Allapuzha/Kumarakom

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the List of places known as Venice of the East by Lord Curzon. It is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District. Alleppey has a wonderful past. Though the present town owes its existence to the sagacious Diwan Raja Kesavadas in the second half of 18th century, district of Alappuzha figures in classical Literature. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms , was well known even from the early periods of the Sangam age. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B.C and in the Middle Ages, as well as with other parts of India.

Most important backwater regions are Alleppey , Kumarakom, Kottayam & Kollam. Vembanad lake is the biggest fresh water lakes in Asia, covering an area of 200 sq km, and touched Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam / Cochin districts. This exclusive backwater destination situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters. Alleppey/Alappuzha, populary known as " Venice of the East" has a network of canals that meander through the town. Boating across these soothing stretches is an experience exclusive to Kerala.

The backwaters act as a vital waterway for the transport of goods, people and their produce are often the only link between isolated villages and crowded towns. In Kerala, the total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alleppey which forms the main part of this network has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride. Throughout the coastal areas of Kerala backwaters are endless stretches of lakes, lagoons and ponds connected by a network of canals. A huge expanse of estuaries formed by 41 west-flowing rivers, the backwaters stretch to over 1,000 miles. The Kerala backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transportation needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, price and spices. Today, these waterways link remote villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal area. They also form an ideal highway for the thatched roof houseboats of Kerala, a colorful and unique navy of floating hotel suites, suitable for cruising the backwaters in sybaritic decadence.Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.
Kerala Houseboats

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.
houseboats in Kerala have a three member crew - a chef, driver & cabin assistants. The cuisine is traditional Kerala flavor with the local specialties; delicious local fish. There are single bedroom houseboats for two people and two bedroom houseboats for four people.and 3 bedroom houseboat for 6 , and 5 bedroom houseboat for 10 People.The spectacular beauty of Kerala's backwaters needs no introduction. A Kerala Houseboats cruise along the palm-fringed waterways of Kerala in luxury houseboats is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you will skim past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves. A guided tour down the backwaters would provide you with a complete and most enchanting experience on the back waters of Kerala and will also reveal to you some interesting facts about the life of local village people. This month's lens view takes you to the backwater stretch of the Vembanad, where one can go for a leisurely cruise on a multi deck boat, allowing you enjoy the scenic backwater life.

Location details

Country -India

State-Kerala

District-Alleppey

Nearest railway station-Alleppey

Nearest Airport-Cochin internation airport(Nedumbassery)

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Thekkady

Thekkady Wild life Sanctuary is located in Idukki in the beautiful and picturesque state of Kerala. Its about 160 miles from Thiruvananthapuram.There are bus regular bus services from the major towns and cities in kerala to Thekkady .
Thekkady is a beautiful place located in central Kerala. While you travel to Thekkady, you will see nature in its purest form. Uninterrupted rows of lush green trees, chirping birds, velvety hills and stunningly beautiful landscape are what make Thekkady a hot tourism center.

Thekkady is famous for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which houses some really exotic species of birds, animals and plants. Thekkady is also an important trade center and exports a variety of rare Indian spices. A visit to Thekkady is a must if you are traveling to India.Thekkady is famous for its tea, coffee and pepper plantations. It has unending plantation gardens and one can literally smell the aroma of spices in the air.

A visit to India's best wildlife sanctuaries will give you an experience that you won't forget for the rest of your lives. Make sure you take a cruise along the Periyar River for that mind-blowing experience.

The crisp and cool air will work wonders not just for your physical well being, but your soul too. All in all, it will be an experience that will have you transferred to Paradise every time you think of it. So get set to visit Thekkady, a place that will amaze you beyond belief.

The PERIYAR WILD LIFE SANCTUARY at Thekkady is a preserved stretch of dense, evergreen rainforests that strudels the tiny state of Kerala on the southwestern tip of the Indian peninsula. Sandwiched between the mighty Western Ghat mountain ranges and the shimmering Arabian sea, at over 2800feet above MSL, here's an idyllic retreat that offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the thrill of close encounters with the wildness .

Location Details

Country-India

State - Kerala

District-Idukki

Nearest Airport-Cochin(Nedumbassery)

Nearest Railway station-Eranakulam

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Munnar

Munnar in Kerala is a favorite destination of adventure tourists. There are facilities of trekking, camping, birdwatching tours, rock climbing and even parasailing and hang gliding. Fishing is a popular sport in the streams and lakes of Munnar and it is the ideal place to just lie back and relax or indulge in gentle strolls if a relaxing holiday in Kerala is on your itinerary. See the natural beauty of Munnar, the best hill station in kerala, on kerala tours, with Kerala backwater.

Pothamedu is one

of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are
excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.
Devikulam 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.
Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.
Echo pointAs its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.
Rajamala A precious but little-known place situated at a distance of 15 km from Munnar, Rajamala is home to almost half the population of Nilgiri tahrs (a rare mountain goat). In fact, the Eravikulam-Rajamala region is the natural habitat of this almost extinct species with around 1,000 of them staying here. Chitirapuram This small hill station exudes an old-world charm with its old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, and sleepy little cottages that point to its colonial past. Home of the Pallyvasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous to the tourists for its picturesque tea plantations.
NyayamakadLocated between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.

Climate:
The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,600 meters (5,249 ft) to 1,800 meters (5,906 ft) above mean sea level. Munnar enjoys a salubrious climate. The weather ranges between 5 ℃ (41 ℉) and 10 ℃ (50 ℉) in winter and 15 ℃ (59 ℉) and 25 ℃ (77 ℉) in summer. The tourist season is from August to May. However, even the monsoons are lovely with many streams and rivulets in the area.

How to reach Munnar:
By Air: The nearest airport is Kochi, 130 km away from Munnar.

By Rail: Kochi is the nearest railway station, which is connected to all the major cities in India.By Road: Munnar is accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala.You can also reach Munnar form Coimbatore (-248 kms-6 hrs away) and Madurai (165 kms-5 hrs away) in TamilNadu. And from cochin by 3.5 hrs

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Munnar Map

Thrissur pooram

Thrissur Pooram is the biggest and most colorful temple festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in Vadakkumnathan temple in the Thrissur district. Elephant procession (Kudamattom) is the major attraction of this festival, which witnesses the participation of elephants from various temples of Kerala. Apart from this splendid procession, other attractions of Thrissur Pooram festival include a spectacular display of colorful fireworks, parasol exchanges, an umbrella showing competition, display of pyro-techniques, and drum concerts. The festival makes no distinction between people on the basis of religion or caste. The Pooram commences with the ezhunellippu of the Kanimangalam Shasta in the morning followed by the ezhunnellippu of the other six minor temples on the Pooram Day. The ezhunnellippu is a custom that signifies the visit of Devi from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples to the Vadakkunnathan temple. Panchavadya, performances by Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka artists are other major programs of Thrissur Pooram festival. A special musical show, called as Pandemelam event, is performed by artistes belonging to the disciplines of trumpets, drum, pipe and cymbal. The festival ends with a farewell program for the deities of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams.Dubbed the 'festival of all festivals', the annual Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular event that attracts revellers from miles around. The event dates back to the reign of Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790) and was a means for the two main geographical regions of the town - Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi - to display their strength. To this day, the festival still includes two teams of richly-adorned elephants, live music, processions, lots of food and drink and huge fireworks display. Celebrated during the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May)

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