Popular Beach Destination

Puri

State

Puri, one of the oldest cities in eastern part of India, is a popular beach resort of Orissa that is positioned in a unique place that provides a visitor view of both sunrise and sunset from the beach. Puri is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots), when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. It has dual identities of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre.

History

Puri is the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Sri Adi Shankara Charya, the others being those at Sringeri, Dwaraka and Jyotirmath.

Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically in the month of July.

The town is famous for its many Mathas (monasteries of the various Hindu sects). It also houses the relics of many Hindu Saints as traditionally it is seen as a holy place to die in or to be cremated. As a result, it has had a disproportionate number of widows. Like other old Hindu religious towns it has a lot of character that is difficult to be glimpsed or picked up on easily by a casual visitor.

In 1903, Sri Yukteswar established an ashram in the sea-side town of Puri, naming it "Kararashram". From two ashrams, Sri Yukteswar taught students, and began an organization named "Sadhu Sabha."

Sri Yukteswar and his disciple, Paramahansa YoganandaLocation: Puri, Orissa State, East India.

Puri is a holy city in the State Of Orissa. It is well connected by National Highway No.203 starting from Rasulgarh of "BHUBANEHSWAR" (State Capital) mail and express trains by Indian Railways and airport, at about 57 km. from Bhubanehswar.

Accessibility

Air: Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Puri, which is nearly 56 km away from the heart of the Puri city. It costs about Rs 900 by taxi cab. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

Rail: Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from Puri to many cities in India, including Bhubaneshwar, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

Road: Orissa road transport corporation buses connect Puri to many cities in Orissa. Frequent bus services are available from Bhuvaneshwar (56 km), Cuttack (32 km) and Konark. Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) offer deluxe buses for sight seeing tours in Puri, which costs about Rs 250 per person.

Shopping

Puri is a wonderful place for shopaholics. In fact, it is one of the most common activities that travelers indulge in. You can check out numerous shops in the streets of Puri, which display fabulous Indian handicraft items, stone crafts and silver works. Apart from this, you can get the best deal for shoes, designer clothes, bags and other accessories as well. Beach-side shops often sell products made from shells, at reasonable prices. Sarees of Puri are famous, so it would be a delight for female travelers to move around shopping, in Puri.

Puri is a very popular destination in Orissa. For the discerning shopper, shopping in Puri may turn out to be a true delight. The state of Orissa has a rich tradition of handicrafts.

Being a beachside destination, shells and oyster are available in abundance in Puri. Over the years the ace craftsmen have perfected the art of making artifacts out of shells and oysters. A variety of utilities, decorative showpieces are definitely a feast to eyes and may leave you spoilt for choice. Do pick up a few items while shopping in Puri.

Weaving saris is a traditional craft of Orissa. Even in Puri you would find many outlets dealing in textiles where shoppers flock in large numbers. Do check out the exquisite Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat saris while shopping in Puri.

Palm leaf painting, Patta Chitra is also a popular craft in Orissa. The craft has earned worldwide renown. The item serves well to decorate the interior of your home. An item or two must feature in your shopping cart in Puri.

At the same time, stone crafts and silver works are also favorite items for shopping in Puri.

Accommodation

Puri, being the abode of Lord Jagannatha, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centers for Hindus in India. The land of many temples attracts huge number of tourists every year.

Alongside the temples, Puri is famous for its beaches too. Although Puri is not a typical beach resort, but the lure of sun, sand and surf is also an enduring lure for many.

Since Puri is a popular destination, there are a large number of hotels in Puri. Some hotels in Puri offer you high-end luxury and comfort. Some hotels are located close to the beach whereas others are in the city.

In the luxury hotels in Puri, you would find state of the art amenities like: well-furnished room, multi-cuisine restaurants conference halls, shopping arcade, swimming pool, well equipped gym, children parks, tennis courts and other indoor and outdoor games. They offer different categories of rooms too. From elegant suites to ethnic villas - choice is yours as per your taste and budget.

But it is not that all the hotels in Puri are expensive ones. In fact there are several other economy hotels in Puri to suit your budget if you wish to spend less on accommodation. There are lots of options that offer decent arrangement at a modest price.

Some hotels in Puri have great dining facilities too. A number of good restaurants and bars are available in Puri. The cuisine is definitely a gourmet's delight.

LUXURY HOTELS IN PATNA
Toshali Sands
Mayfair Beach Resort
BUDGET HOTELS IN PATNA
Hans Coco Palms
Hotel Arya Palace, Puri

Attractions

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra, which is also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most prominent festivals of Orissa, which is celebrated in the holy city of Puri. ‘Rath Yatra’ has derived its name from the words ‘Rath’, meaning ‘Chariot’, and ‘Yatra’, meaning ‘Procession’. This festival is celebrated with gusto in almost every part of the country. However, it was initiated in Jagannath Temple and it still attracts devotees from different parts of India. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a very colorful festivity, in which people participate enthusiastically.

In the yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, enshrined in the Sri Mandira, are brought out and placed on their respective chariots. These chariots are then pulled by the devotees and the idols are taken to Gundicha Temple. The deities stay at this temple for seven days and then, return to Sri Mandira, in a similar procession. Before the procession starts, Gajapati (the ceremonial King of Puri) comes and cleans the chariots with a golden broom and then, sprinkles holy water on them.

Originally, the local king used to sweep the road on which procession was to take place with a golden broom, proclaiming to be the Lord’s first servant. Rath yatra has been gaining popularity and drawing more and more devotees year after year. It is believed that it is very auspicious if one manages to catch even a glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot. People also hold a belief that the one who manages to touch the chariot, or even the ropes with which it is pulled, is bestowed with the results of several pious deeds for ages.

Puri Beach Festival

One of the most popular festivals of Orissa is the Puri Beach Festival. Fun lovers look forward to celebrating this festival every year at one of the holiest cities of India. The credit for conducting the wonderful Puri Beach Festival goes to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO). It is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; the Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa; Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center; Calcutta.

A variety of cultural events take place at the festival, ranging from fashion shows to various music shows. Puri Beach Festival, held at the beautiful beach of the holy city, is a delight not just for locals, but also for the tourists. It is a four-day long annual festivity that is hosted in the month of November. This festive occasion has been attracting more and more visitors every year. So, if you are planning a tour of Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, make sure you don’t miss being a part of the fabulous Puri Beach Festival.

Things to do

Pilgrimage
Since Puri is famous for its Lord Jagannath Temple, you should not miss to pay visit this religious site. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), the temple exemplifies the magnificence of ancient Indian architecture. The best time to visit the temple is during the Rath Yatra in July, because that is when the air is filled with festivity.

Nature Walk
Puri beaches are the best places to catch a glimpse of the blazing sun rising in the east. For the same, you may head towards the sea shore in the morning, whenever the time of sunrise is predicted. After witnessing the beautiful scene, you can enjoy taking a stroll along the shore and catch a breath of fresh air!

Boating
Cruising in the sparkling water of the sea can be a fun-filled experience for travelers coming to Puri. You can take a boat ride in the sea and catch a glimpse of the picturesque beauty of the town, while on board.

Fishing
Apart from fishermen, amateurs are also seen thronging the beaches of Puri, to catch fishes. So, fishing is also a wonderful thing to do in Puri. In fact, it would serve as a nice pastime during a weekend getaway trip to Puri.

Other Beach Activities
You can indulge in a number of beach activities, while staying in Puri. There, you can have the pleasure of playing a number of adventurous water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, swimming etc. Sun bathing is yet another activity popular in the beaches of Puri.

District
Puri
STD Code
06752
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
One of the four holiest points of pilgrimage for Hindus

Varkala

State

Varkala is a coastal town, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. It is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

History

It is believed that a Pandyan King was instructed by Lord Brahma to build a temple at this very place to redeem him of his sins. But several other myths abound on the birth of Varkala. Another legend goes like this - when a group of pilgrims approached Saint Narada and told him that they had sinned, Narada threw his valkalam ( a loin cloth made from the bark of a tree) and it landed at this scenic village and hence, the place came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which literally means redemption from sins.

Accessibility

By Air: The closest airport from Varkala lies at Trivandrum, which is around 50 km away.

By Rail: Varkala is 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram by train and just 24 km south of Kollam.

By Road
: There are regular buses to/from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam that stop at Temple Junction.

Shopping

Shopping can be a pleasurable experience in Varkala. Traditional handicrafts of Kerala are available here such as horn carved products, products made of shells and oysters, spices, tea, coffee etc.

There are no shopping malls in Varkala but you can look forward to buying traditional handicrafts and artifacts here. The area is dotted with many little shops that sell handicrafts from all over Kerela. Look out for items made of coir while shopping in Varkala. Other popular items to pick up from here are coconut shell items, horn carved products, tea, coffee and aromatic spices.

Accommodation

In Varkala there is accommodation for the luxury as well as the budget traveller. The Taj Garden Retreat is a good option in the upper end category. For mid range and budget travellers, there are many budget hotels and wonderful home stays that are very comfortable and provide all basic amenities. Le Mangalath Ayurvedic Beach Resort and Hindustan Beach Resort are good mid range hotels while Raj Park Beach Resort and Preeth Beach Resort are good hotels to check out for the budget traveller.

With the exception of one four-star hotel and a tourist bungalow run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), facilities for tourists are few.

Attractions

Arattu Festival
The Arattu festival at the Janadharnaswamy Temple is a huge festival celebrated here every year during Meenam (March-April). It is a ten day festival celebrated with lots of colour, grandeur and fascinating elephant processions. A must see if you''re visiting at that time of year.

Varkala Formations
Famous to Varkala are the prominent Varkala Formations, which are cliff shape arrangements adjacent to the Arabian Sea. This is the only place in Southern Kerala that exhibits such a unique geographical feature. The Geological Survey of India has rightly named it a geological monument of this age. These formations are a treat to the eyes and one will stand in awe of the beauty embodied in this sight.

District
Thiruvananthapuram
STD Code
0470
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 12-33°C
Best time to visit
December to February
Famous For
Varkala is known for its magnificent waters and sunny seashore.

Kovalam

State

Kovalam, a small town located 16km from Thiruvanathapuram is famous for its beautiful beaches. Its sandy beaches are lined with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves. Kovalam with its unique and wonderful beaches is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty. The Arabian sea coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs. An hours drive from the capital, it is the most famous south Indian beach, popular for sunbathing.

History

Kovalam in Kerala is one of the hottest tourist destinations of the country. The Kovalam Beach lies very close to Thiruvananthapuram with a distance of only 16 Kilometers. The much publicized beach of today was once a tranquil village along the coast line. The Kovalam History tells us the story of transformation of the serene hamlet into a vibrant tourism site.

The Maharajah of Travancore will always hold a significant part in Kovalam History. Impressed by the beauty of the place, the King used to spend his leisure time there. His European guests soon came to know about the spot from him and by the third decade of twentieth century, it was made popular by the European visitors.

The greatest boost in Kovalam's popularity came during the 1970s when the Hippies arrived in Kovalam. Enchanted by its beauty and relatively peaceful ambiance the Hippy community came in hordes and in the process made it even more popular.

Tourism in Kerala has reached its pinnacle in the recent years and Kovalam is an integral part of the success story.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport which is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Taxi fare from Airport to Kovalam is about Rs 300. Trivandrum International airport is connected to all major airports in India and it is connected to many cities abroad including Colombo, Singapore and many gulf cities.

Rail: The nearest rail head to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor) railway station. It is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Trivandrum is well linked with all cities in India through rail. Taxi fare from Thampanoor to Kovalam is about Rs 300.

Road: Kovalam is well linked by the city bus services from Trivandrum and other main junction in the district. Tourist luxury buses are available from many cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai and Nagarcoil to Trivandrum. City bus charges less than Rs 10 from Trivandrum to Kovalam.

Shopping

General stores stock everything that general stores anywhere would. Batik lungis or sarongs are sold on the beach by hawkers who also sell cheap sunglasses and beach equipment. Handicraft shops that sell `ethnic’ stuff from Tibet, Rajasthan and Kashmir.

If you thought you could buy only sunglasses in a beach resort, then Kovalam defies your notions of beach shopping. Shopping in Kovalam can be fun if you are planning to carry home handcrafted items as souvenirs and gifts.

Kovalam is famous for statues made of teakwood and rosewood. There are a plethora of shops in Kovalam selling handicrafts, ranging from carpets to clothes. If you are looking for some ethnic clothes and fashion accessory you should check out the shops selling Rajasthani, Kashmiri and Tibetan items. You can also carry the aromas of this beautiful place in the form of spices.

Accommodation

There are a number of good places to stay at in Kovalam. In the high end category good options are the Taj Green Cove, a Taj property and the Leela Kempinski, Kovalam Beach. The Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort is a great spa retreat. In the mid range category, Travancore Heritage and Kadaloram Beach Resort are good options.

Kovalam is provided with all the arrangements that suit almost any class of the tourists. Located in the region are numerous resorts, premium hotels and economical class. Some known accommodation providers as such include :

Resorts : Somatheeram Beach Resort, Manaltheeram Beach Resort, Poovar Island Resort. Coconut Beach Bay Resort.

Premium Hotels : Surya Samudra, The Travancore Heritage, Swagath Holiday Resort, Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa.

Economy Hotels : Beach and Lake Resort, Palm Shore Hotel, Hotel Sea Face, Hotel Uday Samudra.

Kovalam conjures up before the mind's eye images of palm hemmed beaches, beautiful lagoons and coconut groves. To experience the sights and sounds of this beach getaway, check into the hotels in Kovalam and enjoy the pleasures of a paradise at least for a while.

Hotels in Kovalam range from the luxury hotels to the budget hotels, catering to the demands of all kinds of travelers. Rates are bound to be high during the peak season (December/ April-May) and during the off-season you might be lucky to avail discounts.

What better way to enjoy you r stay in the hotels in Kovalam than sunbathing by the beachside and sipping a cold drink or savoring the delicious seafood sitting amidst the coconut groves. Most of the hotels in Kovalam have facilities for adventure sports like surfing, scuba diving and so apart from swimming and angling.

Prices of the hotels in Kovalam are at the moderate level and are sure not to burn hole in your budget.

Food of course requires a special mention. There are good restaurants in the hotels in Kovalam. Whether a quiet breakfast on the terrace or a leisurely lunch in the mural-painted restaurant or a lavish dinner under the stars - each meal is a treat. If you can brave a little spicy fare, delicious local cuisine would tickle your taste buds.

Here are some select hotels in Kovalam

Budget Hotels
Wilson Beach Resorts
Hotel Uday Samudra
Star Hotels
Ashok Beach Resort
Hotel Samudra (KTDC)
Somatheeram Resort
Manlatheeram Resort

Attractions

Great Elephant Race
The Great Elephant Race attracts hoards of people. It is a splendid march of elephants that takes place in the month of January with 101 strikingly caparisoned elephants march from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram with the festival concluding on the Kovalam Beach.

Kerala Village festival
Another festival worth checking out is the Kerala Village festival , which is a ten-day affair during which fairs are held in the villages around Kovalam. The atmosphere is alive with music and folk dances. The festival occurs in the month of January.

Backwaters: A number of backwater cruises are available, you can ask your travel agent to book you one or you can also book one yourself once you arrive in the city. The cruise will take you to the ravishing backwoods or Kerala, you can enjoy the lush green forests besides the backwaters and enjoy splendid scenic views. Most of the hotel in Kovalam rent out Houseboats, catamarans and country boats to the tourists on very cheap rates. The beauty of Kovalam and its splendor can be best pictured in a backwater cruise.

Things to do

Yoga and Meditation in Kovalam
Ancient Indian wisdom has given the practical science of Yoga which provides mental peace, radiant health and spiritual fulfillment amidst modern life intense stress. As Yoga and Meditation is becoming Kerala's big tourist attraction, so a crop of ayurvedic ashrams, clinics, resorts, centres and spas have mushroomed all over the Kovalam town as well as Beach.

At Kovalam, almost all reputed hotels have their own Yoga and health centres where you can learn the intricacies and dynamics of Yoga and meditation taught by experts. Besides, there are several Yoga schools offering yoga and meditation classes, in and around Kovalam beach.

Some of the popular Yoga and Meditation centres in Kovalam include Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort, Ayushya Ayurvedic Centre, Franklin Ayurveda Centre, Hotel Samudra, Medicos and Gopals Ayurvedic Beach Resort.

District
Thiruvananthapuram
STD Code
0471
Termperature
Summer 20-36°, Winter 16-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March, for ayurvedic treatment - June to September
Famous For
Backwaters, Beaches

Kollam

State

Kollam is an old sea port town and is the headquarters of the District of Kollam. Kollam used to be a major trading point where traders from Arab countries and Portugal used to meet the Chinese and Indian traders. The town of Kollam stands on the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, meaning the lake with eight creeks and is mapped by a number of backwaters, plains, hills, rivers and streams. It is also the to the serene backwaters of the State. Kollam is well known for its cashews and fish.

History

The city of Kollam is known by many different names that frequently changed with time. It was associated with names like Desinganadu, Kollam, and Quilon. From the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans this seaport town has continued to have a commercial reputation. Ibn Batuta regarded Kollam as one of the five main ports dealing in Chinese trade. Since ages rulers of Kollam and China have exchanged embassies and this led the town to flourish as a Chinese settlement.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam in 1502. Then came the Dutch followed by the British in 1795. A British garrison was stationed at Kollam in pursuance of a treaty between Travancore and the British.

During the rule of Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore the town experienced many changes, new bazaars were built and that invited merchants from Madras and Thirunelveli to settle here. Later on Kollam became the capital of the enlightened and liberal rulers of Desinganad.

As an administrative unit the town flourished in the year 1835, when the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions with headquarters at Kollam and Kottayam. In the year 1949 when Travancore and Cochin were desegregated, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state. Later on these three revenue divisions were converted into districts.

The later history of Kollam is interwoven with the Portuguese, Dutch and English rivalry for control of the Indian Ocean trade routes and commodities nearby. The Malayalam era is calculated from the founding of Kollam in the 9th century.

Accessibility

Air

The closest airport from Kollam is around 67 km away in Thiruvanantpuram. Pre paid taxis are available to fetch you to Kollam from Thiruvanantpuram.

Rail

Kollam is 159 km south of Ernakulam and takes three to four hour trip. The Trivandrum Mail from Chennai goes through Kollam, as does the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Express and the Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram coastal service.

The Quilon Mail between Kollam and Chennai (Egmore station) via Madurai in 20 hours.

Road

Kollam is on the Thiruvananthapuram –Kollam –Alappuzha -Ernakulam bus route. The fast buses (reservations possible) take 1 ½ hours to Thiruvananthapuram; 1 ¾ hours to Alappuzha ; and 3 ½ hours to Ernakulam.

Boat

There are public ferry services across Ashtamudi Lake to Guhanandapuram (one hour), Muthiraparam (2 ½ hours) or Perumon (2 ½ hours). There are daily ATDC and DTPC tourist boats to Alappuzha The tours either start by bus from the KSRTC bus stand or from one of the town jetties.

Shopping

Kollam offers wonderful shopping items such as handloom products, jewellery, Ayurvedic products and textiles.

Accommodation

A range of rooms are available at various hotels and resorts at Kollam. Ashtamudi Resort offers luxury rooms, the best in Kollam. The said providers also provide house boat rooms. Some other deluxe resorts and hotels include Aqua serene and Palm Lagoon. Low budget accommodation providers at Kollam include Ram Kamal Residency, Yatri Niwas, Hotel Sudarsan.

Attractions

Kollam Backwaters
Mesmerizing, beautiful and rejuvenating, such are the Kollam backwaters. Offering picturesque views of the gorgeous green surroundings, the backwaters attracts tourists from far and wide. The lush green trees at lining the backwaters are homes to wonderful birds like egrets, cuckoo and ducks. The views of water lilies and lotus at the backwaters are a great delight. You can also enjoy traditional cuisine at the small restaurants on the shores of the backwaters.

A particularly picturesque town standing on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake Kollam`s contemporary fame among today`s travellers is as the gateway to Kerala`s exceedingly beautiful backwaters. The long 8 hour boat trip from Quilon to Alleppey is the best and most comprehensive introduction to the delights of Kerala`s backwaters as the journey passes through lakes, canals and waterbound villages. The famous `Cheena Vala` or Chinese Fishing Nets can also seen along with backwaters.

District
Kollam District
STD Code
0474
Best time to visit
August to March

Kozhikode or Calicut

State

Kozhikode, also called the biryani capital of Kerala, is an idyllic location between the Arabian Sea and the Wayanad Hills. It is of great significance as a major trade centre of Kerala. It was here that the first Portugese trader, Vasco Da Gama landed. The trade of silk and spices, which was started off by the Portugese, the Arabs, the Chinese and the Dutch goes on even today.

History

Kozhikode was earlier known as Calicut which was an angilised form of Kalikut. According to some scholars, prominently K V Krishnan Iyer, the name implies koyil (palace) Kodu (fortified). Also, the quality cotton, calico (origin of the name Calicut) is believed to have originated here.

As for the history of Kozikode is concerned, not much is known about its earlier part. During the Sangam age, the district of Kozhikode formed a part of the mighty Chera Empire and was significant in building up Kerala's relation with outside world. Post Sangam age was the Dark Age of South India. Very little is known about Calicut during this period. In the 9th century, Kozhikode formed a part of the second Chera Empire and continued so till 1122 AD. This was the time when the Chera Empire lost its power and the kingdom split up into independent districts called 'nadus'. Important among them were districts like Ernad and Polanad. Calicut was, at this time, a part of the Polanad district ruled by the Porlarthris. The Ernad district was under the Udaiyavar who had their headquarters at Nediyiruppu. The Udaiyavar were keen to have an access to sea and for this reason they waged a war against the Porlarthris for 48 long years. Finally, they succeeded in their attempt and managed to capture the area around Ponniankara. A fort was constructed at place called Velapuram giving birth to the city of Kozhikode. Subsequently, the Udaiyavar were renamed Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad and then, with the passage of time became Samuri or Samuthiri. For the Europeans, they were the Zamorin. The place around the fort was called Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence the name of the place became Kozhikode.

By this time, Calicut was established as a leading spice trading centre on the western coast. It was the Zamorin ruler himself who received the famous Portugese sailor, Vasco da gama as he set his feet in Kozhikode in May 1498. With his arrival, Calicut was thrown open to the world as an important spice trading centre. There were traders - Russian, Chinese, Dutch and finally the British from all over the world coming to Calicut for a profitable deal.

In 1766, Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikode and came into conflict with the Britishers. Disputes continued till 1792 when after the Third Anglo Mysore War, the territory of Kozhikode along with its surrounding area was given away to the British by Tipu Sultan. The newly acquired territories of Malabar Coast became the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency. Calicut was designated its capital. Post independence, the Madras Presidency was turned into Madras state. It was only in 1956, when the Indian states were being reorganized on the basis of language ,that Kerala (consisting of Malabar district and Travancore-Cochin) came into existence. The Malabar district was segregated into separate district of Kannur, Kozhikode and Palakkad a year later.

Today, Kozhikode is a progressive trade centre of India and a tourists destination as well.

Accessibility

By Air: The Airport in Kozhikode, the Karipur International Airport, is at a distance of 23 km from Kozhikode town.

By Rail: Kozhikode railway station is well connected to all major cities in India.

By Road: KSRTC buses of Kerala state and Karnataka state connect Kozhikode to many cities in Kerala and the neighboring states.

Shopping

This is the home of Calico, soft printed cotton that got its name from this town (Calicut). Predictably Kozhikode is a major centre for garment export. Hand woven textiles from Kozhikode are very attractive. Local handicraft includes rosewood and sandalwood carving.

Once in Calicut, you would definitely want to buy something to remind you of this beautiful place. Shopping in Calicut is a good experience as there are many small souvenirs to choose from. Once you check out the local markets, you will know what to buy in Kozhikode. In Calicut, shopping places are limited to just a couple of main roads. Unlike big cities, the mall culture is unheard of and new to this place. So read on further to know where to shop in Calicut.

The busiest shopping place in Kozhikode is the S.M Street. The name is essentially short for Sweetmeat Street as there used to be lots of sweetmeat shops lined up on this road since ancient times. Calicut is famous for its local handicraft stuff like rosewood items and carvings, artifacts made out of buffalo horn carvings, coir products and small models of snake boats. The most frequented places to buy this stuff are at Big Bazaar on the SM street and CSI at Mananchira.

There is also a wholesale market of spices at the Court road. Handloom fabrics are sold right near its factory at the Comtrust Store. Cottons are a specialty of this place and try buying some cotton clothes from the SM road. There is a Comtrust weaving center in a place called Beypore, which is 11 kilometers away from Calicut. You can buy cotton stuff from there also. For buying books, you can try the Touring Book Shop on the SM Street. You can also go to Pai's at the Kallai road.

Sweet Street (Mithai Theravu): One of the advantages of the Calicut region in India is definitely its many waterscapes, natural habitats, and trekking environments that are found there. Perhaps Vellari Mala is the best of them all as it offers a perfect natural environment that must be seen and experienced by expert trekkers. In addition, the presence of water falls in Vellari Mala definitely makes up for its shortcomings, but in general, there are many trekking and hiking routes one can take over there. Of course, when Vellari Mala is mentioned then the velvet landscapes must be mentioned as well. However, it is dangerous to trek at night in Vellari Mala.

Accommodation

Some of the major hotels in Kozhikode, offering an impressive blend of tradition and modernity, are Sea Queen Hotel, Taj Residency, Kadavu Resorts, Fortune Hotel, Malabar Mansion, etc.

Operating in the city are some established star and budget hotels. Some card carrying ones include:
Taj Residency (5 star), Fortune Hotel Welcome Group (4 star), Hotel Malabar Palace (4 star), Hotel Heritage (3 star), Hotel Regency (budget), Calicut Tower (budget), etc

Attractions

Backwaters: If you are looking for an interesting holiday option then Backwaters is your place. Backwaters has a very enchanting value hat can be appreciated by water and nature lovers. It is a connection plateau of many different lakes, rivers, deltas and irrigation canals that converge in a plateau. It is also still used as a means of transportation in between the villages that are situated there. You can take a ride in one of the traditional house boats on the rivers in the Backwaters region. There are many places that you can explore on your own and there are lots of opportunities for water sports there.

District
Kozhikode District
STD Code
0495
Termperature
Summer 24-36°C, Winter 20-32°C
Best time to visit
September to May
Famous For
Backwaters

Ratnagiri

State

Ratnagiri is located in the Konkan region, along the southwestern part of Maharashtra on the Arabian Sea Coast. It is surrounded by the Sahyadri ranges and was once the administrative capital of the Bijapur rulers. The town located on a slightly elevated harbour is one of the important ports of the Konkan coast.

History

Mythologically, The Pandavas are believed to have settled in the adjoining territory of Ratnagiri district in the 13th year of their pilgrimage.

Ratnagiri was made the administrative capital of the Bijapur rulers who made the fort here, which was later strengthened by Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj.

The town was under the control of Satara Kings in 1713 and in 1818 it was surrended to the British.

Accessibility

Air: Ratnagiri Airport is connected to Mumbai and Pune by air. The airport is nearly 12 km away from city center. Taxi cabs fare is about Rs 250 from airport to city center. Mumbai is the major International airport nearby. It is located nearly 370 km away from Ratnagiri. Mumbai is well connected to all major airports in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Ratnagiri railway station is linked to all cities in India through Mumbai terminal. Regular daily express trains ply between Ratnagiri and Mumbai.

Road: Regular bus services are available from many cities in Maharastra to Ratnagiri. State owned and private buses ply from Ratnagiri to many cities in and around. Evening trips of tourist luxury buses are available from Mumbai to Ratnagiri. The bus charge is about Rs 1500.

Shopping

Shop artifacts made of seashells. The konkan region blessed with some of the finest horticulture fruits, offers a variety of local preparations like 'ambapoli' [thin pancakes of dried and crushed mangoes], 'phanaspoli' [thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit], cashewnuts, coconuts etc. Summer time is best know for most famous variety of mangoes in the world - the Devgad 'hapus' mango.

District
Ratnagiri
Location
Ratnagiri is in the south western part of Ratnagiri district.
STD Code
02352
Best time to visit
October to April.

Murud-Janjira

State

Murud-Janjira is a quiet little beach getaway with a pretty seashore. It is famous for being the only fort along India's western coast that remained undefeated despite Maratha, Dutch and English East India Company attacks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/felixdance/5326082857/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganuullu/5771693498/in/photostream

History

Murud was the 15th-16th century capital of the Siddis of Janjira. This indomitable fortress inspired the Maratha chieftain Shivaji to launch several attacks, but the fort remained unconquerable to the last. The fort built 2 kms into the sea, is one of the most important sea-forts in Maharashtra. The ancient fort still retains its strength and grandeur.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport which is 165 km away from Murud Janjira.

By Rail: Roha railway station on the Konkan line is the nearest one which is connected by rail to Mumbai.

By Road: State owned buses connect nearest cities with Murud Janjira.

Accommodation

MTDC has simple cottages and rooms near the beach. You can also stay with residents who have rooms and shacks on rent. Budget hotels like Sea Face and the Sahil Lodge or the Golden Swan Beach Resort and Sandpiper Resort are options available to the traveler.

District
Raigad

Alibag

State

Alibag or Alibaug is a coastal town in the the Konkan region, servers as the gateway to many beaches ahead like Akshi Beach, Nagaon Beach, Kihim Beach, versoli Beach etc. The town and its surrounding villages are the historic hinterland of Bene Israeli Jews and there is a synagogue in the "Israel Ali" area of the town. The town is also a frequent getaway for people in Mumbai owing to its proximity to the city

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dfisher81/106533544/

History

Alibaug is about 300 years old city. Alibaug was developed in the 17th century by Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre , the Naval chief of King Shivaji's kingdom.Alibaug is a town on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra near Bombay. It's best known for its historic marine forts, fine beaches and clean water.Alibaug used to be the headquarters the great Maratha Admiral, Kanhoji Angre and has the famous Kolaba fort in the sea. Kanhoji Angre created the town of Alibaug towards end of 17th century.

Legend has it that a wealthy Muslim named Ali Owned many plantations, which gave the town the name Alibaug. Alibaug is the seat of District Administration of Raigad (formerly Kolaba) district since 1852. The name Kolaba is attributed to a Sea Fort Kolaba built by Shivaji the great, in 1680 to fight the mighty naval prowess of the Siddis' (Abyssenians) of Janjira and the British of Mumbai. Kolaba fort is famous for many battles, between Siddis and Kanhoji Angre, the British and the Portugese.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is of Mumbai, 113 km from Alibag.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pen, which is 28 km away from Alibag city.

By Road: Alibag is well connected to Mumbai and Goa through the junction Pen.

By Ferry: Mandawan is the nearest jetty and of course the original oldest one that is Rewas, which is built by British from where catamaran/ferry services are available to Gateway of India, Mumbai.

Shopping

Alibaug is hardly an hour from Mumbai hence whatever you can shop in Mumbai is available in Alibaug,too. Ofcourse variety is not much on the offer. Normally people do not go there for shopping. Ofcourse people do shop but they buy agro based items like fresh vegetables, pulses, rice, spices, fresh fruits etc in Alibaug. And if you are based in Panvel, going all the way to Alibaug for shopping is not advisable. Mumbai is a better choice for you - well connected by railways ( local trains every 20 minutes or so) as well as road ( lots of buses ply to Mumbai). Even New Mumbai is an option for you.

Accommodation

Situated at the south of Mumbai, Alibaug is a tranquil coastal town in Maharashtra. Renowned for its sandy beaches, magnificent churches, synagogues and beautiful St Barbara tower, Alibaug remains a favorite weekend hideaway amongst Mumbaikars and Puneities. The town also draws a large number of business travellers who prefer to organize meetings and conferences in the calm and quiet environs of Alibaug.

From budget class hotels, guesthouses to deluxe hotels, Alibaug offers a wide range of accommodation options to leisure travellers. The hotels in Alibaug are mainly located near to the lovely beaches and tourist spots. Apart from the star category hotels in Alibaug, one can also choose to stay in the MTDC resort that offers comfortable rooms and tents at an affordable price. The economy hotels in Alibaug offer very basic facilities however, the services and the warm hospitality of the hotel staff assure you a comfortable stay. The luxury and deluxe hotels in Alibaug are endowed with best of the facilities. From multi cuisine restaurants to well stocked bar and gymnasium, the deluxe hotels in Alibaug offer all essential amenities to its guests.

District
Raigad
Location
113 kms from Mumbai
STD Code
02141
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar
Famous For
known for its historic marine forts, fine beaches and clean water.

Digha

State

Digha, originally known as Beerkul, during the time of Warren Hastings, was discovered by the British in the late 18th century. This is small beach town, famous all over for flat, hard beaches and is rightfully described as the 'Brighton of the East’. It is girdled with casuarina plantations along the coast.

History

Digha, originally known as Beerkul during Warren Hastings time, was discovered in the late 18th century by the British. It is mentioned as the "Brighton of the East" in one of Warren Hasting's letters (1780 AD) to his wife. Also In 1923, an English tourist John Frank Smith was charmed by the beauty of Digha and started living here, whose writings slowly gave exposure to this place. After independence, the place was developed as a beach resort by the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Originally, there was place called Beerkul, where Digha lies today. This name was referred in Warren Hastings's letters as Brighton of the East.[1] An English tourish John Frank Smith started living here in 1923 and his writings provided a good exposure to this place. He convinced West Bengal Chief Minister Bidhan Chandra Roy to develop this place to be a beach resort.

Accessibility

By Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport, 210 kms away from Digha.

By Rail: Though Contai Road (37 kms) is the nearest railway station for Digha but Kharagpur ( km from Digha & km from Howrah) and Mechheda ( km from Digha and km from Howrah) on the South-Eastern Railway are the most convenient railheads for Digha from where buses are available which takes 4 hours.

By Road: Regular direct buses are available from Calcutta to Digha.

Shopping

While in Digha shop for the local handicrafts and beautiful ornaments made of seashells. Various types of ornaments are available at cheap rates. Also, Digha is famous for hand woven mats that are made of weeds and are available in a variety of colors. The major shopping area in Digha is behind the old Digha beach. The very famous cashew nuts can be the perfect to bring back home.

For those who love to indulge in shopping, Digha can be nothing less than a paradise. The beach town offers tourists a multitude of options when it comes to picking souvenirs and keepsakes. Right from ornaments made of sea-shell to colorful hand-woven mat made of weeds and cottage crafts, the options available are umpteen.

Things to do

Beach Activities
Has water always fantasized you? If yes, then Digha is just the ideal place to give wings to your fantasy. Be it scuba diving or boating, Digha has a lot of proffer in terms of water activities. For those who wish to lend a golden haze to their skin color, sun bathing is another popular activity which you can delve upon.

Fishing
If you always wished to try your hand at fishing, Digha can be just the perfect place to give vent to your desires. 40 kms for this beach town is Junput, an unspoiled beach offering beautiful sea-view and lines of caesarian trees. The place is an ideal spot for indulging in fishing. Salty water fish cultivation and research are done here by the State Government Fisheries Department.

Nature Walk
When in Digha, do not miss out on the opportunity to explore the blissful ecstasy of nature. Enveloped by casuarinas plantations all along the coast, Digha extends tourists an idyllic retreat to indulge in lazy walks down the beach. Not only would the walks proffer you with fresh air and good health, but also give you some precious moments that you are sure to enrich all your life. Watching the enchanting sunset and sunrise is another activity which you can indulge in.

Pilgrimage
Digha has a lot of offer for those looking forward to spend a spiritual weekend in the lap of nature. Just a few kms from this beach town are sites of some famous ancient temples. One of the famous places of worship is located at Chandaneswar. The place houses a century old temple of Lord Shiva. In case you are visitng Digha during the month of Chaitra, heading to Chandaneswar should be an essential part of your itinerary.

Swimming
Come to a beach and not swim may sound like an inappropriate combination, isn’t it? Digha is a perfect destination for all water lovers. This small hamlet extends a beachfront that is calm and quiet, making it quite a safe swimming shoreline. Water remains shallow for about a mile from the seashore. So, for those who are heading to Digha to have an exciting weekend, don’t forget to take a plunge at the sea!

District
East Midnapore district
Location
187 km away from from Kolkata
STD Code
03220
Famous For
Renowned for its beaches

Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is home to the prestigious Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, nestled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats and faces the Bay of Bengal to the east. It is often referred to as "The Jewel of The East Coast" or "The City of Destiny". The place is blessed with a natural port and golden sand beaches, surrounded by three hills - each of which has a shrine built on it dedicated to a different religion.

History

According to the history, the city was named after the god of 'Valor-Vishakha'. It was a part of the Kalinga Kingdom, under Ashoka's rule in 260 B.C. It passed on later to the Andhra Kings of 'Vengi'. After this Pallava, Chola and Ganga dynasties ruled the city. In the 15th century, Vishakhapatnam became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire.

The Europeans, the Dutch, the French and the English established themselves from the 17th century onwards and used this as a major trading center to export textiles, ivory, tobacco, indigo etc. This port is well documented in the histories of these colonial powers as well as in Indian historical records. This coast played a major role during the reign of the Asaf Jahis and the Golcondas.

Accessibility

By Air: Airport is 16km from city centre. Visakhapatnam is air linked with Kolkata, Hyderabad and Madras, which in turn is connected by Indian Airlines with Mumbai.

By Rail: Visakhapatnam is well connected with all the important cities of India. Visakhapatnam junction railway station is on the main Kolkata to Chennai line.

By Road: Visakhapatnam has well organised bus terminal. National Highway No.5 (Howra to Chennai) passes through Visakhaptnam. The APS RTC has services to destinations within Andhra Pradesh and the cities in the neighboring states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. Also regular city bus services connect places of interest in the City with each other.

By Sea: Vishakapatnam is connected by sea to Kolkata, Madras, Port Blair, Ganjam, and Kakinada among other places.

Shopping

Vizag is better known as an industrial centre, but in reality it is a city of shopkeepers. For some reason shops in the same trade tend to be located next to each other, which makes shop hopping and bargain hunting easier. Earlier the area around Kurupam market with its narrow lanes and poky shops, was famous for Gold and Silver shopping.

Of late jewellery shops have sprung up in the area in Dwaraka Nagar on the other side of TSR complex. The entire stretch of road extending from Jagadamba Junction to the Old Post Office has literally countless shops selling a wide variety of items. Chandana Brothers, Bommana, Puchala, are the famous shops, which sell almost all sari varieties. The government owned / run Lepakshi is the place for handicrafts.

The main market areas are Waltair Uplands and Jagdamba Junction. At the emporiums here, you can choose from Andhra’s traditional weaves like Pochampalli, Ikat, Dharamavaram, Venkatgiri and Nadyupet. There are also a variety of other traditional handicrafts like Kalamkari paintings and silver filigree work to select your souvenirs from.

Apart from sightseeing, you can go for shopping the markets of Visakhapatnam. Jagadamba Centre, Dabagardens and Dwarkanagar are the main shopping centres and offer a variety of items. You may also visit Khadi Grammena Udyog, Lepakshi, Girijan Co-operative Society and Eastern Art Museum, for exclusive range of handicrafts. You can buy Narayanpet, Pochampalli, Kalamkari printed fabrics and wall hangings from the above mentioned outlets. Also visit the customs notified shops such as Japan Gifts, Singapore Place and Paris Corner.

Jagadamba Center: Jagadamba Center, a downtown of Vizag known also as Jagadamba junction, is named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one among the best movie halls in Vizag and is a place not to be missed. A hub of all forms of entertainment, natural enjoyments and artificial facilities merge here together.

Noisy crowds, scenic beauty of surroundings, illuminations and restaurants all add to the beauty of this place. All the famous shopping centres and malls can be found here.

Accommodation

A wide range of accommodation facilities are available in Visakhapatnam. All the luxury and deluxe hotels are well-equipped with contemporary amenities. Some of the most popular hotels are Taj Residency (Five Star), The Park Hotel (Five Star), Dolphin Group of Hotels, Welcomgroup Grand Bay Sheraton, Green Park, Daspalla Executive Court, The Grand Central Hotel, Palm Beach Hotel and Resort, Royal Fort Hotel, Hotel Supreme Vizag etc.

District
Visakhapatnam district
Location
Located in the northeastern corner of Andhra Pradesh and relatively close to the border with Orissa.
STD Code
0891
Termperature
Summers 22- 41°C, Winters 15-30°C
Best time to visit
November to February
Famous For
Shipbuilding Centre