Munnar Hill Station

» Location:	Idukki district, Kerala
» Altitude:	1600 to 1800 meters above sea level
» Temperature:	Minimum 0ºC/ Maximum 25ºC
» Clothing:	Woollen clothes and rain gear
» Best Season :	August to March

Information About Munnar Hill Station
Munnar, the breathtakingly beautiful hill station is situated in God's Own Country, Kerala. Set at an altitude of 1600 to 1800 m above sea level, Munnar is referred to as a heaven of peace and tranquility. Munnar is located at a distance of 129 kms from Cochin, at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala. The hill station was the favourite summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers during the colonial era. It still looks like a British tea plantation town, as the hill station is dotted with unending expanses of tea plantations. Apart from the tea plantations, pristine valleys and lush mountains - exotic species of flora and fauna add more to the beauty of Munnar. The beauty is further enhanced by picture book towns and black winding roads that thrust upwards suddenly amidst the thick forests.


Main Attractions
Mattupetty

Situated at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is a wonderful place with a lake and a dam. The sheet of water surrounded by high mountains make it a beautiful picnic spot with the breathtaking views of the tea gardens and the lake. DTPC Idukki offers the boating facilities in the reservior. Mattupetty is also famous for its highly specialized dairy farm- the Indo-Swiss Live Project.

Rajamalai
Rajamalai is known as the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, whose population is dwindling. Half the world's population of Nilgiri Tahr is found here, which is estimated around 1317.

Pothanmedu
Just 6 kms away from Munnar, Pothanmedu possesses huge plantations of tea, coffee and the spice cardamon. Set amidst the picturesque hills and verdant mountains, this place attracts a number of trekkers.

Devikulam
About 7 kms away from Munnar, this place is situated at a height of 1800 metres. Devikulam has a beautiful natural water lake, which is known as the 'Sita Devi Lake'. Valvet lawn, exotic fauna and flora and the soothing mountain air make Devikulam a nature lover's retreat.

Pallivasal
Situated 8 km from Munnar, Pallivasal is the site of first hydro-electric project of Kerala. Pallivasal is an ideal place for picnic.

Echo Point
15 km away from Munnar, this is the place where the natural echo phenomenon takes place. Echo point offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Eravikulam National Park
The park is located in the Devikulam Taluk, about 15 km from Munnar. Sprawling over an area of 97 sq. km. the park is home to the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the endangered mountain goat of South India. Apart from the Nilgiri Tahr, the park also houses a pedigree breed of cattle and other animal species.

Anamudi
Situated at a distance of 17 kms from Munnar, Anamudi is the highest peak (2,695 m) in South India. The Anamudi peak towers over the Eravikulam National Park in majestic pride. The slopes of this mighty hill abounds in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Anamudi peak is an ideal place for trekking, the facilities are provided here.

Marayoor
40 kms away from Munnar, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala where there is natural growth of sandalwood trees. The relics of 'New Stone age Civilization' have been unearthed from Marayoor. There are also wonderful caves whose walls are carved with sculpture and painting relating to the new stone age civilization. Other attractions are Children's Park and a huge Banyan tree.

Where to Stay
The hotels in Munnar welcome the travellers with warmth, hospitality and all the respect they deserve. Some of the popular hotels are Abad Copper Castle Resort, Mahindra Resorts, Cloud9 Resorts, Tea County (KTDC), Blackberry Hills, Highlands Cottages etc.


How to Reach
Air : Cochin (Kochi) Airport is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 129 kms from Munnar. The airport is connected to major cities of India with a number of domestic flights.

Rail : Nearest railhead is Cochin railway station. Trains are available from Cochin to important places of the country.

Road : A good network of roads connects Munnar with important places of Kerala and cities of Tamil Nadu like Madurai and Coimbatore.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

» Location :	Kumarakom, 13 km from Kottayam
» Area Covered :	14 acres
» Major attraction :	Siberian Cranes
»Best time to visit :	November to February

About the Sanctuary
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, 12 km from Kottayam is known for its varied avain population. Situated on the banks of Vembanand Lake, this bird sancturay is an ornithologist’s paradise. Mangrove forests, swaying palm and coconut groves along the enchanting waterways and canals add to the beauty of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary all the more. Spreading on 14 acres of lush wooded land, one can see a variety of colorful migratory birds in their nests chirping and taking flight every now and then. The sanctuary harbours some of the much sought after birds who flock in thousands, some from the Himalayas and also even from as far as Siberia.


Avifauna
Migratory Siberian cranes are the main attraction of the sanctuary at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Bird lovers can see about 91 species of resident birds and around 50 rare species of migratory birds here. Resident birds include water fowls, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, water duck, parrots, teal, larks, flycatchers, wood beetle and kingfishers. Bird watching cruises along the Vembanand lake is the best way to experience the beauty of the sanctuary.


Nearby Attractions
Kumarakom is a happening backwater destination. It is a small village, 12 km west of Kottayam. It is a part of Kuttanad region where farming is done below sea level. The Vembanad Lake is the venue for spectacular snake boat races and house boat cruises. The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a beautiful picnic spot with numerous rubber plantations. The Pathiramanal Island is an enchanting island on the Vembanand Lake and can be accessed by boat only. On your visit to Kumarakom, don’t miss sunrise and sunset cruise in a Kettuvallam, offering close look at a delightful rustic life.

How to Reach
By Air : The nearest Airport is at Cochin at a distance of 70 kms. from the Muhamma boat jetty. Another airport is at Trivandrum(171 km).

By Rail : The nearest railhead is at Kottayam and local and Express trains connect the city with the rest of India.

By Road : Kottayam is 12 km from Kumarakom and is well connected by a good network of roads.

Kovalam Beach

» Location:	16 kms from Trivandrum, Kerala
» Main Attractions :	Yoga and other health related activities and Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave
» Best Time to Visit :	October to March.

About Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is a small village located on the Malabar coast along the Kerala shoreline. Just 16 kms from Traivandrum, Kovalam is one of the most spectacular beaches in India. Since its discovery in 1930s, Kovalam has been a favourite destination for tourists from across the globe. Kovalam literally means a 'grove of coconut trees' and the coconut tress along the beaches give it a fantastic look. With cool blue waters of the Arabian Sea on its one side and miles of white sands, Kovalam can be rightly said a beach paradise. Kovalam is a sheltered natural bay with cool soothing palms and gentle waves, tourists can enjoy the luxury of sun and surf amidst the natural surroundings. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam consist of three beaches - the Lighthouse Beach, the Hawah Beach and the Samudra Beach. The most popular of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach, which is situated on the southern most end.

Beach Activities
Every day in the evening the quiet atmosphere of Kovalam is enlived by Kathakali dance performance, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. Ayurvedic rejuvenation, Yoga and meditation, herbal body toning messages are other refreshing leisure activities.

Water Sports
Kovalam Beach offers a number of water sports like kayaking, swimming, surfing and skiing. One can also have a sunbath in the bright sun light.

Eating outs
Tourists can enjoy the delightful seafood such as lobsters at the beachside restaurants.


Main Attractions
Somatheeram
Somatheeram also known as 'The Tropical Garden of Eden', is 9 kms south of the Kovalam beach. Established in 1992, Somatheeram is an Ayurvedic Beach resort which preserves the heritage of Kerala. It gives the visitors an opportunity to experience the lifestyle of ancient Kerala village and the chance to undergo Ayurvedic treatment under the supervision of the expert doctors.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave
17 kms from Trivandrum, the cave temple here consists of splendid architecture cut out of rocks in the 18th century A.D. The cave houses a one-celled Shrine with a loose sculpture of Vinandara Dakshinamurthi. The outer wall of the cave has the half complete reliefs of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvathi.


Where to Stay
There are a number of places to stay in Kovalam, ranging from luxury hotels to cheap beachside resorts. The hotels in Kovalam suit every pocket. Most famous hotels in Kovalam are Hotel Ashok, Lagoona Beach, Surya Samudra, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Hotel Sea Face, Hotel Samudra etc.


How to Reach

Air : Nearest airport is Trivandrum at a distance of 19 kms from Kovalam. The airport is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and many international destinations.

Rail : Trivandrum Railway Station (16 kms) is the nearest major railhead.

Road : Direct and regular bus services connect Trivandrum with Kovalam. Buses are also available from Ernakulam, Kanyakumari and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kottayam Tourism

Distance : 160km from Thiruvananthapuram
76km from Cochin
Population : 166,200

¤ Perched On The Western Ghats

Nestling at the foothills of the lofty Western Ghats, Kottayam is synonymous with a picturesque landscape, labyrinthine backwaters, lush paddy fields, rubber plantations, ayurvedic resorts and a fully literate population. The palm-fringed Vembanad Lake, embracing the western part of Kottayam, fully compensates for the lack of a sea coast.
The eastern side of the district is hemmed in by the rugged Western Ghats. While Ernakulam forms the northern boundary of Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta are to the south of the district. Like most other places in South India, Kottayam has a tropical humid climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year.


¤ The Vegetation

Several rivers meander through the district of Kottayam. While rivers like the Muvattupuzha and the Manimala can be categorised as inter-district rivers, the Meenachil River flows entirely through Kottayam. The secret of Kottayam’s economic prosperity lies in its production of cash crops like rubber, tea, pepper and cardamom that earn a substantial amount of foreign exchange. Extensive growth of rubber has given rise to rubber-based industries. Food crops like paddy, tapioca, coconut, ginger, pulses, pineapple and sugarcane are also abundantly available in this district.


¤ Thaliyil Fort

The story of how the modern town of Kottayam acquired its name has an unusual ring to it. The seat of power of the Murinjanad and Thekkumkur kings was at Thazhathangadi in Kottayam. Unfortunately, Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the Thekkumkur rulers and demolished the palace and the Thaliyil fort. The Kottayam of today was once located within the boundary of the fort.


¤ Declared As A Fully Literate Town

The socially progressive district of Kottayam has many firsts to its name. Kottayam was catapulted into the limelight when it was declared as the first district in India to be fully literate. Kottayam’s contribution to the development of literature and education in Kerala has been immense.
That modern day journalism in Kerala should have originated from Kottayam, hardly comes as a surprise. The first printing press was established here in 1821 under the patronage of Rev. Benjamin Baily. In 1848, the efforts of the local people finally paid off when the CMS Press in Kottayam launched the first newspaper called Jnananikshepam.

Kottayam has the singular honour of publishing a number of leading dailies like the Malayala Manorama, the Kerala Bhushanam and the Deepika.


¤ Making a Mark

Kottayam has carved out a niche for itself on the cultural map of Kerala. Kidangoor, a place in Kottayam, is the home of Kunchan Nambiar, known as the father of Thullal, a popular temple art form.
The Malayalam masterpiece, Unnineeli Sandesam, was authored by one of the Vadakkumkur rulers who reigned over this region. Around the 18th and 19th century, Christian missionaries made significant contribution to Malayalam literature.
Many notable personalities, who have enriched the culture of Kerala during the 20th century, have come from Kottayam. The name of the late G. Aravindan, the renowned film-maker comes immediately to mind. Recently, the place was in the news again when Arundhati Roy, a native of Kottayam, won the prestigious Booker Prize for her novel, ‘God of Small Things’.


¤ Festivals

For centuries, various religions have co-existed harmoniously in Kottayam. Though a stronghold of the Syrian Christians, Kottayam is home to a sizeable Hindu as well as Muslim population.
As churches, temples and mosques dot the landscape, religious festivals assume a special significance in this district.But compared to the more religious festivals, the popularity of the others has by no means waned.
The festival of Onam is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony all over Kerala. The highlight of this festival is the snake boat races that are held in the idyllic backwater stretches of Kottayam. (See Festivals of India and Kerala).


¤ Arts and Crafts

Although there are no handicrafts that are particularly associated with Kottayam, the nimble fingers of the craftsmen fashion exquisite items out of bell metal, wood, cane, fibre and coconut shell. But these pieces are available all over Kerala. Intricate gold jewellery designed and crafted in Kerala is also in great demand among the tourists as well as the locals.


¤ Tourist Hotspots

Many a temple, church and mosque dots the town of Kottayam. Among the temples, the Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is the most noteworthy.

Other temples like the Pallipurathukavu Bhadrakali Temple, theIranjali Devi Temple, the Keralapuram Temple, theThriguthapuram Sri Krishna Temple and so on are important pilgrim centres in their own right. Being a stronghold of the Syrian Christians, it is not surprising that Kottayam boasts of a number of churches like the Valiapally, the Cheriapally and the Good Shepherd Church. The headquarters of His Highness the Catholics of the East, the chief dignity of the Orthodox Syrian church is the Devalokam Aramana at Kottayam. The Thazathangadi Mosque is the religious hub of the Muslim population in Kottayam.

Anayoottu Kerala tourism

Aanayoottu

Event Date : July 17, 2007

Venue: Vadakkumnatha Temple, Thrissur The ritualistic annual Aanayoottu ceremony, which takes place at the Vadakkumnatha Temple in Thrissur is an interesting event. Aanayoottu literally means feeding the elephants with specially prepared food, which is valued for its high medicinal value. This medicinal concoction is regarded vital for enhancing the well being of the elephants. At this ceremony, elephants are lined up on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August). The month of Karkidakam is considered ideal for all kinds of rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine Getting there: Nearest railway station: Thrissur, a few minutes drive from the Temple. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 kms from Thrissur town.

Kanyakumari - Tourist map and tourism guide.

Surrounded by Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with coconut trees and paddy fields, here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies the district, 'Kanyakumari'. ( The district name is spelled as ' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) . With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu.



Vattakottai (Circular Fort)
Vattakottai, a granite fort six kilometres north-east of Kanyakumari cape, forms the terminal of a line of ramparts known as the South Tranvancore lines built by Marthanda Varma to serve as defence for Nanjil Nadu. It is rectangular in shape and covers an area of about three and a half acres. The fort is enclosed by walls 25 to 26 feet high, including the parapet, 29 feet thick at the front, 18 feet at the corners and 6 feet at the rear.




The river bed is rocky and about 300 feet in length. The water falls from a height of nearly 50 feet and the water flows for about seven months in a year. The whole bed above the falls is one rocky mass which extends up to a distance of about quarter of a kilometer upstream where the famous Thirparappu weir has been constructed for supplying water to the paddy fields. On either side of the river, on the left bank of the river in between the water falls and the weir, there is a temple dedicated to Siva enclosed by strong fortification. The District Administration has recently constructed a swimming pool for children over here which is very popular among the children.



THIRPARAPU FALLS


Maruthuva Malai

The Maruthuva Malai also known as the Marunthu Vazhum Malai – the abode of medicinal herbs, forms from part of the western ghats. According to tradition, the Maruthuva Malai is a fragment of the Sanjeevi Mountain, a piece of which fell down here, and it was carried by Hanuman from Mahendragiri to Srilanka for healing the fatal wounds of Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, the epic hero. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest point. It is about 11km. from Nagercoil.

Pechiparai Dam

About 43 km. from Nagercoil this dam has been constructed. This dam in Kalkulam Taluk, was built during the days of the Maharaja Sri Moolam Thirunal across the river Kodayar. The construction of the dam was designed on the pattern of the Periyar dam in the Madurai district. The length of the dam is 425.1 mts. It has a catchment area of 204.8 sq.km. There is a camp shed provided at the dam side for the visitors. The weather is very pleasant and hence attracts a large number of tourists.

The reservoir is surrounded by dense forests which are famous for their valuable trees and rich would life such as tiger, elephants, deer etc. A hill tribe, small in number known as ‘Kanikars’ dwell in the dense forests around the lake.