Alappuzha
The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.
With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and
fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense
natural beauty. Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from
across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal
and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always
enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha
(Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, &
also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products
and coir industry.
Area - 1414 sq. Km
Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)
Access :
Air - Nearest International Airports : Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km).
Thiruvananthapuram (150 kms).
Rail - Well connected to Major Cities.
Road - An excellent road network links the district to all major towns
and cities in india.
Water - Linked by boat service through the back waters to Quilon(8 Hrs),
Changanacherry(3 hrs), Kumarakom(3 hr), Cochin(4 hrs), Kumarakom(2 hrs),
Chengannor, etc.
Places to visit :
Kuttanad - It's called the rice bowl of kerala because of her wealth
of paddy crops, is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside
of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of Banana,
Cassava and Yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming
is done 1.5 to 2 mtr below sea level. Inland waterways which flow above
land lever are an amazing feature of this region.
Alappuzha (Alleppey) Beach - This is one of the most popular picnic
spots in Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into the sea here,
is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the vijaya beach park
add to the
attractions of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse which
is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Pathira Manal - According the mythology a Young Brahmin dived into
the Vembanad lake to persorm his evening ablutions and the water made way
for land to rise from below, thus creating the enchanting Island pf Pathiramanal
(sands of midnight). This little island on the backwaters is a favourite
haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.
This island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible
only by boat.
Champakulam Church - One of the oldest churches in kerala, the St.
Mary's Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas.
The annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd sunday of october every
year.
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple - (15 km south of alapuzha) Built
in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over
india for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of deliciously sweet milk porridge.
It is also in this temple that pallipana is performed by velans (sorcerers)
once every twelve years.
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha,
nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once
the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling
tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities
make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests
and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills
in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006. Munnar also has the
highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is
an ideal spot for trekking.
Area - 1414 sq. Km
Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)
Places to visit :
Pothamedu - 6 kms from munnar, pothamedu offers an excellent view
of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in munnar. The rolling hills,
the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking
and long mountain walks.
Devikulam - 7 kms from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet
lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience.
The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings
is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.
Nyayamakad - 10 kms from munnar: located between munnar and rajamala,
nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down
a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes
an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.
Rajamala - 15 kms from munnar : this is the natural habitat of the
nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which
is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.
Eravikulam National Park - 15 kms from munnar : the 97 sq. Km park is
situated in the devikulam taluk and is home to the nilgiri tahr. The anamudi
peak (2695 m ) is located in the southern region of the park.
Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located
at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the
West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats
in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting
picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic
monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district
a much sought after tourist destination.
Area - 2192 sq.km
Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)
Access :
Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city.
Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well
as the major cities in india.
Road - well connected to all towns & cities.
Places to visit :
Kovalam Beach - 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach
Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam
consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as
the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation
options to suit all budgets.
Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The temple is located inside the East
Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian
styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone
Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding
deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - The palace was built by Maharaja
Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great
poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship
in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite
wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless
collections of the royal family.
The Napier Museum - Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic
structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses
a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols,
ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic
is banned in the museum premises.
Sree Chitbra Art Gallery - Located near the Napier Museum. This are
gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas
Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools
of Art In India. Other places of interest 1.. The zoological park , priyadarshini
planetarium , observatory, shankhumugham beach & connemera market.
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