KOVALAM TOURS

KOVALAM TOURS

Best time to visit         : October -April

Temperature range      : 35c-22.5c

Area                           : 1414 sq km

A former fishing village, Kovalam is just 16 km away from Thiruvanantapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala's capital city. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. It is a dreamy place for tourists all over the world. Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map.

How to reach :

Nearest Airport - Trivandrum (20 kms). Nearest rail head is Trivandrum Central. Trivandrum is connected by rail with many important cities. Road Kovalam is connected by road with several tourist destinations within Kerala and India.

Prime attraction of Kovalam :

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, if affords facilities for safe sea bath.
Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Sthalas of Lord Vishnu. Lord Padmanabha is in a reclining position here, and the temple is maintained by the Rajah's of the city.

East Fort Ganapathy Temple
Ganapathy Kovil is situated at Pazhavangady, near East Fort. Sree Ganapathy is the diety of the temple that is owned by the military. You can buy coconuts from the forecourts of the temple to be offered to Ganapathy.

The other popular temples are-----

• Pazhavangadi Bhagavathy Temple
• Attukal Hanuman Temple

Besides, there are churches like--

• St.Joseph Church, Palayam
• Christ Church, Paslayam LMS Church
• Palayam Lourdes Church, Near PMG
• Jn. Pentacostal Church

and Mosques like---

• Charachira Jama Masjid, Palayam
• Jama Masjid, Beemapally Mosque
• Thampanoor Hidayuthul Islam Madrasa
• Moyuddin Mosque, Vizhinjam

       

Thrissur Pooram Festivals

Thrissur Pooram

The most spectacular festival of Kerala is Thrissur Pooram. Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of erstwhile Kochi state, introduced this festival. Celebrated in Medom (April-May) this festival of Kerala parades the fulgent faces of Kerala culture. With every passing year Thrissur Pooram, the temple festival, attracts large masses of devotees and spectators to Kerala.

Of the groups displaying their artistic prowess in the Pooram, the prominent are Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi. When Paremekkavu and Thiruvambadi vie each other for their best performance, the connoisseurs of festivals are blessed with the rare chance to enjoy Kerala's art and culture.

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MUNNAR TOURS

MUNNAR TOURS

Best time to visit            :August - March 

Area                             :26.2 sq.km

Temperature range        :25c-0c

The Munnar, located about 5200 ft. above sea level is originally a comfort station among the hills built by the British planters. Munnar is only a three hour journey from the most happening city of Kerala, Kochi. It is a land with rolling hills, carpeted with green tea, tropical forest and has a treasure of plants and wildlife that do not exist anywhere else on the planet.

How to reach :

LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS IN KERALA

The pristine beauty of Kerala derives from the local customs and traditions that date back to historical times. Kerala is famous for its folk art and the traditional dance forms like the Kathakali and Mohiniyattom. The customs in the temples in Kerala differ from traditions practiced in other South Indian states. The priests or poojaris are silent during the pooja. The deity is kept out of sight during the pooja from the devotees by closing the altar during a part of the pooja. The priest recites mantras in silence while the devotees keep silent. After the prasanna pooja the door opens and the crowd of devotees can catch a glimpse of the decorated deity with the traditional lights lit up.

TOURIST ATTRACTION IN KERALA

Once you are in Kerala, you will never run out of tourist attractions. A state that is as diverse as the shade of the spectrum, tourist attractions in Kerala provide you with more than you can want
With a coastline that stretches over 600 kms, Kerala has some of the most beautiful beaches of the subcontinent. With more than 44 rivers twining within the forest landscape, Kerala is the sole state offering travelers the pleasure of charting its tranquil backwaters. Moreover, the several lush green plantations in the hill stations are complements to the historic garrisons, wildlife sanctuaries, temples and museums. All along the coast of Kerala lies an intricate network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and deltas of the streams that rush into the Arabian Sea.
While you can find hill stations in every part of the country, the thriving backwaters unite Kerala with its shimmering beaches. The backwaters have carved a niche for standing as a metaphor for a distinctive lifestyle and breathtaking vistas. The boats cross the shallow, palm-fringed lakes to meander into the shady haunts of the narrow canals to glimpse the loading of coconut coir, copra and cashew nuts into the dinghy of the farmers. Each district of Kerala has something to offer the tourists with attractions that comprise the panorama of this vibrant state.

INTRODUCTION TO COCHIN

Cochin – Introduction

In Cochin or Kochi dawn is not often a thing of breathtaking beauty, but just a careless smear of tinted light where sea and sky unite. Daybreak is full of indeterminate promise. A slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbor mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move, ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala’s largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun.

 

Cochin – Location

Popularly referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is located on the west cost of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. The city can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city extends from latitude 9°58' in the North to longitude 76°17' in the East. 

Cochin – Climate

Being situated very close to the sea, Cochin has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June–August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall is 310 cm.

VARKALA TOURS

VARKALA

Varkala is must for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, Varkala is a favourite with tourists who travel to Kerala. What makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional is its landscape. Towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding the sparkling waters, back the beach. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply astound the visitors.This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK,PALAKKAD

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Silent Valley - Attractions : Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.

The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.

The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park. Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger.

CHIMMINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

CHIMMINI,THRISSUR

The dense tropical forests of Chimmini shelter diverse flora and fauna. The dam across the Chimmini river offers a breathtaking view. This picturesque picnic spot is a favourite haunt of the people of Kerala.

BACKWATERS

THE BACKWATERS

 The backwaters are a combination of lakes, lagoons, canals & estuaries; you can have the unique experience of catching fish, prawns, lobsters, crabs etc. using the traditional fishing methods.

Get into a country boat and barge your way through the gentle river, which has crystal clear cold water, along the palm fringed backwaters and paddy fields, absorbing the beauty of Kerala villages. Visiting fishermen village, fishing boatyard, fishing harbor and chatting with fishermen are some of the things you will never forget in your lifetime.

RESERVOIR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

NEYYAR RESERVOIR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 A repository of some of the rarest medicinal herbs, the Neyyar Dam is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. The lake formed by the dam across the Neyyar river is the bluest of blue, making boating irresistible for tourists.The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of which the dam is a part is the habitat of over a hundred rare species of fauna including elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, porcupines, tigers and a variety of snakes. A crocodile breeding centre and a lion safari park are also located in the dam site.

AYURVEDA HEALTH CENTERS

AYURVEDA HEALTH TREATMENT

Different Types of Ayurveda Massages
Massages in general improve the circulations and thus energize the body and mind. This is beneficial for the diseased as well as healthy person. Massage using time tested Ayurvedic preparations are done at our center by well-trained therapists under the guidance of expert doctors in the field of Ayurveda.
Uzhichil Total Time: 1 hour Rate: Rs. 800/-      The term “Uzhichil”refers to a type of Ayurvedic massage where body is massaged in a special pattern, which improves blood circulation, vitalizes various organs and thus provides a new energy to the body. It tones up the muscle and strengthens the body. Body massage: 40 mins, Steam Bath: 10 mins, Shower: 10 mins
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Massage Total Time: 1.5 hour Rate: Rs. 1250/-      This is a type of massage in which every part of the body individually is massaged in a special manner. This relieves pain and swelling in the joints and strengthens the muscle thus providing a strong healthy body. It vitalizes the internal organs and thus helps to maintain the immunity of the body. The medicines used for this massage brings special glow to the skin making it look softer and younger. Body massage: 60 mins, Steam Bath: 15 mins, Shower: 15 mins
Relaxation Massage

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IDUKKI

CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IDUKKI

 A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The last world count of these squirrels was less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.

An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal place to watch herds of Bisons march past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.

Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary - Location : About 60 km from Munnar,Idukki district.

PATHIRAMANAL ALAPPUZHA DT

PATHIRAMANAL ALAPPUZHA

Pathiramanal, a small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha, is a haven for hundreds of rare birds migrating from different parts of the world.

Surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alappuzha to Kochi and the Kayamkulam lake, Pathiramanal is accessible only by boat. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break in the journey while on a backwater cruise.

ISMA ,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 ISMA,Trivandrum

The Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA) was established in 1983 and is recognised by the Government of India and Sports Council as an ideal training centre for the 5000 year old martial art, Kalarippayattu. ISMA is also a place for healing and rejuvenation, since Mr.Balachandran Nair who set up the organisation hails from a family of warrior healers.

AMBALAVAYAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

AMBALAVAYAL HERITAGE MUSEUM

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum - Attractions : Rare 2nd century artefacts.

For any body with some interst in histoy or archaeology This is must see spot; Where the greatest collection of articles are displayed rememebering the way how the inhabitantsof the hills lived two millaniums back. The articles exibited are capable of throwing light in to a civilzation and culture pertaining to the tribals who inhabited around two thousand years back;The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipment like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.

ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS ,KERALA

ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS

A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town.

Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors.

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ,KERALA

Parambikkulam is an oasis of tranquil greenery nestled in a valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamilnadu and the Nelliyampathy ranges of Kerala. The Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary here spreads over an area of 285 sq km on the Western Ghats.

The sanctuary offers an exotic experience of the rare fauna of Kerala. Quite a few hill tribes, like the Malayars, the Kadas and the Muthuvans also live in the jungles of Parambikkulam. The fauna here include bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, lion tailed macaques, tigers, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles.

NAPIER MUSEUM ,KERALA

NAPIER MUSEUM &ART GALLERY 

A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. An exceptional piece of architecture, the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General John Napier. The Napier Museum is also called the Government Art Museum.

The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles. Built by the 19th century British architect Chisholm, it has a unique natural air-conditioning system. A veritable treasure house for connoisseurs of art, the intriguingly eclectic collection of bronzes, historic ornaments, ivory carvings and chariots, it is the pride of this place.

PALARUVI WATER FALL,KOLLAM KERALA

 PALARUVI WATER FALL

Palaruvi - Location : About 75 km from Kollam on the Kollam - Shencottah road.

Palaruvi - literally, stream of milk - is one of Kerala's most picturesque waterfalls, cascading down a height of 300 feet. It is a favourite picnic spot for visitors from all over south India. The journey to Palaruvi through the dense tropical forest is a spellbinding experience.

The surrounding mist-clad blue hills and green valleys form a stunning backdrop to the milk-white burst of foam whose muffled roar resounds through the otherwise tranquil virgin forest.

Tipu Sultans Fort Palakkad

 TIPPU SULTHANS FORT

The Tipu's Fort, also known as Palakkad Fort, stands in the heart of Palakkad town. Palakkad is a small town on the lower edges of the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, with patches of dense forests and crisscrossed with rivers.

One of the well preserved forts in south India, Tipu's Fort was constructed in 1766 AD and is today a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The sober majesty of the laterite walls of the fort reminds one of the old tales of valour and courage.

Archeological Museum Thrissur Kerala

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM 

The Archeological  Museum was until recently accommodated in the Thrissur Town Hall building. Now it has been shifted to the Kollengode Palace, an architectural delight. The majestic building houses a gallery of murals from all over Kerala and preserves a rare treasure of Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal (manuscripts on dry palm leaves), megaliths etc.

Veerakallu or herostones are stone engravings and sculptures of figures and weapons belonging to the heroes of days gone by. Most of these were recovered from the forests of Wayanad and Thrissur.

The megalith collection includes earthen pots, urns etc. The temple models cast in plaster of Paris are excellent representations of the ancient temples in the State.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY,KANNUR

ARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level.

Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.

Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

 Its location : 35 km from Thalasserry and 60 km from Kannur town.

 KERALA KALAMANDALAM ,THRISSUR

One of the most revered places for the traditional art forms of Kerala, the Kalamandalam is the cradle of training in India. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here.

The Kalamandalam and its surroundings reflect the simple, pure and ethnic atmosphere in which these arts have survived for centuries.

                                                            The Koothambalam - the traditional dance theatre - at Kalamandalam is the only one in the State which is built outside a temple complex. Constructed according to vikrushtra madhya, one of the three natya grihas (theatres) specified in sage Bharatha's Natyasasthra - a treatise on art compiled in the 2nd century B.C, the theatre is 14.62 m long and 7.31m wide and has four wooden pillars supporting it. It has three main parts - the aniyara (green room), the rangam (stage) - the space on front and side of it meant for the audience, and the mridanga-patha (where the drum is kept).

DUTCH PALACE;ERNAKULAM

DUTCH PALACE MATTANCHERY;ERNAKULAM

 

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. The palace with a Bhagavathi temple in the central courtyard is built like the typical Kerala  style mansion - the Nalukettu - the home of the aristocracy, nobility and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard.
The double storeyed palace building which stands by the panoramic Kochi back waters has an exquisite collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. The themes of these murals have been borrowed from the great Indian epics - the Ramayana  and the Mahabharatha, and mythology and legends about the Hindu gods especially Guruvayurappan. Some murals depict scenes from Kumarasambhavam and other works of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Also on display are royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.
 Dutch Palace Mattancherry - Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays.

VAIKOM MAHADEVAR TEMPLE

VAIKOM MAHADEVAR TEMPLE 

Among all the ancient and unique temples of South India, Vaikom Mahadevar Temple of Kerala, South India occupies the most significant position in the whole world. One can find the Vaikom Mahadevar temple along the western side of Kottayam district, the temple also has its border shared with Vembanattu Kayal (lake). A tourist finds Vaikom about 40kms from Kottayam town.
Being the oldest town of Vaikom in the Kottayam district as well as in Keralam has historical importance. During the freedom struggle of India 'Vaikom Satyagraham' against untouchability started here in 1925 wherein Mahatma Gandhi took an active part. Spiritually the city of Vaikom is known as the City of Shiva or Vaikathhapan. Vaikom Mahadevar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as Annadanaprabhu in local language.Pilgrims flock to the shiva temple during the Sabarimala season and Vaikattu Ashtami festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in February-March and in November and December.
The temple at Vaikom was established when the demon Khara of Ramayana a great devotee of Lord Shiva set one shivalingam on the ground which got attached to the ground. According to legends Lord Shiva was worshipped by Parasuram also. The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is locally known as Thekkan Kashi or Dakshina Kasi which means Southern Varanasi.The spectacular attribute of this temple is the famous elephant parade. The offering of food or prathal to the devotees since ancient times is the oldest custom followed here. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Dakshinamurthy, Kiraata Murthy and Satchitananda during morning or panthirati pooja, noon or Uchcha pooja and evening respectively.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple has an oval chamber which is covered with a copper plates and the roof is crowned with a golden kalasam (dome). The temple's engraved wall painting is 15 and 18 centuries old. The Mukhamandapam is in the front of the oval shaped chamber. A visitor can have a view of the 129909nandi (vehicle of shiva). The wall is decorated with lamps on wooden framework lined together in

JEW STRREET

JEW STRREET KOCHI

Among all the ancient and unique temples of South India, Vaikom Mahadevar Temple of Kerala, South India occupies the most significant position in the whole world. One can find the Vaikom Mahadevar temple along the western side of Kottayam district, the temple also has its border shared with Vembanattu Kayal (lake). A tourist finds Vaikom about 40kms from Kottayam town.
Being the oldest town of Vaikom in the Kottayam district as well as in Keralam has historical importance. During the freedom struggle of India 'Vaikom Satyagraham' against untouchability started here in 1925 wherein Mahatma Gandhi took an active part. Spiritually the city of Vaikom is known as the City of Shiva or Vaikathhapan. Vaikom Mahadevar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as Annadanaprabhu in local language.Pilgrims flock to the shiva temple during the Sabarimala season and Vaikattu Ashtami festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in February-March and in November and December.
The temple at Vaikom was established when the demon Khara of Ramayana a great devotee of Lord Shiva set one shivalingam on the ground which got attached to the ground. According to legends Lord Shiva was worshipped by Parasuram also. The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is locally known as Thekkan Kashi or Dakshina Kasi which means Southern Varanasi.The spectacular attribute of this temple is the famous elephant parade. The offering of food or prathal to the devotees since ancient times is the oldest custom followed here. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Dakshinamurthy, Kiraata Murthy and Satchitananda during morning or panthirati pooja, noon or Uchcha pooja and evening respectively.

NATIONAL PARK MUNNAR

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK MUNNAR
 

A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.
Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.
An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters.

VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE

VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE 

The Vadakkunnathan temple, of Kerala finds its place in a hillock at the centre of Trichur. One of the largest temples in Kerala devoted to Lord Shiva is the Vadakkunnathan temple which is one of the most ancient of its kind. The town of Trichur is developed surrounding the Vadakkunnathan temple. Trichur gets its name from Tiru-Siva-Perur. The Vadakkunnathan temple is one of the most important sacred shrines of Kerala. According to the legends it was built 1000 years ago by parasurama.
According to the myths Adi Sankaracharya parents' prayed at the Vadakkumnathan or the Vrashacala temple for his birth after remaining childless for long. Vrishachala and Vrisha are the other names of Vadakkkunnathan Temple which literally mean Nandikeswara.

KRISHNAPURM PALACE

KRISHNAPURM PALACE

The Krishnapuram Palace is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture - complete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows. Residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom, the age of the palace is unknown.
Renovated some time in the 18th century, the palace is today a protected monument under the Archaeology department. Recently it has been again renovated according to the scientific techniques prescribed for the protection of heritage buildings.
Today the palace is an archaeological museum, and the most fascinating exhibit here is the 49 sq.m - Gajendra Moksham - the largest single band of mural painting so far discovered in Kerala. Literally, the salvation ( Moksha) of the elephant king ( Gajendra), the theme of the mural is mythological and depicts an elephant saluting Lord Vishnu in devotion while the other gods, goddesses and saints look on. It is said that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the Kayamkulam rajas. This mural was placed at the entrance to the palace from the pond to enable the rajas to worship the deity after their bath.

THIRUVANCHIKULAM SHIVA TEMPLE

THIRUVANCHIKULAM SHIVA TEMPLE 

God's own country, Kerala, on one hand offers tourists with mesmerizing hill stations and on the other hand it has many wonderful temples having both historical and spiritual importance. The Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is one among them. The temple of Thiruvanchikulam Shiva temple is at a distance of about 30 kms from Thrissur, Kerala. Located at Kodungallur, the temple was built many centuries ago.
There are a number of stories making up the history of the temple. One among them is something like this: Two very close friends, Saint Sundarmoorty Narayan and Cheraman Perumal worshipped Lord Shiva leading to eternal bliss. They reached the abode of Shiva, Kailas by Narayan riding a 1000-tusked elephant and Perumal a blue horse.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour 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 grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
Wild animals especially tigers frequently come out of the forest to drink water from the lake. Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. The Lake Palace, built on a small island accessible only by boat, is one of the unique boarding places in the world where wild animals can be sighted from the bedroom window.

THIRUVALLU TEMPLE ,KERALA 

Thiruvallu Temple of Kerala is another prominent temple of the southern region. It is also one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. A tour to Kerala is significant for a visitor once he visits the temples and praises its architectural style.
Kerala is described as God's own country and is known for its beautiful temples. Most of them are unique of its style and wall paintings. The typical south Indian style is followed in each of the structure. The temple structure started developing in the Chola periods and thus became a tourist destination. Apart from the backwaters and greenery Kerala thus enhances its position through the temples.

KUMARAKAM BIRD SANCTUARY

KUMARAKAM BIRD SANCTUARY 

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience.


Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Nearest railway station : Kottayam, about 16 km.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town

AGASTHHYARKOODAM PEAK

AGASTHHYARKOODAM PEAK

Agasthyarkoodam is located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Bonacaud is the nearest village. The hill station features rare herbs and medicinal plants, thick forest and trekking trails.
Agasthyarkoodam, the magnificent peak in the Western Ghatsin an altitude of 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.a valuable and rare herb by name arogyapacha (plant or eternal health) is attracting the attenion moern reasearchers to this hill.
As the diety Agasthya The greathermit was supposed to be an ardent brahachari(bachelor) Women are not allowed up to the peak.The best timeto visit is Decimber to April. For trekking a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

 Agasthyarkoodam Peak - Attractions : Rare herbs and medicial plants. The Agasthya forest believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails. Thick forests.

SREE POORNATHARAYEESA TEMPLE

 SREE POORNATHARAYEESA TEMPLE

Tripunithura, about 10 km Southeast of Ernakulam (Kochi), Kerala is known as the Land of Temples. And one such temple worth visiting is the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. It is said that Arjuna of Mahabharata has established this temple. The deity here is Maha Vishnu (popularly known as Sree Poornathrayeesa) and it is one among three Vishnu Temples in Kerala. The Tripunithura Poornathrayeesa Temple is famous for its yearly festivals. The main one being the Vrishchikoltsawam, which is conducted every year in the month of November- December. The other cultural festival includes the Athachamayam which is held during the harvest festival of Onam and is celebrated with procession of float, Tableau and dances like Pulikkali. This deity is Kula Daivam of Cochin Royal family.
The history of the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Kerala dates back to more than ten decades and was almost ruined by a major fire outbreak in the early 1900s. The current temple is a renovated one. It is believed that a couple who worships Lord Vishnu truly is always blessed with children.
On the fourth day of the Vrishchikoltsawam festival, apart from the usual procession of decorated elephants, a golden pot is kept on a raised platform and offerings made here are believed to bring in a better future. This custom is called Kanikka edal. Thousands of deities flock every year during this time. Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu, Ottanthullal, musical concerts are performed in the temple premises during the festival days.
How to reach:

MALAKPUZHA PALAKKAD:KERALA

 MALAKPUZHA PALAKKAD

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the river Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town and has been a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.
Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the snake park, the ropeway which takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi (an enchantress) sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, the leading sculptor of Kerala.
The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Neck Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Malampuzha Palakkad - Attractions : Dam, amusement park, boating facilities, rock garden and ropeway.

CHITHIRA LOCATION

                                                                                                 

Green and beautiful, a little effaced by the historic Bekal Fort and beach, Chithari is still a virgin destination. The island is accessible only by boat, often wooden canoes that belong to the locals. A part of the Bekal Tourism Project, this backwater area has all it takes to become a mega tourist destination.

Chithari - Location : 5 km from Kanhangad, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.
Chithari - Attraction : A small tropical island. The emerald lagoon. And a vast sandy beach
Chithari - Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, about 5 km
Chithari - Nearest airport : Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 200 km.