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Indian
Tours - State wise
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Indian
Tours - State Wise |
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Kerala
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God`s Own Country ...... Calicut – Wayanad – Calicut – Guruvayoor – Cochin
(
06 Days / 05 Nights
)
Wayaand : (2N) - Calicut : (1N) - Guruvayoor : (1N) - Cochin : (1N)
Day
1 :
Arrival at Calicut - Wayanad
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Arrival at Calicut Airport and drive to Wayanad, on arrival check into the hotel. Spend the day at leisure.Overnight stay in Wayanad.
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Day
2 :
Wayanad Sightseeing
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After breakfast proceed for local sightseeing of Wayanad. Set at an altitude of 700 - 2100 m above sea level, Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. The fast-flowing rivers - Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini add to the beauty of Wayanad. Sightseeing attractions in Wayanad include Pookoda Lake, Lakkadi, Kuruva Island, Edakkal Cave. Overnight stay in Wayanad.
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Day
3 :
Wayanad - Calicut Sightseeing
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After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Calicut, on arrival check into Hotel. Proceed for local sightseeing of Calicut - once the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri rule. The sightseeing attractions in this legendary city include Calicut Beach, Thali Temple, Kappad Beach, Pazhassiraja Museum, Beypore Beach. Overnight stay in Calicut.
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Day
4 :
Calicut – Guruvayoor (125 KM – 3 ½ Hours drive)
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After early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Guruvayoor, on arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon proceed for local sightseeing in and around Guruvayoor - a thriving township in Trichur district, Guruvayoor is known for its scenic beauty and serenity. The place is noted for the Guruvayurappan Temple, Anakotta -Guruvayur Devaswom elephant sanctuary -one of the largest elephant sanitarium in all over the world. Also known as Punnathurkotta, Anakotta is 3 km far from Guruvayur Temple. Evening Darshan at Guruvayoor Temple. Overnight stay in Guruvayoor.
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Day
5 :
Guruvayoor - Cochin
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After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin, on arrival check into the hotel. Spend the afternoon with local sightseeing in and around Cochin - the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, this is one of the finest natural harbors in the World and was one of the major centers for commerce and trade with British, Chinese, Portugese, Dutch, etc. Sightseeing attractions in Cochin include Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jewish Street, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay in Cochin.
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Day
6 :
Departure from Cochin
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After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin for onward journey.
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Welcome to Kerala, God"s Own Country. With the Arabian Sea on the west, the western ghats towering 500 - 2700m on the east and Kerala is networked by forty-four rivers. Kerala is a very easy place to simply sit back and enjoy. The name means "land of coconuts" and the palms shade nearly the entire state from the tropical sun; many call the beach at Kovalam the best in India, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush green hill stations and exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health resorts, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine… all of which offers a unique experience.
Kerala is one of the ten "Paradises Found" declared by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:38,863 sq km, which is 1.27% of India"s total land area and is located at the Southwest tip of the India"s main land
Weather: Tropical
Summer: April-June [24 - 33 degree Celsius]
Monsoon: July-September [22 - 27 degree Celsius
Winter: October-March [22 - 32 degree Celsius]
High Season: December-May
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language: Malayalam; however English is widely spoken and understood by the fully literate populace of Kerala.
Number of Districts: 14
Major Cities: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Ernakulam district) & Kozhikode (Calicut)
Access
By Air: The International airports at Thiruvananthapuram , Kochi (Cochin) & Kozhikode facilitate easy access by air. Direct flights operate from Singapore, Colombo, Maldives, Kuwait, Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha and Bahrain.
By Rail: All major tourist destinations and important cities of India are well-connected by rail to Kerala.
Food: Most restaurants, coffee shops, eateries or cafes offer a Cosmopolitan fare for Chinese, Continental, Indian or American. You can find many who specialize in Kerala Delicacies.
Clothing: Ideally light cottons. However the cooler hill stations may warrant woolens
Communication: Kerala has a well-knit communications network. With telephone, fax and Internet centers in almost every corner. Enabling you to get in touch with any part of the world easily.
Religion: 58 % Hindu, 21 % Muslim and 21 % Christians.
Places of Interest
ART COMPLEX - MADHAVAN NAYAR FOUNDATION - This museum is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The complex consists of the Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures that presents over 200 original paintings by contemporary Indian Artists, some of them internationally acclaimed and works of reputed Indian sculptors. The Centre for Visual Arts is reserved for authentic reproductions of selected world masters from Leonardo da Vinci to those of the present century. The centre also exhibits certain larger-than-life mural reproductions of ancient Indian Art. It is located at Edappally, 10 Kms. north of Ernakulam, on the Ernakulam-Aluva road. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except on Mondays and public Holidays.
CHENAMANGALAM - It was the seat of Paliath Achan,the hereditary Prime Minister of the erstwhile state Cochin from 1632 to 1809. It was one of the chief center s of the Jew in Kerala and there is an Oriental Jewish synagogue in the old Jews colony. In the vicinity of the Jewish Colony, the famous Vaipinkotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese stands in ruins the remains of the seminary are still visible. The old Syrian Catholic Church established in the 1201 is near the ruin of the seminary. Near the synagogue and the church there is a temple and mosque. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Jewish and Muslims cemetries are located near the temple. The existence of the Synagogue, the Church, the Mosque, and the Temple in very dose proximity to one another provides ample proof of the prevalence of communal harmony in this part of Kerala in oldest days. Chenamangalam is an important center for handloom weaving and coir manufacturing. The annual fair called "Mattachanda" (Barter Systems) is held here on the eve of Vishu(in April) Chenamangalam is situated 42Km away from Ernakulam and 5Km away from north Parur. There are buses from Ernakulam to North Parur and Chenamangalam is connected north Parur by frequent bus services.
BOLGHATTY ISLAND - This long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns. Built by the Dutch in 1744, it became the seat of the British Resident later. In 1976, the palace was converted to into a hotel under the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.This island is connected by frequent ferry services with the mainland Ernakulam. Boats to this island start from the High Court Jetty. Country boats (Machuvas) can also be hired near the Jetty.
CHINESE FISHING NETS, Fort Kochi – The Chinese fishing nets are a fascinating sight to us. These nets, at the entrance of the harbour and along the backwaters with pivots of wood, were introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan in 1350AD.They can be seen all along the backwaters of Kerala
THE DUTCH CEMETERY - The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.
DUTCH PALACE - This Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555 A.D. Though built by the Portuguese, it is popularly known as the "Dutch Palace" as the Dutch renovated it during their short-lived reign here. The palace is well known for its mural paintings, which are noted for their high level of excellence. These paintings represent scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The paintings cover a wide range of themes from the "Puthra Kameshtiyagam" to Rama"s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing king Ravana of Lanka. They cover nearly 300 sq. feet of wall surface. In the central courtyard of the Palace is the temple dedicated to Panhayannur Bhagavathi. In the Coronation hall there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Cochin. The Palace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Fridays and National holidays.
ERNAKULAM SIVA TEMPLE - This temple is situated at the centre of the town, near the Durbar Hall Grounds. The presiding deity is Lord Siva and the annual festival in the temple is celebrated for eight days during January - February every year. The festival is rounded up with the Aarattu procession when the image of the deity is taken for a sacred bath in the temple pool. A cultural festival is also held with a variety of programmes of music concerts, Kathakali, etc., as part of celebrations.
FORT IMMANUEL - This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the Monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named.
HILL PALACE MUSEUM, Tripunithura - It is the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Set on top of a hillock, this prodigious palace-turned-museum displays 13 categories of exhibits, including paintings, carvings and other royal antiquities donated by the Cochin and Travancore royal families and the Paliam Devaswom. The Heritage museum located on the rear side of the palace buildings familiarizes with the traditional lifestyles of ancient Kerala. The museum premise has also been converted into a botanical garden with exotic tropical trees from Central America to Australia. It is situated 12 Km. away from Ernakulam on the Ernakulam-Chottanikkara route. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Mondays and National holidays. There are frequent private buses from Ernakulam to this place. Tripunithura was the head Quarters of the Maharaja of Cochin and his palace and his palace. The Pooorna Trayeesha Temple at Tripunithura is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and there are two festivals every year each lasting 8 days the most important festival falls in November -December and on the last day of the festival the image of the deity is taken out in an impressive procession on beautifully caparisoned elephant."Athachamayam" is celebrated here 10 days prior to Onam, August-September the national festival of Kerala. A Cultural festival is held as the part of the Celebrations. Tripunithura is situtated 10 km away from Ernakulam and is connected by frequent Private buses to this place.
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE - This synagogue built in 1568 A.D., was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and rebuilt by the Dutch two year after Scroll of Old Testament and a number of the Copper Plates inscribed in the Hebrew script script are preserved in the synagogue. The synagogue is open from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. excepted on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
KALADY - Kalady is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the Great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th century it is situated on the banks of river Periyar there are two Shrines in memory of Sri Sankaracharya One dedicated to him as Dakshinamoorthy and the other to the Goddess Sharadha. The ancient Sree Krishna Temple situated here was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Adi Sankaras shrines in kalady are open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion or caste. Kalady is connected by road with important cities in south India there are frequent buses to kalady from Angamaly and Aluva.
KANJIRAMATTAM MOSQUE - It is believed that this Mosque was erected over the mortal remains of Sheikh Parid. It was here that the Great Muslim Saint Baver is believed to have attained eternal bliss. The Kudikkuthu Festival which Falls in December-January attracts thousands of devotees the Mosque is situated at Kanjiramattam 30 Km Away from Kochi there are Private buses to Kanjiramattam from Ernakulam
LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS - Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, is a group of 36 islands, located in the Arabian Sea, about 300 km off Kochi. Some of these islands worth a visit are Androt, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni etc.
LOAFER"S CORNER/PRINCESS STREET - One of the earliest streets to be constructed in Fort Kochi, Princess Street with its European style residences still retains its old world charm.
MALAYATOOR - (47 km from Kochi) Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas).
PALLIPURAM FORT - The Portuguese built Pallipuram fort in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen Island at Pallipuram. The Catholic Church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre for the Christians. From Vypeen there are frequent buses to Pallipuram. Vypeen is connected by ferry with Fort Cochin and Ernakulam.
PARIKSHITH THAMPURAN MUSEUM - This is situated on the Durbar Hall Ground on the D.H.Road,Ernakulam. Collection of 19th centuary oil Paintings,old coins, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris and copies of mural painting are exhibited here. An Art Gallery is also functioning at the museum building. It is open form 9.30a.m to 12 noon and from 3 p.m to 5 p.m on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
PIERCE LESLIE BUNGALOW - This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences.
ST. FRANCIS CHURCH - This centuries old church at Fort Kochi was originally built completely of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. The Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church, restored it in 1779.
THIRUMALA DEVOSWAM TEMPLE - This is one of the temples of Gowda Sarawatha Brahmins. The presiding deity is Lord Venkateshwara. There are two main festivals in this temple, which are celebrated for eight days each during March-April and November-December respectively every year. The festival is rounded up with the Aarattu procession when the Chakra Snanam the sacred bath is conducted in the temple pool. The main specialty of this temple is that it has the second largest brass Bell in Asia.
WELLINGDON ISLAND - This is a man made island created from the materials drudged while deepening the Cochin Port. Lord Bristow was the architect of this island. There are frequent ferry and bus services to this place from Ernakulam. The Harbour, Airport and Harbour Railway Terminus are in this island.
Excursion
Cherai Beach: Location: Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming.
Bhoothathan kettu: Location: 50 km north east of Ernakulam town, Ernakulam district, central Kerala. Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary: Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikula.
Places to Visit
Interstate private bus services to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai and Madurai
Ferry Services: There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main Boat Jetty is one km from the Junction Railway Station and the other is near the High Court.
Ferry timings (From the main boat jetty):
Vypeen: Frequent services (1/2 hour journey)
Mattancherry: Daily 6 ferries (1/2 hour journey) at 0910, 0940, 1100, 1400, 1520, 1740
Fort Kochi: Daily 30 services (20 minute journey) First trip at 0600 hrs and the last at 2110 hrs
Varapuzha: Daily 6 boats (2 hour journey)
Willingdon Island: Frequent services (15 minute journey)
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Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most important town of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.
Calicut is the anglicised form of Kalikut. The Arabic for the Malayalam, Kozhikode.. According to the historian, K.V Krishna Iyer, the term means koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). Anyhow, it is a historical town with a hoary past. From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today, the glory that was Calicut has not faded. The political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill-conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers. Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself.
The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. When the states of the Indian Union were reorganized on linguistic basis on 1st November 1956, the erstwhile Malabar district was separated from Madras state (Tamil Nadu) and added to the new anilingual state of Kerala.
General Information
Area :2,206 sq. km.
Population :2,613,683 (2001 census)
Location :Kozhikode district is situated on the south west coast of India. The district is bounded on the north by Kannur district, on the east by Wynad district, on the south by Malappuram district and on the west by the Arabian Sea.
Climate : The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is during the South West Monsoon, which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The North-East Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November.
Access
Air : Nearest airport: Karipur (23 km from Kozhikode town): Daily flights to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and the Middle East. The Chennai flight also touches Coimbatore and Madurai.
Rail : Links to all the major cities and tourist centres in India.
Road : Well connected to all the major cities and tourist centres in India.
Places of Interest
Beypore - Beypore town is about 9.65 Kms from Kozhikode at the mouth of the Beypore River. The Place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town "Sultan Pattanam" .It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally an important trading centre. It is famous for it"s boat building yard where mammoth country crafts known as "Urus" are built. It is a major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for outing Kozhikode - Aqua tourism: A land of serene beaches, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience.
Feroke is the cradle of the tile industry in Kerala. The rapid rivers from the Western Ghats after passing through forest carry the clay, which is the raw material for tiles, pottery and ceramic wares. There are more than a dozen tile factories in Feroke alone
Ghat Section - This is thick dense forest and is called the "Cherapunjee" of Kerala because of the heavy rains. It is about 44 Kms from Kozhikode and is the boundary to Wayanad district. A journey through this Ghat section is enjoyable experience. It is 14 kms long with nine hairpin curves amidst a number of hills and thick forests. A view from the top will be a breath taking experience.
Kakkayam: (45 km from Kozhikode) This picturesque dam site, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Location: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, about 25 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port on the Arabian Sea, Malappuram district, north Kerala.
Kappad - On 27th May 1498, Vasco-De Gama landed here with three vessels and 170 men. If you travel 16 Kms north of Kozhikode by kannur road, a small road near Tiruvangoor health centre guides you to this beach of historical inportance. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
Kallai - Kallai was known as the world"s best timber trading centre. Even now, it is the place for timber trade in Malabaar
KIRTADS (7 km from Kozhikode) - This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is and added attraction
Kozhikode Beach - The Beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet exploited to develop it into a tourist centre. Still People from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular retreat for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a speciality. The Lions Club Children’s park along with the near by ice cream parlours make evenings pleasant for visiting families. Fisherman with their small rowing boats entering the sea, fighting the waves and returning with varieties of fish is worth watching. A marine water aquarium is situated at Kozhikode beach and varieties of marine and fresh water fish can be seen here
Krishna Menon Museum - Situated adjacent to the Pazhassi Raja Museum, the art gallery houses painting of Raja Ravi Varma among the other collections. The museum has a section dedicated to V K Krisha Menon. The personal belongings and souvenirs gifted by this world leader are exhibited here.
Kuttichira: The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at Kuttichira reveal an interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala.
Lokanarkavu Temple: This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers.
Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira: One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four-storied structure supported by wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendour of yester years.
Mananchira Square - A new attraction in the heart of the city, Mananchira -maidan, is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maidan, adjacent to Mananchira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open-air theatre and above all a musical fountain. No doubt, locals and tourists seeking leisure and relief from the mad rush outside, find shelter here. The Corporation of Kozhikode manages Mananchira Maidan.
Mannur Temple: Modeled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery: Location: About 5 km from Kozhikode town at East Hill, Kozhikode district, north Kerala.
Parsi Anju Amman Baug: This Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, lured by the trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.
Science Centre & Planetarium: Regional science centre Calicut houses a 250 seater Planetarium fitted with a sophisticated Zeiss projector. The Science centre abounds with puzzles, which make mathematics easy. An array of rolling balls moves in a circuitous path and performs acrobatics. They ring bells, generate electricity and play musical chimes on their way. Parabolic reflectors carry whispers from one end of the park to the other end. Objects float in space defying gravity. Chemistry brings magic at home. The Science Centre unravels mysteries, explains things which otherwise would be called supernatural.
St. Mary"s Church: The Church was founded in 1860 for the civil members of the collectorate and the English military. In the cemetery adjacent to the church, there is a tomb dated 1717.
S M Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls. Kallai This was once the second largest timber trading.
Thusharagiri - Thusharagiri is situated 55 kms away from Kozhikode City and the "Green Splendor" considered as the major tourist destination in Malabar region with four water falls right in the middle of the forest. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to eyes.
Tali Temple: Built in the 14th century by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event.
Badagara: (48 km from Kozhikode) The birthplace of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabaar), Badagara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade. This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as of the municipality of that name. There is ruined fort in the town. Badagara was the scene of many exploits of Tacholi Othenan, the hero of the ballads of north Malabaar (Vadakkan Pattukal) Five kms south east of Badagara in Memunda amsom, is the Lokanarkavu, which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of "Othenan" whose bith place is Manikoth near Meppayil. Badagara is also called because of its location just north ( Vadakku) of kotta river. The Orkattery cattle fair is held between February at Orkattery 6.45 kms from Badagara
Vellari Mala and Iringal: Verdant, rolling landscape, with numerous brooks, cascades and breathtaking waterfalls, Vellari Mala offers is a true abode for you to unwind and to immerse in the whiff of its limitless fresh air.
Velliyamkallu: This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu Planetarium
Wayanad Ghats: The green ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below.
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Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able
to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some
of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for
its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant
forests and rich cultural traditions.
Kalpetta is the headquarters of the district. Mananthavady,
Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri are other important towns in the district. The
leading tourist centers of South India like Ooty, Mysore,
Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this
region.
Temperature:
Summer: 36 -20 C
Winter: 32 -16 C
Best Season :
October to May
Clothing :
Tropical
Languages spoken :
Malayalam, English
STD Code:
04936
How would you like to
travel
AIR
The nearest airport is Kozhikode connected with flights by
different cites in India.
RAIL
Kozhikode is nearest railhead connected with major cities
and places in India.
ROAD
Wayanad is connected by motorable roads with major cites and
places in South India.
Wayanad (Kalpetta ) is:
72 km from Kozhikode
175 km from Ooty
140 km from Mysore
Sights to See
Mananthavady
Thirunelly temple (32 km northeast of Mananthavady)
Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the
Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded
with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of
granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini River
running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.
Pazhassi tomb (32 km
northeast of Kalpetta)
The memorial of the `Lion of Kerala` - Veera Pazhassi Raja -
who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is
situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until
he was captured by the British.
The Glass
Temple of Kottamunda
This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is
dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple
walls reflect images of the icons in the temple`s sanctum sanctorum
Boys town (15 km
north of Mananthavady)
Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit,
perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society
and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are
situated here.
Kuruvadweep (17 km
east of Mananthavady /45 km northwest of Sulthan Bathery)
This 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani River
is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of
birds, orchids and herbs.
Pakshipathalam (10 km
from Thirunelly)
This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of
birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Kalpetta
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
About 20 km east of Mananthavady, Wayanad district is in north
Kerala. The district of Wayanad lies on an elevated picturesque mountainous
plateau in the Western Ghats. Historians are
of the opinion that organised human life existed in these parts of Kerala at
least ten centuries before Christ.
In this virgin land, which has not seen much human
habitation later, is the Begur Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests here are amongst
the most beautiful locales of Kerala. The region has a wealth of diverse
species of plants and animals and is of great interest to nature lovers.
Nagarhole Wildlife
Sanctuary (40 km from Mananthavady)
This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over an area of
643.39 sq km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life.
Visiting time: 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs.
Banasura Project at Padinjarathara (about 25 km northeast of
Kalpetta)
The picturesque Banasura Project is the largest earthern dam
in India and the second
largest in Asia. Located in the midst of
lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering
trees, this spot of enchantment has no parallel elsewhere. With its placid
crystal clear waters Banasura is a wonderful picnic spot. At Kalpetta, which
once used to be the stronghold of the Jains in Kerala, you also have the
attraction of historic monuments like the Ananthanathaswami Jain
Temple near Puliyarmala.
Sulthan Bathery
Edakkal Caves
What kind of people were our ancestors what kind of lives
did they lead Often, the paths leading to the answers to these questions are as
fascinating as the answers themselves. If you would like to walk a little way
along one such wonderful path of discovery, one good place to visit would be
the Edakkal caves in the Ambukuthi Hills in north Kerala, considered to be one
of the earliest centres of human habitation. Inside the cave you will find
ancient stone scripts, pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures
with peculiar head dresses, the swastik form, symbols and cave drawings of
human figures, wheels, bows, knives, trees and so on. Similar cave drawings,
considered to be 7000 years old, are found only in Stiriya in the European Alps
and a few rocky places in Africa. The caves,
which are found around 10 km from Sultan Bathery, are two natural rock
formations believed to have been formed by a large split in a huge rock.
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.
Permitting
authority:Wildlife Warden, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Lakkidi,Vythiri(55 km east of Kozhikode/5 km south of
Vythiri)
Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above
mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks,
gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding
roads to this hill station
Muthanga Wildlife
Sanctuary :( About 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery)
An ideal destination to watch herds of wild elephants, the
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the protected area network of
the Nagarhole National
Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the neighboring State
of Karnataka
and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with
fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant.
Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted
frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here. The
trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist
deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. A drive along the road
to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant
rides are arranged by the Forest Department.
Vythiri
Ambalavayal
Heritage Museum(12
km south of Sulthan Bathery)
The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum
in Wayanad,- has one of Kerala`s largest collections of the remnants of an era
dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here are evidences of an
advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles on
display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary
man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures,
ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other
curios.
Pookkot Lake ( 3 km south of Vythiri town)
A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest
and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is an
added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children`s
park, and a shopping center for handicrafts and spices.
Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 - 2100 meters
above the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements
in Kerala. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk (taluk is a sub division of a
district), through which the road from Kozhikode
ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind boggling bends and ridges, are the
highest locations of Wayanad district.
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Fast Fact
- Temperature: Summer: 35-22. 5 C Winter: 32.3-20 C
- Best Season : October to March
- Clothing : Tropical
- Languages spoken : Malayalam, English
- STD Code: 0487
The richness of India`s spiritual traditions finds its fullest expression in Guruvayur, one of India’s holiest places. Also spelled Guruvayoor, it is home to amazing five millennium old Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple, one of the busiest pilgrimage sites in the country. Legend has it that was built by the divine architect Vishwakarma himself.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana. If you`re anywhere near Guruvayoor in February or March, don`t miss the famous Ulsavam Festival, when you can enjoy great music and dance performances, as well as elephant races and processions
Getting There
AIR
Kochi is the nearest airport connected by flights from different cities. Kozhikode is another convenient airport.
RAIL
The railhead at Guruvayoor is connected with Thrissur (Trichur) 29 Km, which in turn is connected with major cities and towns in India.
ROAD
Guruvayoor is connected by good motorable roads to all places in South India.
Guruvayoor is:
173 km from Alappuzha
419 km from Kanniyakumari
108 km from Kochi
169 km from Kottayam
129 km from Kozhikode
230 km from Ooty
95 km from Palakkad
242 km from Thekkady
331 km from Thiruvananthapuram
Sights to See
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple :
The temple of Lord Krishna is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres in Kerala. The deity in the temple is called ‘Gurvayurappan’. The idol of Guruvayoor temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. The installation and consecration of the idol is believed to have been done by the Celestial Guru, the preceptor of Devas along with Vayu, the God of Wind, hence the name Guruvayoor. It is at this temple that Melpathoor Naryana Bhattithiripad (in the 16th century) composed his renowned Sanskrit devotional poem ‘Narayaneeyam’ as an offering while he was seriously ill.
Museum :
There is a museum in the office Annex building at East Nada (east entrance). The museum is kept open from 8.00 am to 8.00pm on all days except Tuesdays and other holidays. Guruvayoor: Located at Kizhakke Nada (east entrance), it functions in the traditional Gurukula system.
Mammiyoor Temple :
Many of the devotees who visit the temple also visit the Shiva Temple at Mammiyoor, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Punnathur Kotta :
This is the place where the Guruvayoor temple elephants given as offerings by the devotees of the Lord are housed and fed. Visitors are allowed to watch these elephants in the premises. It has more than 50 elephants.
Excursions
Gokulam and Vrindavanam Estate (50 km) :
Vrindavanam Estate is a 100 acre estate at Vengad in Malapuram District. The estate has cultivation of coconuts, cashew trees etc. along with palm and other vegetation which provides not only cash crops but also feed for the temple elephants and cattle. Besides this, there is a 25 acre plot called Gokulam where cows offered to the Lord by the devotees are maintained
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Accommodation on Double Sharing Basis.
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2)
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Exclusive Non A/C vehicle for transfers & sightseeing. As Per Itinerary (Point to Point)
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3)
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Meal Plan (as mentioned above)
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Toll tax parking and driver allowances.
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Airfare, Train fare, Insurance Premiums
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Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips etc.
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Difference in cost arising due to change in Fuel price.
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Entrance Fees & Guide charges.
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Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
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Any tips to drivers, hotel staff, any meals apart from the ones mentioned above.
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Government Service Tax (G.S.T.) as applicable 3.09%
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Package
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02
Person
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04
Person
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06
Person
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Extra
Adult
(12
yrs & Above)
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Child
W/O
Bed
(5 To 11 yrs)
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Meal
Plan
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Saver -
A Grade |
On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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| Deluxe
- 2 Star |
On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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| Luxury
- 3 Star |
On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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| Premium
- 4 Star
/ 5 Star |
On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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On Request
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EP
(Europian
Plan) :
Accomodation
Only
CP
(Continental
Plan) :
Accomodation
+
Breakfast
MAP
(Modified
American
Plan) :
Accomodation
+
Breakfast
+
Lunch
or
Dinner
AP
(American
Plan) :
Accomodation
+
Breakfast
+
Lunch
+
Dinner
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| Note
: All
information
is issued
in good
faith and
is for
guidance
only. The
management
reserves
the right
to amend
any of
the above
dates,
rates,
durations
routes
or hotel
reservations
at any
time without
notice.
Terms & Conditions
apply.
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