Kerala

Kerala

Chronicles of Kerala:

Kerala’s history is linked to commerce and trade. Ancient Kerala was played to host to travellers and traders across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost everyone of them left the land with remarkable imprints in form of buildings, culture, lifestyle, and food. They have moulded and designed the place in their special way which remains as the milestone. Flanked by the Arabian sea and Western ghats in the East, Kerala is the most sought-after destination.

Munnar

It is hill station ushering romance and a paradise which enhance the beauty of nature. It has a lot of flora and fauna and has array of reasons that entices visitors from across the world.

Things to do:

·      Cheyyappara and Valara falls -  Best trekking locations in Idukki district. It’s the turning into a tourist hotbed. It has several rare species of plants and animals can be seen in the vicinity. It is spectacular sight to behold.

·      Tea museum – Tea plantation has been brought by the British to Munnar. It is tea museum explaining the history, machineries, tools and everything used at those days.

·      Eravikulam National Park -  It is also known as the Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary with a massive blend of wildlife. There are around 132 different species of birds, 19 amphibian species, 101 butterflies and many unspotted flora and fauna.

·      Mattupetty dam - The dam works as an excellent vantage point from where you can soak in the stunning scenery. It has mist-covered hills. The dam has an abundance of water at all times of the year which makes it a home to several bird and animal species. What adds to the charm of the place is its pleasant weather which persists almost all through the year. 

·      Echo point - Echo point is a place where creamy clouds floats and roll down the hilltops, the lush vegetation creating the ideal sight. It is at 600 ft. above the sea level, people scream with utter enthusiasm to hear it resound and then laugh out of pure amazement.

·      Kundala Lake -  Kundala Lake offers a plethora of natural gems to wanderlust tourists. This place is suitable for nomadic people. Located at an altitude of 1700 metres from sea level Kundala Lake is a must stopover en route Munnar.

·      International blossom park – It is a place to relax and refresh.  Green lawns, ornamental flower gardens, and serene lake can keep you engaged. It has few recreational activities too.

Cochin

A colorful city with a different vibe and rich history. It was an important trading center in ancient times. The enticing place is best for travellers, traders and seafarers. It slowly gained its significant as spice-trading center.

Things to do:

·      Fort Kochi –  Fort Kochi is a seaside town in the south-western part of Main Kochi, which is known for its historical fortifications and ruins of old palatial buildings from the Portuguese or Dutch colonial era. The Chinese fishing nets are found only in this place.

·      Hill Palace Museum - Located near Tripunithura, it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. It was built in the year 1865 and today it has an archaeological museum, heritage museum, a deer park, a pre-historic park and a children's park.

·     Museum of Kerala history – The museum of edappally greets you with a statue of Parasurama, the sage who is said to have created Kerala. This is a monument to the history of Kerala and is one of the best tourist places in Kochi. The museum is a quiet ethnic building hidden in the shades of huge trees and has an unassuming gallery that houses immortal creations that will give you glimpses of the glorious history and rich cultural legacy of Kerala.

·      Folklore Theatre - Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is built in the Malabar, Cochin and Travancore style of architecture. Opened in the year 2009, this architectural museum has a huge collection of wood works in Kerala and a perfect instance of Kerala ancient carpentry.

·      St Francis church –

·      16^th century The Synagogue – Amongst the 7 synagogues located in this area, this Jewish synagogue is the only one which is in operation today. It was built in 1568 and is also called the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattencherry Synagogue.

·      Jew town –  It is the oldest parts of the region. In this place, Jews first settled in India in around 700 BC. This part is famous for its architecturally solid synagogues that continue to stand till today.

·      Mattancherry palace - The Mattancherry Palace is a Portuguese palace popularly known as the Dutch Palace. It is now a museum displaying paraphernalia belonging to the rajas of Kochi. The four separate wings of the Mattancherry Palace surround a central courtyard which has a temple as well.

·      Marine drive - The Marine drive in Kochi is one of the best places to spend time in the city and provides an amazing view of the sea. It is a picturesque promenade and is built facing the backwaters. It is a popular hangout place for the local people.

Other scenic spots to see:

Kerala is a wonderful place which doesn’t let you leave without hearty memories. We take you these spots if we have time and if you are ready to extend you days to stay. The places we cover are Chottanikara temple, Vypeen island, subash park and many more exciting places in Kochi. And in Munnar, we take you to Anamudi peak, top station, thoovanam falls, attukal waterfalls and many more. In the additional time, our guide will even take you to extra sightseeing places which are not covered under the package. 

Note: This is applicable only if you wish to extend the days of staying and willing to see more places. 

Things to buy:
An art and craft lover must spend a day to shop for authentic goods in Munnar and Cochin.

·      Munnar – In Munnar market, you will everything that you want in this market. It is specifically known for tea, coffee, spices, aromatic oils, handicrafts, home-made chocolates, wooden items, fabrics, garments and more. You can also buy fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, strawberries, herbs, earthen pots, bronze and copper utensils, plastic toys, and other local forest produce.

·      Kochi – You get all kinds of things in Kochi. It significantly well-known for handicrafts, crystals, silks, spices, apparel, perfumes, cotton clothing, antiques, and more

Happening time:

Kochi is well-known for its nightlife while Munnar isn’t. You can definitely have a splendid night time at Cochin where people get together enjoy and party at it. The most beautiful place to enjoy the scenic beauty and people companionship.

Best Time to visit:
Every destination has best time where you can enjoy the whole place to the fullest. It is better to visit those places in those time.

·      Munnar

December to February: The winter months are by far the best time to visit Munnar since the weather is pleasant. The minimum temperature during this time of the year drops to 10 degrees and is perfect for a vacation or a honeymoon. This is also a great time for adventure enthusiasts who can enjoy adventure activities such as rock climbing, trekking and rappelling.

March to May: March marks the beginning of summer in Munnar. The weather remains pleasant and temperatures are about 19 degrees and 35 degrees. Munnar summer is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing and visiting tea estates and the Tata Tea Museum.

June to September: This is the monsoon season in Munnar and even though many tourists avoid Munnar during the monsoons, this is a great time to visit the hill station if you’re looking for a quiet vacation. Covered with lush green foliage, monsoons in Munnar have their own charm.

·      Kochi

October to February: Winters are by far the best time to visit Cochin as the weather is very pleasant. Temperatures ranges between 17 degrees and 33 degrees. This is a great time of the year for honeymooners and adventure seekers.

March to June: March marks the beginning of the summer in Cochin and temperatures begin to rise. The average temperature during this time of the year is between 20 degrees to 37 degrees. This is a great time to visit Cochin as the city is not crowded.

July to September: The monsoon season is another great time to visit Cochin and admire the city in its rain-washed splendour. Covered in a carpet of green, Cochin comes alive during the rains.

How to Reach:
* Munnar

By Air

Nearest airport from Munnar is Cochin International airport which is just 125 km away. Taxi services are also available from the airport to Munnar. Cochin airport is well-linked to all the major cities in the country as well as many cities abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station from is Kochi or Ernakulum. It is a major junction in the south from where you can get trains for the major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Mangalore, Bangalore etc.

By Road

Munnar is connected to other cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu by state government public transport buses. Many tour providers arrange packaged bus tours services to Munnar from Cochin. You can also get buses to the cities like Kochi (124 km), Thrissur (148 km), Madurai (152 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (281 km).

·      Kochi

By Air

Nedumbassery International airport is an international airport which is situated at a distance of about 20 km from Kochi. Taxis as well as buses facilities are also available from and to the main city.

By Rail

Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island, Ernakulum town and Ernakulum Junction are three important railheads. There are frequent rail services from the railway station to various other major cities of the country.

By Road

How to reach Kochi is not a big fuss KSRTC connects Kochi with all major cities in Kerala and with many cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It takes about 72 km to reach Thrissur , 196 km to reach Thiruvananthapuram and 231 km to reach Madurai from Kochi.