Kerala, with
foreign influences as disparate as Chinese and
Portuguese, Arab and Dutch, Kerala is the spice
coast of India. Edged by a thread of unbroken
beachline, the state’s heart is composed
of intensely green paddy fields and a unique
network of rivers and lagoons. Upland Kerala,
relatively little visited, is composed of hills
thickly wooded with teak and rubber. It is here
that Kerala’s most precious spices are
grown in carefully nurtured plantations: cardamom,
pepper and nutmeg.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the state
capital, an international airport, has an
exceptionally fine museum set in an amusement
park. 16 km away is Kovalam, one of the most
popular beaches in the country. Many visitors
stay at Kovalam, driving into Thiruvananthapuram
for sightseeing trips, rather than the other
way round. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram,
and Padmanabhapuram Palace, a short drive
away, are important monuments.
Cochin, with a fine natural harbour, has
been Kerala’s center of maritime trade
for innumerable centuries. Along the harbour,
rows of antediluvian Chinese fishing nets
indicate Kerala’s trade with China,
just as buildings along the water’s
edge testify to the erstwhile presence of
Dutch and Portuguese colonisers. Jewtown,
complete with an immaculately preserved synagogue,
has a flavour all its own, while Tripunathura,
at the other end of the city, has many traditional
houses with central courtyards. Kerala’s
multitude of faiths – Islam, Judaism,
and a host of sects of Christianity and Hinduism
– all coexist harmoniously in a state
that is known for its Marxist inclinations!
Kerala’s traditions of dance forms,
which originated from temple worship, can
be witnessed at regularly held performances.
Lecture-demonstrations of the most spectacular
of these – Kathakali – are held
daily at many centres in Cochin. Teyyam, at
once an act of worship and visual feast; temple
festivals complete with caparisoned elephants;
Kalaripayata, the indigenous art of self defence;
all are a part of Kerala’s remarkable
heritage of performing arts, and can be witnessed
at various centres in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
A five hour drive from Cochin leads into thickly
forested hills, past rubber and spice plantations,
and into southern India’s tea growing
district headquartered at the charmingly old
world Munnar. From Kottayam to Alleppey is
a world of palm fringed waterways, a route
which is covered by motor launch. Elderly
sailboats, long barges transporting tons of
coconuts and tiny skiffs used to transport
children to school are common sights on these
backwaters.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram , the capital of the state
of Kerala, is a beautiful seaside city built
on seven hills. The city gets its name from
the word, Thiru Ananthapuram meaning the city
of Ananth or the abode of the sacred serpent
Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver
of the Hindu trinity, reclines.
Altitude: Sea level.
Temperature (°C):
Summer - Max.36.2, Min.20.6
Winter - Max.35, Min.18
Rainfall: 170 cms (May to November).
Best Season: October to March.
How to get there
Air: Thiruvananthapuram is connected by Air-India
and Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Madras,
Cochin, Delhi & Colombo.
Other private Airlines such as Goaway, East
West, Continental Airways operate flight to
Thiruvananthapuram from Mumbai (Bombay) &
Goa.
Rail : Thiruvananthapuram is directly connected
by rail to Calcutta as well as all the major
cities in India.
Road : Thiruvananthapuram is connected by
road to several tourist centres in India as:
Calicut 448 kms, Cochin 223 kms, Kanyakumari
87 kms, Madurai 417 kms, Periyar 272 kms,
Ponmudi 61 kms, Quilon 73 kms, Varkala 55
kms.
Bus : Regular bus services connect Thiruvananthapuram
to various places in Kerala as well as to
Madras, Madurai Kanyakumari etc.
Places of interest
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Zoological Park
Napier Museum
Sri Chitra Art Gallery
Science & Technology Museum
Veli Lagoon
Shanmugham Beach
Aruvikkara Dam and Neyyar Dam
SMSM Institute
Excursions
Kovalam 16 km
Kanniyakumari 87 km
Padmanabhapuram Palace 54 km
Ponmudi 61 km Quilon 72 km
Suchindram Temple 99 km
Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary) 272
km
Varkala 55 km
Kovalam
16 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, a sheltered
bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural
bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves
and surge. And the beach resort here is of
international standard.
Alleppey
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the
centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. It
has a large network of canals which passes
through the town, provices its lifeline &
has a long sandy beach. It is also the centre
of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru
Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat
race in Kerala - is held here on the second
Saturday of August every year.
Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature (deg C):
Summer- Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter- Max 32, Min 22
Rainfall : 254 cms.
Best Season : October to May
STD Code : 0477
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport, Cochin (64 kms), is
connected by Indian Airlines flights with
Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Goa, Bangalore and
Thiruvananthapuram. East West Airlines also
connects Cochin with Bombay.
Rail: Nearest railhead, Cochin (64 kms),
is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Alleppey is connected by road to all
the important cities in south India, as Cochin-
64 kms, Calicut- 289 kms, Thiruvananthapuram
- 159 kms, Quilon- 85 kms, Haripad- 33 kms,
Thekkady- 253 kms, Kottayam- 130 kms.
Bus Services: Alleppey is connected by bus
with Quilon, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari,
Cochin, Trichur, Guruvayoor, Calicut, Palghat
etc.
Local Transport: Coaches,Tourist taxis,Metered
taxis & Auto Rickshaws available.
Places of interest
Backwater Cruise
Alleppey is the gateway to the inland water
ways of Kerala. Cruise through small canals
pasing paddy fields, villages and small water
lodged town-ships to enjoy the scenic beauty
and to get a glimpse of the unspoiled rural
life of Kerala. Backwater boat cruises are
conducted by Alleppey Tourism Development
Co-operative Society. The important ones are
given below:-
Place Distance Journey Time
1) Alleppey-Kottayam 29 kms 3 & 1/2 hours
2) Alleppey-Ernakulam (Alternate days) 74
kms 7 to 8 hours
3) Alleppey-Quilon (Only one trip) 85 kms
8 hours
4) Alleppey-Champakulam 16 kms 1 & 1/2
hours
Excursions
Ambalapuzha (14 kms)
Hariped (33 kms)
Quillon (Kollam)
The present day Quilon is famous for its varied
modern industries, Cashewnut Processing &
Research, fisheries etc. for the tourists
coming from Thiruvananthapuram, Quilon is
the beginning of the magnificient backwaters
of Kerala.
Altitude: Sea level.
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max 35, Min 25
Winter- Max 33.5, Min 24
Rainfall: 279 cms.
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: The nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram
(71 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights
with Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Madras,
Male & Colombo. East West Airlines also
connects Thiruvananthapuram with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Quilon Junction is connected to major
cities in India.
Road: Quilon is connected by road with Chavara
(16 kms), Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms), Varkala
(37 km), Alleppey (85 km), Kottayam (110 km),
Thekkady (198 km), Ernakulam (152 km), Kundara
(13 km), Trichur (229 km), Palghat (308 km),
Calicut (374 km), Cannanore (461 km), Kasaragod
(575 km) etc.
Bus Services: Quilon is connected by buses
to Thiruvananthapuram , Thekkady, Cochin,
Calicut, Trichur, Kottayam, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin
etc.
Places of interest
Thangassery Light House:
Massive light house. Visitors are allowed
to go to the top of the light House.
Visiting Hours : 1530 hrs to 1730 hrs. every
day.
Backwaters
Quilon like Alleppey is also surrounded by
beautiful coconut palms presenting a panoramic
view cruising on this lake is very interesting.
Motor boats, pedal Boats & rowing boats
can be hired from Ashtamudi Boat club Quilon,
Tel: 2519 or Quilon Promotion Council, Guest
House Compound, Tel: 76456.
Excursions
Chavara 16 km
Kundara 13 km
Courtallam (Health Resort) (104 km)
Alleppey (85 km)
Kottayam
Kottayam situated in South of Cochin is a
cultural Centre with beautiful Old churches.
Though a busy commercial city, on its west,
it has beautiful backwaters & on its eastern
parts it is full of greenary.
Area: 15.54 sq. km
Altitude: Sea level
Temparature (°C):
Summer : Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter : Max 32, Min 22
Rainfall: 176 cms
Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport is Cochin 76 km. connected
by Indian Airlines & East West Airlines
with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Kottayam is well connected by rail
with other cities in India.
Road: Kottayam is connected by road with
all important cities in South India. It is:
76 km from Cochin, 248 km from Madurai, 267
km from Kanyakumari, 114 km from Thekkady,
180 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Bus Services: Kottayam is connected by buses
to Cochin, Quilon, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey,
Thekkady, Madurai, Trichur
Places of interest
Valiya Pally
Thazhathangadi Mosque
Kumarakam : 10 km away from Kottayam, here
is a lovely Vembanad Lake Where tourists can
enjoy the beautiful backwater trips operated
by the State Water Transport Department. The
important ones are given below:-
PLACE KILOMETRES JOURNEY HRS.
1. Komarakam - Mohama 7 km 1/2 hrs.
2. Kottayam - Alleppey 30 km 2 1/2 hrs.
3. Kumarakam - Alleppey 1/2 hrs.
Excursions
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) (114
km.)
Ettumanoor (13 km.)
Vaikkom (48 km)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Periyar wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady
is an important tourist attraction. It is
situated on the Periyar lake in the hills
of Western ghats and is the finest sanctuary
for viewing & photographing Indian wild
elephants.
Altitude: 900 m to 2000 metres
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max 29, Min 18
Winter- Max 21, Min 15.5
Rainfall: 203 cms (June to October)
Best Season: September to May
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Madurai, 140 kms
connected by Indian Airlines flights with
Madras, Trichy & Bangalore. Vayudoot services
also connects Madurai with Madras & Pondicherry.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Bodinayakanur 67
kms but however Kottayam (114 kms) is the
convenient railhead.
Road: By road Periyar to Cochin 190 kms,
Idikki 66 kms, Kodaikanal 160 kms, Madurai
145 kms, Munnar 113 kms, Thiruvananthapuram
272 kms, Kottayam 114 kms.
Bus: Regular buses connect Periyar to Cochin,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam & Madurai.
What to see
Indian Wild Elephants, Sambar, Barking Deer,
Wild Boar, Tigers
Panthers, Wild Gogs, Bison, Spotted deerLeopard,
Musk deer.
Sightseeing in the Sanctuary
Wildlife can be seen in its natural habitat
by cruising on the lake in motorboats. Elephant
rides & motorboats can be arranged through:-
1) The Manager, Aranya Niwas Hotel, Thekkady.
2) Assistant Wildlife Preservation Officer,
Thekkady,
Excursions
The following picnic spots are approachable
by motor launch or bridge path in the forest
Arubi creek 16 kms
Crusoe Island 19 kms
Manakkavala 10 kms
Mullakudy 29 km
Pavarasu 19 kms
Periyar Dam 12 kms
Thannikudy 38 kms
Peermade 40 kms
Permission from the Superintendent P.W.D.,
Periyar Dam, Thekkady is necessaryto see the
Periyar Dam. No entrance fee.
Munnar
Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations
in India is situated at the confluence of
three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni
and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level,
this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile
British Government in South India. Sprawling
tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make
Munnar a unique experience.
Anayirangal (22 km from Munnar):
It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A
trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable
experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded
by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests.
An ideal picnic spot.
Top Station (32 km from Munnar)
1700m above sea level, this is the highest
point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare
Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this
region. Top Station also offers a panoramic
view of neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Getting there:
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about
140 km away Cochin International Airport,
about 190 km away
Nearest railway station: Theni (Tamil Nadu),
about 60 km away, Changanacherry, about 93
km away.
Not to miss is the Tea Museum in Munnar.
The first ever tea museum opened its doors
to welcome visitors at the Nulthathanni Tea
Estate of the Tatas (of the Taj Group of Hotels)
in April 2004.The museum provides a glimpse
into the world of “Planters” who
opened up the wilderness of Munnar to the
new cash crop – tea. Besides giving
an insight into the history of tea, there
are photographs and curios and other paraphernalia
connected with tea. Set in an, over a century
old tea estate it gives tourists first hand
knowledge about processing of black tea. Preserved
are the original 1905 tea roller, the rotor
vane and the Pelton wheel used in the power
generation plant of the 1920s besides furniture
from an old time planter’s bungalow.
Cochin (Kochi)
Cochin,the commercial hub of Kerala, is a
town of great historical importance. It has
a fine natural harbour around which the city
has grown. The Fort Cochin area, where the
Portuguese settled in the 16th century, has
been declared as Heritage Zone.
Temperature (°C):
Summer Max 35 Min 22
Winter Max 32 Min 20
Rainfall: 254 cm (June to October)
Season: Octomber to March
How to get there
Air: Cochin is connected by Indian Airlines
to Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras),
Goa, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Cochin/Ernakulam is connected by rail
to all the major cities in India.
Road: Cochin is connected with Alleppey 64
km, Bangalore 565 km, Kanniyakumari 309 km,
Kodaikanal 444 km, Chennai (Madras) 694 km,
Madurai 324 km, Thekkady 190 km and Thiruvananthapuram
223 km.
Sea : (A) The Kerala Inland Water Transport
Corporation operates regular back- water boat
services to Alleppey (7 hrs) and Quilon (8
hrs).
(B) SPORTS-Cochin operates tours to Lakshadweep
Islands from Mid-Sept. to Mid-May.
Bus Service: Cochin is connected by regular
bus services with all major cities in South
India.
Places of interest
Dutch Palace
Jewish Synagogue
St.Francis Church
Bolghatty
Gunda and Willingdon Islands
Kerala History Museum
Hill Palace Museum
Parishath Taamburan Museum
Chinese Fishing Nets
Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica)
Excursions
Alwaye 21 km
Kalady 45 km
Alleppey 64 km
Trichur 80 km
Kottayam 76 km
Guruvayur 109 km
Munnar 136 km
Idikki 138 km
Palghat 163 km
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) 190
km
Sabarimala 209 km
Calicut (Kozhikode) 218 km
Trichur (Thrissur)
Trichur, 78 kms north of Cochin on National
Highway 47 lies at the base of a hillock,
crowned by the famous Vadkkumnathan (Shiva)
temple. This former capital of Cochin state
was captured by Zamorin and later by Tipu
Sultan inthe second half of the 18th Century.
The famous pooram festival is celebrated at
the Vadakkumnathan Temple every year during
April-May. The Kerala Sahitya Academy and
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located
in Trichur.
Altitude: Sea level.
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter- Max 32.3, Min 20.
Rainfall: 254 cms.
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin 78 kms
connected by Indian Airlines with Bangalore,
Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Goa, Chennai (Madras),
Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Trichur is a Railway station directly
connected with Mumbai (Bombay).
Road: Trichur is connected by road with many
tourist centres in south India. Cochin- 78
km, Coimbatore- 114 km, Kalady- 55 km, Kanyakumari-
376 km, Chennai (Madras)- 720 km, Palghat-
67 km, Palani- 229 km, Rameswaram- 222 km,
Udhagamandalam (Ooty)- 202 km etc.
Bus Service: Trichur is connected by Kerala
State Road Transport Corporation and private
bus services to various places in Kerala.
It is also connected by direct buses to Palani,
Madurai, Bangalore, Mysore, Erode, Madras
etc.
Places of interest
Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala
Style of architecture. The temple contains
the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy,
Sankaranayana, Ganapathi, Sri Rama and Sri
Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam
exhibit exquisite vigettes carved in wood.
Legend goes that this temple was founded by
Parasurama. Trichur Pooram, the grandest temple
pageantry in Kerala is celebrated here in
April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed
inside the temple.
Timings: 0400 to 1030 hrs and 1700 hrs to
2030 hrs.
Town Hall
An imposing building with a Chitralayam or
a picture gallery where mural paintings from
all parts of Kerala are exhibited.
Zoo
Near Art Museum. Tel:21110. Timing : Daily
1500 hrs to 1715 hrs.Closed on Mondays and
holidays(State). Entry Fee: Adult Rs.1/-,
Child 50 ps. Camera fee Rs.5/-. Filming: Prior
Permission to be abtained from the Director
of Museums & Zoo, Govt. of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
Aquarium
Near Nehru Park. Timings: Daily 1500 hrs to
2000 hrs.
State Museum, Chembukkavu, Tel:20566. Timings:
1000 hrs and 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Entry free
Art Museum, Zoo compound.
Good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures
and ancient jewellery. Timing: Daily 1000
hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Excursions
Guruvayoor (32 km)
Cheruthuruthy (29 km)
Peechi Dam (23 km)
Tiruvilwamala Temple (29 km)
Cranganore (Kodungallor) (36 km)
Triprayar (25 km),Irinjalakuda (21 km)
KALADY : (55 km) Kalady, a pilgrim Centre,
is situated on the banks of the river Periyar.
It is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya,
the great Indian Philosopher who lived in
the 8th Century. There are two Shrines in
memory of Sri Sankaracharya, one dedicated
to him as Dakshinamurthy & the other to
the goddess Sharada. Their is an ancient Sri
Krishna Temple close by, which was the family
temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Another temple
known as the International Temple dedicated
to Sri Ramakrishna Deva, was completed in
April 1976.
Guruvayoor
Guruvayur is one of the most sacred and important
pilgrim contres of Kerala, attracting thousands
of pilgrims from all parts of the Countury.
Its chief attraction is a temple dedicated
to Lord Krishna known as 'Guruvayurappan'.
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C):
Summer- Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter- Max 32.3, Min 20
Rainfall: 254 cm
Season: October to March
How to get there
Air : The nearest airport Cochin 100 kms,
is connected by Indian Airlines with Bangalore,
Bombay, Delhi, Goa, Madras, Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Nearest rail head is Trichur 29 kms
from Guruvayur.
Road: Guruvayoor is connected by road with
Cochin-100 kms, Coimbatore-142 kms, Trichur
(29 kms), Kalady (65 kms), Palghat (95 km),
Malampuzha (109 km), Palani (247 kms), Thiruvananthapuram
(294 kms), Ootacamund (230 kms) etc.
Bus service: Kerala State Road Transport
Corporation and private bus services connect
Guruvayur with many of the major places in
Kerala. It is also connected by direct bus
services with Palani, Madurai, Ooty, Coimbatore,
Dindigul etc.
Local Transport: Tourist taxis, taxis, Autorickshaws
are available.
What to see
Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple:
Guruvayur, with its temple dedicated to Shree
Krishna, is one of the most popular pilgrim
centres of India. It is at this temple that
Melpattur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his
renowned Sanskrit devotional poem Narayaneeyam.
Timings: 0300 to 1230 hours and 1700 to 2100
hours. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the
temple.
Punnathur Kotta:
4 kms. 44 elephants belong to the Guruvayur
Krishna Temple are fenced and fed in the Punnathur
Kotta. Visitors can watch.
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