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.

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]

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)

Thiruvananthapuram the capital of Kerala, located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Area :2192 sq.km

Population :2,938,583 (1991 census)

Air: Thiruvananthapuram international airport (6 kms from the city).

Rail:There are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in India.

Road:Well connected to all towns & cities.

Kovalam Beach : 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple : The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum : The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum: Built in the 19th century, the Indo - Saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chithra Art Gallery Located near the Napier Museum. This art gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India. 

Other places of interest are The Zoological Park, Priyadarshini Planetarium , Observatory, Shankhumugham beach & Connemera Market.

Thiruvallam 10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam 16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)The land"s end of India or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean. Places of interest at Kanyakumari : Tiruvalluvar statue, Gandhi memorial, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, & Padmanabhapuram Swami Temple which is en route to Kanniyakumari from Thiruvananthapuram.

Vizhinjam rock cut cave, Koyikkal palace Nejumangad, Neyyar Dam

• Temperature :  Summer: 25 - 15 C       Winter: 10  - 0 C      
• Season :            October to May 
• ClothingSummer :- Cottons, Winter- woollens
• Languages spoken :  Malayalam, English and Hindi
• STD Code  : 04865

There is nowhere else quite like Munnar, and that is why so many travellers have a holiday in Munnar as top of their wish lists while travelleing to Kerala. Located at an altitude of 1600m, at the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Chadavurai,   and  Kundaly rivers, it was once the summer resort of the British. Munnar  holds great appeal for those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty - from unending expanse of tea plantations to pristine valleys and the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats; and from national parks and sanctuaries teeming with wildlife, to the beautiful lakes..

The nearest airport is Kochi (135 Km) connected with major cities in India as well as some international destinations.

The nearest railhead is Theni (60KM) and Aluva (110 KM). However, the most convenient railhead is Ernakulam (125 Km).

Munnar is well connected by road with different places and cities in South India

Munnar is: 

200 km from Alappuzha

163 km from Coimbatore

135 km from Ernakulam

252 km from Kollam

148 km from Kottayam

167 km from Madurai

158 km from Thrissur

310 km from Thiruvananthapuram

           At Nullathanni Estate. The exhibits include a sundial made in 1913, original 1905 tea roller, burial urn from 2nd century BC, a wooden bathtub, magnet phone, 1909 EPABX, classic furniture apart from photos, curios etc relating to tea. There is also a tea-tasting demonstration room and a mini manufacturing unit. 

              Located on a hill in the centre of old Munnar, this is a black basalt building with a prominent nave and bell tower. Consecrated in 1910, the church still has its original 14 rows of polished pews and antique chandeliers.

              Established in 1898, this was the first Roman Catholic church in the High Ranges. An interesting facet of Munnar is that on the 3 hillocks which overlook the centre of the town, stand 3 major places of worship-Murugan temple, Mount Carmel church and the Muslim Jamath.

                The park has a garden with a profusion of blooms and activities such as boating, roller-skating, campfire etc. Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre, Kochi-Munnar NH.

                   The main plantation is Tea. Some plantations at an elevation of over 2100 m are amongst the highest in the world.

                Pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. 

Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project (6 Km.):  One of the most important electric projects in Kerala.  Visitors are allowed on working days only. Permission for a visit can be obtained from the Exec. Engineer, Kerala State Electricity Board, Chittirapuram, Munnar;

                The place is famous for scenic beauty and attracts nature lovers. Here, in picturesque surroundings, the Sita Devi Lake, with its mineral water, is an ideal picnic spot. The District Tourism Promotion Council has also started a nursery of spices at Devikulam. 

               A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treks.

                Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. 

               The lake and dam are very scenic. DTPC provides rowing boats for cruises. 

Echo Point: (15 Km.)  :

               The place is located on the way to Top Station. 

Power House Waterfalls: (18 Km.)  :

               On the way to Thekkady from Munnar the waterfalls attract visitors 

               It provides a panoramic view of the valley and plantations; 

                Situated almost 6000 ft. above sea level, it is one of the most scenic tea estates in the High Ranges.  It is also the base to visit the Eravikulam National Park. Kolukkumalai: 1 ½ hrs from Munnar and is only accessible only by jeep. It is the highest tea plantation in the country. Located in the upper reaches of Tamilnadu’s Theni district, close to the Kerala border, it offers awesome views.

                 This Park lies at the crest of the Anamalai ranges. The Nilgiri Tahr, a rare breed of mountain goat can be seen here. Eravikulam is accessible by foot from Rajamalai (13 Km.) which is approximately 20 Km. from Munnar town. 

                   Situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, it commands a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas. It takes its name from a ropeway that connected it via Middle Station to Lower Station in the valley. All that remains are ruins.

Anaimudi (20 Km.)  :

The highest peak in South India (2695 Mts.), ideal for trekking; 

              A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. 

                 The nearest town to the Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary, it is famous for its archaeological site and natural sandalwood forest. There is a sandalwood depot run by the Forest Dept here where you can see how it is processed. Behind the Marayoor High School are numerous caves, made out of huge granite slabs, believed to have been the dwelling of ancient tribals.

          The sanctuary is a premier wildlife destination around Munnar. This wildlife site is renowned for its outstanding variety of game including Nilgiri Thar, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Elephant, Sambar, Gaur, and Neelakurinji.

• Temperature : Summer: 29-18C Winter: 21-15.5 C
• Best Season : October to April
• Clothing : Tropical
• Languages spoken : Malayalam, English, Hindi
• STD Code:   04869

                A rare example of human intervention having enhanced an ecosystem., the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary situated at Thekkady in the high ranges of the Western Ghats, spreads over an area of 777sq.km. It is situated in the Idukki (Thekkady) and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala.

The Periyar Sanctuary has was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1978. Mirror still lagoons, grassy plains and naked hills, make up the landscape of Periyar, providing the perfect foil to the wildlife found there elephants, Indian bison and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.

Madurai and Kochi are the convenient airports.

The nearest railhead is Bodinayakanur. However, Kottayam is the convenient railhead.

Thekkady is connected by motorable roads with different places in South India

Thekkady is:

140 km from Madurai

190 km from Kochi

164 from Alleppey

160 km from Kodaikanal

220 km from Kollam

114 km from Kottayam

272 km from Thiruvananthapuram

113 km from Munnar

                   In Periyar Tiger Reserve there is a rich diversity of vertebrates. The diverse forest types, ‘vayals’, marshes, and a large aquatic habitat together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of fishes. The invertebrate fauna of Periyar is not well documented, though the predominant invertebrate orders are Protozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species have been listed. The wildlife that can be seen in the sanctuary include the elephant, sambar, gaur, nilgiri tahr, Malabar giant squirrel, barking deer, porcupine, nilgiri langur, monitor lizard, flying lizard, flying frog, flying snake, king cobra, python, flying squirrel, striped necked mongoose, nilgiri marten, fruit bats, birds such as darter, flycatchers, grey hornbill etc.

                     Five ethnically different tribal communities once lived within and outside the park. Mannan, Paliya, Urali, Mala-araya and Malampandaram are the predominant tribal groups and almost all of them are settled on the outskirts of the reserve, engaged in agriculture. Malampandaram, is a small nomadic community living off nature, collecting berries and tubers and occasionally fishing deep inside the forests of the tiger reserve. A tribal heritage museum built inside the Mannan settlement featuring various types of artifacts related to their ancient agricultural practices, marriage ceremonies, cultural events, dress code, rituals and death ceremonies is the hub of this ecotourism programme. Display of fishing gear, hunting weaponry, indigenous medicine and vessels, cereals, medicinal herbs, bamboo furnitures, etc. are other attractions providing a peep into their original culture.

                 It is an important spice trading centre and handles a major share of the trade in pepper and cardamom. One can attend auctions with prior permission. Kerala Cardamom Processing Marketing Centre, the main cardamom auction centre in Kumily, holds its weekly auction on Wednesdays & Sundays. At MAS Enterprises, Vandanmedu, it is held on Fridays. Besides being an auction centre, many wholesale and retail shops function here.

                     Washed in fresh spice scented air, it is a panorama of cardamom, coffee & pepper plantations.

                     This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna & gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil & the Tamilnadu border.

                    This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains & cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamilnadu.

                   The ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. Visitors are allowed only on the Chitra Pournami festival day. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.

                   The river Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Govt Agriculture Farm & Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids & anthuria.

                   At an altitude of 914 mts., is a small hill station on the way to Thekkady. The place is full of rubber, coffee, pepper and cardamom Plantations.

                   The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. The famous Sri Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is visible from here. It is part of the restricted forest zone and special permission has to be obtained from the Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady or the Range Officer, Vallakkadavu. Tel: 252515.

                     A picturesque place where one can go trekking, birdwatching, outdoor camping & boating.

                     Situated at a height of 4000 ft., it is the largest producer of cardamom in the country and has several tea and spice plantations as well. It is the one of the world’s largest auction centres for cardamom.

                    The famous forest shrine is situated within the limits of Periyar Tiger Reserve. The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is accessible only by foot. It attracts a large number of pilgrims every year during Mandala Pooja (November/December) and for Makara Vilaku (January). The temple is opened for darshan for 41 days during Nov.& Dec.

                    It can be reached through two routes. Both converge at Kollampattada, where you get a magnificent view of the surrounding hills, Periyar lake, Kumily town, portions of Tamilnadu etc. Every year on Good Friday, pilgrims climb up this mountain. One can trek up or take a short jeep drive,

                  Grass covered hills & the cool mountain air make it a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism & European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

                   The district of Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and valleys are girded by 3 main rivers, Periyar, Thalayar & Thodupuzhayar & their tributaries. River Pamba also has its origin here. Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife, hill stations etc. It has a large population of tribals like Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali etc.

                17 Km from Thodupuzha. It is famous for its numerous waterfalls.

                Anamudi peak is the highest in South India.

                A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even a languorous, tranquil break

• Temperature :  Summer: 32 -20 C           Winter: 32 -16 C 
• Best Season :   Throughout the year 
• Clothing :  tropical 
• Languages spoken :  Malayalam, English
• STD Code: 0481

               Hink a labyrinth of backwaters with shimmering water, the brilliant green of mangrove forests, coconut palms lining the embankments, blue skies, flocks of migratory birds skimming the water and you begin to understand that Kumarakom, a cluster of little islands on the on the eastern banks of Vembanad Lake in God’s Own Country, is a veritable dreamland. 

                   The bird sanctuary located in this enchanting backwater destination, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist`s paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks to fascinate the visitors.

The nearest airport is Cochin connected with flights by different cites in India.

Kottayam is nearest railhead connected with major cities and places in India.

Kumarakom is connected by motorable roads with major cites and places in South India. 

Kumarakom is:

16 km from Kottayam

68 km from Cochin

                    Every year, more than seven million tourists visit Kerala, a place that the National Geographic Magazine has described as one of the must-see places in a lifetime. Kumarakom is an important stopover for a majority of these tourists. This famous tourist backwater hub is a cluster of islands on the eastern banks of Lake Vembanad.

                 Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The bird sanctuary, also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia.

                   Both these temples have a common compound wall. It is believed that the Subrahmanya Temple, Kumarakom’s first temple, was constructed on the orders of the Vadakkumkore king, about 1800 years ago. Kumarakom is supposed to have derived its name from this temple - from the two words ‘kumara’ and ‘akam’ which in combination means ‘home of Lord Subrahmanya’.

                  Kudamaloor, on the banks of River Meenachil is known for its wonderful rural ambience. The place is famous for the Vasudevapuram Temple, known for its mural paintings. The Eeraveeswaram Mahadeva temple is another famous temple in the locality. There are remnants of a fort near the temple. The raised platform and the gaps on the walls stand testimony to the fact that the cannons were once fired from this fort.

The Kudamaloor St. Mary’s Church is seen as a symbol of religious amity. It was built by the Chembakassery king in AD 1125. The architecture of the church combines Indian and Western elements

                     About eight km from Kottayam, Aymanam is a beautiful place. With Lake Vembanad bordering its western side and the River Meenachil flowing through it, the village has been abundantly blessed with Nature’s bounty. Rice fields cover two-thirds of the village. As in any Kuttanad village, the paddy fields lie below sea-level.

                    About 20 km north-west of Kottayam town, it is a centre of the screw pine mat-making industry. Visitors come to this scenic place to see the backwaters of Ezhumanthuruth, the ancient temples and churches, the crisscrossing canals and the paddy fields.

                     Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala, and is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists. 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 middle beach, overlooked from a rocky headland by the five star Ashok Radisson resort, functions each morning as a base for local fishers. North of Ashok, is the third beach which is very little affected by the changing times.

Altitude : Sea Level.

 

Air :  

Nearest Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms). Indian Air Lines , Air India, Air Lanka, East West Airlines and Gulf Air operate direct service from Trivandrum to Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Goa, Bangalore, Cochin, Calicut, in addition to international services to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Gulf countries and Singapore.

Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities. Road Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.

Road :  

Coaches, Tourist taxies and Autorickshaws are available.

                  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.

 

              Delightful waterfront park.An ideal picnic spot where the lake merges with sea. The wadingpool,gardens,exquisite sculptures, a floating bridge and a wide range of aqua sports facilities.

                It is popular city beach adjacent to the airport. An indoor recreation club, children`s  traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant these are some of the facilities that are available at the beach.

  

                    Formally known as "Napier Museum" name dafter a former Madras Governer General, John Napier. It is a gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala styles and good doses of Chinese and Mughal Influences. 

 

                   29km from Thiruvananthapuram is Neyyar Dam a picnic spot and dam site. There are facilities for boating at the reservoir. There is a lion safari park and crocodile farm.

 

                  Lying just 15kms from the state capital, that is a historic spot, which was left unnoticed for a long time. The capital of Ay-Vel kings of the   8th-9th century, the only thing that was withstood time is a rock temple, as signed to the period of the Cheras because of a strong influence to the Pallava Pandya architecture. The rock temple is just a little off the main junction and is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.