Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant
city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the
breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own
Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the
sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to
as the Gateway to Kerala.From time immemorial, the Arabs, British,
Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history
and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the
commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most
important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is
proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to
many major cities worldwide.
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and
tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country.Set at
an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer
resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending
expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic
species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of
spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the
place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to
leave- so welcome - log on to munnar.com for all information on Munnar
anytime, every time.Munnar hills is siatuated at an altitude of 5000 to
8000 Ft above sea level. and is situated at the confluence of three
mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala. This beautiful hill
station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in
South India. Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes,
and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.Munnar also has the
highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi
is an ideal spot for trekking. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier
known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had
been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district.
The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.Among the exotic
flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munar is the Neelakurinji.
This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will
bloom next in 2006 AD.
Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a
dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki'
dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist
attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms,
surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms. The Country's
sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical
flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species
and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for
those who love nature in its wild manifestations.Thekkady is famous for
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of
the best places for viewing wild animals. The best time to visit animals
is during the months of March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities
for Trekking, elephant riding and boating. Boating through the Placid Lake
provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals at close quarters.
Kumarakom-When nature is all you need to recuperate, Kumarakom is
undoubtedly the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, God's
own country. The slender coconut palms standing here, there and
everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, meandering lagoons and
backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties can peacefully
calm and invigorate your mind with renewed inspiration for your vocation
and life. That is the pristine beauty of Kumarakom.Kumarakom the charming
emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes
you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of
traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake
runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and
waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and
flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom
Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs),
Chemeen (prawns) and many more.
Alappuzha-Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea,
Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala.
The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to
day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book
lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked
district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in
God's Own Country.The large network of canals provide Alleppey its
lifeline. Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country
canoes of varying sizes have an important role in the community life of
the people of the district.Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea,
Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala.
The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to
day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book
lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked
district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in
God's Own Country.The large network of canals provide Alleppey its
lifeline. Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country
canoes of varying sizes have an important role in the community life of
the people of the district.
Kerala Houseboats (Riceboats) or kettuvallam are country boats that
were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated
interior villages of Kerala Backwater area to the towns like Alleppey,
Kollam, Cochin and Kottayam. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry
services, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now these
kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction as a modern
moving boat house that is kerala houseboats . kerala houseboats size vary
from, about to 95 feet feet in length and a width of around 13 feet to in
the middle for one bedroom houseboat and , big houseboats with up 107 feet
long and up to 19 feet wide. The materials that go into the making are all
local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats,
coir carpets etc. The main wood used is "Anjili".Kerala house boats have
fully furnished single double triple and five bedrooms with sundeck,
private balcony with comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet with WC. In
addition there is also separate rest room.
