KOCHI

The originally Portuguese built city with its natural harbor is a nice blend of history (Vasco da Gama) and modern western life style. This vibrating metropolis of Kerala's economy, often called "Queen of Arabian Sea", surely can be titled the second most important city (after Mumbai) of India's west coast. An ideal place for shopping, enjoying a cappuccino in an Italian-style coffee, stepping around in the historical old town (Fort Cochin) with its various attractions like Dutch Palace, Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi Beach, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue…….or just relax in a shore side restaurant and watch the freighters passing by and vanishing on the orange glowing sunset horizon of the Arabian Sea.

Places to visit

St.Fransis Church: It is the oldest church built by European in India. On his 3rd visit, Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in St.Fransis 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.

Chinese Fishing Nets: It is believed that, these nets are introduced by the traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan.

Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. Crowning of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The palace is decorated with mural paintings depicting the scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Jewish Synagogue: The synagogue was built in 1568, decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers and is located near the Dutch Palace.

Bolghatty Palace: This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty Island. At present it is being used as a hotel.

ALLEPPEY

Placed on the edge of Ashtamudi Lake, Alleppey the district capital is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. The wide net of lagoons, lakes and fresh water canals are attracting thousands of foreign guests as the main backwater house boating center.
Named as "Venice of the East" Alleppey is one of the world's main coir supplier. A further highlight to enjoy is the world famous Nehru Trophy Boat race held every August. A one day trip on a house boat with delicious Kerala food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) served on board will take you through the lush green fields and enchanting stretches of coconut trees.

Destinations in Alleppey

Mullackal Temple : Famous pilgrim place dedicated to goddess Rajarajeswari.

Krishnapuram Palace : 47 km from Alleppey, built by Travancor kings with typical Kerala architecture, antique sculptures, paintings and artifacts.

Arthunkal : It is an ancient St.Sebastian church erected by Portuguese and a main pilgrim center for the Christians in Kerala. The church is situated 22 km north of Alleppey.

MUNNAR

Munnar, the former favourite summer resort of the British Government and wealthy royals of India, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala surrounded by "bonsai" shaped tea plantations. Munnar is situated 1600 m above sea level, within the highest peaks in South India, the Anamudi Mountains which towers over 2695 m.
Get enchanted by the spicy smell of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, refreshing mornings with silver dew sparkling in the tea-garden hills. Come and spend a couple of days in this dream palace of nature. Enjoy waterfalls, mountain lakes and take a look from the top hill station to the decan plateau in Tamil Nadu. At day's end, after a refreshing walk through the tea gardens, take a delicious country dinner in a scenery framed from the mountain skyline of Anamudi.

Further attractions around Munnar

Rajmalai : The natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr.The extraordinary flower "Neelakurinji" is blooming every 12 years in this region.

Devikulam : This lake town is an ideal place for trout fishing and a major attraction for tourists.

Eravikulam National Park : Situated in Devikulam district with a range of 97 sq km this park dominates the area with the majestic Anamudi Peak.

Pothamedu : Tea, Coffee & Cardamom Plantations.

PERIYAR (THEKKADY)

The beautiful Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few and most important remaining tiger reserves in India. It also offers a refuge to various other mammals, reptiles, and birds. The Periyar Lake, surrounded by semi evergreen forests, offers you the best and most comfortable way of exploring the wildlife by a boat cruise. With some good luck you may catch the sight of bears, sambar deers, elephants or even a tiger. About more than 260 species of birds are completing the picture. Spend some days in one of the traditional style cottages and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Furthermore the close plantation town Kumili provides you the best shopping opportunities as a centre of spice trade.

Other Destinations in Periyar

Murikkady : About 5 km from Thekkady, Murikkady is a center of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.

Pandikuzhi : 5 km from Kumali, this enchanting place is ideal for trekking, picnic and photographing.

VAGAMON

The mountain region around Vagamon has a very outstanding topography and is famous for the Egg Hills or Mottakunnu Mountains, soft round shaped hills, covered with short golf track like grass. The perfect place for a family picnic. The clean dust free air and the cool climate are motivating to mountain hiking, cycle tours, or even paragliding. Other attractions are the pine forest, the mountain diary farm and the newly opened Eco Park. The recreation value of this place is enhanced by a well selected number of high quality mountain resorts with excellent kitchen.

TRIVANDRUM

The capital of Kerala, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, the "Holy city of Anantha" is situated close to the coast and surrounded by various hills. As the centre of administration it is rich in magnificent historical buildings, royal architecture, silent parks, temples and museums. It has been a trading centre back to 1000 BC. Discover endless curiosities in this unique melting pot of oriental impressions where the breath of past meets the breeze of the future.

Sightseeing at Trivandrum

Botanical Garden / Zoo : Placed within the botanical garden, Trivandrum Zoo is one of the nicest zoos in India.

Napier Museum : Collection of rare historic artifacts, bronze idols and ivory carvings.

Shri Chitra Art Gallery : Famous paintings of Nicolas Roerich, Raja Ravi Varma and others.

Puttan Malika Palace : Former residence of the King of Travancore. Old Kerala architecture at it's best.

Kalari Sangham : School of traditional martial arts. (Sword, Lancet, Stick etc...)

Chalai Bazaar : Old market of Trivandrum. Spices, Jewelries, Handicrafts, Household items, Fashion etc.

KOVALAM

Sunbathing at sickle shaped palm beaches, water sports, thundering breakers, sunset dinner with delicious sea-food, evening beach walks along the beautiful coast line, fresh pressed fruit cocktails with the view of the turquoise Arabian Sea, ayurvedic massage …., action as well as relaxation you may enjoy best at Kovalam Beach, Kerala’s top rank sea shore destination. The multi cultural flare, perfect service and wide range of continental food makes it a perfect place especially for family holidays.

KANYAKUMARI

Cape Kanyakumari, where Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean are joining, is an old Hindu pilgrim place which actually belongs already to Kerala's neighbor state Tamil Nadu.