Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Visiting Kerala, the God's Own Country

Sunset in Alappuzha


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Kerala' literally means 'the land of coconut palms'. It is nature lovers' paradise. This beautiful Indian state, with around 600 kilometers of Arabian Sea coast, is a tropical symphony. When you are in Kerala, you will experience a culture and heritage that has thrived since ancient times.

Kerala Map


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International Airports in Kerala

Cochin International Airport
Calicut International Airport
Trivandrum International Airport
Kannur International Airport
Here are some amazing tourist places in Kerala.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, this beautiful temple is well-known for its murals. The temple architecture is a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles. In the sanctum sanctorum, Lord Padmanabhaswamy is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" (eternal yogic sleep) posture.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple:
West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023, India
get directions

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
3.30 am
4.45 am
6.30 am
7.00 am
8.30 am
10.00 am
10.30 am
11.10 am
11.45 am
12.00 pm
5.00 pm
6.15 pm
6.45 pm
7.20 pm

Padmanabhaswamy Temple History

The great King of Travancore, Marthanda Varma is said to have done the renovation work that we see today. It was he who dedicated the temple to Lord Padmanabha.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach is popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. This golden sand beach is sandwiched between blue water and palm trees.

Kovalam Beach Photos


Marari Beach

This spacious sandy beach is located in in Alappuzha district. It's an ideal place to unwind yourself. Surfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep sea fishing are some popular activities here. The weather at Marari beach is warm and humid throughout the year.

Marari Beach


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Marari Beach Resort Contact Number

098471 02030

Munnar

Located in Western Ghats, this popular hill station is well-known for its large expanse of tea plantations, wild life, forests, valleys and mountains. This idyllic hill station is around 1,600 meters above sea level.

Munnar

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Munnar:
Munnar, Kerala 685612, India
get directions

Munnar Tourism Places

TATA Tea Museum
Blossom Park
Pothamedu View Point
Attukal Waterfalls
Anamudi

Munnar


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Lighthouse Beach

This beach is a blend of charm, allure and adventure. It offers various water sports. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse through a spiral staircase. From the vantage point you will have an excellent view of the coastline.

Guruvayur Temple

Even though many people say that this holy Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, according to the temple authorities the presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu. Located in Guruvayur, this temple is built in kerala architecture style. The presiding deity is worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by the great philosopher and theologian Adi Sankaracharya. People call the diety Guruvayoorappan.

Guruvayur Temple

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Guruvayur Temple:
Guruvayur Devaswom, East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101, India
get directions

Guruvayur Krishna

Guruvayur Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
3.00 am
1.30 pm
4.30 pm
9.15 pm

Guruvayur Temple


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Periyar National Park

This protected area covers an area of about 777 square kilometers. Located in the Western Ghats, this national park houses animals like tigers, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bisons. Go for a boat cruise to enjoy magnificent views of wildlife, flora and fauna.
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Periyar National Park:
Periyar National Park, Kerala, India
get directions

Periyar National Park Tickets

Entry fee for Periyar National Park is ₹25 per person for Indians, ₹300 per person for foreign tourists.

Periyar National Park Timings

Periyar National Park is open on all days from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Guided nature walks: From 7.00 am to 10.00 am and 2.00 pm to 05.00 pm.
Border hiking and bamboo rafting: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha is well-known for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. People call this city the "Venice of India" because of its many canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons.
Alappuzha's climate is humid and tropical with rain likely throughout the year. Peak travel period is Oct–Feb.
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Alappuzha:
Alappuzha, Kerala, India
get directions

Athirapally Falls

Located in Thrissur district, this waterfall is formed by River Chalakudy, which originates in Western Ghats. It drops from around 80 feet.
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Athirapally Falls :
Athirappilly Water Falls, Pariyaram, Kerala
get directions

Athirapally Falls Images


Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Located at around 7.900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the home to the highest tea plantation in the world. Misty views, colonial bungalows, and tea plantations in this hilly haven attract tourists from all over the world. Even though this tea estate is in Tamil Nadu, I am including it here because it is just around 20 miles from Munnar.
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Kolukkumalai Tea Estate:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Bodinayakanur, Theni District, Kottagudi, Tamil Nadu 685612, India
get directions

Malampuzha Retreat Centre

This serene spiritual retreat is located around 7 kilometers from Palakkad. It is for those among you who are interested in things like spirituality, Self realization, meditation, etc.
I liked the practical approach these people have for spirituality, meditation, etc. They do not bore you with long lectures. They take you through the process and allow you to experience the benefits.
Here you can learn techniques to relax your mind and body completely; to connect with the Source of peace, joy, bliss, wellness and prosperity in your heart.
They do not take money because they believe that spirituality should not be sold. People here are warm and welcoming.
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Malampuzha Retreat Centre:
SMSF Spiritual Retreat Centre, Chembana, Kava,, Malampuzha, Palakkad,, Kerala 678 501, Tel: +91-491-
get directions

Kerala Food

Idiyappam with curry
Erissery (pumpkin and lentil stew)
Puttu And Kadala curry
Appam With Ishtu (stew)
Ela Sadya
Parippu curry (Dal curry)
Dosa ghee roast with Kerala style Sambar
Idli Sambar
Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (spicy chicken fry)
Kerala style prawn curry

Stay Safe

Avoid wearing gold ornaments. Carry minimum cash; Kerala has more than 9,000 ATMs. Do not smoke in public places.
Avoid getting into arguments with strangers. Never hug or kiss in public places. Try to reach your hotel before 7 pm.

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