KERALA INDIA

KERALA (INDIA)

About:-

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience.

Kerala, India's most advanced society: With one hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is India's cleanest state.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN KERALA

1. Wayanad

Many Keralans rate the elevated Wayanad region as the most beautiful part of their state. Encompassing part of a remote forest reserve that spills into Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Wayanad’s landscape combines mountain scenery, rice paddies of ludicrous green, skinny betel nut trees, bamboo, red earth, spiky ginger fields, and rubber, cardamom and coffee plantations. Foreign travellers stop here on the bus route between Mysore, Bangalore or Ooty and Kerala, but it’s still fantastically unspoilt and satisfyingly remote. It's also an excellent place to spot wild elephants.

The 345-sq-km sanctuary has two separate pockets – Muthanga in the east bordering Tamil Nadu, and Tholpetty in the north bordering Karnataka. Three main towns in Wayanad district make good bases and transport hubs for exploring the sanctuary – Kalpetta in the south, Sultanbatheri (Sultan Battery) in the east and Mananthavadi in the northwest – though the best of the accommodation is scattered throughout the region.

Chembra Peak

At a height of 2100 metres, the towering Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi in the southern part of Wayanad. It is the tallest of peaks in the region. The climb up the Chembra Peak is an exhilarating experience, as each stage in the climb unfolds great expanses of Wayanad and the view gets wider as one goes up to its summit. Going up and coming down the peak would take a full day. Those who would like camp at the top are assured of an unforgettable experience.

Neelimala

Located in the southeastern part of Wayanad, and approachable from Kalpetta as well as Sulthan Bathery, Neelimala is a trekkers delight, with options for different trekking routes. At the top of Neelimala, the sight is a breathtaking one with a view to the Meenmutty falls located near by and the valley in the foreground.

Meenmutty waterfalls

Located close to Neelimala the spectacular Meenmutty falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ootty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad, and adds to ones curiosity with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres.

Chethalayam

Yet another waterfall that attracts visitors to Wayanad is the Chethalayam falls, located close to Sulthan Bathery in the northern part of Wayanad. This waterfall is smaller in size when compared to Meenmutty. The falls and the adjoining areas are ideal locales for trekking and a haunt for bird watchers.

Pakshipathalam

Pakshipathalam is located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 metres. The region predominantly comprises large boulders, some of them really massive. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. Pakshipathalam is located near Mananthavady and a visit to the region would require a 7 km trek through the forest, starting from Thirunelli.

Banasura Sagar Dam

The dam at Banasura Sagar is reckoned as the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located in the southwestern part of Wayanad district and is close to the Karalad Lake. The project area of the Banasura Sagar Dam also has the start point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.

2. Varkala Beach

Perched almost perilously along the edge of 15m-high red laterite cliffs, the North Cliff part of Varkala has a naturally beautiful setting that has steadily grown into Kerala's most popular backpacker hang-out. A small strand of beach nuzzles Varkala’s cliff edge, where restaurants play innocuous world music and stalls sell T-shirts, baggy trousers and silver jewellery. It's touristy and the sales pitch can be tiring, but Varkala is still a great place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks, and it's not hard to escape the crowds further north or south where the beaches are cleaner and quieter.

Despite its backpacker vibe, Varkala is essentially a temple town, and the main Papanasham Beach is a holy place where Hindus come to make offerings for passed loved ones, assisted by priests who set up shop beneath the Hindustan Hotel. About 2km east of here is busy Varkala town.

3. Munnar,  Hill Station

Munnar, the famed hill station of south India, is a romantic locale where natural beauty is everywhere to visit, explore and to enjoy. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – and the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in Malayalam. 

Virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways are all part of the great holiday experience on offer for a traveler to Munnar.

Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. The ‘kurinji season’ in Munnar is a magnificent sight when the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue of the Neelakurinji blooms.

Eravikulam National Park

One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.

Anamudi Peak

Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m.

Mattupetty

Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape.

Pallivasal

Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal & Anayirangal

Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

4. Fort Kochi (Cochin)

Serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. Nowhere else in India could you find such an intriguing mix: giant fishing nets from China, a 400-year-old synagogue, ancient mosques, Portuguese houses and the crumbling remains of the British Raj. The result is an unlikely blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and an English village grafted onto the tropical Malabar Coast. It’s a delightful place to spend some time and nap in some of India’s finest homestays and heritage accommodation. Kochi is also a centre for Keralan arts and one of the best places to see Kathakali and kalarippayat.

Mainland Ernakulam is the hectic transport and cosmopolitan hub of Kochi, while the historical towns of Fort Cochin and Mattancherry, though well-touristed, remain wonderfully atmospheric – thick with the smell of the past. Other islands, including Willingdon and Vypeen, are linked by a network of ferries and bridges.

Top Sights In Kerala

1. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayand Region)

Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is significant because of ecological and geographic continuity with other protected areas such as Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Nagarhole N.P., of Karnataka in north-eastern portion and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu in south-eastern side offering an unique eco system enriched with wildlife, forming natural corridor for the seasonal migration of long ranging animals within the greater conservation unit.

Wayanad District as such is distinct with preponderance of tribes. The life style of tribes revolves around forests. Many tribes and non-tribes depend on forests for livelihood. There is high density of settlements within the PA with human and cattle population offering scope for full-fledged eco-development activities.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu on the south –east. Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

2. Paradesi Synagogue (Kochi)

The Paradesi Synagogue, in a corner of Jew Town, is more than a hundred years old and houses many rare antiques.  The synagogue, that woos many visitors, adds to the quaint charm of Mattancherry.

History

The Jewish synagogue was built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. It was built on the land, adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin.  it was destroyed by the Portguese and then reconstructed, two years later, by the Dutch.

Antique elements, architecture and ambience

Enter the synagogue and the large main hall arrests your attention with display of rare antique objects that add to the grandeur of the place. The light falling through the large open windows make the sight of chandeliers and lamps more delightful. These glass chandeliers dangling from the ceiling belong to the 19th century and were imported from Belgium.

The floor of the synagogue itself is a showpiece with the paving of hand-painted blue willow patterned floor tiles. These ceramic tiles were brought from Canton, China in the 18th century by Ezekiel Rahabi, a renowned Jewish businessman. Each tile is different from one another in its design and it never fails to capture the admiration of the visitors. The marvellous construction of the synagogue is revealed in all its features including the splendid pillars.

A pulpit with brass rails is built in the center of the room. An exclusive gallery for women with gilt columns, a carved teak ark etc can be seen in the synagogue.  The teak Ark houses four scrolls of Torah (the first five books of Old Testament) and they are encased in silver and gold. Two gold crowns presented to the Jewish Community by the Kings of Kochi and Travancore are also kept here.

Visiting time

The synagogue is open every day except Fridays, Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Timings: forenoon - 10 am to 12 noon; afternoon - 3 pm to 5 pm.

Mattancherry Palace  (KOCHI)

The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace, in Mattancherry, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala which features Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi.

3. Keralam - Museum of History and Heritage (Thiruvananthapuram)

Kerala has a fascinating history that blends with the myths and legends of this land and possesses the alluring aroma of spices. The state has an assortment of exhibits that take you into the world of yesteryears.

The exhibits include the archeological evidences of Neolithic age, burial accompaniments belonging to the Iron Age, sculptures of gods and goddesses in bronze, wood and stone, coins, murals and many more. These tokens of days gone by will familiarize one with the very many facets of this land like its rituals, cults, customs, tradition, trade, art, people and their lifestyle.

Keralam, a museum of history and heritage in the capital city, is a joint venture of Kerala Tourism and the State Department of Archaeology. The museum, established in the Park View mansion near the zoo, uses modern display techniques such as touch-screen counters and multimedia systems to explain the artifacts arranged in different galleries and to screen narrative documentaries on the distinctive facets of Kerala's cultural history.

Main attractions

Burial accompaniments belonging to the Iron Age

The Roman Dinari, which proves Kerala's maritime contacts with the Roman Empire

The Granthas, written on palm leaves, in Malayalam and Sanskrit

17th Century murals from the Pundarikapuram Temple, Kottyam

Stone celts, which prove the Neolithic inhabitation in Kerala

14th Century Brahma Sculpture

14th Century Yoga Narasimha Murthy

16th Century Nataraja Sculpture

Museum timings

10 am to 5.30 pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays

4. Napier Museum (Thiruvananthapuram)

Napier Museum and Natural History Museum are situated in the Museum compound, right in the heart of the Thiruvananthapuram city, near the zoological park.

Napier Museum built in the 19th century, this Indo-Saracenic structure boasts a natural air-conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The Japanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana, are very interesting.

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.

5. Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission (Amritapuri)

The Mata Amritanandamayi Math is the ashram in Amritapuri of the world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.  Amritapuri Ashram is the headquarters of Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), Amma’s India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization, and the international headquarters of Embracing the World.

It is also home to an international community of more than 3,000 people. Permanent residents include monastic disciples and families from all over India and abroad. Inspired by Amma, they have dedicated their lives to attaining the goal of Self-realisation and serving the world. It is here that they live with Amma, imbibing her teachings, practicing meditation and participating in selfless service.

Amritapuri is also an international pilgrimage centre for people searching for solace, inspiration and inner peace. Thousands of people come to the ashram every day to experience Amma’s boundless love. Amma makes herself available day and night to meet everyone who comes, and to advise the disciples and volunteers managing the many humanitarian projects of  Embracing the World. Daily, Amma leads the evening prayers and devotional singing. Several times a week, she sits with all the residents in meditation and holds open question-and-answer sessions on spiritual topics.

6. Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary, Ernakulam

Thattekkadu is made up of tropical evergreen and deciduous forests and some grassland patches. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. More than 300 species of birds are found here.

Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the River Periyar like a peninsula. Birds like Srilankan Frogmouth, Racket tailed Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Whitebellied Treepie, Shama, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Parakeet, Whitebellied Blue Flycatcher, Malabar Grey Hornbill, are some of the birds that can be easily seen here.

Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahogany. The dense forest is also home to nearly 28 species of mammals and about 9 species of reptiles.

7. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the bird sanctuary is spread across 14 acres. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal..

A visit to the bird sanctuary, set within the lush acres of wooded land nearby, acquaints you to the variety of migratory birds that flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas, some even from as far as Siberia. In addition, you can get thrilled of the native kingfishers ablaze in psychedelic colours, experience a walk under rookeries of egrets and night herons or lone golden-backed woodpeckers and even delight in the acrobatics of the paradise fly-catchers..

Pathiramanal (sands of midnight), an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. This 10 acre island on the backwaters is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world.  The island can be accessed only by boat. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary..

Attractions of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

The main attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian cranes. Parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons..

Viewing the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Houseboats and motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises on the lake.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to bird watch is between June and August. To watch Migratory birds, November to February.

How To Reach Kerala

By Air: -   Trivendrum Airport linked by Flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Madras.

By Train: -   Trivandrum Central Railway Station. Kerala Express connects daily to Delhi,

Netravati Express goes to Mumbai.

By Road: -   N - H - 47 to Thiruvananthapuram via Alleppey and Kollam.