Travel
Guide
:
Kerala Tour Guide
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to reach there>>
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Ernakulam |
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Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian
Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and
Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of
Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea. With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once
a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese,
portuguese, dutch etc.
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Kettuvallam House Boats |
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Kettuvallams, the stitched boats provide
the best way to experience the colourful backwaters of Kerala. The
Kettuvalloms of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet
in length. The traditional house boat, the indispensable part of
the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, was mainly used in Travancore and
Kochi and in the Minicoy Islands in olden times. The wood commonly
used to make Kettuvalloms is 'Anhili', which is found in abundance in
central Travancore area. Large planks are tied together using hand made
coir ropes and beaten coconut fibres. This gives the Kettuvallams
enough strength to withstand heavy waves in the sea. These long cargo
boats are a familiar sight on the backwaters. These traditional house
boats undoubtedly form one of the most abiding images of the backwaters in
Kerala. Today, these goods carriers have been adapted to make the
most exciting tourism product in India, the luxuriously furnished house
boat. Kettuvallams or the 'house-boats of Kerala' dot the serene
palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala.
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Jewish Synagogue |
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The Jewish synagogue in Kochi was built
in 1568 AD. Scrolls of Old Testament and a number of copper plates
inscribed in the Hebrew script are preserved in this Synagogue. This
synagogue stands out as a testimony of communal harmony in the state for
centuries. The Jewish Synagogue, the oldest Synagogue in the
common wealth countries was built in 1568 AD. Located at Mattancherry, the
Synanogue still has the scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper
plates, which recorded the grants of privilege, bequeathed by the Kochi
rulers.
The Jewish Synagogue, the oldest Synagogue in the common wealth
countries was built in 1568 AD. Located at Mattancherry, the Synanogue
still has the scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates, which
recorded the grants of privilege, bequeathed by the Kochi rulers. Not one of the nearly two hundred year old tiles resembles
another. There are several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to
the synanogue by the various patrons.
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Kalpathy Temple |
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The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest
Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is
a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree
Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days. On the last three
days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn
through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants
rent the air. The festival is dominated by three magnificent
chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence
of the lord.
Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be
one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they
proceed in stately grandeur.
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Kannur |
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With The Western Ghats In The East (Coorg District Of
Karnataka State), Kozhikode (Calicut) And Wayanad Districts In The South,
Lakshadweep Sea In The West And Kasaragod In The North, Kannur District Is
Bounded By A Wealth Of Natural Beauty. The District Itself Which Shares Much Of
This Natural Splendour Has Been A Key Contributor To The Cultural, Religious,
Political And Industrial Heritage Of The State. In Addition, Kannur Enjoys The
Credit Of Having Been The Cradle Of Many A Colourful Folk Art And Folk Music Of
Kerala.
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Kasargod |
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The Northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world
renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of
livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills &
the beautiful beaches. The fort at Bekal is the largest and
best preserved in the state. Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple
architecture - the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical
Kerala style of the Historic malik deenar great juma masjid and so on speak
volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spectacular pageants of
Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. Enchant
visitors.
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Kaudiar Palace |
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This palace, home of the late Maharaja
Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the
public. But the view of the grand old building from the gate is excellent,
a co-operative gate keeper just might let you walk a few meters inside for
a better view.
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Kozhikode (known as Calicut)
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Once the capital of the powerful zamorins and a prominent
trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode (Calicut) was the most important region 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 (Calicut) a popular
destination.
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Malappuram |
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Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50
kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the
arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south,
malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar,
the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history.
It was the military headquarters of the samorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) since
ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts
(uprisings against the British east india company in Kerala) between 1792 and
1921. The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala.
It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic
philosophy.
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Mattancherry Palace
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Built in oriental style, Mattancherry
Palace, situated in Ernakulam district of Kerala was originally built by
the Portuguese and presented to the king of Cochin, Veera Kerala Varma, in
the year 1555 AD. It was later taken over by the Dutch who improved it
through extensions and repairs in 1663 AD. Since then it came to be
called the Dutch Palace, though at no time did the Portugese nor the Dutch
stayed there. One of the oldest buildings in Kerala, the Mattancherry
Palace is a portrait gallery of the kings of Cochin. In the centre
of the building, is the Coronation Hall where the Cochin Rajas held their
coronations. Adjacent rooms contain 17th century Murals depicting scenes
from the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. On display in the palace are the
dresses, turbans, weapons and palanquins from that era. The palace is a double-storeyed quadrangular building
that surrounds a central courtyard containing a Hindu Temple, enshrining
the royal deity, Palayannur Bhagavati. Two more temples are situated on
either side of the Palace dedicated to Lord Krishna & Lord Siva
respectively.
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Mattupetti |
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Situated at a height of 1700 m,
Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialised dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss
live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared
here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at
the farm. The Mattupetty Lake and Dam, just a short distance from the
farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the
Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides
boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed
motor boats are available on hire.
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Munnar |
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Munnar is situated at the confluence of
three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and
Kundala. This hill station, located at an altitude of 1600 m above
sea level, was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government
in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the
exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the
'Neelakurinji'. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every
twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak
in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal
spot for trekking.
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Ponmudi |
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The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi
is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The enchanting bounty
of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings. Perched
at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats, the
shimmering green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods of
Ponmudi do not spare anybody. Trekking is a passion with the visitors to
Ponmudi, lying within easy driving distance from
Thiruvananthapuram. One will find oneself compulsively pausing
every now and then to drink in deep the spectacular sweep of the hill
ranges, tea-estates and the mist-covered valleys, peppered with little
toy-like stone cottages painted a pretty violet, pink, or white with
pointed and peaked roofs.
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Sabarimala |
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Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre
atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated
to Lord Ayyappa. The sanctum sanctoram nestles 914 m above sea level,
amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats. The
Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance in
order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and faith during
her penance. The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and
January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and
carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like
coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
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Thriprayar Temple |
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Thriprayar Temple, located south of
Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord
Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings
are an interesting sight. The temple festival is held in November /
December and includes a parade of 17 elephants. During the Onam
festival in the months of August / September, there is a snake boat race.
There are regular buses to Thriprayar from the Shakthan Thamburan bus
stand.
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Trivandrum |
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Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivendrum)
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 shorline, with internationally renowned beaches,
historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich
cultural heritage make this district a much sought
after tourist destination.
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Wayanad |
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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. The leading tourist centres of
south india like Ooty, Mysore, coorg, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur are around
this region.
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Road
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Air |
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Trivandrum
being Capital city is well conected by Road from all major
cities in Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharastra, Orissa.and
from allover India |
Metropolitian
city has
international airport.
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