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With the Arabian Sea on the west and a
vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing
it, Alappuzha is a district of immense and natural beauty. Referred
to as the Venice of the east by travelers from across the world, this
backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.
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Today Alappuzha has grown in importance
as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of tourists
each year. Cruising on a boat through remote tribal villages along
the tranquil backwaters of Kerala is a superb experience. |
| Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races,
houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products, and coir industry. A
singular characteristic of this land is a region called Kuttanad.
A land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is also called the Rice Bowl
of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming
is done below sea level. |
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| Kuttanad, Alappuzha beach, Vijaya beach
park, Sea view park, Pathiramanal, Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalappuzha
Sree Krishna Temple, Arthunkal, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple |
Cochin or Kochi is set on a cluster of
islands, is one of India's largest ports and a major naval base. This
place represents the true flavor of the Keralites. Cochin has been
a busy harbour right from days known. The port is situated in the
heart of the city. Pepper, sea-food, rubber and coir are exported
from here. The backwaters, the lagoons, the palms, all fascinate the
visitors.
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Cochin consists of mainland Ernakulam,
the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort
Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island
north of Fort Cochin, all linked by ferry. Most of the hotels and
restaurants are found in Ernakulam. |
The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and
Europeans is evident in Cochin and its people. The oldest church in
India, 550-year-old Portuguese houses, old tiled houses built in the
Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community
whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all tell
the fascinating story of this harbor town.
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| The older parts of Fort Cochin and Mattanchery are
an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English country
village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. Cochin is one of
India's largest ports and a major naval base. |
| Bolghatty Palace, Mattancherry Palace,
Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Parishath
Thampuran Museum, Vasco da Gama Square, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Vasco
House, Bishop's House, The Dutch Cemetery, Bastion Bungalow, Mattancherry
Palace, Jew Town, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Willington Island,
Thripunithura Hill Palace |
Thekkady lies at an altitude of 900-1800
m above sea level with a rainfall of 2550 mm. The very sound of the
word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of
hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady
is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across
the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that
hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
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| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumily, Murikkady
plantations, Vandiperiyar, Pullumedu |
Munnar is located at the Idukki district
of Kerala State in India. The word "Munnar" means three
rivers. 3 mountain streams (Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala)
are joining together here. During the British rule in India, Munnar
was the summer resort of the Government officials. The natural beauty,
calmness and mild cold climate throughout the year make it the favorite
tourist place of both Indians and foreigners.
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| Devikulam, Mattupetty Lake, Rajamalai,
Marayoor, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Top Station, Echo point, Iravikulam
National Park |
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