Kerala
Tourism Guide
Ayurveda in Kerala-Evolved
around 600 BC in India, Ayurveda Science of medicine stressed on
the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them.
Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been
practised ever since. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch
of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depends on the
diagnosis of your body's humors - vata, pitta and kapha - to
achieve the right balance.Ayurveda believes in the treatment of
not just the ailing part, but the body as a whole. Making it the
natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances
from the body and thus regain resistance and good health.Kerala,
the land of Ayurveda.Call it a blessing of God, Kerala's friendly
climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and
medicinal plants), and the cool extended monsoon season (June -
November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative
packages.In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which
practices this system of medicine with absolute perfection.
Beaches in Kerala-One
of the unique features of the beaches of Kerala are the clean
sands bound by incessant rows of palm trees. This adds to the
magic created by sunbathing, boating and swimming in these waters.
Kovalam Beach-Kovalam
is a beautiful sea resort, the only one, in Kerala. This beautiful
fishing village is situated 10 km from Thiruvananthapuram.Kovalam
consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern
most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors
spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging
houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at
affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the
promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular
view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited
here.The local fishermen crowd the middle beach in the daytime.
Ashok Radisson resort, a five star hotel overlooks the beach. The
third beach is situated to the north of Ashoka which has some
fishing vessels.
Papanasam Beach-Papanasam
is a holy beach which means 'Destroyer of the sins'. Mineral water
springs come gushing out from the cliffs bordering the beach and
are known for their medicinal qualities. The narrow road leading
to the beach from Varkala is flanked by paddy fields and tall palm
trees, on both sides. A Nature Cure Centre and a Jagannath Swamy
(Vishnu) Temple are situated near the beach. Visitors can pay
homage to Kerala's saint and reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Alleppey Beach-Alleppey
beach has a long stretch of shore that is laden by dense palm
groves. The landscape around the beach is very fascinating. as is
the rest of Kerala. A towering lighthouse overlooks the beach.
Kappad Beach-This
is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on 27 May, 1498
with 170 men in three vessels - a site which witnessed an event
that changed the course of Indian history. 16 km away from
Kozhikode (Calicut), the pleasant, calm beach, locally known as
Kappakadavu, is studded with rocks and caressed by friendly waves.
Bekal Beach-The
old-fashioned little town of Kasargode, 153 km North of Kozhikode,
near the Karnataka border, is principally a fishing village.
Flanked on both sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed
beaches, the Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. This is one
of the largest forts in Kerala and has been under the control of
various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British.
The fort’s commanding position, with views across the bays to the
North and the South are breath-taking.
Shanmugham Beach-This
is a popular city beach very near the airport. An indoor
recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star
shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach.
Lighthouse Beach-This
beach is beautifully set with palm trees dotting the headlands to
the south, which is where the lighthouse is located, and north
where a 20-40 m stretch of fine gold and black sand arches around
the bay. Nothing much to do except perhaps go for a stroll or a
swim, it's nice as beaches go, but there are better beaches than
this.
Rockholm Beach-Another
stretch of beach along the same axis as Lighthouse Beach, Rockholm
Beach is accessible either via a track leading down from the
Rockholm Hotel (and Palmshore Hotel),or alternatively by walking
southwards from Lighthouse Beach over the headland on which the
lighthouse stands. Swimming is possible.
Samudra Beach-This
beach is just 4 kms north of Kovalam and has a number of resorts
jostling with the local fishing village for space and to
accommodate the regular stream of tourists. It is also called
Samudra Beach because it is dominated by the KTDC's excellent
Hotel Samudra. This beach is not private but, just a 15 min walk
or Rs 50 ride northwards from Lighthouse Beach, it is virtually
free of pestering beach sellers. The first little bay is edged by
small rocky promontories and not very good for swimming.
Varkala-It
is an increasingly popular beach resort. The sea shore is called
Papanasm and hundreds of Hindu devotees perform Vavu Bali on new
moon days of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. Varkala is 90
minutes away on the bus and a pleasant convenient place to stop
overnight or even perhaps for a day or so. It's a great stopover
especially for lunch when travelling between Alappuzha or Kollam
and Thiruvananthapuram. Varkala is 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram
and 37 km from Kollam. The railway station is 3 km from the beach.
Thirumullavaram-Located
about 6 km north of Kollam, the beach here is very beautiful. It
is connected to Kollam town by bus.
Veli Tourist Village-Veli
is an attractive beach resort on the coast 9 km from
Thiruvananthapuram. It has a lake where one can go boating and a
small backwaters stretch with facilities for water skiing, diving
and boating. Motor boats, paddle boats, rowing boats and ponies
are available for hire. The ornamental park has several modern
sculptures and there is also a playground for children. Buses go
regularly from East Fort to Veli. Veli has a youth hostel offering
dormitory style accommodation.
Kerala Backwaters-The
only way to discover the real Kerala is to cruise along its
backwaters. You will experience a totally different Kerala as you
sail down these soothing waters in a country craft and absorb this
unusual representation of Kerala life. Kerala’s centuries-old,
palm fringed backwaters stretch over 1900 kms.The backwaters act
as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their
produce and are more often than not the only link between isolated
villages and crowded towns. Stretched over a total expanse of 1500
kms, the backwaters have a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes
from north to south.As you sail along on a houseboat you drift
into a land that time forgot and watch picture-book towns and
ancient trading posts float by. You can see the sky shimmer
through a coconut canopy and hear the wind to bring you the
oarsman’s song. You can sail a cloud and dream a dream in the
tranquility of the backwaters.When you wish to get away from it
all and set your soul free, the one place which will surely soothe
your soul is the backwater of Kerala. It is the best way to
rejuvenate your mind and body. So if you are really looking for
peace of mind, take a break at the backwaters of Kerala!
Monuments of Kerala-Bolghatty
Palace-Built by the Dutch in
1744, the Bolghatty palace in Ernakulam is on an island, off
Cochin in the Arabian Sea. The building was once a Governor's
palace for the Dutch and later the home of the British Residents.
Today, this is one of the prestigious hotels of the Kerala Tourism
Development Corporation.
Cheraman Juma Masjid-Cheraman
Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor is the first mosque in India. It was
built in 629 A.D. and resembles a temple in appearance. It is
situated. This was rebuilt recently
Cheruthuruthy-Cheruthuruthy
(Kerala Kalamandalam) north of Trichur, 29km away, near the
Shornore Railway Junction. Mahakavi Vallathol founded Kerala
Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, in 1930. It's main objective is to
revive, preserve and develop the traditional art form of Kerala,
particularly Kathakali.Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning
at Vallathol Nagar, in Cheruthuruthy with its new building complex
the Natyagraha. The old Kerala Kalamandalam is still at
Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River (Bharathapuzha). The
Samadhi of Poet Vallathol, the founder of the institution, is in
the premises of the old Kalamandalam.It is in this academy that
the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous
training. The institution also offers training in music, drama,
and other dance forms including Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and
Ottan Thullal.
Alwaye palace-The
Alwaye palace is situated on the banks of the Periyar River with
beautiful circular verandas overlooking the river. This old palace
building is now The Alwaye Guest House, which is one of the
loveliest in this State.
Aranmula Temple-Dedicated
to Lord Krishna is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple
Aranmula can be reached from Chengannur on the Thiruvananthapuram
- Kottayam route. A major attraction are the snake boat races held
as part of the Uthrettathi festival in August/September. Aranmula
is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula
Kannadi".
St. Sebastian Church-Portuguese
missionaries established one of the most important pilgrim centres
of the Christians in Kerala, popularly known as St. Sebastian
Church, 22 kms; north of Alleppey. This church is near Sherthallai.
The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.
Bekkal Fort-The
largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, Bekkal Fort, in
Kasarkode, is 16 km south on the National Highway. The beautiful
Bakkel beach with the historic and archaeologically significant
fort in the background is now being developed, into an
international tourist destination. Earlier it was part of the
kingdom of Ikkiri Naiks, provincial rulers of the Vijayanagara
Empire.It became part of the Vijayanagar Empire. In the late 18th
century Tipu Sultan captured it. An old mosque near the fort is
believed to have been built by the Mysore forces. After the
British overthrew him, the fort came under the East India Company.
Guruvayur-Thrissur is a good base
for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32 kms away. It is among India's
most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka
of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts
thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century.
Tradition has it that Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the
Lord of the Winds created the temple. The temple is dedicated to
Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, the
extreme grounds of Punnathur Kotta near Guruvayoor houses the
elephants of Guruvayoor temple.The building was once the palace of
a provincial chieftain Punnathur Nambidi
Padmanabhapuram Palace-Though
located at Thuckalai in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, (65
kms south of Thiruvananthapuram) this former palace of Travancore
is a splendid example of Kerala architecture. It is a protected
monument of the Kerala State Archaeology Department. The palace is
noted for its excellent wood architecture and murals.
Nedumangad Palace-This
18th century palace known as Koikkal Kottaram is situated about
fourteen Kms from Thiruvananthapuram at Nedumangad.The palace
today houses a folklore museum and a numismatic museum as well.
The Churches ar Muttuchira (Kottayam)-Situated
on the MC Road, between Vaikom and Kaduthuruthi, Muttuchira has an
interesting conglomeration of three churches of different periods
built in the same compound. These churches display distinctive
features of the evolution of Church architecture in Keraa, the
oldest of which is a typical example of Neo-Boroque style.
Krishnapuram Palace-This
is also another protected monument of the state. A former palace
of Travancore kings, it was built in the 18th century at
Krishnapuram in Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district.This monument is
often reffered to as a miniature model of Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Mattancheri Palace-This
was a palace built for the Raja of Kochi in1552 AD by the
Portugese. But posterity remembers this monument as the Dutch
Palace, mainly because it was renovated and re-built by the Dutch
East India Company. The palace has beautiful murals and a
remarkable display of old Palanquins and armoury.
Hill Palace Museum (Ernakulam)-This
museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal
family of Cochin, including the king's throne and crown. Also on
display are other trapping of royalty like majestic beds,
paintings, carving and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also
known for the nearby Chottanikkara Temple and the Tripunithura
Temple.
Palace and Jewish Synagogue (Mattancherry)-It
was built in 1568 AD, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, the
copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Kerala
rulers Bhaskara Varma in A.D 1000 and the exquisite Chinese hand
painted tiles are of interest. No two tiles are alike and are two
hundred years old. There are also several finely wrought gold and
silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.
Arackal Palace & Kannur Fort-The
Arackal Palace is the sole Royal household of Muslims in Kerala.It
is located at Kannur. The Arackkal Family was known as Arackkal
Beevi,who could also be invested with sovereignity if she happened
to be older than the senior male member of the family. The fort
built by the Portugese stands nearby.
Hill Stations in Kerala-Ponmudi-This
hill station a mere 61 km from Trivandrum is a tourist's paradise.
One gets enchanted by the sheer abundance of nature; the
shimmering green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods
do not spare anybody. It is at an altitude of 100 ft perched on
the Western Ghats.
Nelliyampathy-It
is a range of hills separated by valleys of dense lush green woods
and orange plantations. The tallest peak here is Padagiri which is
at a height of 1572 m while the shortest one is 467 m. The two and
a half hour journey from Palghat to Nelliyampathy is a very
thrilling one because there are nearly 12 hairpin curves on the
ghat road. Also, dense jungles come on the way. Pothundi reservoir
is a lovely place which is worth a stopover.
Wagamon-Wagamon
is engulfed by green tea gardens and deep puzzling valleys. All
the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 tall hill.
Situated at 64 km from Kottayam, this place also has to offer
Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss project and Kurisumala Ashram.
Lakkadi-Lakkadi
registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. The
place is is just green green green. It is one of the highest
locations in Wayanad enriched with streams.
Wayanad-It
is situated in the north eastern tip of Kerala with Panamaram,
Mananthavady and Kabini rivers enriching the land. Abundance of
coffee, tea, cardamoms, Pepper and rubber plantations captivates
one and all.
Mattupetty-Thirteen
km. away from Munnar lies Mattupetty, at an altitude of 1700 m.
above the sea level. The Indo-Swiss Dairy Project with the green
meadows and the exotic cattle and the rose garden also attracts
tourists.
Devikulam-Situated
at 16 km southwest of Munnar, this picturesque location, offers a
unique feature-clusters of slender red and blue gum
trees.Devikulam, meaning the lake of the goddess, has a lovely
little lake hidden within the rolling hills. According to legend,
Sita Devi, the holy consort of Lord Rama, came down to frolic in
the lake and the place came to be known as the present name ever
since.
Malampuzha-Malampuzha
is in the site of a large irrigation dam built across the longest
river in Kerala, the Bharathapuzha. It is set at the base of the
hills of the Western Ghats.Beautiful gardens, amusement parks and
facilities for boat cruises make this an ideal picnic spot.Other
attractions are the rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the
snake park, the ropeway which takes the tourist on an aerial tour
of the park, and the famous work Yakshi (an enchantress) sculpted
by Kanai Kunjiraman.The most interesting feature of the rock
garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken
pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste
materials.The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Nek
Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and
attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Wildlife in Kerala-Aralam
Wildlife Sanctuary-Elephants, sloth bear, sambar, mouse-deer etc.
are found in this sanctuary. It is also rich in avifauna and
reptiles. This sanctuary is easily accessible from Kannur.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary-Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary is very close to Eravikulam National Park and
Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, which makes its
wildlife all the more richer. It is easily accessible from
Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala.
Eravikulam National Park-This
sanctuary was established specially for the preservation of
Nilgiri Tahr, one of the most endangered animals on the planet.
Now the number of tahrs has increased and they constitute the
largest known population of tahrs existing in the world. In
addition to tahr, the park houses elephants, sambars, gaurs,
lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, tigers and leopards.
Accommodation and board facilities are available at Munnar, the
nearest town, which is connected to Kottayam (148 km.) and
Ernakulam (130 km.) by road. There is a motorable road upto
Rajamally. Further, travel is on foot which makes for some great
trekking.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary-This
sanctuary spread over 70 km lies between the Periyar and
Cheruthoni rivers. This helps the breeding of the various animals
like elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar etc are found in
this area. The lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a
panoramic view to the tourists.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary-The
Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The
vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. The
Agasthyakoodam hill, 1890 metres high, lies in the premises of the
sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, jungle cat,
wild boar, Nilgiri langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing
centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary-Parambikulam
has one of the largest population of gaur (bison). Sambar, spotted
deer, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, common otter, sloth bear
etc. are the other inhabitants. There are also a few tigers and
leopards. Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the
sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal
and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on
request. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu lies
adjacent.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary-It
lies in the catchment areas of Peechi and Vazhani dams in Trichur
District. Peechi, the headquarters of the sanctuary is 15 km by
road from Trichur.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary-Peppara
is accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram Ponmudi road.
This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big
attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of
53 Sq. km. on the Western Ghats. Elephant, sambar, leopard and
lion-tailed macaque are some of the commonly seen animals.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary,
Thekkady-The most renowned
destination is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, one of
India's major sanctuary areas. The drive to Thekkady itself is
enchanting as the road winds through tranquil countryside, rich
plantations and thick jungles.The sanctuary offers a lovely and
comfortable way to see the animals via boat rides on the man-made
lake, which the wildlife areas encircle. In addition to the wild
life, there are water and land birds galore here, and one can
sometimes find dedicated bird watchers setting in for one or two
weeks of serious observations.
Silent Valley National Park-The
Silent Valley National Park is one of the very few unexplored
tropical evergreen rain forests. Situated in the western ghats,
this park offers a very soothing atmosphere. Elephants, tigers,
wild dog, flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque are found
here.This place is at 75 km from Palghat. Vehicular traffic is
allowed upto Mukkali from Mannarghat. From Mukkali, one has to
cover 24 km on foot to reach the source of river Kuntipuzha, which
flows the valley.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary-This
bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25 sq. km, formed between
the branches of the river Periyar. The avifauna includes both
resting indigenous birds and water birds. The most notable of the
indigenous birds are Malabar grey hornbill, grey jungle fowl,
heron, egret, jungle myna, wood pecker, rose winged and blue
winged parakeet. Rare birds like Ceylon frog-mouth, rose billed
roller etc. can also be sighted.
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