Athirapally- The Land of Forests, Rivers and Great waterfalls

Athirapally

Athirappally, located east of Chalakkudy in the district of Trichur, is one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala. Athirappally is a famous tourist attraction due to the 80 feet high Athirappally waterfalls that come cascading from the high ranges in to the Chalakkudy River and offer a chance to tourists to witness something wild and natural.

Tourist attractions

1. Vazhachal waterfalls: 

The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.

2.Water-theme parks:

Two water-theme parks - the Dream World and Silver Storm are located to the west of Athirapally.

We are at Athirapally waterfalls

3.Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

The Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.

4.Vachumaram:

Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.

5.Anakkayam:

A few kilometers from Vachumaram (about 20 kilometers from Chalakudy) is Anakkayam (which means elephant pit). Tourists will find a serene lake, bubbling streams, natural rock formations and flora here.

6.Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams:

The Peringalkuthu and Sholayar Dams are situated deep in the forest on the way to Valpara. Both the dams generate hydroelectric power to the state and entry to the dam site is with special permission only. 

Must Things to do

•   Fishing in the river

•   Crabbing

•   Swimming in natural pool

•   Visit to Traditional pottery making unit

•   Country side/ plantation visit

•   Enjoy ayurveda

Location/Best time to go

Location:

The nearest place is Cochin, about 58 km to the north and Trivandrum is approx 280 km to the south. Nearest Railway Station, Chalakkudy is around 30 kilometers from Athirapally.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.

Cochin - Queen of the Arabian Sea

Cochin city- A shot from Marine drive

Cochin/ Ernakulam, affectionately called the “queen of the Arabian Sea” is located on the south western part of India and is home to one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the western part and the Western ghats on the eastern front. Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala and is termed the gateway to Kerala. Cochin has a population of over 600,000 people and is the biggest city in Kerala. Cochin is accessible from every part of India by Air, Rail, Road and by water.

Cochin was one of the first cities in the country to be settled by the Europeans. The Portuguese arrived in 1503 followed by Dutch and the British. From the earliest of times Cochin had trade relations with the Arabs, Romans, Greeks and the Chinese even before the arrival of the Europeans. The Chinese fishing nets still being used for fishing in Fort Cochin are a testimony to the close association with the Chinese in the early times. 

Tourist attractions

1. Jewish Synagogue

Jewish Synagogue

The Jewish Synagogue is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cochin and was built in the year 1568. This Jewish Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. The great scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates on which the grant of royal privileges by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand painted tiles are all well preserved in the synagogue. During the war of 1662 the synagogue was partially destroyed but was rebuilt by the Dutch soon. A clock tower was also added later on.

The synagogue stays open from 10 am to 12 noon and from 3.00 pm to 5 pm on all days except on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

2.Dutch Palace

The Dutch palace or the Mattancherry palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Rajah of Cochin in the year 1555. The Dutch, however, took over the palace in 1663 and made extensive renovations and the palace soon came to be known as the Dutch palace. As this was offered to the ruler of Cochin, neither the Portuguese nor the Dutch ever stayed in the palace.

The Dutch palace now is one of the important tourist attractions in Cochin and tourists are seen visiting this ancient monument. The Dutch palace features the royal dresses worn by the kings, the turbans, weapons and several other relics of the ancient times. The central hall where royal coronations took place can also be seen. The Dutch palace also showcases several mural paintings of Hindu mythological figures and scenes from the Ramayana. A special mix of egg white, charcoal, coconut shells and lime is used for the floor construction and this gives a very polished appearance. The Dutch palace obviously is one of the important places to visit in Cochin.  The Dutch palace stays open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except on Fridays and national holidays. 

3.Santa Cruz Basilica

The Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest churches in the country and is located near the St. Francis church in Fort Cochin. The Santa Cruz basilica is a Roman catholic church and was built in Gothic style by the Portuguese in the year 1503. It is a specimen of Portuguese church architecture with lofty spires. The basilica features frescos and mural paintings on the ceilings and the interior. The Santa Cruz basilica is one of the “must see” tourist attractions in Cochin. Daily masses are held, and on being raised to the status of a basilica, it has achieved international recognition. Foreign tourists are also seen visiting this basilica in large numbers.

4.Chinese fishing nets 

The Chinese fishing nets are an integral part of Cochin and are an icon in the tourist map of Cochin. These Chinese fishing nets in Fort Cochin are believed to have been brought by the Chinese traders during the reign of the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan. These Chinese fishing nets in Fort Cochin have very large nets that hang from teak poles. The fishing nets are still in use and tourists visiting Cochin make it a point to watch the fishermen catch fish using these fishing nets

5.Hill Palace Museum

The hill palace museum is the largest archaeological museum of Kerala and is located at a distance of 13 km from Cochin close to Thrippunithura. The hill palace museum was the abode of the erstwhile kings of Cochin and the relics kept in the museum are a testimony to the opulent lives led by these kings.  The museum features a throne and the crown besides housing several paintings by renowned painters. The utensils used by the royal family, dresses, swords and other weapons etc are all on display at the museum. This hill palace museum is one of the most important tourist attractions near Cochin. 

6. St. Francis Church

St. Francis church at Fort Cochin is the oldest church built by the Europeans in India in the year 1510. Though the church was initially built by the Catholic Portuguese its ownership passed on to the Dutch who were mostly Protestants. Vasco Da Gama the first European to land in Kerala in the year 1492 was initially buried at this church before his mortal remains were transferred to Portugal. The church was built in the traditional Gothic architectural style and presents an imposing sight. One can see several brass tablets containing the names of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British who were buried in the church embedded on the walls. Europeans who land in Cochin always make it a point to visit this famous church where many of their own countrymen lie buried.  St. Francis church is one of the “must see” tourist places in Cochin. The church presently is managed by the church of south India, a protestant sect.

View from Shipyard  and Subash Park

 Must Things to do

•     Sun set cruise

•     Boating

•     Enjoy Kathakali dance performance

•     Shopping

•     Swimming at the beaches.

Location/Best time to go

Location:

Cochin the vibrant city of Kerala situated on the south west coast of India in the God's Own Land. It is easily accessible by air, road and water. The nearest airport is Cochin International airport and Trivandrum airport is approx 220 km to the south.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.

Wayanad - My Land

We re at the Tree house

Wayanad is the green paradise of Kerala that has maintained its pristine nature. Located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, Wayanad boasts of having thick forests, sprawling spice plantations, rich cultural traditions and several tourist attractions that a nature lover would eagerly wish for. There are several hotels, resorts, wild life sanctuaries and ayurveda spas and treatment centres in Wayanad. Wayanad is home to the largest tribal population in Kerala. Wayanad is situated at a distance of 75 km from Calicut. The nearest airport and railway station are at Calicut.

1. Wild Life Sanctuary

Elephants-  a shot taken while traveling

Wayanad wild life sanctuary is one of the most important wild life sanctuaries in Kerala that is rich in biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Wayanad city centre. It is home to a large collection of wild animals including elephants, bisons, wild boars, lion tailed monkeys and squirrels among others.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 59 km from Wayanad and bordering Karnataka is a wildlife sanctuary featuring several species of rare birds and animals. It has a rich collection of flora and fauna and several medicinal plants used in ayurveda medicines. The ideal season to visit this wild life sanctuary in Wayanad is September.

Pakshipathalam, located at an altitude of 1700 meters is a rock formation where a variety of birds can seen resting on the several rocks. It is located deep in the forests in Brahmagiri hills. There are also deep caves where animals can also be seen. The area also abounds in rare flora and fauna.  The Pakshipathalam is located at a distance of 71 km from Wayanad city center. 

2.Pookkote Lake

Pookode Lake

Pookkote Lake, located at a distance of 13 km from the city centre, is a fresh water lake that abounds in a variety of fishes. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Wayanad. Boating facilities are available to tourists and there is a children’s park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium for the benefit of tourists.

3.Papanasini- Thirunelly Temple

Papanasini- Thirunelly Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is known as the Kashi of the south. It is frequented by devotees as it is believed that a dip in the Papanasini River running close to the temple will wash away ones’ sins. It is a major attraction in Wayanad and innumerable numbers of tourists arrive to visit the temple and take a dip in the Papanasini River. The temple showcases the best of traditional Kerala temple architecture and the temple is located at a distance of 64 km from Wayanad city.

4.Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Cave

Edakkal caves are located at a distance of 28 km from Wayanad city centre and are believed to have been inhabited by tribesmen thousands of years ago. The carvings seen on the walls are a testimony to the age of these caves. Archaeologists and historians worldwide have taken an interest in these ancient caves that are considered historical monuments. The edakkal caves are one of the most important attractions in Wayanad. The district tourism promotion council has installed a telescope at the caves affording a panoramic view of the forests surrounding the caves.

5.Kuruva Island

Kuruva Island is a small island consisting of 950 acres of evergreen forests situated on one of the tributaries of the Kabani River. The island abounds in rare variety of birds, butterflies and several plant varieties. The Kuruva Island is located at a distance of 40 km from Wayanad.

6.Waterfalls.

Soochipara Waterfalls:This important waterfall in Wayanad offers a majestic sight. This waterfall is one of the most important tourism attractions in Wayand. Located at a distance of 22 km from Wayanad, this waterfall is set deep in the forests. The waters cascade downhill from several feet hight and are a breathtaking sight to watch.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls is another famous waterfall in Wayanad that attracts a large number of tourists. The waters here cascade from a height of over 30 feet and are a beautiful sight to watch. Located at a distance of 19 km from Wayand, this famous waterfall in Wayanad offers a pleasant experience to the tourist. It is one of the “must see” tourism sights in Wayanad. 

Meenmutti Waterfalls is the most famous, largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad .It is located 2 km from the Ootty Road along jungle path. The waterfall is over 300 feet in height and cascades down in three steps. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Wayanad and is located at a distance of 29 km from Wayanad.

7.Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar dam is the largest earth dam in India and is the favorite tourist spot in Wayanad. There are several islands in the catchments area and is a beautiful sight to visit. Boating facilities are available and several tourists make use of boating facilities in the waters of the dam. The dam and its surroundings are in the midst of deep forests. 

At our Tapiyoka Thottam

Must Things to do

•   Wildlife viewing.

•   Bird Watching.

•   Trekking

•   Boating.

Location/Best time to go

Location:

It is located at a height of 700m to 2100 m above sea level. The nearest airport and rail head is Calicut about 65 km to the south West.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.

Kumarakom - Most popular tourist destination in Kerala

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is an attractive tourist destination in Kerala located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district. Kumarakom is surrounded by backwaters and is one of the most important tourist destinations for backwater cruises in Kerala. Kumarakom is famous for its lagoons, houseboats, backwaters and canals. Being located in the midst of backwaters, Kumarakom is home to one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Kerala and several species of migratory birds can be spotted here.

Tourist attractions

1.Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

A shot from the motor boat

The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Kerala. It is spread across 14 acres. It is home to rare species of migratory birds that include Siberian stork, egret, fly catchers, wood beetles, darter, heron, king fishers and teal among others. Migratory birds even from the Himalayan region in North India also flock to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary in Kerala.  It is one of the “must see” tourist destinations in Kerala. Large numbers of national and international tourists visit Kumarakom to stay in these beach side hotels and resorts and undertake boat cruises along the backwaters in Kumarakom. 

2.Pathiramanal

Pathiramanal is a 10 acre island set in the midst of the Vembanad Lake. Pathiramanal is also known as the sands of midnight and can be accessed only by boat. There is a mythology associated with the island and it is believed that a Hindu priest wanting to perform his evening ablutions dived in to the lake and the water made way for the island to rise up from below. Pathiramanal is a forest with several rare species of migratory birds flocking to the island. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in kerala and is accessible from Alleppey also. Boating facilities are available to visit this famous tourist spot in Kerala.

3.Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

The Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls are one of the important picnic spots in Kerala and are 2 km from Kumarakom bird sanctuary. The waters here cascade down from a height of over 100 feet and tourists arriving in Kumarakom also visit these waterfalls that are a magnificent sight to watch.

4.Houseboat Cruises

On over last visit to Kumarakom

Kerala Houseboats also called Kettuvalloms in Kerala are an important feature of Kerala tourism. These houseboats are on average over eighty feet in length and feature all the comforts of a modern day star hotel. A luxury house boat comes with clean and hygienic toilets, swimming pool on upper deck, a balcony for angling, open lounge, kitchenette, well furnished bedrooms, air conditioners, and a crew comprising of two oarsmen and a cook. The houseboats are made of Anjily, a hardwood available in Kerala.

 These house boats are luxuriously furnished and a houseboat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in one of these luxuriously furnished house boats is an experience of a life time. Some of these modern day houseboats, however, are powered by outboard engines. These house boats offer the best Kerala fish delicacies and fresh fish are caught straight from the backwaters. The pearl spot fish, also called Karimeen is one of the most important fish delicacies in Kerala and this forms a part of the menu in the houseboat apart from lobsters, crabs etc. A house boat cruise along the Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom is a must for all tourists visiting Kerala and is an experience of a life time.

Must Things to do

•   Backwater Cruise

•   Rowing Country Boat

•   Herbal body toning massages

•   Water skiing

•   Night fishing

•   Taste Sea food

Location/Best time to go

Location:

Kumarakom is located 16 km away from Kottayam town, Central Kerala. Nearest railway station is Kottayam about 16 km and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 75 km to the North.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.

Kovalam - A Beach Town

At Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea, 16 km outside Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) city in Kerala. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees.

Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potential of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrival of the  of hippies. This started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in  India- the Kovalam beach.

Tourist attractions

1. Light House Beach

This beach has been the favorite haunt of most Europeans since the 1930s. The Kovalam beach has wonderful Sapphire blue waters and palm trees swaying to the salty breeze.  It is known as the paradise of the South. Innumerable numbers of tourists both national and international flock to this sun filled sandy beach at all times of the year. The beach is rather shallow and offers tourists an opportunity to wade further in to the water. There are a significant number of star hotels, resorts and ayurveda treatments offering the tourists several accommodation options.

2.Hawah Beach 

The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. Hawah Beach is actually an extension of Lighthouse Beach .It was the first topless beach in India. Top free bathing and parading is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts.

3.Vizhinjam Village 

Vizhinjam Village

The coastal village life of Kovalam is vibrant and rich with a variety of activities like coir manufacturing, coconut leaf weaving, fish markets and the like. There is a marine aquarium with a variety of fishes such as clownfish, squirrelfish, moon wrasse, sharks, lionfish, butterfly fish, giant turtles, triggerfish, surgeonfish, piranhas, etc.  There are rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. The granite cave here encloses a one-celled shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave depicts half complete reliefs of the Hindu God Shiva with Goddess Parvathi.

4.Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour

A small fishing village just 2 km from Kovalam is known for the Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour which is the busiest fishing harbor in Thiruvananthapuram. The innumerable fishing boats coming and going to the harbor with the setting sun are a delightful sight.

5.Jama Masjid 

A small mosque by the name of Kovalam Jama Masjid stands on the Ashok beach and right across, on the other side of the road, is a Ganapati Temple. It is a very famous mosque and lot of people visits every day.

At Travancore Heritage

 Must Things to do

•   Sunbathing

•   Swimming

•   Herbal body toning massages

•   Catamaran cruising

•   Taste Sea food

Location/Best time to go

Location:

Kovalam is located around 16 km from Trivandrum city, south of Kerala. Nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram central about 16 km and the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 10 km to the North.

Best time to go

January - March and September - December.