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 Important places to visit |
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 Kochi (Cochin)
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Kochi or Cochin, located near the cost of the Arabian Sea, is the biggest city of Kerala with a population of around one million people and is also a port city. It is popularly known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”.
Kochi is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala. There is a commercial hub for merchants dealing in cashew nuts, coir, seafood, timer, tea, coffee, rubber and spice. This is what gives Kerala its name as “the Spice Coast”. A Jewish community with roots going back to 1000 AD and a 16th century synagogue is testimony to the land’s diversity. Eranakulam District where Kochi is located can well emerge as the greatest tourist destination for boath Indian and international travelers.
Places of interest
Chinese fishing nets, Fort cochin, the St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, Mattancherry, Jewish Synagogue, Mattanchery, Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura. |
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Munnar |
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At 1600 mts above sea level, Munnar is situated at the confluence of there mountain steams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kndala. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South Indian. Sprawling tea plantation, picture-book tows, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower that bathes the hills in blue, blooms only once in twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is ideal spot for trekking. Munnar is located at a distance of 150kms (3.5 hours) from Cochin International Airport.
Places of interest
Mattupetty, Eravikulam National Park, Trekking Areas of Anamudi & Rajamala, Power House Waterfalls, Rajamala, Tea factory/Estate |
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Kumarakom |
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This enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lilies. It is part of the Kuttnad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist’s paradise. Kumarakom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in fragrant flowers, the riot of multi colored birds, the surrounding greenery and the clear water.
Places of interest
Kumarakom Birds Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake |
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Thekkady |
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Located at distance of 210 kms (4&half Hours) from Cochin International Airport, this bird sanctuary is a peninsular land of 25sq. km formed between the branches of River Periyar. The river are rich in fish and are shallow for most of the year. The avifauna includes both resting indigenous birds and water birds. Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of the Western Ghats of this area. The centerpiece of the park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of dam on the Periyar river in 1895. this is one of the richest habitats for large mammals. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest.
Places of interest
Periyar National Park, Tea plantations, Tea factories, Spice gardens. |
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Thiruvananthapuram/Kovalam |
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Thiruvanathapuram is the capital of Kerala and also one of the ancient in South India. This is a small and beautiful city hidden inside lush greenery and built up on seven tiny hills. The magnificent Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the landmark of the city “Kovalam” means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is warm and clean filled with the coconut trees and the white sand bed. Swimming and bathing are very refreshing and exhilarating in the waves. This cover is also the safest place for swimming. Kovalam beaches, internationally renowned, have been a favorite haunt of tourists Since the 1930s.
Places of interest
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, The Naiper Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Zoo. |
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