Munnar - one of the best hill stations of
South India - is situated at a height of 1600 m from Sea Level. Situated
at the confluence of three mountain streams, this hill station was once
the summer capital of the British Government in South India. Sprawling Tea
Plantations, small towns and beautiful houses make this a popular hill
station. Munnar is also famous for exotic flora - like Neelakurunji, which
blooms once in 12 years. Anamudi, the highest peak of south India is
situated in this area and is an ideal place for Trekking.
Cochin - 'Queen of the Arabian' Sea is the
commercial capital of Kerala. Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors
in the world. Cochin was once the major center of commerce and trade with
the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.
Aleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty. Known
as the Venice of The East, it is famous for backwaters, boat races,
houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir products. A singular
characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of
lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is the
one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea
level.
Thekkady -Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife
Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms
is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants.
There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam
across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to
watch the wildlife.Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and
wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene
boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque,
the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the
Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while.
Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork,
woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also
be seen.
Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in South
India, is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of
which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous beach. Ayurvedic treatment
especially during monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam.
Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is one the
world famous Backwater destinations of Kerala. Fishing, Boating and visits
to the countryside make this destination a unique place to look forward
to. Kumarakom also has a small bird sanctuary where different species of
birds can be seen. A boat cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way
to experience the serenity of the enchanting backwaters. Luxury hotels
situated in this area to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.
Trivandrum, the State Capital of Kerala is famous for its
historical temples, museum and a long shore line, with internationally
renowned beaches, backwater stretches, and a rich cultural heritage.
Varkala, 50 km from Trivandrum, is one of the famous and upcoming
beaches in South India. Varkala is famous for its quiet secluded stretch
of sand. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs
and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and the
Nature care centre are the two main attractions here. Varkala is also an
important Hindu center of pilgrimage. The final resting-place of the great
social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called
Sivagiri.
Wayanad - One of the districts in Kerala
that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills
of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by
civilization. Wayanad is known for picturesque mist-clad hill stations,
sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural
traditions. The leading tourist centers of South India like Ooty, Mysore,
Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region.
