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Dream Destinations
COCHIN
The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. Then there is the captivating Cochin (cochin) with the charming combination of the picture perfect islands like Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The reminisces of the Chinese, Arabian, Portuguese and the Dutch travelers and traders are omnipresent in Cochin. The variant village cruises to the coconut plantations and the coir villages should not be missed. The peace and the warmth make the vivacious destination come true to its title of being the queen of the Arabian Sea. The sweet memories of the rustic life and the gorgeous greens of Cochin will carry on to refresh you time and again much after the end of the holiday too.
Cochin, known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala has one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots. Walking through Fort Cochin will transport you back to the last years of the 15th century. When the adventurous Vasco da Gama and valiant Cabral let their religions to this land lured by the fabulous riches of Malabar Coast and established flourishing trade relations. Special features: Bolgatty Palace one of the oldest existing Dutch Palace outside Holland. A Dutch trader built this quaint mansion way back in 1744. The building was then the Governor's palace for the Dutch and later in 1909 was leased to the British. In 1947, when India got her independence, the palace became the property of the state and later converted into a heritage hotel resort and is now run by the KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation). Chinese Fishing Nets The Chinese fishing nets, a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi, are the only ones of its kind in India. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. Dutch Palace The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portugese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi in the year 1555 AD. It was later taken over by the Dutch who improved it through extensions and repairs in 1663 AD. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. On display in the palace are, the dresses, turbans, weapons and palanquins. Fort Kochi beach A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. A leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. Hill Palace Built in 1865 by Raja
of Kochi, the palace has been converted into a museum
displaying a fine collection of articles used by the
Rajas of Kochi apart from many archaeological findings. The synagogue, magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, was built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. The exquisite hand painted blue Chinese tiles offer an interesting sight. Not one of the nearly two hundred year old tiles resembles another. In mid-18th century, the clock tower was added. There are several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by the various patrons. Museum of Kerala History This 'live' Museum is not just a retelling of the past but is a Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus. The story, from the Early peoples of Kerala to the modern age is interspersed with Social, Cultural and literary facets is a fascinating one. St. Francis Church It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that the exact place where he was buried has been marked out inside the church Jew Town The loveliest part of Fort Cochin; in earlier centuries a thousand Jews lived here. Most are gone-many old houses are now antique shops for foreign tourists, but the quarter remains the nerve center of Kerala's spice commerce.
Kovalam Location :Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala. Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination. Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans,since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages,special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc.The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes.Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night.The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages,Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc.Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle.But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city.Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery,the Padmanabhaswamy Temple,Ponmudi hill station etc.SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium,is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles.To know more about the crafts on sale here see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January '99 to 15 July '99. Nearest railway station :Thiruvananthapuram central,about 16 km Nearest airport :Thiruvananthapuram International Airport,about 10 km. Kumarakom Are you a bit tired of walking to explore God’s Own Country? It is okay, this month let us have a backwater trip, staying comfortably in a luxurious houseboat. So hire one from Alappuzha, feel free and relaxed as your eyes, first lazily and then passionately enjoy the bewitching Vembanad lake, the largest backwater stretch in Kerala. Let us steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. En route, Vembanad lake offers you sights of village life and a lot of backwater activities. The green shores throbbing with vigour and pure beauty will never tire you. The soft sunlight lends the calm water a new enchantment as the palms on both shores welcome you with a gentle whisper in the wind. Your mind will assure you that this scene will remain within you, to relieve you during all your busiest hours. Once you enter Q S T and R Block Kayal, it is an added enchantment. It is situated at Kuttanad area, popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala. Cruise leisurely through the canals, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields. On reaching Kumarakom, you enter another world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with a slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply captivate you. After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, let us proceed to Vaikom, another place of interest. It is time again to enjoy the placidity of the Vembanad lake, in all its splendor. On the way, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwater. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region.
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. Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. The romantic Lake Palace, formerly a summer retreat of the Maharaja of Travancore, is built on a small island accessible only by boat. Aranya Nivas(Jungle Retreat) a stone lodge with rubble masonry and colonial style of architecture at the head of the lake is a premium property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. Getting there: Munnar Vythiri Wayanad district in Kerala boasts of its affluent coffee and spice plantations. Among spices, Wayanad Kerala is rich in cardamom and pepper. The aroma of spices and coffee beams will follow you from one corner to another. An inebriated beauty of the place will mesmerize you. Nestled at an altitude between 700 - 2100 meters above the sea level, Wayanad Kerala comprises verdant flora and fauna. Take a tour to Pookat Lake, Kuruvadweep, Pazhassi tomb, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Lakkidi and Boy's town. Guruvayoor Place :Guruvayoor (29 km west of Thrissur)
Getting There: Nearest Airport : Nedumbassery (87 km) Nearest Railway station : Guruvayoor ,enquiry: Ph: 2554300 2556820 Train timings Ernakulam : 0720, 1120, 1305, 1720, 2125 hrs Nagarcoil : 2125 hrs (via Thiruvananthapuram) Thrissur : 0710, 1120, 1305, 1720, 2125 hrs Road: Guruvayoor is connected by road with several important cities of India. (KSRTC enquiry: 2556450)
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Get
caught in the fishing nets and setting sun on the
beaches of Cochin; with serene backwaters, beautiful
lagoons, wooded isles and a magnificent landscape,
Cochin is indeed the " Queen of Arabian Sea "
Jewish
Synagogue 
flooded
with water lilres and fleet of ducks, wide paddy fields and above all
a constant destination for migratory birds like, Siberian stork, herons,
etc. This place is a paradise for ornithologists also.
Munnar, 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. 
winds will be an exhilarating for the travellers. Waynad is an excellent
and exotic place to enjoy the beauty of nature, waterfalls, wildlife,
teaplantations, historic monuments and aboveall one of the famous place
for spices like pepper cardamom cinamon etc.
Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. Within the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. 