Aquatourism in Kottayam

Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the East, and the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the West, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the title: the land of letters, latex and lakes.

Vembanad Lake

Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egrets, darters, herons and teals. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

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Thrissur-cultural capital of Kerala.

The name ‘Thrissur’ has evolved originally from ‘Tiru-Shiva-Peru’ which literally translates to ‘the big town of Lord Shiva’. Thrissur is officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala. One of the most well-known aspects of Thrissur is the ‘Vadakkumnathan Kshetram’ or shrine where Lord Shiva is the presiding idol. The temple is located in the heart of the city right in the centre encircling about a ‘round’ of 64 acres of land and it is also called as the Swaraj Round.

History of Thrissur

Thrissur (formerly known as Trichur) is also one of the first cities of Kerala. There is a myth that Thrissur was created by Lord Parasurama, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, soon after Kerala was created, by erecting the Shiva temple here.

People & Culture of Thrissur

The famed Thrissur Pooram Festival is one of the biggest, vibrant and eye-catching temple festivals of Kerala. This is celebrated every year in April or May. More than 50 caparisoned elephants are taken in a procession through the town, accompanied by the ‘Panchavadyam’ playing people. Thrissur is also known for its Onam celebrations in August or September every year. Thrissur is also known for being one of the best shopping centres for silks and gold ornaments in Kerala.

From very early on, Thrissur has been an important centre for learning Sanskrit. The renowned Shankara Acharya, who had settled here, built a temple, had imparted Advaita teachings to many people. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of low, tiled roofs, with woodwork, and there was also the famous ‘koothambalam’, or theatre hall where the dramatic art form, ‘Chakiar koothu’ was performed. The famous Kerala Kalamandiram, an art and dance school founded by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon, is also in Thrissur district.

Things to do in Thrissur

The Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located in Thrissur. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace here also known as Vadakkekara Palace is maintained by the Archaeological Department. The Archaeological and Art Museum has a good assortment of wood carvings, metal sculptures and antique jewellery. Thrissur zoo is another major attraction for children. There are a lot of animals and there is a special enclosure for snakes. The Appan Thampuran Smarakam is a cultural museum found in 1976 at Ayyanthole.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores locally known as Puthen Palli, Vilangankunnu a hillock created by the tourism department is an amusement park. There are two other amusement parks, Dream World and Silver Storm, located nearby. Punnathurkotta is the famed exclusive Elephant sanctuary, located about 23 km from the city. Peechi Dam, about 20 km from the city is a very good picnic spot. Chavakkad Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, and the Bible Tower the tallest church tower in Asia can be found here. Tourists can also avail specialised Thrissur holiday packages. 

Travelling to Thrissur

Thrissur (Trichur) has a train station and is connected to most major cities in India. To reach Thrissur, tourists can either travel by bus,  train or hire cabs. The best time to visit Thrissur is between October and February.

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Thattekad- area attracted with the highest number of birds in India.

Situated in 'God’s own country', Kerala, Thattekad at a height of 35-523 m is 60 km away from Kochi. It is located between two branches of the longest river in Kerala, the Periyar. The area is spread over 25.16 km. It is situated in the Kothamangalam taluk of Ernakulam and is known for its sanctuary that has a host of birds and some animals.


Thattekad is located on the Njiyapilli hill and is well known for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This was named after the great ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. He conducted a survey and found that this area attracted the highest number of birds in India.

He recommended that it be turned into a sanctuary in the early 1930s. Owing to his suggestion, the sanctuary was established in the year 1983 by the Kerala Government that maintains the sanctuary.

Thattekad bird sanctuary has about 280 odd species of water and land birds. The most popular birds in the sanctuary include that of the crimson throated Barbet, black winged Kite, the night heron, the grey heron, the sun bird, the bee eater, woodpeckers, the cuckoos, the jungle nightjar and many others. There are animals in the vicinity too like elephants, leopards, sloths and other mammals.

The sanctuary can be entered only with guides who can also help with getting permits. Guides are available at around INR1000 per day. Accommodation is available within the sanctuary, in the form of a watch tower which has two beds, a toilet and a kitchen. In addition, there is also a dormitory and a Forest Department inspection bungalow. 

Thattekad can be reached by first reaching the nearest airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Nedumbassery and also Kochi and the nearest railway station is at Aluva. By road, it can be reached by buses that ply from Kothamangalam to Thattekad. Kothamangalam is well connected by buses to Ernakulam. Places close to Thattekad like Alleppey, Cardamom Hills and the Periyar Tiger Reserve can also be visited from here. 

The best time to visit Thattekad is from the month of September till the month of March. During the summer months, the temperature of Thattekad ranges from 24⁰-32⁰ Celsius. The winter season from September to January experience a maximum temperature of 25⁰ Celsius and a minimum of 18⁰ Celsius.  The region receives heavy rainfall from June to August, which is the reason for its lush green scenery. 

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Sulthan-Battery,Wayanad Tourism

Sulthan-Battery is an old town, which lies in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is the biggest town in the entire district. It is situated at a distance of 98 km from Kozhikode, 115 km from Mysore and around 100 km from Ooty and lies on the Kozhikode - Kollegal National Highway. The town is also connected to Nilambur and lies close to the Kerala - Karnataka border. It is at an altitude of 930 metres above sea level and is bordered by hills. 

In the past, this town was known as ‘Ganapativattom’. It was also known as Kidanganadu, because the Kidangans lived here. It derived its present day name after Tipu Sultan of Mysore conquered the region and utilised the Jain temple located here as a battery during the 18th century. Hence, it was named as ‘Sulthan Battery’ or ‘Sulthan Bathery’. The Sultan had also built a fort here. Unfortunately, there are no remains of the fort.

Besides being the biggest town in Wayanad district, Sulthan Battery is also the centre for all commercial and tourism activities in the district. The town is mostly inhabited by tribal people and its economy is based on agriculture.

Among the different tourist attractions in the town, the Jain Temple, which was built during the 13th century, is one of the most popular ones. This temple was not only used for worship by the Jains and Hindus, but was also used for storing ammunition (battery) after invasion by Tipu Sultan during the 18th century.

Jain Temple,Sulthan-Batter

Sulthan Battery is famous for its architectures and ancient temples. Some historic temples in the town include Ganapathi Temple, which is an eight-century old temple of lord Ganesha and the Mariyamman Temple, which is a place of worship for the tribal people. In fact, the earlier name of this town ‘Ganapativattom’ was named after the Ganapathi Temple situated at this place.

Some other interesting places to visit in this town include the Edakkal Caves located on the Ambukuthi Mountains, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that lies between Sulthan Battery and Mysore and Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.  

Chembra Peak, which is the tallest peak in Wayanad, Chethalayam Waterfalls, Pookot Lake, which is a freshwater lake, Lakkidi, which is also known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’, Phantom Rock, Kuruva Island, Thirunelli Temple and Pakshipathalam are other tourist attractions of the region. 

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Jews of Kerala

There is no consensus of opinion on the date of the arrival of the first Jews in India.  The tradition of the Cochin Jews maintains that after 72 A.D., after the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, 10,000 Jews migrated to Kerala.  A second tradition says that the Jews are the descendants of the Jews taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar and then released by Cyrus of Persia in the sixth century B.C.  A third theory holds the view that they came to India

in 370 from Majorca where they were exiled by the Roman Emperor Vespasian. A fourth tradition, the Christian tradition, says that when St. Thomas the Apostle visited Muziris in 52 A.D., he stayed in the Jewish quarter.  The only verifiable historical evidence about the Kerala Jews goes back only to the Jewish Copper Plate Grant of Bhaskara Ravi Varman of 1000 A.D.  This docu-ment records the royal gift of rights and privileges to the Jewish Chief of Anjuvannam Joseph Rabban.

The Jews, like the rest of the Keralites, came from the East Coast in the sixth century and after.  They came to India as political refugees and/or as traders.  Because of the paucity of their numbers at any time in their his-tory in India, it is very likely that they came only in small numbers to India and remained small unless most of them became Christians at one time.  According to one tradition, St. Thomas converted many of them to Christianity.  It seems likely that the fate and fortune of the Jews were tied in with the fate and fortune of the Christians.  In my view, the early Christians of India were converts from Judaism.  The clearest evidence for their view is found in the Aramaic language once spoken by the Kerala Christians and used even today in the prayer books of Kerala's Syrian Christian community.  It was the language of the Iraqi Jews and of some Iraqis even today.  In the sixteenth century White Jews from Spain and Portugal came to Kerala.

The Portuguese did not look favorably on the Jews.  They destroyed the Jewish settlement in Cranganore and sacked the Jew town in Cochin and partially destroyed the famous Cochin Synagogue in 1661.  However, the tolerant Dutch allowed the Jews to pursue their normal life and trade in Cochin.  According to the testimony of the Dutch Jew, Mosss Pereya De Paiva, in 1686 there were 10 synagogues and nearly 500 Jewish families in Cochin.  During the British times, too, the Jews enjoyed peace and protection.  After the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, most Jews (85%) decided to depart for Israel.  All the Black Jews and Brown

Jews, about 3,000, went to Israel between 1948 and 1955; they are known as Cochini in Israel today.  Only a -few hundred Jews remained in Kerala; they were all white Jews.  In 1961 there were only 35'9 Jews in Kerala with only two synagogues open for service:  the Pardesi Synagogue in Maltancherry built in 1567 and the synagogue in Parur.

Today the number of the Jews has dwindled down to a mere 50; most of them are elderly people, and women outnumber men.  According to the prominent Jewish businessman of Kerala, S. S. Koder, the main problem for the Kerala Jews is to find bridegrooms and brides for their young people in Kerala. When it is time for them to get married, they leave for the Kiriath Shemona settlement in Israel where most of the Cochin Jews resettled.  Another problem is the absence of a good shoeth (butcher) to prepare kosher meat after ritual slaughter.  Fortunately, they have found one recently.

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The Hill Palace, Kerala's first heritage museum

The Hill Palace, Kerala's first heritage museum noted for royal collections of the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi, is today the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Built in 1865, the palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the trational architectural style of Kerala, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here. On display in the full-fledged Ethno-archaeological museum are oil-paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, belongings of the Kochi royal family and royal furniture including the simhasana (throne).

Also exhibited are over 200 antique pieces of pottery and ceramic vases from Japan and China, Kudakkallu (tomb stone), Thoppikkallu (hood stone), menhirs, granite, laterite memorials, rock-cut weapons from the Stone Age, wooden temple models, plaster cast models of objects from Mohenjodaro and Harappa of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The museum also houses a gallery of contemporary art.

Visiting hours: 9.00 to 12.30 hrs &14.00 to 16.30 hrs on all days except Mondays.

Entrance fee: Adult - Rs. 30/- Children (5-12) - Rs. 10/-

Children's Park: Open till 6.00 pm

Contact details: +91 484 2781113

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 10 km 

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 33 km

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Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach, a picturesque beach, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. Dolphines are occasionally seen here. Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.

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The Great Hornbill, The state bird of Kerala

The state bird of Kerala ,The Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis also known as Greater Indian Hornbill, is the largest member of the hornbill family. It is found in the evergreen forest of Kerala alsothey are distributed in a range from western India , through Indochina , south of Malaya and through Sumatra . These hornbills are found on sea level up to 5000 feet (1524m) above ground. Great Hornbills can grow to a length of 4.5 feet (1.4m). The body is covered with black feathers and the wing tips have a ban of white feathers. The tail, sometimes reaching up to 3 feet (7.6cm), is white with bans of black feathers across. The neck of this bird is surrounded with circle of fur. The bill is yellow and curved downward. One distinct mark of the hornbills is their bright yellow and black casque on top of its massive bill, a helmet like head and is solid ivory. The casque is hollow with little functions although they are believed to be the result of sexual selection. Male hornbills have been known to indulge in aerial casque butting flights. Females are smaller than males and have blue instead of red eyes. They usually have short legs, but have broad feet.

Indian hornbills are mainly fruit eaters but also actively hunt and eat insects, lizards, snakes and even nestling birds. Great Indian Hornbills like to eat various types of berries. Hornbills swallow most of their food whole instead of breaking it down first. After they consume the food, they'll regurgitate what they cannot digest such as bones, and pits.

Female hornbills build nests in hollows of large tree trunks and the opening is sealed with feces, wood bark, and dirt. She remains imprisoned in her nest until the chicks are semi-developed relying on the male to bring her food. During this period the female undergoes a complete moult. The clutch consists of one or two eggs she incubates for 38-40 days.

Indian hornbills are rare and threatened with extinction. These birds are hunted in India for food and medicine. In Kerala the main threat is the destruction of their habitat. Due to ongoing habitat lost and hunting in some areas, the Great Hornbill is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly, located to the east of Chalakudy in Thrissur District, is a famous holiday destination in the state of Kerala. Situated on the fringes of Sholayar forests of the Western Ghats, which are the rain forests of Kerala, Athirappilly is famous mostly for its 42 meter high waterfalls.

Athirappilly, lying at an average elevation of 300 meters above sea level, consists of 14850 hectares of tropical wet, evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous riparian forest ranges. Athirappilly forests is one among the five territorial ranges of Vazhachal Forest Division, the others being Charpa, Vazhachal, Kollathirumedu and Sholayar.

The forestland of Athirappilly is one among the world’s biodiversity hotspots, as it is home to endangered as well as threatened species of flora and fauna. Athirappilly also draws the attention of biologists as its forest ranges are situated at a low altitude (300 meters), which is a unique phenomenon in the whole of Western Ghats.

The picturesque waterfalls of Athirappilly are situated in River Chalakudy, which originate in the upper ranges of the Western Ghats called Anamudi Mountains. River Chalakudy flows down through the Vazhachal Forest Division till it reaches Athirappilly. The rocky river-bed at Athirappilly makes the river water turbulent and it gushes forward around big rocks to form segmented water cascades. The Athirappilly waterfalls consist of three waterfalls, the biggest of which is 42 meters high and 220 meters wide.

Athirappilly is the abode of Kadars, which is a primitive tribal group in Kerala. Kadars, who reside in hilly forest areas, are specialised collectors of honey, wax, sago, cardamom, ginger, etc.

The natural riparian ecosystem at Athirappilly consists of about 319 species of flowers of which 24 are endemic to the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Out of 85 species of fresh water fish found in River Chalakudy, 35 are endemic and 9 are endangered species.

The Athirappilly Forest Ranges is also the natural habitat of species like the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar and lion-tailed macaque.

Athirappilly tourism offers excursions to picnic spots like Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Anakkayam, Malakkapari/ Vaparai, Thumpurmuzhi Gardens, Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams, Vazhachal Forest Gardens and Parambikulam and Malayattur Wildlife Sanctuaries. Athirappilly also offers adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, etc.

Athirappilly is located at a distance of 63 km from Thrissur and 30 km from Chalakudy, on State Highway 21. The vicinity of Athirappilly to Coimbatore and Ernakulam makes it a popular holiday destination. September to February is the best time to visit Athirappilly.

Kochi airport is the nearest airport to Athirappilly which is 55 km away. Kochi and Thrissur are two major railways junctions which lie at 78 km and 66 km away, respectively. The nearest railway station is Chalakudy Railway Station at 31 km from Athirappilly.

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Kappad- place where Vasco d Gamma, a Portuguese explorer landed in 1498.

Kappad is a famous beach of Malabar Coast in the district of Calicut, of the state of Kerala in India, located about 16 km from Kozhikode town. It is also known by the name of the Kappakadavu, locally. It is situated on the banks of the Korapuzha River.

Kappad Beach is a beautiful beach which has rocks covered with moss. This beach is also known for its clear blue water, golden sand and its fishing hamlets. The place is bliss and attracts numerous tourists every year. Presently, it is one of the important tourist places in Kerala.

Kappad also finds its importance in the Indian history. This is the place where Vasco d Gamma, a Portuguese explorer landed when he discovered India in 1498. At that time Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins who warmly welcomed Vasco da Gama.

Vasco da Gama

This was a great event in the history of India, as the world was made aware about India and its prosperity. This route gave the access to the Europeans to the India’s wealth. Later they stayed here for 450 years. To commemorate the landing of Vasco d gamma, a small stone monument is built there with the inscription, Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498.

The main reason why Europeans was attracted to Malabar was the abundance of spices and calico textile. Kerala is still one of the largest producer and exporter of the spices. Pepper cardamom and cloves are its main products.

Kappad is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments. It has many Ayurvedic centres which offer numerous Ayurvedic health and holiday facilities to the people.  Visitors come here from different parts of the world to enjoy Ayurvedic massages and herbal treatments.

Kappad offers places to visit such as Elathur, the Canoli Canal and the Kallai River. All of them are close to the beach and considered ideal places for boating and water activities.

An ancient, 800 year old temple, on the rocks close by, is devoted to a local God in the vicinity. This place attracts a lot of devotees and visitors. Apart from the religious significance it is also known as historical and architectural splendour.  Kappad is best visited during winter, as it relatively milder. Monsoon season is not a good time as the rainfall is extensive.

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Kathakali : stylized classical Indian dance-drama

Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of southwestern India now known as the state of Kerala. Kathakali is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. Characters are categorized according to their nature. This determines the colours used in the make-up. The faces of noble male characters, such as virtuous kings, the divine hero Rama, etc., are predominantly green. Characters of high birth who have an evil streak, such as the demon king Ravana, are allotted a similar green make-up, slashed with red marks on the cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear predominantly red make-up and a flowing red beard. Forest dwellers such as hunters are represented with a predominantly black make-up base. Women and ascetics have lustrous, yellowish faces.

The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and special periods of body massage.

The dancers wear large head dresses, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime. The extraordinary costumes and make-up serve to raise the participants above the level of mere mortals, so that they may transport the audience to a world of wonders.

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and another percussion instrument, the ela taalam. Normally, two singers provide the vocal accompaniment. The style of singing particular to Kathakali is called Sopaanam. The orchestra of a Kathakali troupe is unique and provides not only the background to the dancing, but also serves as a highly expressive special effects team. In the traditional village ambiance, the percussionists also provide publicity for the event by playing outside the venue for some hours before the start of the show.

A traditional Kathakali performance begins in the evening and continues throughout the night, culminating at the auspicious hour of dawn, when Good finally conquers Evil. Today, however, it has been modified for the proscenium stage, and urban audiences can participate in this ritualistic theatre experience in the comfort of a plush auditorium, within the span of a couple of hours.

Watch Video Here

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Thenmala, an ecotourism centre

Thenmala, an ecotourism centre, is located in Kollam District in the state of Kerala at an altitude of 1,640 ft. Situated in the Kollam - Shencottai Road about 72 km from the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it is adjacent to the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and is a short distance away from the Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu. Often called as the hills that flow with honey, Thenmala is India’s first planned eco-tourism project which is spread over acres of evergreen forest.

Things to do in Thenmala

This unique eco-tourism habitat lies 500 m above sea level. It offers plenty of adventure and leisure activities with waterfalls, canopy walkway, mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing, nature trails and picnic spots attracting naturalists, conservationists and adventure seekers.

The major attractions are the amphitheatre where local art forms and other cultural programs are performed. The Musical Dancing Fountain – a rhythmic ballet of water, sound and light makes for a beautiful sight. The Lotus Pond has various aquatic plants while the Shop Court is used by local women for selling forest produce and local handicrafts.

There is also a deer rehabilitation centre where spotted deer and sambar are the main inhabitants. The centre also has a children's eco-park with treetop huts and swings. The sculpture garden here depicts the relationship between Man and Nature.

The eco-trip to the 300 ft waterfall at Palaruvi is managed by the local community. Hanging Bridge, Punalur (22 km) is on the way to Thenmala from Kottarakkara. The waterfall in Manalar on the way to Achankovil is a natural beauty. The Kumbavurutty Falls has a nature interaction centre. It also has tree houses for children. Boating and bird watching are major activities at the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.

Travelling to Thenmala

Thenmala is located on NH-208, on the way from Thirumangalam to Kollam. By bus, Thenmala can be reached from Thiruvananthapuram. Buses are operated by the State Government and are available from the Central bus station every hour.

The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram, over 70 km away, which has flight connections to the rest of the country. The nearest rail head is at Kollam, over 60 km away, which is well connected to different parts of the state. Taxis are available from the railway station to reach Thenmala. Transport arrangements can also be made through the hotel of stay.

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Muziris- The heart of the historic Spice Route- Watch Video

Muziris, a legendary port, the heart of the historic Spice Route, vanished off the grid over 3000 years ago. The ancient world's greatest trading centre in the East, this legendary seaport..

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Best of Wayanad-Watch Video

The natural scenic beauty of Wayanad and its rich natural resources offer several opportunities for adventure tourism. The hills rocks and valley which make the very unique character of this region provide a lot for catering to the ever increasing demand for adventure tourist.

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Cocunut Tree

Coconut production in Kerala plays an important role in the state economy and culture of Kerala in southwestern India. Kerala is actually named after the coconut tree with "Kera" meaning Coconut tree and "Alam" meaning land so means "Land of Coconut Trees". Various terms like Copra and Coir are derived from the native Malayalam language.

By the late 1970s it accounted for some 68% of total production in India and at one stage some 899, 198 hectares were reportedly under cultivation. Today Kerala produces roughly 45% of India's coconuts, with some 92% of total production lying in the southern Indian states and Kerala's neighbours. The Coconut Development Board which plays an important role in the development of coconut production in India has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala.

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Kerala- God’s own country.

Any mention about Kerala, conjures in one’s mind, an image of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages and greenery in profusion. God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature and so it only seems natural when Kerala is referred to, as God’s own country.

A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year.

Be it the sun-kissed beaches or the misty hill stations; the rhythmic backwaters or the forestlands rich with all varieties of flora and fauna; pilgrim centres or historic monuments; Kerala has everything you might travel far and wide to see. Just one visit and you will know why Kerala has the lovely epithets attached to it.

So come over to this land that holds promises of leaving you mesmerized and gifting you one of the best holidays you have ever had… 

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Top 10 Destination in Kerala

Find out the best destinations in Kerala

Watch below video

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Vagamon-a hill station

Vagamon is a hill station situated in Kerala near the border of Kotayyam-Iduki. Vagamon is surrounded by a sequence of three quaint hills, namely Murugan Hill, Kurisumala Hill and Thangal Hill.

History of Vagamon

Discovered by the British, who found the region ideal for tea plantations, Vagamon is also known as the ‘Scotland of Asia’. Later on Christian missionaries came and made Kurisumala ‘mountain of the holy cross’, in Vagamon, their spiritual abode.

People & Culture of Vagamon

The three hills of Vagamon have made this place so popular, that it is now a sacred place to three distinguished religious beliefs - Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The Kurisumala Hill is a popular hill station and is a spiritual centre for the Nazrani Catholics. The nearby Kurisumula Ashram is a home of religious bliss. This hill contains 12 sub heaps which are the actual places of worship.

Things to do in Vagamon

Vagamon offers all kinds of activities from pilgrimage, natural beauty and premium holiday resorts. Many types of flora and fauna in varied colours and species can be located easily in this hilly region. While long grasses and shrubs are present in lower altitudes, the higher altitudes have evergreen trees.

Apart from natural trails in the hills of Vagamon, wild buffaloes, rare species of birds, insects and big elephants can also be located in the forests. Vagamon is also a favourite spot of adventure seekers and offers trekking, rock climbing, paragliding and other adventurous activities. Vagamon packages provide travellers several options to choose from according to their taste and budget.

Kurisumala Hill is home to the famous Indo-Swiss Dairy farm project. The place is completely enclosed with tea estates and lakes. Thangal Hill is the burial chamber of Sheikh Fariduddin and Murugan Hill is devoted to Hindu God Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. The third, Kurisumala Hill has a Kurisumala Ashram, which is a religious residence that links to both Hindu and Christian faith.

Pine forests, grasslands, meadows and even a popular suicide point at Thangal Hill, adds to the natural beauty of Vagamon. Travelling through the main road in this division is an exciting experience with deep valleys and splendid sites throughout.

Travelling to Vagamon

Vagamon is well connected and easily accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin. It is around 100 km from Cochin and Trivandrum, the state capital. The nearest railway station to reach Vagamon is approximately 64 km away in Kottayam.

Accommodation options in Vagamon

Being a hill station, hotels in Vagamon are slightly crowded in summer and it is better to make bookings in advance if visiting during this time. The region caters to all types of budgets and has accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Most of the budget options are situated at an optimal distance from the waterfalls and other attractions. There are also suitable accommodation options for trekkers in the surrounding areas.

During December-January, Vagamon exhibits a pleasant mood of nature, mist that can be touched, raindrops, gentle breeze and the golden hue. The place has a pleasant climate and has temperature of 10-230C in summer even in midday.

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Nelliyampathy- a part of the Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats.

Nelliyampathy is located near the town of Palakkad in Kerala, close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The Nelliyampathy hills and mountains form a part of the Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats. The varied heights of the peaks give the region a distinct look. Covered with valleys and green forests, the mountain range of Nelliyampathy has many tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.

Things to do in Nelliyampathy

Steep ways through farms and tea estates lead to Nelliyampathy, making it ideal for a drive. Picnic spots like Porthundy dam which offer boating and a rare geographical formation like Palakkad gap, also attract people to this hill station. With an altitude of 1572 m, the Nellikota mountain ranges are the highest in the region. Other important peaks are Vela Vanchan, Mayanmudi, Vellachimudi and Valiyavana.

The resort at Palagapandi Estate, the highest point of Nelliyampathy holds relics of a gorgeous past. A bungalow of British origin and an estate covered with vast plantations make it the perfect place to hang out. The adjoining areas are also ideal to spot wildlife. Giant squirrels, Indian gaur, leopards and elephants along with many varieties of birds are abundant in adjoining areas.

Mampara is a great trekking point and is reachable by jeep. Trekkers can also visit Kaikatty, which has a community hall that serves as a base for the same. The hills of Nelliyampathy also make it a great spot to get a good view of the Sholayar pass. Another famous holiday spot is Seethakundu with a 100m waterfall. Parambikulam, Malampuzha Gardens, Raja's Cliff and the wildlife sanctuary are other places of interest here. Tourists can opt for Nelliyampathy holiday packages to either indulge in adventure activities or just soak in the beauty of the place.

Travelling to Nelliyampathy

There is a lot to Nelliyampathy tourism than just sightseeing and adventure activities. The weavers’ community and the local handloom at Koothampully also draw a lot of tourists. The beautifully woven handloom was famous with the royalty of Mysore. Paddy farms, bio farms and orange cultivation make Nelliyampathy an eco-tourism destination.

The best time to visit Nelliyampathy is from September to May. Nelliyampathy is well connected by bus to several cities in South India. Tourists can also reach Nelliyampathy by taking a train to Palakkad while the nearest airport is at Coimbatore, which is well connected to the rest of the country.

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