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Aleppey (Alappuzha)
Aleppey (Alappuzha) is a District of immense natural beauty, known as the Venice of The East, 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.
Accessibility:
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 95 Kms away. Aleppey is well connected by rail and road from all major places in India.
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Places to see in Aleppey:
Pathiramanal -This Island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thaneermukkom and
Kumarakom, and is accessible only by boat.
R-Block - An area very famous for its backwaters and very beautiful scenes of paddy fields. This is one of the places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
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Aleppey Beach - It is the most popular picnic spots in
Aleppey. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. There is also an old lighthouse, which is very fascinating to visitors.
Krishnapuram Palace - Built by Marthanda
Varma, it is at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam and is famous for its mural depicting the story of
Gajendramoksham. In this 18-century museum you can see antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes.
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Boat Race - Allappuzha is world famous for its Snake Boat Race. Boat Races usually take place at the time of Onam festival attracts many tourists from all parts of the world.
Some of the important boat races are:
1. Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday of August)
2. Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam Day)
3. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (July)
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Cochin
Cochin the 'Queen of the Arabian' Sea is the commercial capital of Kerala and also 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.
Accessibility:
Cochin is well connected by Air, Road and Rail from all major cities in India.
Places to see in Cochin:
St.Francis Church - Built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, is India's oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 but later the remains were taken to
Libson, Portugal.
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Chinese Fishing Nets - These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
Mattancherry Palace
(Dutch Palace) (Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Fridays)
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Mural Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu Legends are a real attraction. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.
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Jewish Synagogue
(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs and 1500 - 1700 hrs- closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The Dutch rebuilt it in 1664. The main attractions include the hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Chandeliers, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
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Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura - (Open 0900 - 1200 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs- closed on Mondays)
10 Kms from Kochi, Hill palace was the official residence of the Kochi royal family and was built in 1865.
Kalady - The birthplace of Adi
Sankaracharya, the great Advaita
philosopher of the 8th century.
Kodanad - Kodanad is one the largest
elephant training centers in South
India.
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Water Falls - The cascading falls are
enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal
picnic spot.
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Kovalam
Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous
beaches in South India and also the best place
for relaxation. It has three different beaches
of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous
beach. Ayurvedic treatments especially during
monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam. Many
resorts facing the beautiful beach is a
wonderful location for stay.
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Accessibility:
The nearest airport and railway station is
Trivandrum, which is 16 Kms from Kovalam.
Kovalam is
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easily accessible by road.
Places to see near to Kovalam
Kanyakumari - The southern most tip of India,
Kanyakumari is the point where the three mighty
water bodies, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal
and the Indian Ocean converge. The famous
Vivekananda Rock memorial amidst the turbulent
sea is a major attraction. Kanyakumari is famous
for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and
the Devi Temple.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace - Enroute to Kanyakumari
40 Kms away is the majestic old palace famous
for its 17th and 18th century murals with carved
mahogany ceiling, coloured mica windows, secret
underground passages, inner courtyards, durbar
hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Begian
mirrors, Granite dance halls and special lac
shiny floors made of a unique combination of egg
white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcol and
river sand. The palace is built in the
traditional Travancore architectural
style.
Suchindram Temple - Enroute to Kanyakumari, it
is another famous pilgrim centre. the temple
also houses an emporium of art treasures from
various periods in history.
Kumarakom
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16 kms from Kottyam, Kumarakom is a small backwater town.
Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is an interesting backwater destination of
Kerala. Fishing and Boating through the countrysides 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 are situated in this area to make your stay more relaxing and comfortable.
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Accessibility:
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 80 kms away and 16 Km away Kottayam is the nearest railway head. Kumarakom is well connected by trains from all major cities in India and is easily accessible by road also.
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Munnar
Munnar is one of the best hill stations of South India which 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 for all. Munnar is also famous for exotic flora - famous for
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.
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Places to see in Munnar:
Mattupetty - famous for its highly specialized Diary Farm - the Indo-Swiss live stock project.
Devikulam - An idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offer a unique experience to visitors. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.
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Rajamala - Is a natural habitat of the rare species -the Niligiri Thar and is located 2695
mt. above sea level.
Top Station - This is the highest Point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal route and one gets good view of the nearby towns from this peak.
Accessibility: Nearest airport is Cochin, which is 140 Kms from
Munnar. No rail head to Munnar. Roads are well connected.
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