kerala

TOUR DESTINATIONS KERALA

ALLEPPEY
Built in the 9th century AD, Alleppey, called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the great Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty.
Related to the Venice of the East by travellers from around the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse range of animals and birds. It has always been honored a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala for its proximity to the sea. Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir.
Today, Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, beckoning thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year, during August-September, Alleppey wakes up to the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, a water sport unique to Kerala.

THE NEHRU TROPHY BOAT RACE
In 1952 the honorable Prime Minister of India, late Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru called on Kerala and enjoyed a graceful cruise in the centre deck of the Marshal Boat from Kottayam to Alleppey. As part of the visit, the state government arranged a boat race of the Chundan boats with the co-operation and participation of the local community. Mr. Nehru was so fascinated by this spectacular event that he jumped on to the deck of the winner boat, which was the Nadubhagom Chundan and congratulated them. On his return to New Delhi he send a rosewood Chundan replica adorned with silver trimming to the State and this trophy is being awarded to the winners of the boat race every year in the commemoration of India's first Prime minister. The first winner of this 'Prime Minister's' trophy was ‘ Kavalam Chundan' on its race at the Kinakari Vattakkayal. From 1955 onwards the boat races were held at the Punnamada Lake and the winner was Parthasarathi Chundan. Since then this boat race is being held at the Punnamada Lake on the 2 nd Saturday of August every year.

COCHIN
Originally built by the Portuguese, Kochi (Cochin) has a natural harbor with lagoons and canals and fishing hamlets. Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. Kochi is the most important city in Kerala. It is the second most important city (after Mumbai) on the western coast of India.

THEKKADY
Thekkady in the south Indian state of Kerala is one very appealing town of India with vast forest areas and some finest nature views. The very sound of the word Thekkady recollects images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. Periyar forest in Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are bewitching plantations and captivating hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

MUNNAR
Munnar is a beautiful hill station covered with endless stretches of tea plantations and is 133 kms from Cochin, with an altitude ranging between 1600 & 1800 mtrs above sea level. Munnar boasts of the highest peak in south India 'Anamundi' rising about 2695 mtrs high. Munnar was the favourite summer resort of European settlers for centuries. The name 'Munnar' means 'Three Rivers' and they are actually three mountain stream, Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, confluence at the heart of the town, meeting all the water requirements of the settlers and visitors. Dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and major cash crop plantations dominate most of this region. Munnar abounds in animals like elephants and Nilgiri Tahrs and rich biodiversity teeming with flora and fauna. Among the exotic flora found in the forests here is the "Neela Kurinji", a flower which bathes the hills in blue every 12 years, will bloom next in 2018 A.D.

VARKALA
Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. Its is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. According to a myth saga Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned .Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala.The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption came to be known as the Papanasham Beach (Papanasham means redemption from sins).The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple is on beach road. The specialty of this temple is that there is a huge banyan tree and shrines. To visit Varkala is to see cliffs, sunset and relaxing in beach.

TRIVANDRUM
Also known as Tiruvananthapuram, the seaside capital of Kerala state, Trivandrum is surrounded by numerous hills and hilloks on which stand building and parks. Trivandrum literally means the 'Holy city of Ananta' and is a city of magnificient buildings of ancient and modern Architecture. Trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC.

KOVALAM
Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".
Kovalam is India's one of the best beaches for the travelers in the south of India. It consists of a number of small, palm fringed bays separated by Rocky Headlands. Kovalam is endowed with unusual beauty. The sheltered beach is ideal for sea bathing and is safe even during the toughest weather. The scenery around is enchanting and the drive to the beach through palm groups, refreshing. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.