Cochin

The destination, other ways known as Queen of Arabian Sea , can rightly be called the industrial capital of the state of Kerala, and is a real Cosmopolitan city. Cochin is one of the finest natural harbors in the world and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Kerala with attractions such as Jew Street, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing nets etc.

 

Athirapally Water Falls

 

78 kms from Kochi located at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is a wonder to watch.  The cascading falls are enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal picnic spot.

 

 

 

 

Bolghatty Island
A beautiful island lying close to Ernakulam and Willingdon Island. The Bolghatty Palace was built by the Dutch in 1744 which later became the seat of British Resident. The palace is now converted into a hotel.

 

 

 

Chinese Fishing Nets
These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

 

 

 

 

 

Thekkady

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the centre of attraction at this hill station town. Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady has one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves. Spread across 777 sq. km, of which 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geo-morphological diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.

 

 

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar remains the large herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake's edge.

 

 

Other Wild animals like the Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc, can also be seen.

 

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

 Aleppey is a District of immense natural beauty Known as the Venice of The East is listed as one of the 10 must see places in the world by National Geographic Magazine. it is famous for backwaters, boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is the one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level. Boat Race

 

Allappuzha is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival.

Some of the important boat races are:

1.Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August)

2.Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day)

3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)

Allappuzha is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the

time of Onam festival.

 

Some of the important boat races are:

1.Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August)

2.Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day)

3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)

 

 

Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is one the world famous Backwater destinations of Kerala. House boats and backwater cruises are the major activities here.Fishing, Boating and visits to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward to. Kumarakom also has a small bird sanctuary where different species of birds can be seen. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters. The town has a number of high-end resorts and traditional Kerala home stays make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.

 

Varkala

 

Varkala, 50km from Trivandrum, is one of the famous and upcoming beaches in South India. Varkala is famous for its quiet secluded stretch of sand. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature care centre are the two main attractions here.