Tourist Destinations in South India
Kerala - God's Own Country
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Kerela was celebrated as a 'Paradise Found' - one of the ten
in the world, A perfect description for a land renowned as "God's
Own Country". What adds to the charm of its backwaters,
beaches, Ayurveda health holidays, hill stations, wildlife,
festivals, monuments and vibrant art forms, is its amazing social
development indices that are on par with the developed world.
THE IMPORTANT TOURIST SPOTS IN KERALA
Kovalam Beach
The Kovalam beach situated 16 Km. south of Trivandrum city,
is one of the best beaches in India. It's a must see destination
of India. On account of it's natural location, it affords facilities
for safe sea bath.
Chowra Beach
The soft white sand is what that draws visitors to this beach
and it is ideal for beach volleyball. The long stretch of beach
is dotted by many cattamarams; a country fishing boat, which
is three logs tied together in the shape of a boat.
Alleppey ( alappuzha )
Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products,
fish and lakes. Alappuzha remains prominent on the tourist trial
of Kerela as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.
Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the
Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad
region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres
is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's
paradise.
Thekkady ( Periyar )
The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and
human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated
on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady.
Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense
evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands.
Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars,
tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
Kochi ( Cochin )
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in
AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked
region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in
the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors
from all over the world and became the first European township
in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
Munnar Hills
one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at
the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni
and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once
the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South
India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding
lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique
experience. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India
- Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot
for trekking.
Wayanad
Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 - 2100 metres above
the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal
settlements in Kerala. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and
fauna. With its green highlands, lush valleys and cool clime,
Wayanad is one of the most beautiful retreats of Kerala. Apart
from its breathtaking natural beauty, Wayanad is also famous
for the discovery of pictorial writings of the New Stone Age
at its Edakkal Caves. The caves in the Ambukuthi hills, 12 km
south of Sultan Bathery, are world-famous as one of the earliest
centres of human habitation
Trivandrum ( Thiruvananthapuram )
The Capital city of Kerala. The wooded highlands on the Western
Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram
some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline,
with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater
stretches and a rich cultural heritage make it a much sought
after tourist destination.
Cherai Beach
This lovely beach near Kochi, bordering Vypeen island which
is a major centre for commerce, is ideal for swimming. Dolphins
are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy
fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this
beach
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KERALA BACKWATERS
The backwaters of Kerela is a unique product of Kerela and is
found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of
lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers
that drain into the Arabian sea. The backwaters of Kerela are
a self supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The
canals connect the villages together and are still used for
local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world
is navigable.
The largest backwater stretch in Kerela is the Vembanad Lake
which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea
at the Kochi Port. The Astamudi lake, literarlly having eight
arms, which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the
south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to
the backwaters.
The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerela, however,
is the kettuvallom ( traditional houseboat ) which has become
the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as
waterbound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for
a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the
vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle
in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats
of Kerela.
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KERALA HILL STATIONS - Romantic Vacations
Kerala has a long chain of lush, mid-clad hill stations that
are home to exotic wildlife. All the hill resorts in Kerela
offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin
beauty
The major Hill resorts of Kerela are: Munnar, Ponmudi, Peerumade,
Neliyampathy, , Peruvannamuzhi, Tusharagiri, Wayanad, Pythal
Mala, Ezhimala, Ranipuram, Devikulam, Wagamon etc
Munnar Hills
Munnar hills is situated in the confluence of three mountain
streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni & Kundala. Situated 1600
metre above sealevel, this 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.
Peeremede
Peermade is a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western
Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar
Tiger Reserve. Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber
and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine
forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The
summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important
monument here. Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for
trekking, cycling and horse riding
Ramakalmedu
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu
and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic
view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern
slope of the Western Ghats. Situated at a distance of 40 km
from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar
Echo Point
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon
here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station in Munnar.
Rajamala
Rajamala is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas
hylocres), the Eravikulam - Rajamala region is now home to half
the world population – estimated at around 1300 - of this
endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons
to make a visit to Rajamala.
Vagamon
One of the most beautiful places with a chain of three hills
- the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala, important
for Muslims, Hindus and Christians respectively.
Pullumedu
Velvet lawns and rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu.
The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara
Jyothi illuminations at the shrine are visible from here. The
winding journey to this hill along the Periyar River, offers
a stunning view of hills draped in lush greenery.
Vandanmedu
This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom.
A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu
is a heady experience.
Chellarkovil
This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the
plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The
village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in
neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Vandiperiyar
The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes
its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre,
Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The
Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of
rose plants, orchids and anthuria.
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