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Klean and Kultural |
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The impenetrable rain forests, the high-range 'sholas' (evergreen forest patches on grassy hill slopes), the pristine valley floors - carpeted with long sheets of verdant paddy grass, fringed by a canopy of coconut and betel-nut palms; with its white sandy beaches tickled by the waves of the clear, azure-green sea water, is what adorns Kerala - the south-western state of India.
Kerala is one stretch of land on earth where you will find all the shades of green. Be it be, its deep jungles, the emerald green paddy fields, the dark palm fronds, the evergreen trees of mango, rubber and jackfruit, and the wide variety of spice-giving climbers and shrubs - with all the other variety of foliage around, Kerala, becomes a region brushed in the colour of fertility, and by another sense - in the colour of envy. This is a kind of place, which a visitor expects from a truly eco-cultural tourist destination - rich and colourful
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Thekkady
Thekkady at an elevation of 1000 metres (3300 ft) is where the tourist centre is located for visitors wanting to see the famous Periyar Tiger Reserve, a forest spread of 770 sq. kms of dense mixed vegetation, on the crest of the Western Ghats hill ranges.
Home to many top-of-the-chain wild species, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of its kind, where a single boat ride on the flood waters of a reservoir, may give a chance to safely watch them up close. It reveals the true treasures - the denizens of the jungle, peacefully going through their daily chores, on the shores of the huge lake. It is also a bird watchers paradise. |
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Munnar
A hill station at an altitude of around 1600 metres (5250 ft), Munnar, literally, means 'three mountain streams.' The place is known for its sprawling tea estates carpeting the rolling hill spurs. Summer is a great time to be there, while during the rains and the winter months the hill resort is invitingly misty with chilling conditions. One may easily spot the endangered Nilgiri Thar (or Ibex) on the glades near the mountainous highway. The highest peak in peninisular India, Anai Mudi Peak, soaring to a high of 2695 meters (8894 ft), can be seen. Sports like trekking and cycling can be taken up.
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.Kumarakom
The Vembanad lake is a vast expanse of a natural lagoon, located south of Kochi - the commercial hub of Kerala. Popularly, known as 'backwaters', it is truly unique as regards to its geographical aspect. The Keralian culture, especially in the region, near the coast revolves around this water body and the labyrinthine canal networks linking many littoral villages. A lifestyle worth a peek into. Kumarakom, is one such village dotting the margins of this wonderful water-world - but with a difference. It has a mangrove forest and a bird sanctuary to boast.
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A preferred Tour Plan
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Day One : After arrival at Kochi, proceed on chartered vehicle to Kumarakom. Stay at well appointed spacious rooms of a resort on the edge of the great Vembanad lake, or avail one of the house-boat accommodations.
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Day Two : Sightseeing at Kumarakom - enjoy a half day or a full day boat cruise - whichever suits you - for a glimpse into the romantic backwater life. Watch the coir making cottage industries of local village entrepreneurs on the banks of the world famous lagoon. Stay in Houseboat.
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Day Three : Morning on a birding mission at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Detect and identify birds, some of which come all the way from Siberia; After lunch, proceed to Thekkady via Kottayam(130 kms). Check in Hotel. Relax.
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Day Four : Early morning, walk on a forest trail or trek or have an elephant-back view of the surounding wildlife, with an experienced mahout of the forest department. Later, take an evening boat cruise on the Periyar Lake. Enjoy the sights and sounds of wild animals in their natural environs. Stay at Hotel.
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Day Five : Option of taking a early morning boat ride to see more wild animals or to possibly see the ones who were missed. After breakfast, visit to see the spice processing industry, and thereafter, proceed to Munnar. Check in Hotel; Afternoon at leisure. Take a walk on the high roads winding through the famous tea estates of Munnar. Stay at Hotel\resort
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Day Six : A visit to Eravikulam National Park can bring to you face to face with the endemic and endangered Nilgiri Tahr (or Ibex), and if you time the year right, you can see the magnificent neelakurunji, flowering (a violet hued alpine flower) once in 12 years. Alternatively, take a tour of Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Marayoor Sandal Garden, Amaravathy Dam, Crocodile Farm (Full day). Overnight at hotel.
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Day Seven : After a lazy breakfast session proceed to Kochi (135 km) to reach by noon. Check in at hotel. Take half-day local sightseeing tours to Jew Monastery, Jew Street, Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Cochin, Bolghatty Islands etc. Stay at hotel.
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Day Eight : Morning visits to nearby attractions and time for shopping local crafts. Afternoon, catch your train (takes about 26 hrs to Mumbai) or one of the many flights available from Nedumbassery Airport near Kochi (takes about 1.5 hrs to Mumbai). |
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Note : All heights\altitude given above are Above Mean Sea Level |
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Climate & Best seasons (Tropical Weather throughout the Kerala plains) |
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Months |
Conditions |
Festivals |
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October to February |
Warm conditions for Honeymoon
and Sightseeing |
Diwali, Christmas, Makar Sankranthi & Other local Temple & Church fairs
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March to May & October |
Hot conditions |
Easter, Vishu, Thrissur Purum, |
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June - September |
Heavy Rains in July & August |
Onam, Boat Races |
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Tour cost |
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