Things To see

Kochi

• Fort Kochi Beach
  A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background is a memorable experience.Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls which prepare on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught fish.
• St.Francis Church, Fort Kochi
  It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India.On his 3rd visit to Kerala,Vasco da Gama the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea fell ill and died in Kochi.He was buried in the St.Francis Church.Later his remains were taken back to Portugal.In spite of that,his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out.
• Vasco House, Fort Kochi
  Vasco house located on Rose Street is believed to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in India.Vasco da Gama is believed to have lived here.This house features European glass paned windows and verandahs.
• Santa CruzBasilica, Fort Kochi
  The original church situated in Fort Kochi was built by the Portuguese in 1505 and named as a cathedral in 1558.The British colonists destroyed the cathedral in 1795.The current structure was built in 1905 and raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
• Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
  The synagogue built in 1568 is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry. 

   

  Munnar

  • Attukal
    Located 9 km from Munnar, this scenic picnic spot offers gushing waterfalls, rolling hills and long trekking options to travellers.
  • Power House Waterfalls
    Cascading down 2000 mts, these waterfalls are the perfect place to catch views of the scenic western mountain ranges.
  • Pothamedu
    Located 6 km from Munnar, Pothamedu offers excellent views of the tea, coffee and cardamom estates and is ideal for adventure trekking.
  • Devikulam
    7 km from Munnar,this hill retreat with its lush green hills and several exotic floras & fauna is a perfect picnic spot.The Sita Devi Lake here is known for its rich mineral content and is ideal fortrout fishing.
  • Nyaymakad
    En route Rajamala,visit Nyayamakad to catch fantastic views of waterfalls gushing from a height of 1600 meters.The lush surroundings make it an excellent picnic and trekking spot.
  • Lock Heart Gap
    13 km from Munnar, this is another hot-spot for adventure lovers and offers breathtaking views of misty hills and green mountains.
  • Top Stations
    Almost 1700 mts above sea-level,this is the highest spot on the Munnar-Kodiakanal road.The rare Neelakurunji flower blooms in this region once every 12 years and turns the hills completely purple.Another interesting sight here would be the ruins of the old ropeway station that linked the foothills to the tea estates.This aerial ropeway was used to transport tea chests out and provisions in.
  • Thommankuthu Waterfalls
    Also known as the seven-step waterfall, this is a popular picnic spot.Every step has a cascade and pool beneath and is extremely exciting for adventure tourism.Remember to exercise caution though when stepping here.
  • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (70 KMs)
    This sanctuary is further on the Munnar-Udmalpet road.This wildlife park is home to most of the South Indian wild animals This road cuts through the sanctuary.The best time for animal sightings is in the evenings and early mornings.Common wild life sightings are Elephants and Gaur besides some rare birds.There are watch towers erected in the forests with permission from the authorities one can use it to spend a night watching wildlife.Among popular birds are jungle fowl,myna,laughing thrush,black bulbul and peafowl.
  • Anayirangal
    Located 22 kms from Munnar, this is a beautiful picnic spot,with the Anayirangal Dam surrounded by the Tata Tea Estates located closeby.
  • Eravikulam National Park
    Eravikulam national Park in Rajamalai is about 17 km from Munnar.The sanctuary provides close viewing of the Nilgiri Thar,an endangered species.More than half of the Nilgiri Thar is found in this sanctuary which can be seen in small groups.The other interesting sight is the flowering blooms only once in 12 years.
    The next bloom expected in 2006 AD only.The other animal sighting commonly reported are Panther, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Gaur, Giant Malabar Squirrel etc. The sanctuary is 4 km from the Munnar-Marayoor (Udmalpet) Road.the highest peak in Kerala and is one of the best mountain ranges in the world.
  • Marayoor
    This small town is famous for the sandal wood forest in the surrounding region.It is the only place in Kerala that has naturally growing sandalwood trees. Permission is required from the forest authorities to venture into the forest and there are caves located nearby which have murals and relics from the new Stone Age civilization and a children’s park spread under the canopy of a single banyan tree.

     

    Thekkady

  • Plantation Tours
    Tours to the nearby tea gardens and spice plantations are recommended.These tours can be organized by the Kerala Tourism Information Centre and take you through the cultivation and processing of tea and other spices.Murikkady 5 kms from Thekkady is one of the well-known cardamom,coffee and pepper plantations.Also visit Vandanmedu located 25 kms from Kumily which is one of the largest auction centres for cardamom.
  • Periyar Lake
    It is an enriching experience to take a boat cruise or bamboo boat ride along the periyar lake.If you wish to see the varied topography of the forests of periyar then arrange for a boat cruise on the periyar lake.If you are keen observer you might get to see the spotted tigers,playful elephants or the red eyed bison.This is one of the major tourist attraction in thekkady.
  • Periyar National Park
    One of the most interesting tourist attractions in Thekkady ,the periyar national park is famous forits different species of flora and fauna.The national park which also is a Tiger Reserve is the home for a number of animals like Gaur, wild pigs ,Sambar ,Barking deer ,Mouse Deer and Indian wild dog.If you are lucky enough you can get to see the herd of playful elephant on the banks of the periyar river.One can enjoy the experience of an elephant safari.

     

    Kumarakom

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
    Kumarakom is a home to a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna.An important point of interest is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary where a significant number of bird species are known to make migratory visits.The park area covers around 15 acres and functions under the aegis of the government of Kerala.The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a delightful experience for the birds lovers.It occupies the area on the banks of the Vembanad lake and offers a glimpse of Kerala’s natural beauty to its visitors.
  • Vembanad Lake
    This is the repository to myriad rivers,and canals of kumarkom.The enchanting lake is a prime picnic site and backwater tourism destination.The famous snake boat races are held here during onam celebrations.Enjoy Houseboats & Motorboat Cruise
    What makes these cruises all the more special is the kind of tranquility felt while sailing through the serene waters of the Vembanad Lake.The Island of Pathiramanal ( meaning Sands of night) which attracts a large number of migratory birds is also easily accessible from the boats.

     

    Kovalam

  • Kanyakumari
    Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of peninsular India and the meeting point of three oceans-the Bay of Bengal,the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.Besides its importance as a Hindu pilgrim center,it is famous for its beautiful views of sunrise and sunset over the waters.The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here.
  • Shree Padmanabha Temple
    14 Kilometers away from Kovalam at Trivandrum The imposing seven storied tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city.The temple is an excellent example of the dravidian style of architecture. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings, and mural paintings.
  • Kovalam Beach
    Kovalam is one of the prime beach destinations in India. Kovalam beach, ideal for indulging in water sports, sun-bathing and swimming,is located at a few kilometers distance from Poovar.There are three beautiful crescent-shaped beaches in Kovalam videlicet the Lighthouse Beach, Hawwah Beach and the Samudra Beach.The most famous and popular of the three is the Lighthouse Beach with a sheltered bay and endowed with stunning beauty. 

     

    Poovar

    Poovar is easily accessible from Trivandrum by a fifteen-minute boat ride.Water- taxis are an excellent way to travel around the place.You can also avail the services of a house-boat, country boat, canoe or motor boat depending on your convenience and need.
    • Poovar Beach
      Poovar Beach is a gorgeous strip of golden sand lying sandwiched between the scenic River Neyyar and the Arabian Sea.This picture-postcard beach, fringed with coconut palms, is accessible via water-taxis alone.Due to the presence of an active fishing population and strong currents, beach activities are not so developed here.In spite of it,the beach lures visitors with its serenity and beauty – an ideal ambience for relaxing and unwinding.
    • The Fishing Village
      The village near Poovar is largely inhabited by fisher-folk.The fishermen here make a living by fishing in the old-traditional ways. They live a unique water-based lifestyle completely relying on the river and sea for everything from their daily livelihood to transportation.The village is ideal to experience the real-taste of a typical Kerala coastal village and their uniquewaysofl iving.
    • Vizhinjam
      Vizhinjam, located close to the Kovalam Beach, has a small sea port.There are a multitude of internationally acclaimed beach resorts and Ayurvedic treatment centers in and around Vizhinjam. 

       

       

      Things To Do

    • Cruises
      A cruise to the neighboring fishing village is a must-do activity here.This also gives one an opportunity to understand the lives of the fisher-folks.You can interact with the fishermen and get first hand information on the various fishing tactics.The fisher-folk here uses a wide range of traditional fishing tactics including using the Chinese fishing nets.For the adventurous sort you can try out fishing yourself or better still participate in a fishing expedition.Another option is to visit a century-old martial arts village to learn about the ancient martial art form of Kerala – Kalaripayattu.
      Another not-to-be-missed activity is enjoying a houseboat cruise along the serene backwaters of Poovar.In addition,for couples we recommend a romantic sunset or sunrise cruise.Other popular activities here include water sports and water rafting.
    • Crocodile-Watching Expeditions
      Embark on an exciting crocodile watching expedition – a popular crowd-puller here.Watching the amphibians at a close range is sure to enthrall spectators.On a bright sunny day one can view crocodiles basking in the sun.
    • Shopping
      At Kovalam make it a point to check-out some of the excellent beachside shacks selling exquisite handicrafts,antiques,modern jewellery and cloths.At Poovar you can buy an exciting range of footwear,carpets,dhurries and attractive jewellery.Boat Races: Kerala is famous for its high-adrenaline packed Snake Boat Races.These boat races turn the otherwise serene backwaters into an exhilarating venue packed with action and adventure.The atmosphere is further charged-up by the festive and enthusiastic mood of the spectators.0Poovar is the site of many local boat races and one should not miss an op portunity to be a part of this exciting action-packed event.