Kerala Travel

He says: "The soil is rich and fertile and it is regularly cultivated and very productive. Men are fond of learning and studying both heretical and orthodox books. The disposition of the people is honest and simple; they are tall in stature and of a stern and vindictive character. To their benefactors, they are grateful; to their enemies, relentless. If they are insulted, they will risk their lives to avenge themselves. If they are asked to help one in distress, they will forget themselves in their haste to render assistance."

About Kerala Travel

Kerala TRAVEL


Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the the country's population.

In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state.

Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.

The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environ; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.

The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings. Loitering under the canopy of the foliage, you will feel blossoming the dreams. Thus, on a sojourn in Kerala, away from the rough and tumble of cities, you're breathing freshly purified air all the time.

Another piece de resistance of Kerala is the meandering rivers which criss-cross the state physique like blood veins. Besides, water bodies tucked away in thick forests also enhance the amazing beauty of the state. They fertilize the' land, turn waste into the wealth of the rich, black, alluvial soil on which the Keralarian state thrive.

The Lowlands or the coastal area, made up of river deltas, backwaters and the Arabian coast, is essentially a land of coconuts and rice. Fisheries and coif industry constitute the major industries of this area.

Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Forty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing} criss-cross the state physique along with countless runlets. During summer, these monsoon-fed rivers will turn into rivulets especially in the upper parts of Kerala.

Backwaters are an attractive, economically valuable feature of Kerala. These include lakes and ocean in lets which stretch irregularly along the Kerala coast. The biggest among these backwaters is the Vembanad lake, with an area of 200 sq km, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port.

The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala, Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake.The other important backwaters are Veli, Kadhinam kulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu),Edava, Nadayara, Paravoor. Ashtamudi (Quilon)

Flora: Kerala has over 25% of India's 15,000 plant species. Among them include endangered and rare species, flowering plants, fungies, lichens and mosses. The state's forest wealth include tropical wet evergreen, semi-green and tropical most deciduous. Teak, Mahagoney, Rosewood and Sandalwood are common, the forests abound with orchids, anthirium, balsam, and medicinal plants. banyan figs, bamboo as well as 40,000 years old grasslands. Mangroves are seen in coastal areas and low, morass lands. So fertile is the state, thanks to rivers and dams that are replenished by copious rain in Western Ghats.

Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest State.

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Historical Monuments

Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum

India reckoned as the top ten naval power in the world owes its credit to dedication and selfless services rendered by the brave men of India's formidable naval force.

It is of significance for civilians to understand the value of existence of such a force, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding territorial waters of India.

The Maritime Museum, located at INS Dronacharya in Kochi throws light on the genesis, history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy.

Step into the Maritime Museum to have a feel of the great maritime heritage of Indian Navy, which dates back to Indus Valley civilizations; Kerala's trade links with Arabs, its famous maritime hero Kunjali Marakkar; Influence of India's maritime power in South East Asia; Colonization of Indian sub-continent by European powers.

At the museum, the visitors are enlightened on the evolution of the navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat.

Another section of the museum presents interesting aspects of shipbuilding activities in India. It unravels India's prowess in shipbuilding, which took its culture to the shores of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.

The museum also has a section, which highlights Indian Navy's share of glory, when it took on its aggressors and eventually emerged victorious in the end. These include details of Junaghad operation, the Goa liberation, Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan and the strategic maneuvers during Kargil.

Visiting time: 9:30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm

Getting there: The Museum is located on the beach road about 1 km south of St.Francis Church in Fort Kochi.

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 15km.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam City.

Indo-Portuguese Museum

Indo-Portuguese Museum

The Indo-Portuguese Museum situated in Fort Kochi throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of the region.

The museum today is an important center to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage, which is still surviving. The museum is the outcome of the untiring efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, Bishop of Kochi. Driven by sheer commitment to protect the rich heritage of his Diocese, the bishop established the Indo-Portuguese Museum to preserve some of the invaluable collections for posterity.

The museum is divided into five main sections, according to the nature of items displayed in each section. They are viz. Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral.

The museum currently houses some outstanding collections, well known for its artistic and architectural marvel, which bear the mark of strong Portuguese influence. Some of these include a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen, a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop?s House, Fort Kochi, Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century) from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen. Among the displayed items, the Coat of Arms of the Franciscans needs special mentioning.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has also contributed to the rich collection at the Indo-Portuguese Museum and has to its credit sculptures, precious metal objects and vestments, among others from the Cathedral of Santa Cruz and other churches of the Kochi diocese.

The Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi is indeed one of those symbols in the annals of Kochi, bearing the rich heritage of Indo-Portuguese culture and artistic influence.

Working Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and all Public Holidays. Entry is free on 1st Thursday of every month.

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Bay Island Driftwood Museum

A display of unique large collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rare and innovative modern art-form

Visiting Hours
Weekday: 10.00am to 01.00pm, 1.30pm to 6.00pm
Sunday: 12.30pm to 6.00pm
Monday: Holiday
Entrance by Pass

A Museum to display a unique collection of superior quality driftwood articles of very high artistic value, prepared through a rate and innovative modern art form, is functioning at the scenic village of Kumarakom. A Visitor would find there a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs.

During her professional tenure in the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, a dynamic lady school teacher used to pick up pieces of driftwood deposited by the sea in the shores, comprising twisted tree trunks, stumps, roots etc. which had potential for transformation to sculptures with marginal efforts, thanks to the Bay of Bengal prune to frequent cyclones that make the sea turbulent and unpredictable.

Every cyclone brought back many things to the shore as it washes away from it. Some of these wood pieces and roots were centuries old, and having drifted across the seas they became more resilient. Having traversed vast distances, what is left of a tree is its sturdiest part which has weathered much inclemency.

The picked up pieces were cleansed, dead parts removed, scraped and trimmed to conform to the shape she had in mind. In the course of the process, it so happened, the Nature?s original designs could come out more forcefully, evocatively and permanently. Many of these pieces closely resemble birds, animals, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. Shaping, scraping, polishing, finishing and preserving are done with fierce dedication.

The admirers and connoisseurs of this rare and innovative form of art frequent the Bay Island Driftwood Museum. The student community finds the art form adopted in the preparation of the exhibits in the museum interesting and educative as the museum inculcates in them the qualities of imagination, creativity, originality and initiation to produce useful articles out of materials normally considered waste.

Teak Museum

Teak Museum

If you are a nature enthusiast who is desperately pouring your head over volumes to get your much-needed information on Teak, the wonder tree, then the world famous Teak Museum at Nilambur is just the perfect place for you to be in. Here you can satisfy yourself with loads of information on this magical bounty of nature.

The well-known Teak Museum is located at Nilambur in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Regarded as the first of its kind in the world and the only one in India; it is a house to the treasures of historical, aesthetic and scientific aspects of Teak. The museum was established on the campus of the sub centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in 1995.The museum was established here owing to the historical significance of the region. The worlds first teak (Tectona grandis) plantation was raised in Nilambur way back in the 1840s in order to ensure a steady supply of Teak timber to the British.

The fascinating abundance of information on this wonder tree attracts an entire horde of tourists to visit this museum throughout the year. The extensive root system of a 55-year-old teak tree exhibited in the portico for welcoming the tourists is itself metaphorical of the past, present and future of the museum.

The ground floor of the double-storied museum exhibits a translite of Kannimara Teak, the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam wild-life sanctuary and the life-size replica of the trunk of the largest known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division. Another translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conollys Plot at Nilambur offers the visitors a glimpse into the teak plantation activities undertaken 160 years ago. Some of the other added attractions are the traditional granary and a miniature model of sailing vessel called Uru made of teak wood.

Teak poles of varying sizes and qualities obtained during the process of Thinning of teak plantations are also displayed along with the necessary details of standard classification of teak poles. The depiction of foliage, flowers, fruits and bark of the tree gives us a deeper insight in to the other characteristics of the teak. Here, one can also find the large stump of a 480-year-old teak tree brought from Nagarampara forest range in Kottayam division.

Detailed description on the flower, fruit and natural regeneration of teak as well as the prominent characteristics of these species of trees are exhibited in the first floor of the museum. In addition to this, the various methods of seed-grading, presowing treatment, preparation of teak stumps, vegetative propagation of teak and the different stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak from seed to mature tree are also on display.

Along with them, one can also come across a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths and insects found in teak plantations. Another exclusive section deals with the various physical disorders of teak, disease-causing insects and pests, plantation and other nursery diseases.

Some of the special attractions of the museum are a series of interesting paintings portraying tree felling operations, a collection of photographs on the phonological events of teak at different seasons, exhibits on traditional harvesting tools and wood samples of different ages from various parts of the world.

The portraits of great figures who had carved out milestones in the successful establishment of teak plantations as well as of those who had laid the foundations to the plantation forestry in India like H. V. Conolly, Chathu Menon and T. F. Bourdillion offer a strong perspective of a glorious era spanning a period of 150 years. This museum also has a world-class library on teak and a mini auditorium for audio-visual presentations.

The 800-metre long bio-resources nature trail on the museum campus is, indeed, an interesting one. This nature trail passes through a heavy growth of shrubs, trees and bamboos. One can also find the different species of birds and reptiles here. There are 50 naturally grown tree species and 136 endangered and near-extinct tree species of the Western Ghats planted in this nature trail. About 58 species of birds, both resident and migratory, has been recorded in this area. A medicinal plant garden consisting of 150 species is also another attraction worth seeing.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum

Location: Adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple at East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

Visiting hours: Open 8.30 - 12.30 hrs. and 15.30 - 17.30 hrs.Closed on Mondays.

The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional Travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family and is located near the Padmanabha Swamy Temple. Ph: 2473952 Entrance fee: Adults: Rs. 10 Children: Rs. 3 Foreigners: Rs. 20 Camera permit: Rs. 15.

Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum

Location : Near the Thrissur Zoo, 2 km from Thrissur town, central Kerala.

Visiting hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and national holidays.

The Archaeological Museum was until recently accommodated in the Thrissur Town Hall building. Now it has been shifted to the Kollengode Palace, an architectural delight. The majestic building houses a gallery of murals from all over Kerala and preserves a rare treasure of Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal (manuscripts on dry palm leaves), megaliths etc. Veerakallu or herostones are stone engravings and sculptures of figures and weapons belonging to the heroes of days gone by. Most of these were recovered from the forests of Wayanad and Thrissur.

The megalith collection includes earthen pots, urns etc. The temple models cast in plaster of Paris are excellent representations of the ancient temples in the State.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum

Location: 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district.

Visiting Hours : 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Attractions : Rare 2nd century artefacts.

The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum in Wayanad,- has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. The exhibits here are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles on display are a fascination for the historian, the archaeologist and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios.

St. Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort

Location : 3 km west of Kannur town, north Kerala.

Attraction : A fascinating view of a natural fishing bay and a sea wall projecting from the fort separating the rough sea and inland water.

A massive triangular laterite fort, replete with a moat and flanking bastions, the St. Angelo's Fort also called Kannur Fort was constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francesco de Almeida in 1505.

In 1663, the Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese and sold it to Ali Raja of Kannur. In 1790 the British who seized control over the fort, renovated and equipped it to be their most important military station in Malabar.

Today, St. Angelo's Fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort offers a fascinating view of the Moppila Bay and Dharmadom Island. Dharmadom island, only 5 acres in area, is situated 100 metres away from the mainland in the Arabian sea. The Moppila Bay is a natural fishing bay. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. Today, the bay has turned into a modern fishing harbour, developed under the Indo-Norwegian Pact.

Thalasseri Fort

Thalasseri Fort

22km from the land of the exotic art form of theyyam-the northern district of Kannur is the small town of Thalassery. In this town stands an imposing historical monument the Thalassery Fort.

The East India Company which had established its settlement on the Malabar Coast in 1683 built the monument as a testimonial of their colonial imperialism in 1703. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery's development.

The imposing square fort has massive walls, huge, intricately carved doors and secret tunnels to the sea all in all, the perfect setting for you to get an authentic taste of some local history and heritage!

The Fort of Tipu Sultan

The Fort of Tipu Sultan

Location : In the heart of Palakkad town.

The Tipu's Fort, also known as Palakkad Fort, stands in the heart of Palakkad town. Palakkad is a small town on the lower edges of the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, with patches of dense forests and crisscrossed with rivers.

One of the well preserved forts in south India, Tipu's Fort was constructed in 1766 AD and is today a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The sober majesty of the laterite walls of the fort reminds one of the old tales of valour and courage.

The fort was built by Hyder Ali (1717 - 1782), the emperor of Mysore province (now part of Karnataka State), supposedly to facilitate communication between both sides of the Western Ghats, (Coimbatore and the West Coast). He had captured the Malabar and Kochi regions which come under the West Coast area. His son Tipu Sultan (1750 - 1799) a warrior as well as a linguist was known as the 'Lion of Mysore'. Tipu waged a series of wars against the British colonial rule.

In 1784, after an eleven-day seige, the fort was captured by the British under Colonel Fullerton. Though it later fell into the hands of the troops of the Kozhikode Zamorin, it was recaptured by the British in 1790. Tipu Sultan lost his life in 1799 in an encounter with the British and the fort later came to be known in his name.

Shopping in Kerala

Shopping in Kerala


Kerala is the shopping heaven of south India. Several arcades and emporiums have cropped up in several nook and corner of the various districts which are a storehouse of the rich reservoir of handicrafts, spices and textiles. The famed banana chips are available in each and every shop in Kerala. While in Kerala, shopping can be done in major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, etc. In all major cities, you will find not only the flea markets but also glittering malls and showrooms. You shouldn't have much of a problem in deciding what to buy in Kerala.

Also famous are the Indian spices that are available in Kerala. You can choose from turmeric, pepper, ginger powder and other exotic spices that are available only in Kerala. The most famous shopping centers in Kerala are in Trivandrum on the M.G. Road. You can buy the famous wooden "Kathakali" face as a remembrance of this beautiful place. You can also buy the traditional Indian attire known as "Sari". Kerala is famous for its variety in saris and you can find some really good colors and designs here.

Kerala is also well-known for its ivory carvings, pottery, brocade fabrics and earthenware products. It is an unforgettable experience to shop for those small traditional items in Kerala.

Hotels in Kerala

Taj Malabar, Cochin

Location :: 5 kms. from Airport, 10 kms from South Station, 15 kms from North Town.

Rooms :: 96 rooms and 9 suites

Room Facilities :: 96 centrally air-conditioned rooms including 9 suites.

Standard Rooms: All rooms are elegantly appointed and offer guest amenities like with international direct dial facility, channel music and colour television with satellite programmes.

New Wing Rooms: These rooms offer breathtaking views of the waterfront and Chinese fishing nets or spectacular views of the harbour. Corner rooms offer views of the waterfront, harbour and of the sunset.

Heritage Wing Rooms: Rooms with a Victorian touch, overlooking the waterfront or lush gardens.

Suites: Choose from 7 Executive Suites and 2 Deluxe Suites. Suites in the New Wing have balconies with splendid waterfront views, while those in the Old Wing are decorated using Indian and Chinese themes.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR :

Waterfront Café: The waterfront café is a 24-hour coffee shop, romantically situated on the Waterfront, offering you a wide range of Indian, Continental and Local cuisine.

Thai Pavilion: The restaurant is the first of its kind in Kerala to serve authentic Thai cuisine.

Rice Boat: A Unique restaurant set in a Rice Boat, serving ethnic seafood delicacies. Guests can interact with the chef, watch the ships go by and be serenaded by the sound of waves lapping the boat.

Dolphin's Point: An open-air seasonal eatery serving barbequed delicacies cooked to your taste.

Mattancherry: The Lobby Lounge bar set in a Colonial ambience. The bar serves spirits and cocktails as well as an assortment of ethnic Keralite, Thai & International snacks. A pianist plays light music in the evenings.

Pool Side Bar: An enchanting bar, overlooking Aquarius, the swimming pool. The bar serves a wide range of exotic cocktails and mocktails and snacks, throughout the day.

MEETING ROOMS & BANQUET FACILITIES : 3 banquet halls with a capacity ranging from 60 to 300 persons auditorium style or 65 to 350 persons for cocktails/receptions. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art business centre with 2 small meeting/board-rooms. Boat cruises with cocktails/ lunch/ dinner on board can also be arranged.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES :

Recreation : Swimming, jogging, table tennis, indoor board games and sightseeing on request.

Facilities and Services : Swimming pool, travel desk, car rental, boat rental for sunset or backwater cruises, book shop, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, doctor-on-call. Tamara Ayurvedic Spa. 24-hour room service and laundry service.

Details :: Taj Malabar, Cochin, a venture of Taj Group of Hotels, is a Victorian-style resort built on the Wellingdon Island with stunning views of the sea and the Cochin harbor.

Royal Village, Cochin

Location :: 8 Kms from Ernakulam North and 16 Kms from Cochin Airport. Accessible through backwater and by road.

Rooms :: 13 cottages

Room Facilities :: Thatched roof huts, with interiors to match three star classification, welcome you to relax in comfort. Built on the fine lines of tribal huts, the village stay gives you a feeling of living in harmony with nature. Unique open air bath gardens with each hut offers you the pleasure of a shower al fresco, in complete privacy.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR : The Village Restaurant 'Periyar', with its thatched roof and open-air ambience, offers an ideal atmosphere to relax and savor the 'Naadan' (local) food. The restaurant serves you traditional Kerala cuisine and a variety of Indian dishes as well as Continental and Chinese food. 'Service with a Smile' is the motto of the dedicated and experienced staff at Royal Village .

FACILITIES AND SERVICES : Enjoy this quiet retreat in the ideal ambience of a 100 year old 'Tharavadu' (traditional family house), set under the spreading foliage of Tamarind and Jackfruit trees and surrounded by low-slung mango trees and swaying coconut palms, where you wake up to the cooing of exotic birds. Backwater cruises through the narrow canals of Kerala, Ayurvedic rejuvenation and healing therapy using Kerala's ancient 'Kalari' method, and display of Traditional Art forms are the specialties at Royal Village. Guests are given an opportunity to experience life in a Kerala village, while at the same time enjoying the comforts of modern day living, as well as easy access to the city.

Details :: Royal Village' is a unique destination in Kerala, popularly known as 'God's own Country' and famous as the land of spices. It is a picturesque heritage resort on the outskirts of Cochin with ethnic cottages built around a central 100 year old family house called a 'Tharavadu'. Royal Village offers an ideal location to unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle of city life. Majestic trees and the surrounding lush greenery maintain a pleasant climate all through the year.

The port city of Cochin, the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea', with one of the finest natural harbours in the world, is an important transit point for many destinations in Kerala, in addition to being a destination in itself. Royal Village is located on a verdant island 16 Kms from Kochi airport and 8 Kms from Ernakulam town railway station, accessible both by road and by inland waterway.

Bolgatty Palace, Cochin

Location :: 15 minutes by ferry across the backwaters. The Kochi airport, rail and bus terminals are just 7 Km away by road from the boat jetty.

Rooms :: 16 rooms,6 honeymoon cottages,4 Suites

Room Facilities :: 16 rooms,6 honeymoon cottages,4 Suites. 24 hour room service, Telephone, Laundry, Restaurant, Wine&Beer Parlour, Conference hall, Doctor on call, Currency exchange, Travel assistance, Car Hire, Sight Seeing Tours, Luxury coaches, Kathakali Performances, Golf course, Horse riding, Boating, Backwater tours. Nearby places of interest: Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis' Church, Chinese Fishing Nets. Set amidst the lush tropical greenery of Bolghatty island off Kochi, this 17th century Dutch heritage-turned British Residency-turned hotel offers world class facilities.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR : Restaurant and beer parlour for your choice.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES : Multi cuisine Restaurant, Beer parlour,16 hour Rooms Service ,Conference hall ,Board room , Swimming Pool, Ayurvedic Center ,Travel Assistance ,Money Exchange, Nine hole Golf course, Picnic Spot ,Indoor Recreation room ,Channel TV, Daily Kathakali perfomance ,Cards accepted , Master, visa, diners club and american express cards.

Details :: The Bolgatty Island is a short but inspiring boat ride away from Kochi. The commercial capital of Kerala is also blessed with monuments of great historic relevance. One such monument is the Bolgatty Palace. Set amidst lush, tropical greenery, this prestigious heritage hotel answers your quest for a holiday of quiet enchantment. One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion was built way back in 1744 by a Dutch trader. In 1909 the palace was leased to the British and it served as their residency till 1947 when the British Raj came to an end in India.

Casino Hotel, Cochin

Location :: 2 kms. from Airport, Close to Railway Station, 8 kms. from Downtown Area.

Rooms :: 70

Room Facilities :: Willingdon Island, in the middle of the Cochin harbour, is a British legacy, created by Lord Bristow when he dredged the seabed to secure the city future as an international port. Ideally located between Fort Cochin and the modern mainland town of Ernakulam, it is the home of four flagship hotels, The Casino - a gateway to Cochin, Kerala and the tropical Lakshadweep Islands.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR : The large sun terrace overlooks "Fort Cochin" seafood restaurant. There is no menu, just a trolley piled high with the day's fresh catch. Other amenities include a cocktail lounge and the multi cuisine restaurant serving a great buffet lunch daily.

Details :: Willingdon Island, in the middle of the Cochin harbour, is a British legacy, created by Lord Bristow when he dredged the seabed to secure the city future as an international port. Ideally located between Fort Cochin and the modern mainland town of Ernakulam, it is the home of four flagship hotels, The Casino - a gateway to Cochin, Kerala and the tropical Lakshadweep Islands.

Punnamada Backwater Resort

Location :: Punnamada Backwater Resort, spread over 10.5 acres with a long water frontage, is located 4 kms from Alleppey Bus station, 8 kms from Alleppey Railway station and 4 kms from Alleppey Boat jetty. The resort boast a serene setting accessible with in a few minutes from the city center.

Rooms :: 25, Double: 16, Deluxe: 5, Suites: 4

Room Facilities :: Punnamada Backwater Resort offers accommodation in 3 room types - Lake View, Duplex & Standard Villas. The Lake View Villas are on the banks, commanding a charming view of the lake. The interiors are set in the traditional mould to maintain warmth and comfort. The Duplex Villas are also set in a traditional environment. These Villas have an upper deck where the bedroom is set, capturing the winds and an aerial view of the property. The lower deck houses the wardrobe, the living area, a mini bar and the bathroom. The Standard Villas are also built to reflect the exquisite hospitality the resort offers. Each Villa has a different setting with amenities like television, mini bar and garden bathroom.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT : The multi-cuisine restaurant of Punnamada Backwater Resort, 'Choola', facing the wide-open lawn, has an old limestone kiln retaining all its splendor. Step on the three large circles and feel the warmth of the ancient smoldering kiln. Experience the taste and delicacy of kitchen enjoying the view of the Munroe Island. Another marvelous feature of the resort is the open-air bar. One can pick his flick from a variety of cocktails at the bar, which has been expertly mounted over the waves. The leisure options at Punnamada Backwater Resort range from Houseboat or motor boat rides to night fishing for lobsters. For a different kind of experience, one can also go for a day out trip to the privately owned island in the middle of the Backwaters.

Details :: Punnamada Backwater Resort is a luxury resort on the banks of Punnamada lake, carefully re-created in line with the ethnic architecture of Kerala, but with all modern amenities. It lies close to the stretch where the famous Nehru trophy snake boat race is held, offering a panoramic view of the Backwaters.

Club Mahindra Lakeview, Munnar

Location :: Located 22 kms from Munnar, on a hill peak, offering unparalled views of the lake & lush green tea gardens, barely 3 hrs from Cochin Airport & a little over 3 hrs from Madurai. The resort offers 93 rooms & suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, health club with ayurveda, and a host of indoor games & outdoor activities.

Rooms :: 93

Room Facilities :: Lakeview Resort Munnar has 93 spacious rooms, suites and cottages. Each room offers a panoramic view of verdant tea estates and jagged peaks cloaked in mist.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR : Enjoy a lavish spread of mouth-watering delicacies even as you drink in the breathtaking view of surrounding hills. Treat yourself to a gastronomic odyssey at the multi-cuisine restaurant, which features Indian, Chinese, Tandoori, Continental, Mexican and authentic regional dishes. So whether you are in the mood for a tortilla or a butter naan, it’s all right here! And the tedium of long meetings can be broken by a glance at the panoramic view outside.

FACILITIES & SERVICES : The invigorating mountain air is enough to make you thirst for some adventure. Club Mahindra will keep you busy with mountain climbing, jumarring, rappelling, camping, boating and river crossing. There’s something for the laid-back types too - putt golf, badminton, archery, table tennis and pool.

To keep restless youngsters busy, Club Mahindra has a whole range of activities planned out - kid's club, video games, a tree house, a doll house, scrabble, carom, pictionary, and so on. So there's little chance of finding a bored youngster here.

After a stimulating day out in the wild, imagine a little pampering with an authentic Ayurvedic massage. Sounds heavenly/ you'll get it at the Ayurveda Health Center at Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort Munnar. Complete with herbal potions and oils applied by the soothing hands of trained experts. It is ideal for rejuvenating massages - back, head, face, Synchon, Kalari and Marma massages. Apart from this, the center is also equipped with a sauna to ease those tired muscles.

Details :: Located 22 kms from Munnar, on a hill peak, offering unparalled views of the lake & lush green tea gardens, barely 3 hrs from Cochin Airport & a little over 3 hrs from Madurai. The resort offers 93 rooms & suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, health club with ayurveda, and a host of indoor games & outdoor activities.

Edassery Eastend, Munnar

Location :: Edassery Eastend is located 130 km from Cochin International Airport, 130 km from the Aluva Railway Station, and just a km from Munnar Bus Stand.

Rooms :: 43

Room Facilities :: A relaxed stay buildings that blend English and ethnic styles. Double rooms, deluxe rooms, suites and independent cottages are available. Each functionally designed bedroom is provided with telephone, TV and hot and cold running water. At the touch of a button, you bring alive courteous service any time of the day or night.

Other Facilities :: RESTAURANT & BAR : The two restaurant serves Chinese, continental, north Indian and south Indian dishes. These elegant restaurant is a perfect place to relax and savor creative Indian and Chinese preparations, excellent wines or an aromatic brew from the coffee bar while enjoying the easy sounds of classical music.

Details :: The Eastend is an exclusive home for tourists in the Munnar region with sophisticated facilities and elegant atmosphere. It is situated at the heart of Munnar town. With a graceful landscaped garden, staying at the Eastend will be an enjoyable and a memorable one. From reception to see off cordial services will be extended throughout your stay in Munnar.

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