Exploring Kerala

Alleppey

Alappuzha or Alleppey is best known for houseboat cruises. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Alleppey. You can find trains and buses from all major cities. The place is famous for its boat races, beaches, backwater trips, marine products and houseboat stays. -

The major tourist attractions are Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha Beach where you can find favorite beach activities like parasailing, surfing, swimming, boat races, etc., The Snake Boat Race, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Pathiramanal which is small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha and Karumadikuttan. Alleppey Backwaters is something you can’t miss if you are a nature lover.

Cochin

Cochin or Kochi which is the cultural and economic capitals of Kerala is a must visit place if you love fishing. The major tourist attractions are Fort Kochi that offers Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry, Bolghatty and Vypeen Islands, Lulu Shopping Mall, Paradesi Synagogue, Malayatoor Church, Kodanand Elephant Training Centre, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum and Museum of Kerala history in Edappally.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is known as a cluster of islands has popular tourist attractions like Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall which has trekking spot, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Kottayam.

It is charming emerald peninsula jutting into the ever-effervescent Vembanad Lake takes you into the heart of the scenic lake where you'll come across plenty of traditional country crafts, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a labyrinth of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora. They are rich with marine life namely the exclusive 'Kumarakom Karimeen' (pearl spotted fish), Konju (tiger prawns), Njandu (crabs), Chemeen (prawns) and many more.

As the monsoon winds bring rain to the shores of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom is transformed into a rich fertile land. The streams, lagoons, brooks break their banks and provide nourishment to springs and shrubs that sprout from every available space.

Water birds, migratory birds, mangrove shores and the renowned bird sanctuary form their niche. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing and swimming. The adventurous could indulge in water sports such as windsailing and waterskiing. You could even take a canoe out into the quite lakes and armed with a fishing rod, catch your own supper. Make sure you do not miss out on Karimeen and fresh toddy, the favourite fresh water food and the local wine.

Marari

Marari is a small and sleepy fisherman's village known for its beach and serene environment. It is located in the Alappuzha district at a distance of 60 km from Cochin. The original name of Marari is Mararikulam. It is a hypnotic location for a vacation. The main resort here is the 'Marari Beach Resort' belonging to CGH Earth chain of resorts, although there are a number of home stays and a new resort called Pollethai which is a mile south of Marari. The beach is luminous, safe and sound for swimming. This is a perfect destination to experience the traditional charm and hospitality of Kerala.

The beach here is very cam and inviting. One can enjoy the vacations basking in the sun with friends and families; and even in solitude. The surrounding lush green scenery sums up to an enchanting vista thereby rejuvenating one's soul and body. The tranquil Arabian Sea stretches a long way and the tourists can laze around in the cool breeze pervading the place. This open beach is an ideal spot for swimming and bathing. In fact, it is one of the cleanest beaches in Kerala. Other adventurous you can indulge in are water sports such as surfing or parasailing and beach volleyball.

Mararikulam Shiva Temple, the shrine of Lord Shiva and Sree Parvathy, is superb in its architectural brilliance. The ancient Cherthala Karthiyani Temple at Marari is dedicated to Devi Karthiyayini.

Munnar

Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it's surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.