TRAVEL  GUIDE

KERALA
Kerala, a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches. I t is also known for its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam. It is the most literate state in India, and a land of diverse religions, where you can find Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even synagogues. With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments, eco-tourism initiatives, a large number of visit options ranging from beautiful high altitude blue mountains to pristine rain forests to golden sun-sand beaches and an enormous range of accommodation, Kerala has much to offer the visitor

The main cities of Kerala are:

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
The capital and the largest city, famous for its beaches, historical monuments and parks. The city is also famous for its temples,educational institutions, and research centres.

Kochi (Cochin)
A major port and cosmopolitan city and the largest urban agglomeration with unlimited shopping options. Kochi is very well connected with other cities of India. Kochi is also known as the 'Queen of the Arabian sea"

Alapuzha (Alleppey)
Heartland of Kerala Backwaters with natural maze of canals criss-cross the city, leading to it being called the Venice of the East. The biggest boat race in India for the Nehru Trophy happens here every August. This place is just 1 hour away from Anns Residency,Fortcochin

Kannur
A historical town famous for its strong heritage, martial arts 'Kalaripayattu', temple art 'Theyyam', political movements, forts, beaches and spices/coffee growing hills.

Kollam (Quilon)
A commercial town famous for its cashew & coir industries, surrounded by backwaters and lakes.

Kottayam
known for its latex, literacy and letters and as major educational centre. Munnar hill station is nearby.

Kozhikode (Calicut)
Most prominant city of Malabar area,where Vasco da Gamma landed for the first time in India, and one of the world's oldest thriving trade centres. A very clean city known for its friendly inhabitants.

Palakkad
Gateway to Kerala by land through the Palghat Pass in Western Ghats; known for its paddy (rice) fields, hills, traditional homes, cuisines and composite culture. Tipu Fort, Malampuzha Gardens, Silent Valley National Park are nearby.

Thrissur (Trichur)
The cultural capital of Kerala and also famous for jewellery shops and silk sarees. Temple festivals with caparisoned elephants like Thrissur Pooram . Athirappilly falls, Guruvayur Temple are nearby.

Besides these cities with immense tourist sightseeing, some other destinations in Kerala are the Bekal Fort — a massive coastal Portuguese fort in north Kerala Kerala Backwaters — stretching across central Kerala, a must-try experience
Kovalam Beach — World famous beach near Trivandrum
Kumarakom — backwater tourism: luxury resorts and house-boat rides near Kottayam
Munnar — Unspoilt hill station in tea growing hills and misty mountains
Silent Valley National Park — rain forest with several endangered, protected species
Thekkady — Periyar Tiger Reserve and elephant forests.
Wayanad — caves, waterfalls and pristine forests
Ponmudi — Hill station at Trivandrum, known for its beautiful scenery.

Beaches
Kerala has 650 km of coastline and numerous beaches. Some of the more notable are:

Kovalam Beach near Trivandrum has a good bathing area, clean environment and plenty of accommodation. This was a centre of Hippy counter-culture in sixties, and is today well known for hedonistic beach parties.
Varkala Beach in Thiruvananthapuram district - A long cliff makes the beach more natural (no restaurant behind you). It is long beach with natural springs from the cliff.
Alapuzha Beach and Kollam Beach are both well known for beach sports and tournaments.
Cherai Beach near Kochi city has a large sand beach.
Kozhikode Beach is where Vasco da Gama first landed in India, marking the start of European colonisation and the Age of Discovery.
Muzhappilangadu near Kannur A long drive in beach in Kannur district with lush greenery around. This beach has a naturally clean and closely packed sand which makes it drivable. Beach is very long 4-5 km and is a pleasant place to spend time. Lots of adventure activities like para gliding/ para sailing etc. are arranged in this beach regularly.

Historical monuments of Kerala are

The Palaces at Sree Padmanabhapuram located 30 km from Trivandrum are the largest Palaces ever constructed from wood and granite in India. Recently in news for the vast treasures unearthed here that are centuries old. This was the Royal Headquarters of Travancore until early 20th century.
The Hill Palace in Kochi, houses more than 200 artifacts including the hugely valuable Cochin Crown as well as other rare Crown Jewels.
The forts at Bekal, Palakkad and Thalassery date from the pre-British Raj era.
The Cherman Perumal Mosque at Kodungallor is the world's second oldest intact mosque and houses many rare artifacts.

Eco-tourism villages

Kerala was the first state to formally embrace the eco-tourism concept in South Asia, and has made considerable strides in this respect.
Akkalum Tourist Village in Trivandrum is set in a very clean and green environment. There is a floating bridge and beautiful landscaped gardens. Many famous statues and sculptures dot the area.
Thenmala Eco-Tourist Village in Kollam is the first such place in India, with an intense focus on the natural environment. Exhibits include 27 rare trees, a butterfly garden, nature trail, a deer park, lotus garden, jasmine garden, many sculptures and a large musical fountain. Adventure sports, trekking, boating and fishing are soem of activities offered.
Kumbalangi Model Village for Sustainable Tourism near Kochi was once a sleepy fishing village. Today it is a popular visitor atraction with a planned focus on sustainability. There are many small homestays where visitors can interact with locals, understand their lifestyle, go fishing, learn recipes etc.

We arrange tours to all the above destinations. Besides, these we arrange pilgrimage tours to Guruvayur, Chottanikara, Poornathrayesa temples. Tours to destinations outside Kerala like visit to Madurai Temples, Ooty, Mudumalai, Masinagudi, Mysore Palace, Hassan, Bangalore Hospet, Hampi, Udupi, Goa