Kerala 
Thiruvananthapuram | Alleppey | Quillon | Kottayam | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary| Munnar | Cochin
| Trichur | Guruvayoor
With foreign influences as disparate as Chinese and Portuguese, Arab and Dutch, Kerala is the spice coast of India. Edged by a thread of unbroken beachline, the state’s heart is composed of intensely green paddy fields and a unique network of rivers and lagoons. Upland Kerala, relatively little visited, is composed of hills thickly wooded with teak and rubber. It is here that Kerala’s most precious spices are grown in carefully nurtured plantations: cardamom, pepper and nutmeg.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the state capital, an international airport, has an exceptionally fine museum set in an amusement park. 16 km away is Kovalam, one of the most popular beaches in the country. Many visitors stay at Kovalam, driving into Thiruvananthapuram for sightseeing trips, rather than the other way round. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and Padmanabhapuram Palace, a short drive away, are important monuments.
Cochin, with a fine natural harbour, has been Kerala’s center of maritime trade for innumerable centuries. Along the harbour, rows of antediluvian Chinese fishing nets indicate Kerala’s trade with China, just as buildings along the water’s edge testify to the erstwhile presence of Dutch and Portuguese colonisers. Jewtown, complete with an immaculately preserved synagogue, has a flavour all its own, while Tripunathura, at the other end of the city, has many traditional houses with central courtyards. Kerala’s multitude of faiths – Islam, Judaism, and a host of sects of Christianity and Hinduism – all coexist harmoniously in a state that is known for its Marxist inclinations! Kerala’s traditions of dance forms, which originated from temple worship, can be witnessed at regularly held performances. Lecture-demonstrations of the most spectacular of these – Kathakali – are held daily at many centres in Cochin. Teyyam, at once an act of worship and visual feast; temple festivals complete with caparisoned elephants; Kalaripayata, the indigenous art of self defence; all are a part of Kerala’s remarkable heritage of performing arts, and can be witnessed at various centres in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. A five hour drive from Cochin leads into thickly forested hills, past rubber and spice plantations, and into southern India’s tea growing district headquartered at the charmingly old world Munnar. From Kottayam to Alleppey is a world of palm fringed waterways, a route which is covered by motor launch. Elderly sailboats, long barges transporting tons of coconuts and tiny skiffs used to transport children to school are common sights on these backwaters.
Thiruvananthapuram , the capital of the state of Kerala, is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The city gets its name from the word, Thiru Ananthapuram meaning the city of Ananth or the abode of the sacred serpent Anantha, on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines.
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 36.2, Min 20.6
Winter: Max 35, Min.18
Rainfall: 170 cms (May to November)
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Thiruvananthapuram is connected by Air-India and Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Madras, Cochin, Delhi & Colombo.
Other private Airlines such as Goaway, East West, Continental Airways operate flight to Thiruvananthapuram from Mumbai (Bombay) & Goa.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Markapur Road on the Guntur-Hubli metre gauge line. Nandyal and Kurnool on the same line are also convenient railheads. However convenient railhead is Hyderabad (232 kms).
Road: Thiruvananthapuram is directly connected by rail to Kolkata (Calcutta) as well as all the major cities in India.
Local Transport: Regular bus services connect Thiruvananthapuram to various places in Kerala as well as to Madras, Madurai Kanyakumari etc.
Places of Interest
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Zoological Park
- Napier Museum
- Sri Chitra Art Gallery
- Science & Technology Museum
- Veli Lagoon
- Shanmugham Beach
- Aruvikkara Dam and Neyyar Dam
- SMSM Institute
Excursions
- Kovalam (16 kms)
- Kanniyakumari (87 kms)
- Padmanabhapuram Palace (54 kms)
- Ponmudi (61 kms)
- Quilon (72 kms)
- Suchindram Temple (99 kms)
- Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, 272 kms)
- Varkala (55 kms)
Kovalam
16 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, a sheltered bay endowed with unusual beauty. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surge. And the beach resort here is of international standard.
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals which passes through the town, provices its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the centre of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Altitude: Sea Level
Temperature (deg C):
Summer: Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter: Max 32, Min 22
Rainfall: 254 cms
Best Season: October to May
STD Code: 0477
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport, Cochin (64 kms), is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Chennai (Madras), Goa, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. East West Airlines also connects Cochin with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Nearest railhead, Cochin (64 kms), is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Alleppey is connected by road to all the important cities in south India, as Cochin- 64 kms, Calicut- 289 kms, Thiruvananthapuram - 159 kms, Quilon- 85 kms, Haripad- 33 kms, Thekkady- 253 kms, Kottayam- 130 kms.
Local Transport: Alleppey is connected by bus with Quilon, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Cochin, Trichur, Guruvayoor, Calicut, Palghat etc.
Coaches, Tourist taxis, Metered taxis & Auto Rickshaws available.
Places of Interest
Backwater Cruise
Alleppey is the gateway to the inland water ways of Kerala. Cruise through small canals pasing paddy fields, villages and small water lodged town-ships to enjoy the scenic beauty and to get a glimpse of the unspoiled rural life of Kerala. Backwater boat cruises are conducted by Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society. The important ones are given below:-
Place Distance Journey Time
1) Alleppey-Kottayam 29 kms 3 & 1/2 hours
2) Alleppey-Ernakulam (Alternate days) 74 kms 7 to 8 hours
3) Alleppey-Quilon (Only one trip) 85 kms 8 hours
4) Alleppey-Champakulam 16 kms 1 & 1/2 hours
Excursions
- Ambalapuzha (14 kms)
- Hariped (33 kms)
The present day Quilon is famous for its varied modern industries, Cashewnut Processing & Research, fisheries etc. for the tourists coming from Thiruvananthapuram, Quilon is the beginning of the magnificient backwaters of Kerala.
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 35, Min 25
Winter: Max 33.5, Min 24
Rainfall: 279 cms
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: The nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Madras, Male & Colombo. East West Airlines also connects Thiruvananthapuram with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Quilon Junction is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Quilon is connected by road with Chavara (16 kms), Thiruvananthapuram (71 kms), Varkala (37 kms), Alleppey (85 kms), Kottayam (110 kms), Thekkady (198 kms), Ernakulam (152 kms), Kundara (13 kms), Trichur (229 kms), Palghat (308 kms), Calicut (374 kms), Cannanore (461 kms), Kasaragod (575 kms) etc.
Local Transport: Quilon is connected by buses to Thiruvananthapuram , Thekkady, Cochin, Calicut, Trichur, Kottayam, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin etc.
Places of Interest
- Thangassery Light House: Massive light house. Visitors are allowed to go to the top of the light House.
- Visiting Hours : 1530 hrs to 1730 hrs. every day.
Backwaters
Quilon like Alleppey is also surrounded by beautiful coconut palms presenting a panoramic view cruising on this lake is very interesting. Motor boats, pedal Boats & rowing boats can be hired from Ashtamudi Boat club Quilon, Tel: 2519 or Quilon Promotion Council, Guest House Compound, Tel: 76456.
Excursions
- Chavara (16 kms)
- Kundara (13 kms)
- Courtallam (Health Resort, 104 kms)
- Alleppey (85 kms)
Kottayam situated in South of Cochin is a cultural Centre with beautiful Old churches. Though a busy commercial city, on its west, it has beautiful backwaters & on its eastern parts it is full of greenary.
Area: 15.54 sq. kms
Altitude: Sea level
Temparature (°C):
Summer : Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter : Max 32, Min 22
Rainfall: 176 cms
Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport is Cochin 76 km. connected by Indian Airlines & East West Airlines with Mumbai (Bombay).
Rail: Kottayam is well connected by rail with other cities in India.
Road: Kottayam is connected by road with all important cities in South India. It is: 76 km from Cochin, 248 km from Madurai, 267 km from Kanyakumari, 114 km from Thekkady, 180 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Local Transport: Kottayam is connected by buses to Cochin, Quilon, Thiruvananthapuram, Alleppey, Thekkady, Madurai, Trichur.
Places of Interest
Valiya Pally
Thazhathangadi Mosque
Kumarakam
10 km away from Kottayam, here is a lovely Vembanad Lake Where tourists can enjoy the beautiful backwater trips operated by the State Water Transport Department. The important ones are given below:-
PLACE KILOMETRES JOURNEY HRS.
1. Komarakam - Mohama 7 km 1/2 hrs.
2. Kottayam - Alleppey 30 km 2 1/2 hrs.
3. Kumarakam - Alleppey 1/2 hrs.
Excursions
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady, 114 kms)
- Ettumanoor (13 kms)
- Vaikkom (48 kms)
The Periyar wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady is an important tourist attraction. It is situated on the Periyar lake in the hills of Western ghats and is the finest sanctuary for viewing & photographing Indian wild elephants.
Altitude: 900 m to 2000 metres
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 29, Min 18
Winter: Max 21, Min 15.5
Rainfall: 203 cms (June to October)
Best Season: September to May
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Madurai, 140 kms connected by Indian Airlines flights with Madras, Trichy & Bangalore. Vayudoot services also connects Madurai with Chennai (Madras) & Pondicherry.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Bodinayakanur 67 kms but however Kottayam (114 kms) is the convenient railhead.
Road: By road Periyar to Cochin 190 kms, Idikki 66 kms, Kodaikanal 160 kms, Madurai 145 kms, Munnar 113 kms, Thiruvananthapuram 272 kms, Kottayam 114 kms.
Local Transport: Regular buses connect Periyar to Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam & Madurai.
What to see
Indian Wild Elephants, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Tigers, Panthers, Wild Gogs, Bison, Spotted deerLeopard, Musk deer.
Sightseeing in the Sanctuary
Wildlife can be seen in its natural habitat by cruising on the lake in motorboats. Elephant rides & motorboats can be arranged through:-
1) The Manager, Aranya Niwas Hotel, Thekkady.
2) Assistant Wildlife Preservation Officer, Thekkady
Excursions
- The following picnic spots are approachable by motor launch or bridge path in the forest
- Arubi creek (16 kms)
- Crusoe Island (19 kms)
- Manakkavala (10 kms)
- Mullakudy (29 kms)
- Pavarasu (19 kms)
- Periyar Dam (12 kms)
- Thannikudy (38 kms)
- Peermade (40 kms)
- Permission from the Superintendent P.W.D., Periyar Dam, Thekkady is necessaryto see the Periyar Dam. No entrance fee.
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.
How to get there
Air: Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away.
Rail: Nearest railway station: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away, Changanacherry, about 93 km away.
Places of Interest
Anayirangal (22 kms from Munnar)
It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. An ideal picnic spot.
Top Station (32 kms from Munnar)
1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
Tea Museum in Munnar
The first ever tea museum opened its doors to welcome visitors at the Nulthathanni Tea Estate of the Tatas (of the Taj Group of Hotels) in April 2004.The museum provides a glimpse into the world of “Planters” who opened up the wilderness of Munnar to the new cash crop – tea. Besides giving an insight into the history of tea, there are photographs and curios and other paraphernalia connected with tea. Set in an, over a century old tea estate it gives tourists first hand knowledge about processing of black tea. Preserved are the original 1905 tea roller, the rotor vane and the Pelton wheel used in the power generation plant of the 1920s besides furniture from an old time planter’s bungalow.
Cochin, the commercial hub of Kerala, is a town of great historical importance. It has a fine natural harbour around which the city has grown. The Fort Cochin area, where the Portuguese settled in the 16th century, has been declared as Heritage Zone.
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 35, Min 22
Winter: Max 32, Min 20
Rainfall: 254 cm (June to October)
Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: Cochin is connected by Indian Airlines to Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Goa, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Cochin/Ernakulam is connected by rail to all the major cities in India.
Road: Cochin is connected with Alleppey 64 kms, Bangalore 565 kms, Kanniyakumari 309 kms, Kodaikanal 444 kms, Chennai (Madras) 694 kms, Madurai 324 kms, Thekkady 190 kms and Thiruvananthapuram 223 kms.
Sea: (A) The Kerala Inland Water Transport Corporation operates regular back- water boat services to Alleppey (7 hrs) and Quilon (8 hrs).
(B) SPORTS-Cochin operates tours to Lakshadweep Islands from Mid-Sept. to Mid-May.
Local Transport: Cochin is connected by regular bus services with all major cities in South India.
Places of Interest
- Dutch Palace
- Jewish Synagogue
- St.Francis Church
- Bolghatty
- Gunda and Willingdon Islands
- Kerala History Museum
- Hill Palace Museum
- Parishath Taamburan Museum
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica)
Excursions
- Alwaye (21 kms)
- Kalady (45 kms)
- Alleppey (64 kms)
- Trichur (80 kms)
- Kottayam (76 kms)
- Guruvayur (109 kms)
- Munnar (136 kms)
- Idikki (138 kms)
- Palghat (163 kms)
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady, 190 kms)
- Sabarimala (209 kms)
- Calicut (Kozhikode, 218 kms)
Trichur, 78 kms north of Cochin on National Highway 47 lies at the base of a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadkkumnathan (Shiva) temple. This former capital of Cochin state was captured by Zamorin and later by Tipu Sultan inthe second half of the 18th Century. The famous pooram festival is celebrated at the Vadakkumnathan Temple every year during April-May. The Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located in Trichur.
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter: Max 32.3, Min 20
Rainfall: 254 cms
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin 78 kms connected by Indian Airlines with Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi, Goa, Chennai (Madras), Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Trichur is a Railway station directly connected with Mumbai (Bombay).
Road: Trichur is connected by road with many tourist centres in south India. Cochin- 78 km, Coimbatore- 114 km, Kalady- 55 km, Kanyakumari- 376 km, Chennai (Madras)- 720 km, Palghat- 67 km, Palani- 229 km, Rameswaram- 222 km, Udhagamandalam (Ooty)- 202 km etc.
Local Transport: Trichur is connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and private bus services to various places in Kerala. It is also connected by direct buses to Palani, Madurai, Bangalore, Mysore, Erode, Chennai (Madras) etc.
Places of Interest
Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala Style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranayana, Ganapathi, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vigettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. Trichur Pooram, the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala is celebrated here in April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Timings: 0400 to 1030 hrs and 1700 hrs to 2030 hrs.
Town Hall
An imposing building with a Chitralayam or a picture gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are exhibited.
Zoo
Near Art Museum. Tel:21110. Timing : Daily 1500 hrs to 1715 hrs.Closed on Mondays and holidays(State). Entry Fee: Adult Rs.1/-, Child 50 ps. Camera fee Rs.5/-. Filming: Prior Permission to be abtained from the Director of Museums & Zoo, Govt. of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
Aquarium
Near Nehru Park. Timings: Daily 1500 hrs to 2000 hrs.
State Museum
Chembukkavu, Tel:20566. Timings: 1000 hrs and 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays. Entry free
Art Museum, Zoo compound
Good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery. Timing: Daily 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Mondays.
Excursions
- Guruvayoor (32 kms)
- Cheruthuruthy (29 kms)
- Peechi Dam (23 kms)
- Tiruvilwamala Temple (29 kms)
- Cranganore (Kodungallor, 36 kms)
- Triprayar (25 kms)
- Irinjalakuda (21 kms)
- KALADY (55 kms)
Kalady, a pilgrim Centre, is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. It is the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher who lived in the 8th Century. There are two Shrines in memory of Sri Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy & the other to the goddess Sharada. Their is an ancient Sri Krishna Temple close by, which was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Another temple known as the International Temple dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna Deva, was completed in April 1976.
Guruvayur is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim contres of Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the Countury. Its chief attraction is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna known as "Guruvayurappan".
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max 35, Min 22.5
Winter: Max 32.3, Min 20
Rainfall: 254 cm
Best Season: October to March
How to get there
Air: The nearest airport Cochin 100 kms, is connected by Indian Airlines with Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi, Goa, Madras, Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: Nearest rail head is Trichur 29 kms from Guruvayur.
Road: Guruvayoor is connected by road with Cochin-100 kms, Coimbatore-142 kms, Trichur (29 kms), Kalady (65 kms), Palghat (95 km), Malampuzha (109 km), Palani (247 kms), Thiruvananthapuram (294 kms), Ootacamund (230 kms) etc.
Local Transport: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and private bus services connect Guruvayur with many of the major places in Kerala. It is also connected by direct bus services with Palani, Madurai, Ooty, Coimbatore, Dindigul etc.
Tourist taxis, taxis, Autorickshaws are available.
Places of Interest
Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple
Guruvayur, with its temple dedicated to Shree Krishna, is one of the most popular pilgrim centres of India. It is at this temple that Melpattur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his renowned Sanskrit devotional poem Narayaneeyam. Timings: 0300 to 1230 hours and 1700 to 2100 hours. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Punnathur Kotta
4 kms. 44 elephants belong to the Guruvayur Krishna Temple are fenced and fed in the Punnathur Kotta. Visitors can watch.
