GOA KERALA HOLIDAYS |
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COCHIN : EXCURSION
Kaladi (35 km):
The birthplace of Adi
Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century, Kaladi is
10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna
and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination. A place called
Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According
to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until
Sankara's mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).
Kodanad (30 km from Kottayam town):
Situated in
the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar, Kodanad is one of the
largest elephant training centres in south India. Elephants specially
trained for safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a
mini zoo for wild animals here.
Chendamangalam (42 km
from Ernakulam town):
This is a rare geographical combination of three
rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam
Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the
erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of
Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The
hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom presents the unusual sight of a temple, a
church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all situated next to
each other. Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta
Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
Malayatoor
(47 km from Kochi):
Malayatoor is famous for the catholic church on
the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas). Thousands of
devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual
festival - Malayatoor Perunnal (March/April). St. Thomas is believed to have
prayed at this shrine.
Bhoothathankettu (50 km north
east of Ernakulam town):
A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin
forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali
Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of
Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the
Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby. Trekking through
the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of
excitement to adventure lovers.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
(20 km from Kothamangalam on the Kochi - Munnar route):
This
sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned
ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. The sanctuary
is notable for indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill, the
woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet etc. Rare birds like the
Ceylon frog-moth and the Rose-billed roller are also seen here. Diverse
migrant species home in here during season. Wildlife can also be sighted
often.
Athirapally waterfalls (80 km)
Guruvayoor
(108 km):
Sree Krishna Temple (non Hindus are not allowed)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (192 km)
Munnar
(130 km):
Hill station, tea plantations
Kumarakom
(92 km):
Lake Resort, backwater cruises.
Lakshadweep
Islands :
Lakshadweep, a Union Territory of India, is a group of 36
islands, located in the Arabian Sea, about 300 km off Kochi. Of these
islands, Androt, Amini, Agatti, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadamat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti
and Minicoy are inhabited. The main occupation of the islanders is fishing.
The languages spoken are Malayalam and Mahl. Tourists are permitted to enter
through package tours offered by SPORTS.
Luxury
Hotels & Resorts in India : Agra -
Amar
Vilas Palace,
Welcomegroup
Mughal Sheraton :
Aurangabad - Taj
Residency Bangalore -
Taj
Westend,
The
Oberoi,
Welcomegroup
Windsor Manor Sheraton & Towers,
Golden
Palm Resort & Spa Chennai -
Park
Sheraton Hotel & Towers :
Cochin -
Marari
Beach Resort,
The
Brunton Boatyard :
Corbett -
Corbett
Hideaway :
Goa -
Leela Beach Resort,
Taj
Exotica :
Hyderabad - Taj
Krishna :
Jaipur - Raj
Vilas Palace,
Rambagh
Palace,
Samode
Palace :
Jaisalmer -
Fort
Rajwada Jodhpur - Umaid
Bhawan Palace :
Khajuraho -
Hotel
Chandela,
Kolkata - Oberoi
Grand :
Kovalam -
Somatheeram
Beach Resort Kumarakom -
Coconut
Lagoon :
Mumbai - ITC
Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers,
Taj Mahal Hotel,
Taj
President Hotel :
Neemrana -
Neemrana
Fort Palace New Delhi -
Imperial Hotel,
Taj
Mahal Hotel :
Periyar -
Spice
Village : Pushkar -
Royal
Tents,
Ranthambhor -
Vanya
Vilas Palace,
Rishikesh -
Ananda
In Himalayas Resort & Spa :
Sariska - Sariska
Palace :
Shimla -
Wildflower
Hall :
Udaipur - Devi
Garh Palace,
Lake
Palace,
Udai
Vilas Palace :
Varanasi -
Taj
Ganges :
More...
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Kerala Holidays. All Rights Reserved
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