Popular

Peermade

State

Peermade, also transliterated as Perumade, Peerumed, Peerumade or Peermede, is a hill station in the state of Kerala, India. It is high in the Western Ghats, 915 meters above sea level, and 85 km east of Kottayam on the way to Thekkady.
The landscape of Peermade includes spectacular waterfalls, open grass lands and pine forests.[1][2] It was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is 43 km away. It has herds of elephants and other wildlife as well as lakes.
The name is sometimes related to the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammed, or means "hill of the Peer".

Accessibility

Air:

Rail:

Road: Peerumedu is 85 kms east to Kottayam (travel time: 2 hours), on the way to Thekkady. There are frequent bus services from nearby cities of Kumily and Kottayam.

Things to do

Trekking Trails : The beautiful landscape of Peermade has plenty of hills offering finer opportunity of trekking. Popular hills like, Kalthotti, Vagamon, Karandakapara, Grampi, Paranthupara and Memala have excellent trekking routes.

Topic
Best time to visit
April-June and September-November.

Palakkad

State

Palakkad (Malayalam: പാലക്കാട്) is a town and a municipality in the state of Kerala in southern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District. Palakkad lies near the Palghat Gap, a pass or natural depression through the Western Ghats ranges that run parallel to the west coast of India, and connects Kerala to the plains of the state of Tamil Nadu to the east.

History

History of Palakkad dates back to the Paleolithic period as several megalithic relics have been found in the region. The Perumals ruled this region for several hundred years. Later Utayavars, the governors of Perumals took over the possession of this land and divided it among themselves. The Scottish author of the celebrated Malabar Manual, William Logan, mentioned that one of the hubs of the Pallavas of Kanchi who invaded Malabar in the second and third centuries was Palakkad.

The earliest records about Palakkad reveal the chronicle of a war victory of the king of Palakkad in A.D 988. The king of Palakkad, Nedumpurayur Nadudayavar, stopped an invasion by the forces of the King of Kongunadu at Chittur. Even today, a festival is celebrated in memory of this victory at Chittur. The Nedumpurayur royal family was later known as Tarur Swaroopam and finally as Palakkad Raja Swaroopam.

The Raja of Palakkad sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore to check the invasion of the Zamorin of Calicut in 1757. Hyder Ali freed all parts of Palakkad invaded by the Zamorin. Eventually, Haider helped himself to Palakkad and later his son Tipu Sultan was the unquestioned ruler of this region. But after his defeat to the British, Tipu gave his Malabar territories to the British following the treaty with the English East India Company in 1872. Then Palakkad formed the part of the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency thereafter.

Accessibility

Air
Closest airport from Palakkad lies at a distance of 60 km, in Coimbatore. Flights from there connect Palakkad to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Colombo, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Mumbai.

Rail
Palaghat Station has many trains that connect it to destinations within and outside the state of Kerala. There is the Amritha and Kerala Express that connect it to Thiruvanantpuram and Ernakulam. Other trains also link Palakkad and Ernakulam on daily basis. Kanyakumari Express runs to destinations like Bangalore and Mumbai. This is the only direct daily train to Mumbai, however, it is much time consuming and it is better to travel to Shoranur and then move to Mumbai. The journey time in this way is reduced by almost a day. The Kerala Express also connects Palaghat to Delhi.

Road
NH - 47 that links Salem to Kanyakumari passes through Palakkad and connects it to various other destinations lying on the route, apart from these two places. So, Coimbatore is 47 km, Thrissur is 67 km, Ernakulam is 146 km, Allepey is 209 km, Kollam is 296 km and Trivandrum is 359 km. Palakkad is connected to Kozhikode as well. Regular Bus services are also available that link Palakkad to Thrissur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

District
Palakkad District
STD Code
0491
Topic
Termperature
Summer 32-38°C, Winter 17-30°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Munnar

State

Munnar (Malayalam: മൂന്നാര്) is a town located in the Idduki district of India's Kerala state, situated in the south Western Ghats of India, the name Munnar usually refers to the whole tourist area of the Idukki District of which the town forms only a small part.The name Munnar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam/Tamil words Munu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.

History

In both Malayalam and Tamil, the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers, as it is merging place of three mountain streams. The Duke of Wellington was the first prominent person to visit Munnar.
Munnar was once the summer capital of the British in southern India. Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plants by British although it was first discovered by Scottish planters. In the early developmental stages only Tamilians worked ther as few Malayalis inhabited in that area Munnar.

But later more and more Malayalis were recruited as employees to work in plantations and bungalows, that were build for estate managers of British origin. They occupied most of the top posts. Some of the bungalows that were build for them is still in good condition and being used.The local people here speak Malayalam, the official language of Kerala and since there are a lot of Tamilians, the second language is Tamil.

Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics that can be dated back to Stone Age civilization. The written history begins only from 10th century. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

According to record history, the first tea sapling was planted by A.H. Sharp at Parvathi, part of the present Sevenmullay estate, consisted of 50 acres of land in the surrounding jungle.

J D Munro, a British lawyer and tea planter leased close to 600 sq. km of land around Munnar, which was then covered with thick jungle, from the Poonjar chief, a subordinate of the Maharaja of Travancore. He then cleared the jungle for Tea plantations. This land was later known as Kannan Devan (Kannan Thevar) Concession Land.

Later in 1895, Messrs Finlay Muir & Company bought Munro’s land and in 1976 Tata-Finlay Ltd. purchased it. Then in 1983 James Finlay Group sold their remaining share holdings and the company became known as Tata Tea Ltd., the largest integrated tea company in the world.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest major airport is Cochin International airport which is about 125 km away. Taxi services are available from airport to Munnar which cost about Rs 3000. Cochin airport is well connected with all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Nearest rail head is Angamaly or Alwaye, both are nearly 120 km away from Munnar. Angamaly is an important rail junction in Ernakulam – Trissur route and is well connected to all cities in India. Taxi from Angamali to Munnar costs about a minimum charge of Rs 2500.

Road: Munnar is connected to other cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by state government public transport buses, but are less frequent. Many tour providers arrange packaged bus tours to Munnar from Cochin. The charges will be about Rs 1000 per head.

Shopping

Munnar''s greatest buy is, of course, tea. Tea is in fact, probably one of the few things that are really worth buying from Munnar. In Munnar you can also buy luscious strawberries and locally produces spices but nearly all other so-called souvenir items, such as coir or metal ware, are from another part of Kerala.

Munnar is essentially a hill station. Hence, there is hardly any scope for shopping in Munnar as such. In Munnar, shopping areas are limited to just small markets and shops that sell small items as souvenirs. You may not find information on where to shop in Munnar. So the question of what to buy in Munnar doesn't quite have an answer.

Munnar is famous for its tea and spices plantations. So if you want, you can buy different varieties of spices and different varieties of tea. You can get the spices packed in small transparent pouches and take them home. Better still, visit a factory and they will be all the more glad to give you free samples of their spices and tea leaves. Apart from that, you can always shop for small handicrafts and other knick-knacks that are easily available in the roadside shacks. While in Munnar, it is better if you look out for the small items that can be given as souvenirs than hunt for branded stuff that are available all around the world.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Munnar is provided by a range of hotels including expensive hotels and low budget lodges. Some known accommodation providers in Munnar include :

Expensive Hotels and Resorts - Windermere Resort, Mahindra Resorts, Sterling Resorts, Hi-range Club.

Budget hotels and lodges - Issac's Residency, Edassery Eastend Hotel, Holiday Inn, Hill View, Marthoma Rest House.

The hill resort of Munnar attracts tourists who come here to spend a holiday amidst the beauty of Nature- the tea plantations and spice gardens. The hotels in Munnar accentuate the tranquility outside by offering a quiet and comfortable stay. Hotels in Munnar are symbols of elegance and hospitality. You can choose from a range of cuisine- South Indian, North Indian and Continental.

Some of the prominent hotels in Munnar are:
Five Star Hotels in Munnar
Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort
Four Star Hotels in Munnar
Best Western Fort
Three Star Hotels in Munnar
Sterling Day's Inn
Tall Trees
Edassery Eastend
Resorts in Munnar
Abad Copper Castle

Attractions

Nehru Trophy Boat race

The most popular festival in Munnar is the Nehru Trophy Boat race . It''s a much anticipated festival held in the month of August. The race begins with a colourful procession of decorated boats and floats with people performing on them. The audience enjoys the race from pavilions set up on the banks as well as in the middle of the lake.

Things to do

Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Rock climbing is rightly done as places in and around Munnar is ideal for such activities. Extreme sports lovers can enjoy the rock faces and daring youngsters can enjoy their venture by rock climbing and rappelling.

The invigorating rock climbing sessions is conveniently possible with the assistance of the tourism promoters as they offer details regarding the depth and its dangers. Walking or bicycling setting off for a stroll gives an appetite to explore this unique and serene place amidst the foothills.

More than a venture it is a pleasure to go for rock climbing in the steep hills and aroma of tea.

District
Idukki District
STD Code
04865
Termperature
Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-32°C
Best time to visit
September to May
Famous For
Tea and Coffee gardens, Eravikulam National Park

Malappuram

State

Like any other district of Kerala, Malappuram is a treasure house of the natural beauty. There are beaches, rivers, waterfalls, backwater destinations, hills, valleys, plantations and not to forget a famous bird sanctuary to bind you with their charm. Once there, you will not feel like coming back. Moreover, these beauties of nature will help you forget the stressful life that you have been leading continuously. So, walk on the sands and the let the exhaustion quietly flow away with the rushing water or gaze at the water falling from a great height with a thundering sound and feel the tranquility it still manages to give you. You can say that the fall falls to give you a refreshing high.

History

The name Malappuram literally translates into a land atop the hills.

As for the history of Malappuram, it was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. It was also influenced by the the Kings of Vettathunadu, Portuguese and Mysore Sultans before falling into the hands of British.

The Moppila revolt, which were typical revolt against the British rule in Kerala, found a great venue in Mallapuram. Post independence, the Malappuram was merged with the state of Kerala in1956. The district itself was formed in June 1969 by combining the backward areas of the previous Kozhikode, Perintalmanna and Ponnani taluks of Palakkad.

Accessibility

Air
The nearest airport is at Kozhikode, Karipur Airport. Flights from here fly daily to Delhi, Coiambatore, Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai. There are flights thrice a week to Goa, twice to Trichy and just once to Trivandrum. From Karipur, prepaid taxis are available to take you to Kozhikode. Prepaid taxis are available to transfer you to Malappuram.

Rail
There are railway stations at Tirur, Kuttippuram, Perintalmanna and Nilambur that connect to other places like Kozhikode, Manglore, Kochi, Trhiruvanantpuram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Road
Malappuram is well connected by road to all the parts of Kerala. KSRTC run buses are also quiet frequent and take you to different parts of Malappuram itself.

District
Malappuram
STD Code
0483
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 15-30°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Kumarakom

State

The village of Kumarakom in Kottayam District is a collection of a number of small islands on the Vembanad Lake. These picturesque islands are surrounded by mangroves and lush paddy fields, with a stunning maze of backwaters, rivers and streams winding through them. The verdant islands are covered with coconut palms and other trees, with small country boats plying through the waters between them.

Kumarakom town is on the mainland to the east of the islands, located conveniently close to the ‘rubber and spice city’ of Kottayam. The Vembanad Lake to the west leads to the beach and backwaters of Alleppey.

History

Kumarakom is a minor destination comprised of a collection of small islands in the state of Kerala. Before its popularity as a tourist town, Kumarakom was an area located near a marshy mangrove on the edge of the Vembanad lake. In 1878, George Alfred Baker, a missionary from Essex, England, set about clearing the mangrove and replacing it with coconut plantations. Baker was so taken aback by the beauty of Kumarakom that he decided to make it his home and in doing so he became the catalyst for development in the area.
‘Development’ however, is a term used very loosely because the greatest appeal of the area is perhaps its underdevelopment or its lack of masses of manmade constructions that might otherwise spoil its tremendous natural beauty. The potential of Kumarakom’s bird sanctuary has of course been realised; strict laws prevent the destruction of this area and hence maintain its strict natural integrity.
Kumarakom can be found in Kerala, a state that wasn’t officially established until November 1956. The region’s early history saw settlers such as the Negrito people focused in three areas, then known as: Malabar, Cannanore and Kasargode. The Negrito people still inhabit the mountainous areas in the south of the country today. After the Negritos came the Austriches and then the Dravidians; the latter still having a significant effect on modern culture in Kerala.
After the Portuguese discovered the route to India from Europe by sea, a wave of visitors arrived, some settling permanently into the area and contributing to Kerala’s mix of followers of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Keralites celebrate the official recognition of the state on 1 November every year, a day they refer to as Kerala piravi meaning the 'Birth of Kerala'.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery. Airport is nearly 85 km away from Kumarakom, and Tourist taxi charges about Rs 1600 to cover this distance. Cochin airport is well connected to many major cities in India and abroad, especially connected directly to gulf countries.

Rail: Kottayam is the nearest railway station which is about 16 km away from Kumarakom. Taxi fare from Kottayam to Kumarakam is about Rs 3500. Kottayam is well connected by rail to all important cities in India.

Road: KSRTC buses are plenty from Kottayam to reach Kumarakom. Kotatyam is connected to all cities in Kerala by KSRTC buses. Private deluxe A/C buses connect Kottayam with many cities in South India, including Chennai, Mangalore, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

One can reach Kumarakom by boat from Muhamma, near to Alleppey. State owned boat services and private house boats ferry form Muhamma to Kumarakom Jetty.

Shopping

Kumarakom is not an ideal shopping destination. In Kumarakom, you will find handcrafted gift items typical of the state of Kerela. Earings, brass lamps, kathakali masks etc. can be picked up as souvenirs.

Accommodation

Stay at Kumarakom hotels is enticing. There are a number of hotels and resorts located at some wonderful spots in the town. The hotels and resorts situated on the lake reflect the colors of joy and tranquility and are the preferred ones by the tourists. Some known hotels of Kumarakom include Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Lakshmi Hotel and Resort, Lake Palace Resorts, Taj Garden Retreat, Backwater Ripples

Attractions

Backwaters: Various canals, lagoons, and waterways surround Kumarakom's small cluster of islands. These numerous water areas make up what is known as the Backwaters. Tourists love to rent a houseboat there. Each houseboat commonly contains a living room, one bedroom, a bathroom, and a patio of sorts on deck. A local oarsman will pole the houseboat for you as you explore the beautiful scenery in the region.

Numerous types of flora and fauna can be seen in breathtaking panoramas as you with on the deck. Larger houseboat companies will even let you tether several houseboats together to house a larger tourist group.

Things to do

Yoga and Meditation in Kumarakom
The upcoming Yoga and Meditation centres have resulted in the growing popularity of the region. More and more foreign tourists are turning up at these centres. These places are intended to provide the much needed spiritual uplift.

Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kumarakom is a renowned place for undertaking Yoga and Meditation classes. Visit Kumarakom and take Yoga and Meditation classes in Kumarakom Lake Resort to know about your innerself and to bridge harmony with mother nature. Yoga and Meditation will remove ego from your body and you will feel relaxed.

District
Kottayam district
STD Code
0481
Topic
Termperature
Summer 20-32°C, Winter 16-32°C
Best time to visit
September to April
Famous For
Backwaters, Ayurveda

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

Kochi

State

Lagoon's Country.

Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi in the Ernakulam district of Kerala is one of the leading ports in India. Kochi used to be a small fishing village but today the city has developed into a busy commercial port and has been aptly named “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and ‘Gateway to Kerala”.

The name Kochi comes from the Malayalam word “Koch azhi”, meaning ‘a small lagoon’. Kochi was the centre of the Indian spice trade for many centuries and became an important sea port during the colonial days as merchant ships who would take spices, coffee and wood from Cochin to the European markets.

History

Kochi or Cochin, a princely state, was the first place in India for European Colonial settlement. The region was occupied by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch and the British. It was the first princely state to join the Indian Union, after India gained Independence in 1947.

Accessibility

Air: Airport at Kochi is Nedumbassery International airport which is about 20 km away from Kochi. Taxi charge from Nedumbassery to Kochi is about Rs 300. This airport is well connected to all airports in India and also to many cities in abroad, including gulf countries and Singapore.

Rail: Kochi has three important railheads, namely, Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island, Ernakulam town and Ernakulam Junction. Ernakulam Junction is well connected to all cities in India. There are frequent rail services between Harbor Terminus to Junction.

Road: Kochi is well connected by bus services. KSRTC connects Koch with all major cities in Kerala and with many cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Deluxe Volvo buses are available in plenty at any time to Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Mumbai from Kochi. These buses charge about Rs 3 - Rs 4 per km.

Shopping

Shopping in Cochin can be interesting if you wish to take back home handicrafts, spices and nuts with a touch of Kerala.

Cochin is famous for its handicrafts, which include a range of items made from coir, wood, bamboo, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood.

The major shopping centers are on M.G.Road, which cuts across the heart of the city, and the Marine Drive including Broadway. MG Road is dotted with numerous shops selling a variety of things like clothes, handicrafts and jewellery. Spices, nuts and other small items can be picked up from Broadway, the popular shopping center with narrow crowded streets. One can also buy the works of contemporary artists from different art galleries situated around Cochin.

M G Road: M G Road is the place in Kochi to find the perfect shopping experience. Handicrafts made from coir, wood, shells, brass, ivory and sandalwood can be found on this famous stretch of road. Clothing items as well as jewelry are also common wares sold on M G Road. Food items and spices can also be found in the items that can be bought here. In fact, the entire stretch of MG Road is entirely filled with fabulous places to shop. With such quality items readily available here, why not save your Indian shopping experience for Kochi. You will not be disappointed.

Accommodation

Hotels in Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala offers offers a range of options, for the business traveler and the tourist alike. Cochin is a beautiful maritime city described as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Hotels in Cochin offer well-furnished rooms and the best of facilities. You can savor the best of seafood in Cochin hotels, which serve authentic Kerala cuisine.Your stay at the hotels in Cochin will definitely be an unforgettable experience during your sojourn in Kerala.

Some of the prominent hotels in Cochin are:

Five Star Deluxe Hotels
Taj Malabar Meridian
Le Meridien
Five Star Hotels
Hotel Casino
Hotel Renaissance
Hotel Taj Residency
Hotel Trident
Three Star hotels
Hotel Abad Airport, Cochin
Hotel Abad Fort, Cochin
Hotel Abad Metro, Cochin
Hotel Metropolitan, Cochin
Hotel Riviera Suites, Cochin
Hotel Wood manor, Cochin

District
Ernakulam District
STD Code
0484
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-35°C, Winter 22-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Guruvayur

State

Guruvayur (also written Guruvayoor and sometimes referred to as Guruvayunkere) is a bustling pilgrim town and a municipality in Thrissur district of the Indian state of Kerala. It lies 25 km to the northwest of Thrissur city.

Guruvayur is a beautiful town near Thrissur in Kerala. While also known for its scenic beauty, the town is synoymous with its temples and is therfore called as "Dwarka of the South". Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in South India along with Tirupati and Sabarimala.

History

Little is known about the history of Guruvayur prior to the 1700's although legend suggests that the idol of Lord Krishna at the temple is over 5,000 years old. Since the 1700's several attempts were made to loot the town and destroy its temples.

In 1716, the Dutch attacked the town and set the Guruvayur Temple on fire. It was reconstructed by 1747. In 1766 Haider Ali raided the town but chose to spare the temple. However, his son Tipu Sultan, who was a fervent Muslim, took to aggressively convert Hindus to Islam. He stormed the Guruvayur Temple with the intent of destroying it. Luckily, a fortituous downpour stopped the fire from causing significant damage. Thereafter, Tipu Sultan chose to leave the temple alone claiming that he had a dream where he was told to not destroy it.

From when the British defeated Tipu Sultan and took control of the region, Guruvayur, and its temples, were allowed to flourish. It wasn't till 1946 that "Untouchables" were allowed into the temples.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance of 65 km. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Guruvayur costing about Rs 800. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Rail: Guruvayur Railhead connects to Thrissur. Thrissur is the major railhead nearest to Guruvayur and is located at a distance of about 27 km. Taxi services are available from Thrissur to Guruvayur for a charge of Rs 400. Thrisuur is well connected by trains to all major stations in India.

Road: State owned transport bus services are available from all cities in Kerala to Guruvayur. Private bus services are available from Kochi, Thrissur and North Paravur. Super deluxe buses connect Guruvayur with other important cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Palaghat, Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

Shopping

All surrounding Guruvayur temple, there are many shops. Shops selling traditional Puja materials to high end electronic items are available in plenty here. The east gate of the Guruvaur temple is clustered by numerous hotels, lodges and shops. Shops are open all through 24 hours here.

One can get devotional materials, dress materials, antiques, toys, electronic items and eatables from the shops. There are many shops selling photographs, mural paintings, embroidery items, handicrafts and fancy items. Kerala style clothes and Jewelries are also available from the shops around the Guruvayur temple. There are big competitions among the shop owners and hence the customers get items at moderate prices.

A variety of handicrafts of Kerala are available in Guruvayur.

Accommodation

Guruvayur offers a host of accommodation options to suit the different budgets and tastes of various tourists. From luxurious to budget hotels, all are available here.

Attractions

Sreeveli (Religious Procession)
The important 'uchcha' pooja takes place at midday. During the 'diparadhana' the well decorated idol glows in the warm light of the temple lamps. The deity is highly regarded for its healing powers. An important offering here is the 'Thulabharam'- In which a devotee is weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery, coconuts among others, and these are donated to the temple.

Pooram Festival
The famous Pooram Festival (April/May) is celebrated at the Vaddakkunnath Temple. There are nightlong fireworks and a magnificent elephant procession. Shivratri (in March/April) is also celebrated with great fanfare. During Onam, the harvest festival (August/September), the entire state wears a festive look.

District
Trissur district
STD Code
0487
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 17-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Alappuzha or Alleppey

State

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is one of the exotic backwater sites with beautiful blue lagoons, canals, backwaters and beaches. It lies between the cities of Cochin and Trivandrum. It was entitled as the 'Venice of the East' by Lord Curzon because of its large network of canals passing through the heart of the city.

History

Before the Dutch took over this place, the Portuguese were the predominant rulers of this place. Later Maharaja Marthandavarma came into power and he gave ample importance to the developmental works of the place. Slowly it became a very busy commercial place attracting merchants from all over. This resulted in the establishment of a number of coir factories producing coir-related goods of quality. The first coir factory was developed by an English sea captain and soon others followed suit. The first Anglican Church was built in 1816 by the Christian missionaries whose headquarter was in Alappuzha.

Accessibility

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (150 km) and Cochin International Airport (75 km) are the nearest airport.

By Rail: Alleppey is well connected by train to Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Road: KSRTC buses are plenty, which are connecting all the major cities in Kerala.

Shopping

Alleppey is pretty well known for its coir products and carpets. Almost every nook and corner in Alleppey has some shop selling coir products and carpets. Since these two items are easily available and have a reasonable price, they are always in high demand among tourists. In coir, one can find products like mattresses, rugs, doormats, etc. that are much in demand due to the good quality and the reasonable price. One can find carpets in different sizes, shapes and colors and can choose from a wide collection to suit one's personal taste.

Alleppey is also famous for its spice plantations. The markets over here sell all Indian spices both rare and the common ones. So you can shop for those rare herbs and spices and take the spice of India back to your home!

Accommodation

Hotels in Alleppey offer a blend of the rustic homeliness of Alleppey town and modern amenities. There are number of hotels and resorts in Alleppey with world-class accommodation that cater to the needs of tourists.

The hotels and resorts in Alleppey, the enchanting backwater destination of Alleppey, popularly known as the 'Venice of the East' has holiday packages with an array of leisure activities like boating and fishing. A boat cruise on the traditional houseboats (kettuvallams) will be an unforgettable experience.
The annual vallamkalli or boat races in Alleppey are a truly exciting and spectacular event.

Alleppey has a range of hotels-from fascinating beach resorts to budget hotels.

Some of the prominent hotels in Alleppey are:

First Class Hotels
Cama Park Plaza
Punnamada Backwater Resort
Kayaloram Lake Resort
Keraleeyam Home and Ayurvedic Resort
Aleppey Beach Resort
Marari Beach Resort
Budget Hotels
Kavalam lake Resort
Alleppey prince Hotel

Attractions

Ambalapuzha Temple Festival
The Amabalapuzha Temple Festival was established during the fifteenth century A.D. At this time, a part of the Travancore, was ruled by the Chembakassery Devanarayana Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty were highly religious and decided that an idol of Lord Krishna was to be brought to the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple from the Karinkulam temple. The celebration in commemoration of the bringing of this idol of Lord Krishna is the origin of the Amabalapuzha Temple Festival, also referred to as the Chambakulam Moolam water festival. This festival is conducted every year on the Moolam day of the Mithunam month of the Malayalam era.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
Punnamada Lake near Alleppey is host to the spectacular snake boat races that are annually held on the second Saturday of August. This competition is named after India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The story goes that when Nehru say his first boat race, he got so into the competition that he jumped right into the boat that won the race, so the event became named the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. Each and every 50 meter long wooden snake boat that is in the race is manned by over a hundred oarsmen. Such man power allows these boats to travel at remarkable speeds. The event traditionally commemorates the carrying of idols to their abodes in the state's magnificent temples. The trophy is a silver snake boat mounted on a wooden pedestal.

Backwaters
Made up of small canals, lakes and lagoons they have shaped the lifestyle of the people of Kerala, Alleppey has come to be known as the "Venice of the East". Alleppey's calm backwaters are one of the most visited spots in Kerala and have become a popular honeymoon destination and beautiful setting to view bird and animal life. One of the best way to enjoy the backwaters is by renting a houseboat.

Houseboats
A boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey is one popular way to experience the entire area, after all, Kerala's network of navigable backwaters covers an amazing 900 kilometers. Honeymooners especially are drawn to the peaceful atmosphere of the waterways. A backwater cruise on a houseboat allows you to see the scenic manmade islands and beautiful sights of coconut and paddy fields. You will want to book a houseboat in advance since they are always in high demand. These giant 80-foot long houseboats are altered traditional boats from the area. These houseboats are luxuriously equipped with all of the modern amenities you would need or even want. There are single-bedroom or even four or five-bedroom houseboats available, with living rooms, bathrooms, an equipped kitchenette, and even air-conditioning. You do not have to maneuver your own houseboat. You get a crew of a cook and a bearer along with two oarsmen to drive your way.

Kettuvallams
These boats also called “Rice Boats” were once used to transport men and goods across the backwaters. Now used as a houseboat, the kettuvallams ferry you across the meandering tranquil backwaters, navigating you through the rural life of Kerala folk. Due to its huge popularity among local tourists as well as foreign tourists, houseboats or kettuvallams are now available with a/c facilities and other convenient amenities.

Snake Boat Race
Snake Boat races are held on the 2nd Saturday of August on the Punnamada Lake every year. The 50m long wooden boats are painted and decorated with flowers for the highly competitive sport where each boat is manned by over hundred oarsmen. The race is a very popular attraction among the local people and visitors.

Things to do

Yoga and Meditation in Alleppey
Alleppey is a popular destination for Yoga and Meditation in Kerala. A number of hotel/resort in the town offer Yoga and Meditation courses for the tourists. Far from the maddening crowds of the cities, the Yoga and Meditation in Alleppey will rejuvenate your mind and body. Some of the famous hotels/ resort which gives Yoga and Meditation courses include Marari Beach Resort, Keraleeyam Ayurvedic Lake Resort, Alleppey Beach Resort etc.

District
Alappuzha
STD Code
0477
Termperature
Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-32°C
Best time to visit
August to March
Famous For
Alleppey is one of the best places to visit for backwater tourism.

Shirdi

State

Shirdi, synonymous with Sai Baba, is a small town fragrant with the devotional strength that ropes in devotees from the world over. It is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

History

The history of Shirdi is closely linked with the life of the highly venerated saint Sai Baba who died here in the year 1918, and ever since this town has attained importance as a spiritual and religious center. He used to reside in Khandoba temple, where he got the title of ‘Sai’ (saint) given by a local villager named Mahalsapathi. Leading a very simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a beggar and soon his innate charisma began to draw followers from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. The natural gifts of this saint r said to have healed the wounds of many people who were caught in worldly dilemmas. The entire town can still feel the grace of this saint who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu trinity.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi and costs about Rs 6000.

Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

Road: Kopergaon is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is at a distance of 16 km from Shirdi. It is an important railway station in Delhi – Bangalore route. Taxi charge from Kopergaon to Shirdi is about Rs 300. Manmad is another nearest railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge line, which is nearly 58 km away from Shirdi. Shirdi has a computerized ticket reservation centre for the delight of train travelers.

Shopping

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels like the Sun-N-Sand, Shraddha Park Inn and the Hotel Sai Leela, are a few of the entire range of hotels that offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.

Hotel Sun n Sand (Five-Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand is situated in the Taluka Kopergaon, at a distance of approximately 2 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. It is the only five-star hotel located here. The hotel provides amenities like Swimming Pool, Landscape Gardens, Jacuzzi, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Games/Fun Zone, Doctor On Call, Money Changer, Health Club, Travel Desk, Massages, Car Rental, Gift Shop, Handicraft Shop, Jogging Track, Table Tennis and Pool Table, Children's Recreation Area, etc.

Hotel Goradia's (Four-Star)
Hotel Goradia's is a 4-satr hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, just behind Sai Udyan. The hotel provides amenities like Automatic Wake-up Calls, Meeting, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Children Play Park & Rides, Shopping Arcade, Internet & E-mail Facility, Left Luggage Room, Fax Facility, Free Drivers Accommodation, Doctor On Call, Pool Table, Video Games, Indoor Games, etc.

Hotel Sai Leela (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Leela is a three-star hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road and lying very close to the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like Table Tennis and Pool Table, Video Games, 24 Hour Amenities Shop, Swimming Pool, Water Park Facilities, Children's Playground, Lush Gardens, Cricket Nets, Basketball and Volleyball Ground, Mini Golf, Putting Course, Cycling Track, Jogging Track, Plant Nursery, etc.

Hotel Sai Sahavas (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas is another hotel situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, at a distance of approximately 3 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. The hotel boasts of a three star status. It provides amenities like Travel Desk, Meditation / Prayer Hall, Free Drivers Accommodation, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, Doctor on Call, etc.

Shraddha Park Inn (Three-Star)
Shraddha Park Inn is a three-star hotel, situated at the Pimplewadi Road, just besides the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like three Swimming Pools, Direct Dial Phones, 24 Hour Rooms Service, Multi-cuisines Restaurant, Business Services, Photocopying Facilities, Travel Desk, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, etc.

District
Ahmednagar
STD Code
02423
Best time to visit
September to April