Kerala Information Tourist Guide

The city gets its name from the word, Thiruvanathapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred SerpentAnantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city with Kerala Travel Guide.

The sprawling city has an international airport. Most visitors to Kerala use it only as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to Kovalam.

Trivandrum has good shopping areas and a variety of comfortable and reasonably priced hotels.

Thiruvanantpuram covers a large area, but most of the services and places of interest are on or very close to Mahatma Gandhi Road - the main road running through the centre are all close to each other, as are many of the budget hotels.

The museum, zoo and airline offices are all in the north of the city and you’ll need an auto-rickshaw to reach them.The municipal bus stand is 10 minutes walk from the railway station, opposite Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

FESTIVALS
Onam is a 4-day national harvest festival in Kerala, which falls during August- September, when Snake Boat races are held mostly in connection with temple festivals of Kottayam - Arunmulla - Alleppey area ;and Vishu is the new year day which comes in March-April. Pooja Eduppu in October is connected with Vinayak Pooja.

BEST SEASON
The climate of Thiruvananthapuram is very moderate, not very hot nor very cold. The influence of sea and proximity to the equator affects the climate to a great extent. The warm weather and early monsoon leaves you with no option but to wear light cotton cloths. Best time to visit this place is between October & March.

Cochin, which is now known as Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. It is a place which is blended with historical places, palaces, forts, old churches, beaches, backwaters, snake boats races, Kathakali, museums and the convenience of a big city with towering buildings and business centers. With serene backwaters, beautiful lagoons, wooded isles and a magnificent landscape, Cochin is indeed the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Cochin is a world of palm trees and breaking waves at the south -eastern tip of the Indian peninsula. With serene backwaters, beautiful lagoons, wooded isles and a magnificent landscape, setting sun on the beaches of Cochin, Cochin is indeed the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Another gateway into India, Cochin has been in cultural and trade contact with the outside world right from its early years. Cochin, has one of the finest natural harbours of the world. Cochin, today is one of the largest and most important city in Kerala. It is also known to be the second most important city on the western coast of India. Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Across its bay and on the islands are the sleepy coconut villages of Vypin, Bolghatty and Vallaradom. It is a city with a glorious cultural past. Kochi is located in the center of Kerala covering about 87,341 sq. km with a population which comes upto approximately 12,00,000. The language which is spoken here is Malayalam.

Best Season
The climate is moderate throughout the year and the temperature ranges from a minimum of 22.5oc to a maximum of 35oc in the summer and from a minimum of 20oc to a maximum of 32oc in the winter. The ideal season of visit is between September and May. The city is pretty clean with the local authorities doing a good job in maintaining it in that way.

Being situated very close to the sea, Kochi has a moderate climate. Heavy showers are experienced during the months June, July and August due to the South-West Monsoon. The North-East Monsoon brings light rainfall during the months September, October, November and December. December to February is pretty cool. The annual rainfall is about 310 cm . In summer the temperature rises to a maximum of 35 ºC while in winter it is around 25 ºC .

Location
Kochi (Cochin), the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is situated on the west coast of India in the beautiful state of Kerala. Kochi can be regarded as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.

PLACES TO SEE: Dutch Palace- Mattancherry
Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in AD 1555. It acquired the present name after 1663 when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs. In the centre of the building is the Coronation Hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations . Rooms adjacent contain 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic the Ramayana. Open daily from 1000 to 1700 hrs, closed on Friday and national holidays.

Jewish Synagogue- Mattancherry
Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568. The Great Scrolls of the Old Testament, the Copper Plates on which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles are of interest. Open daily from 1000 to 1200 hrs. and 1500 to 1700 hrs : Closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays.

Fort Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the Chinese fishing nets and sailing ships in the background, is a fine experience. Many European style bungalows can be seen along the shoreline.

Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory birds. Museum of Kerala History The museum has on display life size statues of many famous personalities and several paintings depicting Kerala.

Palliport (Pallipuram) Fort
It is the oldest European fort built in India.

Parikshith Thampuram Museum
The museum is situated near the famous Siva Temple, Ernakulam. It houses a treasure of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The Parikshith Thampuram Museum, the State Archaeological Department, and the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy Gallery of Contemporary Art are of interest along the Durbar Hall Road which branches eastwards from the southern end of Park Avenue. Collections of 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculpture in stone and plaster of paris, copies of mural paintings, etc. Collections from Cochin royal family are also among them. Timings : 0930 to 1200 hrs and 1500 to 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is free.

St. Francis Church-Fort Cochin
The Protestant church was built originally by the Portuguese in AD 1510 and is believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India. Vasco de Gama was originally buried here. His mortal remains were taken to Portugal after 14 years.

Santa Cruz Cathedral-Fort Cochin
Roman Catholic church situated close to St. Francis Church. Some beautiful paintings can be seen here.

Chinese Fishing Net-Fort Cochin
These Chinese fishing net is fabulous. At the entrance of the harbour these nets along the backwaters are a fascinating sight.

Bolghatty island-Bolghatty
A long narrow palm-fringed easily accessible from the mainland. The Bolghatty Palace is situated here. It was built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident and now it has been converted into a hotel under KTDC. The palace has a golf course on its grounds.

Bolghatty Palace
This Dutch palace is situated on the Bolghatty island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland. Chinese Fishing Nets The Chinese fishing nets found here are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Click here to view a picture of the Chinese fishing nets found here.

Willingdon Island
Willingdon island is a man-made island created with the material dredged while deepening Cochin port. Regular ferry services on the lake surrounding the island afford an inexpensive back-water cruise. The Government of India Tourist Office is situated here. The Southern Naval Command Headquarters of India, the seaport, airport, railway terminus, important offices of the port, and the customs house are all located on this Island.

Parishath Thamburan Museum- Ernakulam
Collections of 19th century oil paintings, old coins, sculpture in stone and plaster of paris, copies of mural paintings, etc. Collections from Cochin royal family are also among them. Timings : 0930 to 1200 hrs and 1500 to 1730 hrs. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.

Hill Palace Museum- Thripunithura
Displays articles of archeological importance such as the royal bed, paintings, epigraphy carvings, different varieties of arms, etc.

Museum of Kerala History Edapally, (Pathadipalam) Ernakulam Various changes in historical and Cultural spheres which happened in Kerala for the past 4000 years are beautifully exhibited through the statues. Visiting time 1000 to 1600 hrs. Closed on Mondays.

Gundu island
The best part of a visit to Cochin is a boat-ride through the backwaters to the various where the local crafts like coir-mat making can be seen.

Marine Drive & Broadway
Marine Drive is gradually catching up as another busy retail centre. The lively GCDA Commercial Complex along the waterfront features a kaleidoscope of several business establishments and other institutions, boutiques, supermarkets, fast foods, and cafes. Luxury apartments, elegant hotels, and office buildings are located on either side of the main Shanmugham Road which terminates at High Court Junction on northern end, where the Ram Mohan Palace - the seat of the Kerala High Court - is situated. An evening stroll along the water-side promenade is a favourite pastime. Broadway - narrow despite its name - running parallel to the east of Shanmugham Road is among the city's oldest and busiest shopping streets, where the best buys include clothes and spices.

Park Avenue
The green lung of the metropolis so to speak, the well-shaded, tree-lined Park Avenue gets its name from the beautifully laid-out parks on its western side overlooking the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake and having impressive views of Cochin harbour. The ancient Siva temple, old government buildings, the General Hospital, the main boat jetty, the Cochin Corporation office, the District Court, and some of the city's finest educational institutions are located alongside this picturesque boulevard..

The enchanting backwater destination of Kumarakom is a small village that is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerela. Kumarkom strengthens Kerala’s reputation for being God’s own country with its unbelievably beautiful mangrove forests, coconut groves and emerald green paddy fields interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with while lillies. It is part of the Kuttanad region, and the bird sanctuary here spread across 14 acres of any ornithologist's paradise.

This enchanting backwater destination offers visitors many leisure options. From wandering into the depths of its wildlife sanctuary to cruising down the back waters and fishing, Kumarkom is perfect for a lazy and laid back holiday. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands, as hundreds of swaying verdant coconut palms lining the rivers lean to brush the tops of your heads. Kumarkom is an example of nature at her bountiful best in the fragrant flowers, the riot of multi coloured birds, the surrounding greenry and the clear waters.

KUMARAKOM TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It flows through the verdant lands of Kerala and offers one of the best backwater cruises. Most of the flora and fauna in this region flourishes around this supply of fresh water. The lake also acts as a balancing tank against floods, and its wooded banks, temptingly invite a visitor to explore more. The boats that ply on the lake vary from the large stitched-hull, cargo carriers with domed mat-roofs to houseboats.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A water-bird sanctuary lies at the edge of the grounds of an old estate where a profusion of all kinds of birds can be observed. Domestic birds such as cuckoo, wild duck, egrets, darters, herons, teal, and water fowl can be seen in abundance here, as much as can the Siberian storks which migrate to this area each year.

Kottayam
Kumarakom is situated 15 km from Kottayam on the Vembanad lake. This little backwater town is well known for its rubber plantations. Christianity is the dominant religion here and it is dotted with pretty old churches. Rejuvenating ayurvedic massages are available here. Thekkady, a major wildlife center lies 114 km from here, and Sabarimala, a Hindu pilgrim center is another 134 km from Kottayam.

Alappuzha
The charmingly unkept coastal town of Alappuzha, formerly called Alleppey, lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, and cheerful people it makes for a memorable holiday. Alappuzha is a never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees, and long canals that offers enjoyable boat cruises to Kollam along the scenic Vembanad Lake.

ACTIVITIES
Kumarakom is best described as a picturesque clean village like most places in Kerala. It has lately become a preferred tourist destination. Boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are some of the main attractions of this simple place. The huge houseboats, traditionally known as the Kettuvalloms, are complete with living rooms, toilets, kitchen, balcony for angling and it is possible to live on them for days together for a truly unique experience. These Kettuvalloms are actually remodelled cargo barges made of wooden planks joined together by rope only, without using nails at all.

Kumarakom lies in the region of Kuttanad, which is the rice bowl of Kerala. Here farming is done below sea level. The peace and quiet, biting fresh air and unspoiled life style of the simple people of Kumarkom are a unique and rejuvenating experience that surpasses any modern entertainment activity or pastime.

HOW TO REACH KUMARAKOM
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 76 kms from Kottayam town. Kottayam is the nearest railhead to Kumarkom, about 16 km away and provides a link to all major cities in Kerala and India with numerous trains plying its route daily. The nearest bus terminal, is also at Kottayam.

TOURIST TRAVEL INFORMATION
Kumarakom is located on the Southern coast of India enjoys a well-balanced tropical climate. The local spring season emerges from August and coincides with the harvest festival of Onam. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded are 16.10 C and 37.80 C. There is always a cool, fresh breeze, which makes even the warmest weather readily agreeable. The South West monsoon is from early June to early August. However, slight drizzles persist till early November. Average rainfall is 1100 mm per year. The peak tourist season is from November to March.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL KUMARAKOM
The time when one can enjoy the enchanting backwaters is from December through March. A visit around January15 provides the chance to see the Boat Race at Alleppey on January 19 and the Great Elephant March Jan 17 to 20. Second Saturday of August is Nehru Trophy Snakeboat Race

Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

Alleppey is also known for its spectacular snake - boat races held on the second Saturday of August, every year. This competition - the Nehru boat race takes its name from India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated in 1952. It is excitement all around as snake - boats , each manned by over a hundred oarsmen, cut through the waters like wind. The event is a tremendous success with tourists and the local population alike.

The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey give one first hand experience of the life style, toddy tapping, fishing for small fry, Coir-making, prawn farming etc. which remains more or less unchanged over the years.

Accessibility

By Air - The nearest airport is at Cochin.
By Rail - Alleppey Railway Station. Connected by rail with Cochin and Trivandrum.
By Road - Well connected by road (NH-47). Trivandrum - Alleppey : 160 km, Cochin - Alleppey: 70 km.
By Water - Connected with Cochin (5 1/2 hrs), Quilon (8 hrs) and Kottayam (2 1/2 hrs).

PLACES TO SEE:

Ambalapuzha
It is situated 14 kms. away from Alleppey. In its architectural features, the Sreekrishna Temple confirms the typical Kerala style. The temple is famous through out Kerala for 'Palpayasam' a milk porridge of exceptional sweetness offered to the deity.

Karumadikkuttan
Situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, this village is known for its 10th century Karumadikkuttan statue, a black granite figure of the great Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. There are many interesting legends connected to this idol.

Champakulam
Champakulam - the water logged village is also the place of oldest angadi (market) known as Kalloorkkadu angadi. The St. Mary Forane Church built in 427 A D is another major attraction famous for its beautiful mural paintings for both tourists and believers. In Champakulam you can see Nadubhagum and Champakulam snake boats which take part in the annual snake boat races
End Tours / Pearls Service

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