Kaniyampuzha road , Vyttila - 682019
KOCHI
Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. Occupied by the Portuguese in 1503, Kochi was the first of the European colonies in colonial India. It remained the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead. The city was later occupied by the Dutch and the British, with the Kingdom of Cochin becoming a princely state. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. Kochi has been ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey conducted by the Nielsen Company on behalf of the Outlook Traveller magazine. Kochi was one of the 28 Indian cities found to be among the emerging 440 global cities that will contribute 50% of the world GDP by the year 2025, in a 2011 study done by the McKinsey Global Institute.
MUNNAR
Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east, the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east, the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east.
THEKKADY
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations.
In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are
picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural
wildlife reserves - the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest,
the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and
scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
ALAPPUZHA
Famous for the backwaters in Kerala, the city of Alleppey is also known for its beaches, temples, boat races and Ayurvedic spa a
nd wellness centers.
Dotting the coastline of the Arabian Sea, Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) is the oldest planned backwater town of Kerala.
This place is famous for its numerous rivers crisscrossing the Sea and is home to many canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons.
Alleppey is often referred to as the Venice of India. The backwaters coupled with houseboats and the tropical village life
makes Alleppey worth a visit.
Alleppey is very tourist friendly and there?s no dirth of exclusive or budget hotels, cottages or homestays in and around Alleppey.
KOVALAM
Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists
since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.
The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes
and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a
matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of
budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.
ART & CULTURE OF KERALA
Kerala fondly known as God's own country has a wonderful tradition in the history of Malayalis with lot of ethnic values and cultures.
Apart from Hinduism, Christianity and Muslims there are also Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Judaism religions in a very very small proportion.
There are some traditional festivals like Onam and Vishu which is followed with great pomp. Apart from these traditional festivals, other
festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Milad-e-Sherif, Holi, Easter, Id-ul-Fitr are celebrated with equal enthusiasm.
The theatrical shows of
Mohiniattam, Kootiyattam and Kathakali reveal their traditional values and also show what great lovers the Malayalis are with art and literature.
The people of Kerala very much adhere to their culture and traditional customs and might even go to a great extent to maintain it. They have lot
of traditional medicines which is mainly based on herbs and is believed to work wonders. They mostly follow traditional method of homemade
remedies in the form of oils, powders and soaps to take care of their bodies.
