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| Alappuzha |
| 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. |  |
| Attractions |
| Kuttanad, Alappuzha beach, Vijaya beach park, Sea view park, Pathiramanal, Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Arthunkal, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple |
| Cochin |
| 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, 500-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. |
| Attractions |
| 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 |
| Thekkady lies at an altitude of 900-1800 m above
sea level with a rainfall of 2500 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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| Attractions |
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumily, Murikkady plantations, Vandiperiyar, Pullumedu |
| Munnar |
| 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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| Attractions |
| Devikulam, Mattupetty Lake, Rajamalai, Marayoor, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Top Station, Echo point, Iravikulam National Park |
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