Tourist places in Kerala,Tourism ,fascinating places

Kerala Tourism

Thiruvananthapuram

The capital city of Kerala came into existance on January 1 1957.Its population is 32,34707 and a coastal area is about 78 km . Main Rivers and backwaters areNeyyar,Karamana ,Vamanapuram,Edava ,Nadayara ,Anchuthengu , Veli.
Main Tourist Centres:-
Sri.Padma Nabha Swami Temple : Situated in the heart of the city KSRTC Bus Stand at East Fort. The presiding deity is Mahavishnu reclining on the serpant'Anantha'.The Darshan can be made through 3 doors.,the face through the south door ,the nael through the middle,and feet through the North.This venue is one of the exquisite groups of 108 templesdedicated to Mahavishnu.Only hindus were allowed to enter in to it.wearing shirts , Churidars ,pants , shirts etc not allowed.The architectural work in this temple is famous .The 'Ottakkalmandapam 'is a special attraction The rulers of Travacore were called by the name'Padmanadha dasan'Attukal

Bhagavathy Temple : Situated 2km away from the city .'Pongala'(a form of Porridge ), is the favourite offering to the Goddess Bhagavathi.The famous Pongala Festival is celebrated during the month of Kumba.

Sri Subramania Swamy Temple.-This temple dedicated to Lord Subramanuya is situated 7kms from Thiruvananthapuram.

Zoo- One of the main zoos in Asia ,situated between Palayam and Vellayambalam .There is a vast collection of rare plants and old trees in the premises.

The Govt Art Museum-(called Napier Museum- as it was build by English architect Lord Napier ,Governor of Madras)The structure has a built-in natural air conditioning system and a good collection of archaeological and historic artefacts,bronze idols ,ancient ornaments,a temple chariot ,ivory carvings,Sculptures models and zoological specimens.A clock about 4 centuries old and a cot made out of herbal wood for the king are among those exclusive ones.The zooloical gardens with beautiful meadows and attractive landscapes surround the structure.It is closed on Mondays and forenoons of wednesdays. Working Hours from 10:00 -17:00 hrs

Sree Chithra Art Gallery :-This situated near the Zoo ,contains a large collection of paintings of various Indian and South Asian Schools .There is a good number of paintings of the veteran -Raja Ravi varma-a name worshipped by many artists.The canvases of Roerichs ,vividly capturing the colours of the hImalayas can also be seen.Working Hours from 10:00 -17:00 hrs.

The Observatory-On the top of the observatory hills at the vantage point ,60mts above the sea level which is also the highest point in the city,the observatory ,carrying out extra -terrestrial observations ,offers to the visitors ,a panoramic view of the city.It was built by King Swathi Thirunal in 1837 .

The science and Technology Museum:-The museum contain articles of science and technology (modern and old ) including all branches of Science ,educative ,informative and interesting.As it is to the young and old alike, it inculcates a quest for science and a passion for technology in the young minds.Visiting Hours from 10:00 -17:00 hrs.closed on Mondays.

Sanghumugham Beach - lies on the Western part of Thiruvananthapuram City .The International and a flying club are located near by.Fishing is an attractive seen here .The huge sculpture of a'nymph' made by a famous sculptor,Kanai Kunjuraman ,a star shaped restaurant etc are the special attractive places.This beach is the ideal spot for watching sunset.

Priyadarshini Planetarium :- Situated near science and technology MuseumWe get enough knowledge about solar system from here .Watching the orbitting of planets and stars on a domed ceiling through projects is a fantastic experience to the spectators .Show Schedule -10:30,12:00,15:00,17:00 hrs

Akkulam Tourist Village :-This is a picnic makers paradise.Boating is popular here.There is also a swimming pool to add to the fun Visiting Hours :10:00-17:00 hrs

The Kovalam Beach :-A half an hour drive from the city covering 16 km leads to this nature's marvel of international acclaim Visitors from all over the globe come to visit these beach..Without fear we can have a sea bath.Several lifeguards are appointed for the safety of the people

Parasu Rama Temple Thiruvallam :-Situated 10km from Thiruvananthapuram on the way to kovalam.Visitors came here for 'Balidarpanam' Boating facility is also available here.Chacha Nehru Children's Museum The museum is named after the first Primeminister of India.The museum is intended for Kids.Nayyar Dam is a picnic spot 29km from the city .Crocodile farm is famous here
Kottayam
Kumarakam :Situated 12 km away from Kottayam on the banks of Vembanad Lakewhich is famous for Cultivation of shells and a bird sanctuary is also located there.
St Mary's Church Barananganan :- It is 1000 year old church and a famous pilgrimage centre. The tomb of St.Alphonsa is placed in a chapel beside this church.
Erumeli : Situated 60km away from kottayam on the banks of Manimala river.A famous sastha temple and a mosque of 'vavar' ,who is believed to be the friend of Sri Ayyappa are the places of attraction to the tourists.
South Mookambika Temple :-Located at pananchikkadu,10km.from Kottayam on the way to Changanasserry. This temple is as famous as the Mookambika Temple at Kolloor.
Koottikkal : A beautiful place in the forest situated in the Western Ghats 5km from Mundakkayam in Kottayam District .The artificial Lake created in Manimala River in Check-Dam and the water falls at vadakkemala near Koottikkal are the peculiarities of this place.
Wagamon :- Situated 60 Km away from Kottayam, at a height of 1100 m .above the sea level .It is suitable place for mountaineering.The Kurisumala and Kurishumala Hermitage here are famous pilgrim centres .
Maramala Water falls:- Situated near Erattupetta,7 km away from Thokkoy Rubber Estate It is accessible through the mountains.
Mannanam:-A Syrian Christian Centre situated 8Km away from Kottayam .St.Joseph Monastry(Fr.Kuriakose Elias ,Chavara ) is located here .

Idukki

Peerumedu :- A place famous for coffee and tea estate ,situated 75km away from Kottayam on the way to Idukki .
Munnar :- A Tourist Centre 113 Km away from Kochi,Situated at a height of 4000 -6000 ft above the sea level.Hills and Tea estates are in plenty here .Climate is cool and fine.
Anamudi :- The Highest mountain Peak in S.India and second in India.Situated 50km away from Munnar.Its height 8,841 ft.
Marayoor:- Situated 41 km from Munnar.The Sandal Forest,Sandal wood factory of the Forest Dept.Childrens Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Thoovanam Water Falla, Marayoor Jaggery,Century Old Cells of Hermits Etc.are the peculiarities of this place.
Kumili :-This is the Gateway to the Tourist Centre Thekkady,a place suitable for mountaineering.A famous Mangaladevi Temple is situated here.
Thekkady:- Situated 117 Km from Kottayam and 20Km from Kothamangalam.Periyar Lake , Wild Life Sanctuary and a bird Sanctuary are here.Boating in the lake is pleasureful experience .KTDC is providing lodging facilities here.
Idukki Arch Dam :- The first arch dam in india, situated 40km.away from thodupuzha and 75km away from kottayam. There is a wild life sanctuary on the top of this dam
Devikulam : This hill station is 7km away from Munnar. Tea Estate are in abundance here. The ' Seethdevi ' lake shows the beaty of nature
Eravikulam-Rajamala Wild life sanctuary :The National Park situated 114km away from Kochi and 15 kms from Munnar.A variety of animals and medicinal plants are seen here.This is the place where 'Neelakurujni ' Blossoms.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary:-Situated 12km from Kothamangalam on the banks of Periyar .
Valaakuth :- A beautiful water fall situated 130km away from cochin on the Alwaye -Munnar route.

Ernakulam
Kochi-Famous commercial centre.The chinese nets fixed in the backwaters are very beautiful.the city is a mixture of Potuguese -Kerala -English culture.Mattancherry Palace :-A palce built by Potuguese,now known as Dutch PalaceAn art gallery
Veega Land :- All modern conveniences for the enjoyment is arranged .It is opened on Public Holidays from 11:00am to 7:30 pm .Ticket charge on Public holidays for adults 350 /-for children 260/- and other days adults 280/- for children Rs 210/-.Students have concession.
Sinagogue:-This jewish church built in 1568 is in Mattancherry.surrounding this place is the city of jews.
Bolgatty Island:-Built by Dutch
Dutch Palace :-Built by the potuguese at Mattancherryin 1555
Wellington Island.This is a man made island named after Lord Wellington.A number of Hotels and Govt.offices functioning here.
Hill Palace Museum .Situated at Tripunithara belongs to Maharaja of Kochi.
Kerala History Museum :- Situated at Edappilly 8km from Ernakulam.
Aluva River -Siva Temple on the bank.and Shivarathri Festival is celebrated.
Kaladi:-Birth Place of Sree Sankaracharya,on the banks of river Periyar.sree sankara Dome, Adwaithashramam is located here.
Malayattoor Church :-Situated on Malayattoor Hills.Festival is in the month of March -April.
Cherai Beach :- Suitable for swimming is at cherai.near N.Paravur.
Vaipin :- Island with a light house.

Thrissur
Vadakkunatha Temple :- The world famous Thrissur Pooram is conducted in front of this temple during the month of April -May.This temple famous for architectural beauty ,constructed by Parasuraman.
Town Hall :Art gallery with wall paintings and a Public Library is located here.
Zoo- 1 km away from Town.near a museum
Guruvayoor :-This temple is famous Sri.Krishna Temple in S.India.Ekadasi Conducted during the months of Nov-Dec.
Kerala Kalamandalam :-situated at Chreuthuruthy on the banks of Bharathapuzha 30km from Thrissur.,established by Mahakavi Vallathol.
Cheruthiruthy.Ayurveda Research Centre affiliated by Central Goernment is Situated here.
Athirappalli Water Falls & Vazhachall .32km to the East of Chalakudy.
Dream World-32Km away from Chalakudi-Ph:0487-2769116 and Silver Storm Water Theme park in Vettilapara.19km from Chalakudi.Phone 04872769116
Peechi Dam Located 24km From Thrissur.Boating facilities,The peechi -Vazhani wild life sanctuary is famous.

Palakkad
Tipu Sulthan Fort :- Built by Hyderali.
Malampuzha:- Located 12km away from Palakkad.A dam built in Bhathapuzha , Snake Park, Rock Garden, Aquarium,Garden etc
Fantacy Park :-Phone:0491-2815122
Pothundi dam :- Located on the way to Nelliyambathyto Palkkad.
Silent Valley:-The National Park situated 80km away from Palakkad Rain Forests Torist season is Sept-March.
Attapadi :- A centre for Aborigines.Bavani river,Siruvani river flowing through this place.The famous Religious Chriatian Retreat Centre Sehion Is Here where people was sanctified and gifted by Lord Jesus Christ.
Mangalam Dam :- Chulliar Dam also famous
Punarjani Cave :-2km from Thiruvilvamala Temple.It is believed taht all the sins washed will be away if passed through this cave.Only men can do .It can do on the day of Ekadasi.Diety is Rama.

Patthanamthitta
Sabarimala :-The very famous Ayyapa Swami Temple is situated at Neelimala in the deep forests,on the banks of the river Pamba .People from all over India visit this place during the 'Mandalavilakku'and 'Makaravilakku'.
Aranmula :-The famous Parthasarathi Temple is at this place 10km away from Chengannoor.Uthruttathi Boat race held during Onam Season attracts the tourists.Aranmula is famous for 'Aranmula -Kannadi' which is a handmade mirror made up of polished metal.
Perumthenaruvi :-A 100ft.high waterfalls -can reach through Erumeli-Ranni from Pathanamthitta.
Maramon :-This place is 16km from Thiruvalla on the banks of river Pamba.The largest Christian Congregation in Asia Maramon Convention ,is conducted here during the month of February
Kaviyoor:-On the banks of river Manimala,A cave temple is also there.
Parumala :-Pilgrim centre The Tomb of Bishop Mar Baseleus ,'Parumala Thirumeni' is placed in jacobite church of this place.
Spider Temple :-Located at Kodumon ,16km from Pathanamthitta town.It is believed that the water in the Spider well at this temple is the best cure for skin diseases.
Moozhiyar Dam ,Kakki Dam also famous.
Elephant Camp is there at Konni .