SOUTH INDIA TOURISM: KERALA TOURISM.

BEACHES IN KERALA | LIST OF BEACHES IN KERALA | TOP 10 BEACHES IN KERALA

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Most of India's finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 600 km length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Each year, an impressive number of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm-fringed beaches.

Kovalam Beach: Internationally renowned, this seaside destination comprises three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches, of which the southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers a variety of activities including snorkelling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc. (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram)

Shankhumugham Beach:
Adjacent to the airport, this beach has an indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid), a restaurant shaped like a starfish and a traffic training park for children. Nearby are two popular picnic spots Akkulam and Veli Tourist Village. (8 km from Thiruvananthapuram)

Chowara Beach:
8 km south of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram Pristine and serene, this fishing hamlet is an unending stretch of white, sandy beaches.

Poovar Beach:
An isolated but spectacular beach, Poovar is situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. A trading port in its early days, it is today an important tourist destination. (12 km south of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram)

Papanasham Beach:
A dip in the sea at Papanas ham, meaning redemption from sins, is believed to be holy. Fringed by red laterite cliffs, near to the beach are the mineral springs, serene backwaters, the 2000-year-old Sree Janardhana swamy Temple, a century- old tunnel and a Nature Cure Centre. (45 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Varkala)

Thangasseri Beach:
This seaside village of historic importance houses the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The beach here is an unique place where you get to see the sun setting and the moon rising simultaneously. (5 km from Kollam)

Thirumullavaram Beach:
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. (6 km north of Kollam)

Alappuzha Beach: A 137.year-old pier which extends into the sea and an old lighthouse add to the attractions of the beach. (3.5 km from the city)

Fort Kochi Beach: Overlooking the Arabian Sea, with its legendary Chinese fishing nets dotting the foreground, Fort Kochi Beach offers a view of spectacular sunsets. Another highlight here are the waterfront stalls serving fresh catch prepared according to taste. (21 km from Ernakulam)

Cherai Beach:
This lovely beach bordering Vypeen lsland is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally spotted here. A typical Kerala village nearby, with paddy fields and coconut groves, is an added attraction. (23 km from Ernakulam)

Natika Beach:
Fringed by palm trees, this picturesque beach is a hot spot for picnickers. (24 km from Thrissur)

Tanur Beach:
The small coastal fishing town of Tanur is one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. (35 km from Malappuram)

Padinjarekkara Beach:
Famous for bird watching, the beach also offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. (5 km from Chemravattom, Ponnani in Malappuram)

Vallikunnu Beach:
A beach resort set in the midst of a palm grove is the main attraction here. Nearby is the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. (40 km from Malappuram)

Kozhikode Beach: This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the ancient lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a old, that run into the sea. (500 m from the city)

Beypore Beach:
One prominent ports and a maritime trading centre of ancient Kerala, Beypore is located at the mouth of the chaltyar River. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction the Uru (Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years. (10 km south of Kozhikode)

Kappad Beach:
This is the historic beach where vessels. Vasco da Gama Landed on the 21th of May 1498 with men in three The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. (16 km from Kozhlkode)

Thikkoti Lighthouse Beach: This beach overlooks the veluyamkallu Rock much dreaded by mariners, off Moodadi coast. The lighthouse here was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the veltyamkallu Rock is home to migratory

Payyoli Beach: The shallow waters of this beautiful ideal for swimming. During November-December, hordes of the endangered olive Ridley turtle come in to lay eggs. (40 km north of Kozhlkode)

Vadakara Sandbanks This beach where the kattakal River merges into the sea is stunningly beautiful and is a favourite spot for locals and tourists. The nearby Biria Bungalow offers a detightful view the Sandbanks Beach. (50 km from Kozhikode)

Payyambalam Beach: Famous for its flat laterite cliffs that Jut out into the sea, well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of Mother and child make this beach extremely captivating. The adjacent Baby Beach accessed through the Bumasseny Cantonment is detightfully quiet.(2 km from Kannur)

Kizhunna Beach:   This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala. (11 km from Kannur)

Meenkunnu Beach:   (12 from Kannur Uncrowded, the beach is a tourist's paradise, with golden sand and surf

Muzhappilangad Beach:   Swimmer's paradise, this is Kerala's only drive-in beach. Adventure sports like paragtiding, parasailing, micro-lite flights and a variety of watersport options are possible here. (15 km from Kannur)

Dharmadom Beach: The small five-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the serene stretch of Dharmadom Beach, Permission is required to enter this isle (17 km Kannur)

Ezhimala
The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Ezhimala also has a Naval Academy (50 km from Kannur)

Bekal Fort Beach: Also known as Pallikara Beach, this scenic seaside offers a spectacular view of historic fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation, Kappil Beach:

A winding lane meanders through palm-fringed landscape to totally unpolluted, secluded beach. The Kodi this Cliff closeby offers a panoramic of the Arabian Sea, km away is the Palukunnam Temple.

Kanwatheertha A large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction here. (3 km from Manjeswaram in Kasaragod)

RANIPURAM HILLS | TREKKING SPOT IN KASARGOD

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Ranipuram is a hill station and a major trekking location in Kasargod District of Kerala, situated 750 m above sea level. Which is almost near the border between Kerala and Karnataka. Ranipuram is at a distance of about 55 Km from Kanhangad. There is parking place at the base of hill where you can park your vehicles. In order to reach the top of the Ranipuram hill, one hour trekking through the forest is required. Trekkers should carry enough water and food. An entry fee of Rupees 30 have to pay per head. If you are visiting during Rainy season carry enough salt to get rid of Leeches.

Getting there

KANHANGAD - MAVUNGAL - EZHAMAIL - ODAYANCHAL - RAJAPURAM - MALAKKALLU - PANATHADI - RANIPURAM.

Regular bus services are available from Kanhangad to Panathadi.
Jeep services to Ranipuram are readily available from Panathady

view from the rock

Accommodation facilities

Trekking path

view from the top

way to top

destination

PERFORMING ARTS IN KERALA

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Blessed as it is by nature and a vibrant people, Kerala also has repertoire of music, dance and a Most of these are unique to the land and reflect the love for life of its people. From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as it synthesizes all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people.

Classical Arts

The tradition of classical arts has existed in Kerala for more than a thousand years.

Koodiyattam

The sanskrit theatre of kerala, It is believed to have originated two millennia ago. This art form was declared by UNESCO as one among the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

Kathakali

The spectacular dance drama of Kerala, Kathakali integrates dance, music, poetry and histrionics. Referred to the first theatre imagination' in the world it combines both lasya (gentle, graceful dance) and thandava (powerful, energetic dance) elements.

Mohiniyattom

The gracefully elegant classical dance form, Mohiniyattom is the dance of the enchantress and has lasya as the predominant element.

Folk Arts

Kerala a vast repertoire of folk performing arts, folk songs and folk drama that showcase man's overpowering rapport with nature and his constant desire for communication with the unknown.

Theyyam

One of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala, Theyyam has its origins in the northern parts of the state. The oldest ritual art form, there are about 45 different types of Theyyams including the Agni Theyyam where the dancer walks on fire.

Thira, Mudiyettu, Kaduvakali, velakali, kakkarissinatakam, Chavittunatakam Margarnkali, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Bhadrakalipattu, Pulluvanpattu and Thiruvat hirakali are some of the other folk art forms of Kerala.

Martial Arts

Kalaripayattu

The comprehensive system of martial arts of Kerala, Kataripayattu is regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even Kung fu is believed to have originated from it.

KERALA - TRULY GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

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Golden beaches. Magical backwaters. Refreshing hill stations. Rejuvenating Ayurveda. Exotic art forms. Colourful festivals. Delightful cuisine... Kerala is renowned the world over for its diverse and unique attractions. Small wonder, the National Geographic Traveler chose the land as one of the ten paradises of the world. Asia's fastest growing hotspot, Kerala is today easily the most acclaimed destination of the millennium. Observing the prominence of Ayurveda and the dedication with which it is practised here, Germany's largest selling travel magazine Geo Saison lauded Kerala as "the Mecca of the oldest and holistic health system'. Relaxed cruises on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala were highlighted by the New York Times which described Kerala as the place "where India flows at a relaxed pace'. The delicious cuisine of this fertile land is world famous and had the Travel & Leisure acclaiming Kerala's as one of the best breakfasts of the world' And enthralled by the unmatched beauty of this green paradise, former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney referred to the land as Truly God's own Country'

KERALA FACT FILE:

Location :Southwestern tip of India

Area :38863 sq. km

Population :33,387,677 (Census 2011)

Capital :Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum)

Districts : 14

Language :Malayalam; English

Religion :Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Time :GMT +5:30

Currency :Indian Rupee

Climate :Tropical

Summer February to May (24 - 34 degree celsius)

Monsoon June to September (20 - 30 degree celsius)

Winter October to January (18 - 28 degree celsius)

WATERFALLS IN KERALA

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The forests of the Western Ghats are punctuated with larg and small waterfalls that roar, gurgle and splash down the mountain side. Almost all these scintillating cascades are the venues for picnics and excursions round the year.

Palaruvi: (75 km from Kollam) Pataruvi which means stream of milk makes its way the rocks, from a height of 300 ft. The Palaruvi woods are a beautiful picnic spot.

Athirapally: (63 km from Thrissur) At the entrance to the Sholayar Ranges, this 80 ft high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.

Vazhachal: (68 km from Thrissur) Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall dense, green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy River. Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala, attracting tourists in plenty.

Attukad: (9 km from Munnar in Idukki) A land of waterfalls and inviting green hills, Attukad, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is excellent for long treks.

Thommankuthu: (17 km from Thodupuzha in ldukki) Famous for its seven- step waterfall, Thommankuthu is an ideal place for adventure tourism, Pedal boating, forest trekking, night camping, bathing the waterfall etc. are some of the activities possible here.

Thusharagiri: (50 km from Kozhikode) Waterfalls and streams abound in this hilly region with excellent trekking tracks, located near Vythiri in Wayanad.

Meenmutty: (29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad) An interesting 2 km jungle trek will lead to the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. water drops from nearly 1000 ft over three stages, presenting a triple-decker effect.

Chethalayam: (12 km east of Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad) A lovely place to visit, trekking enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the climb up the rocks to the waterfall.

Sentinel Rock Waterfall: (22 km away from Kalpetta in Wayanad) Locally known as Soochipara or needle rock, the pool at the foot of the falls is ideal for a quick dip.

LIST OF MONUMENTS IN KERALA

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Kerala has an impressive array of historic and cultural monuments, in regions like Fort Kochi which was a trade centre for centuries, the architecture is a curious mix of typical Kerala, European, Chinese, Jewish and Arabic styles. But the most prevalent architectural style is the traditional Kerala style nalukettu or ettukettu (four or eight-sided structures with a central courtyard and verandah opening out to it). The low sloping roofs and brick walls were designed to match the climatic conditions and terrain of the land.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple:Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is famous for its exquisite mural paintings and stone carvings.

Kuthira malika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum:

Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma, the poet king, musician, social reformer and statesman, this palace is a rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style. Featuring exquisite wood carvings, the palace is today a museum which displays priceless paintings and other articles.

The Napier Museum:

The Indo-saracenic structure dating back to the 19th century boasts a natural air-conditioning system. The museum houses rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. Located near the Napier Museum is the Sree Chithra Art Gallery that displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich as well as exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. (Open 1000 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays & Wednesday forenoons)

Padmanabhapuram Palace:

The seat of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore, this splendid palace is situated at Thuckalai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This is a well-preserved wooden palace, a glorious testimony to the traditional Kerala school of architecture. The extraordinary murals, exquisite floral carvings and the black glossy granite floor have withstood the test of time.

(Closed on Mondays).

Krishnapuram Palace:

The palace museum is known for its of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is the largest in Kerala.

St. Francis Church:

Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this i India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama's mortal remains were buried here in 1524 before they were removed to Lisbon.

Santa Cruz Basilica:

Dating back to 1558, this church has beautiful murals on the ceiling.

Mattancherry (Dutch) Palace:

Built in 1557, the palace has on display murals depicting scenes from the Indian epics and legends, Dutch maps periods furniture and royal collections.

Mattancherry Synagogue:

The oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth this was constructed in 1568. Hand-painted willow patterned Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, scrolls from the old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc. are the attractions here.

Bolgatty Palace:

Built by the Dutch in 1744, this beautiful palace is today a hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura:

The palace complex built in 1865 houses an ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first ever heritage museum.

Chinese Fishing Nets / vasco da Gama square:

These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are built of teakwood 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. The Square is an ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.

Palakkad Fort:

This fort was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.

Thali Temple:

Dating back to the 14th century, the temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite.

St. Angelo Fort:

Built by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Fransiscan De Almeda in 1505, this fort became one of the fmportant military centres of the Dutch and later the British in Malabar.

The Thalasseri Fort:

This fort was constructed in 1708 as the military centre of the British.

Thodeekulam Siva Temple:

Belleved to have been built about 2000 years ago, this temple is famous for its mural paintings.

Bekal Fort:

The 300-year-old fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala, This imposing circular laterite structure rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.

Ananthapura Lake Temple:

This 9th century monument is the only lake temple in Kerala.

BACKWATERS IN KERALA | LIST OF BACKWATERS IN KERALA | TOP 10 BACKWATERS

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The backwaters of Kerala sinuous inland natural lakes networked by canals stretch to over 900 km. Boat trips across these traditional Boats (known as kettuvallom - traditional country crafts over 60 ft. in length) have been converted into luxury houseboats for these cruises.

Thiruvallam : (6 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This serene backwater stretch, en route to Kovalam, is famous for its 2000-year-old temple on the banks of the River Karamana, canoe rides, kayaking and cruises in traditional houseboats.

Veli : (8 km from Thiruvananthapuram The backwaters of veli is a popular place for boating. Sandwiched between the Veli lagoon and the Arabian sea is the Veli Tourist Village. Facilities at the village include water sports and an 18-acre waterfront park with a floating bridge connecting the beach. Open 08.00 am to 06.00 pm.
Phone: 0471-2500785

Akkulam : (10 km from Thiruvananthapuram) on the banks of the tranquil backwaters of Akkulam is a popular tourist village with various leisure options including boating, a children's park with a swimming pool and a musical dancing fountain. Open 1000 1700 hrs. Ph: 0471-2443043

Kappil : (53 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A confluence of the sea, river and the backwater, this secluded, picturesque spot is worth the visit. The Priyadarshini Boat Club here offers boating facilities. Ph: 0470-2662323

Kollam : (71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram) One of the oldest ports in the State, Kollam is where the magnificent network of waterways begins. From the famed Ashtamudi Lake, known as the gateway to the begins. backwaters, system of interlinked canals and lakes winds all the way to the north. The eight-hour trip from here to Alappuzha is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala.

Alumkadavu : (23 km from Kollam Along the vast expanse of the Kayamkulam Lake is little village of Alumkadavu. This hamlet by the the picturesque backwaters is home to skilled artisans who craft the enormous kettuvalloms Alappuzha: Referred to as the Venice of the East, this backwater country with its vast network of lakes lagoons and freshwater rivers is immensely beautiful. Venue for the world-renowned snake boat races, Alappuzha is also famous for its marine products and coir industry

Kuttanad : known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala because of its wealth of paddy crops, Kuttanad in Alappuzha, is the very heart of the backwaters. This is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Pathiramanal : (11/2 hours by motorboat/30 min. by speedboat from Alappuzha) The enchanting island of Pathiramanal (sands of midnight) on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.

Kumarakom : (10 km from Kottayam) Nestled among lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations popular and most beautiful backwater stretches of Kerala. An exotic picnic spot, Kumarakom provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. An exclusive attraction here is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is an ornithologist's paradise.

Kochi : A cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, Kochi, one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is more popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Half the fun of visiting Kochi is going about in the local ferries. A conducted cruise through the winding waterways will take you to several quaint spots including the picturesque islands of Bolgatty Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam

Kozhikode : Unexplored and unspoilt, the backwaters of Kozhikode offer delightful holiday options. Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River are favourite places for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary and Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam (water fiesta) are popular tourist destinations.

Valiyaparamba : (30 km from Bekal Fort.)This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, you can explore the backwaters in a houseboat from Kottappuram in Nileswaram to Kannur through Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Kottappuram : (5 km southwest of Nileswaram) One of the oldest coir factories in Malabar is situated amongst the placid backwaters Kottappuram. The longest walking bridge in Kerala is also in Kottappuram.

PALAKKAD TOURIST MAP | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN PALAKKAD - KERALA

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GAVI ROUTE MAP | PATHANAMTHITTA TO GAVI ROUTE MAP

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ERNAKULAM TOURIST MAP | TOURIST PLACES IN ERNAKULAM - KERALA

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SABARIMALA SREE DHARMA SASTHA TEMPLE | LORD AYYAPPA TEMPLE SABARIMALA

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The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district of kerala. It is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41 days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa. in pathanamthitta.

SABARIMALA

HOW TO REACH THERE:

From Erumeli KSRTC buses are available up to Pampa. then you have to climb to the hill about 6 km distance. And the facilities including Food, ATM, Accomodation, Hospital etc. are available at the top of the hill, means at sabarimala.

KSRTC BUS TIME TABLE FROM ERUMELI TO PAMPA

06.00 AM

09.45 AM

12.00 PM

PAMPA RIVER

SABARIMALA

SHARAMKUTHI

ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA ROUTE MAP | HOW TO REACH ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA KOTTAYAM - KERALA

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Ilaveezhapoonchira the delightful tourist destination located in melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar. And the place is ideal for trekking. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy both the sunrise and sunset. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Ilaveezhapoonchira means 'the pond of flowers where the leaves do not fall' and is named so because the place has no trees.

HOW TO REACH THERE
ROUTE 1: FROM ERATTUPETTA OR THODUPUZHA

KANJIRAMKAVALA - MELUKAVU - ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA -6 KM

ROUTE 2: FROM MOOLAMATTOM OR IDUKKI

KANJAR - KOOVAPALLY - ILAVEEZHAPOONCHIRA -10 KM