on the way to Shenkottah. Thenmala Eco-Tourism is open round the year and there are conducted tours organized by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation from the Capital City of Thiruvananthapuram and also by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Kollam District.

Information Desk

Thenmala Eco-tourism Promotion Society,

Thenmala Dam Junction,

Thenmala PO 691308 Kollam District,

Kerala, India.

Phone:91-475-2344800

E-mail: info@thenmalaecotourism.com

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 66 km away.

Nearest rirport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 km away.

Kerala Destination -Thangasseri Fort

2010-05-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thangasseri Fort

Location: (5 km from Kollam) Thangasseri or 'Dutch Quilon' as it was called was once a British enclave. Meaning 'gold village' in local parlance, this was the hub of a flourishing trade that used gold as currency. This seaside village of historic importance shelters the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built during the 18th century. The famed lighthouse of Thangasseri which is 144 ft high, constructed in 1519 by the British.

Open to visitors from 1530 - 1730 hrs.

Kerala Destination -Thalasseri Fort

2010-05-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Thalasseri Fort

22 km from the land of the exotic art form of theyyam in the Northern district of Kannur is the small town of Thalassery. In this town stands an imposing historical monument - the Thalassery Fort.

The East India Company which had established its settlement on the Malabar Coast in 1683 built the monument as a testimonial of their colonial imperialism in 1703. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery's development.

The imposing square fort has massive walls, huge, intricately carved doors and secret tunnels to the sea all in all, the perfect setting for you to get an authentic taste of some local history and heritage!

Kerala Destination - Sampaloor

2010-04-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Sampaloor

Sampaloor, by the side of the Chalakudy River is known as the Goa of Kerala. Rightfully called so, this place, like Goa witnessed the arrival of a series of clergy. This comprised St. Francis Xavier, St. John Britto, Fr. Joseph Constantine Buski (Veeramamunivar) and Arnos Pathiri. Among them, the first to arrive at Sampaloor was St. Francis Xavier, who came via Marankuzhi, a place located in Kodungalloor (former Muziris). His visits, as per records, were in 1542, 1544, and 1548. At that time the Muziris harbour (present day Kodungalloor) connected India to foreign countries via the sea.

Sampaloor was an important center of Jesuits during the time of the Portuguese. Some of the structures still stand testimony to the works of the Jesuits in Sampaloor. They include the St. Paul's Seminary, the St. Paul's Monastery and the St. Paul's Press and a church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. Gradually San-paul-ur became Sampaloor. Half way though the 17th century St. John Britto, an Italian missionary, came to Sampaloor and lived there for nearly one year. He studied Tamil and Sanskrit and adopted an Indian name - Swamy Arulananda. The altar of St. Francis Xavier's church at which St. John Britto used to celebrate the holy mass is now a protected historical monument.

Another member of the clergy, who made his presence felt at Sampaloor after St. John Britto was Arnos Pathiri, who studied at the St. Paul's Seminary and later got ordained there. He made remarkable contributions to the Malayalam literature through his book 'Puthen Pana.' Next to follow was Fr. Joseph Constantine Buski (Veeramamunivar). He came to Sampaloor, while serving in Madurai Mission and later lived there. Fr. Buski's final resting place is also at Sampaloor.

The first printing in Malayalam was done at the St. Paul's Press in Sampaloor, which was set up by Jesuit Priests in 1663. The dictionary of 'Prinsa Pathiri,' Tamil grammar of Dacosta Pathiri, and the books of Dinobili were printed in this press. Sampaloor thus became a great centre for language-nurturing in south India.

The arrival of the clergymen to Sampaloor in the mid 16th century and the developments that took place all later became part of the ecclesiastical history of Kerala. Sampaloor also went through an unfortunate phase in the course of its history, when it was devastated in an attack by Tippu Sultan, who was fighting the British during the middle periods of the 18th century. Later, the church got reconstructed during the time of Bernadian Bechinelly, who was the vicar apostolate of Varapuzha in 1862. The present church was blessed in 1979.

Historical museum of Sampaloor

When samaploor was the centre of Jesuit Missionthere wereSt. Paul's seminary, St, Paul's Press, St. Paul's Monastery, And St. Francis Xavier's Church which were destroyed by Tippu the invader. the Cannon balls used during the time of Tippu, holy vestments of the priests of the Monastery, Tablets that describe the old liturgical order, instruments used to make the hosts, Tabernacle of theold church, statues ofsaints made of wood and metals, Lamps used for adoration, lamp-sticks, the Cross made of metal belongs to 15Th century and ''Vazhuthayodukal" of the same century are some of the attractions of this Museum.

Anglo-Indian Cultural museum

A sight of Anglo-Indian wedding ceremony, Anglo-Indian Traditional dress for women and men such as Kabaya, Madirasi thuny, a collection of coat, Suit, tie, bohatt, their traditional ornaments like Cothigna, Arulikka mala, Pinnu mala, Wedding ring, and their traditional foods are some of the sights inside this museum.

Address

St. Francis Xavier Church

Sampaloor

Palayamparambu P.O.

Pin 680 741

Ph. 0480 2719079

Kerala Destination - Sabarimala : The hill Temple of Lord Ayyappa

2010-04-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sabarimala : The hill Temple of Lord Ayyappa

(72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi): One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa.

Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.

Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla about 102 km.

Kerala Destination - Padmanabhapuram Palace

2010-04-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Location: In Thuckalay, 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram, situated in Tamilnadu, a neighbouring State.

Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays.

A magnificent wooden palace of the 16th century, Padmanabhapuram Palace lies at the land's end of mainland India - Kanyakumari. An enticing ediffice to any lover of art and architecture this old palace of the Rajas of the erstwhile Travancore (1550 to 1750 AD) is a fine specimen of Kerala's indigenous style of architecture. The antique interiors are replete with intricate rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. The palace also contains 17th and 18th century murals. One can see: the musical bow in mahogany, windows with coloured mica, royal chairs with Chinese carvings, 'Thaikkottaram' or the Queen Mother's palace with painted ceilings, rose wood and teak carved ceilings with 90 different floral designs.

Durbar Hall of the palace has a with a shiny black floor specially made from a combination of egg white, jaggery lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand, granite tubs to cool curd and buttermilk, secret underground passages, the King's bedroom with a four poster medicinal bed, mural paintings, pictures of Lord Krishna, hanging brass lanterns lit continuously since the 18th century, open air swimming bath, granite dance hall, Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge) temple, large earthen urns, room for scribes and accountants, carved figures on columns holding oil lamps, pooja (worship) rooms with jackfruit tree columns, fish carvings on the ceilings, enormous teak beams, Belgian mirrors and an outer cyclopean stone wall fitted together without mortar.

Visitors to the palace are often overwhelmed by the royal splendour of erstwhile Travancore. Though the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu State, it comes under the Government of Kerala's administration.

Kerala Destination - Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

2010-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: About 110 km from Palakkad.

Parambikkulam is an oasis of tranquil greenery nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamilnadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala. The Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 285 sq km in the Western Ghats.

The sanctuary offers an exotic experience of the rare fauna of Kerala. Quite a few hill tribes, like the Malayars, the Kadars and the Muthuvans also live in the jungles of Parambikkulam. The fauna here include bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Lion-tailed macaques, tigers, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles.

The sanctuary also has a variety of trees mainly teak, neem, sandalwood and rosewood. The oldest teak tree 'Kannimari' stands tall here.

Boat cruises can be arranged in the Parambikkulam Reservoir. Trekking in the sanctuary is possible with the permission of forest officials. There is a tree-house in the Reserve Forest area in Thoonakkadavu, the headquarters of Parambikkulam, which has to be booked in advance. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode offer comfortable lodging.

Getting there: Parambikkulam is accessible by road from Pollachi in Tamilnadu. Palakkad-Pollachi is about 45 km by road and Pollachi-Parambikkulam is about 65 km by road.

Nearest railway station: Pollachi about 65 km.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore in Tamilnadu state, about 55 km from Palakkad.

Kerala Destination - Palaruvi Waterfall

2010-04-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Palaruvi Waterfall

Location: About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.

Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. It is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel here offer comfortable accommodation.

The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kollam about 75 km.

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 km from Kollam town.

Kerala Destination - St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor

2010-04-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

St. Thomas Memorial, Kodungalloor

St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle houses holy relics from the olden days.

Kerala Destination - St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam

2010-04-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam

(Near Medical College) This church was built by the blessed Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias. The mortal remains of this saintly priest are preserved here. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to the saint every day.

Kerala Destination - St. Francis Church,Fort Kochi

2010-04-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

St. Francis Church,Fort Kochi

This centuries old church at Fort Kochi was originally built completely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.

Kerala Destination - St. Angelo Fort

2010-04-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

St. Angelo Fort

Location: 3 km west of Kannur town, North Kerala.

Attraction: Fascinating view of a natural fishing bay and a sea wall projecting from the fort separating the rough sea and inland water.

A massive triangular laterite fort, replete with a moat and flanking bastions, the St. Angelo's Fort also called Kannur Fort was constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francesco de Almeida in 1505.

In 1663, the Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. In 1790 the British who seized control over the fort, renovated and equipped it to be their most important military station in Malabar.

Today, St. Angelo's Fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort offers a fascinating view of the Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. Dharmadom Island, only 5 acres in area, is situated 100 metres away from the mainland in the Arabian Sea. The Moppila Bay is a natural fishing bay. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. Today, the bay has turned into a modern fishing harbour, developed under the Indo-Norwegian Pact.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Kannur, about 3 km.

Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 93 km.