State of Kerala Travel Answers

1. Kochi, Munnar and Thiruvananthapuram form an inverted triangle. You have Kochi on your left, Munnar on your right and Thiruvananthapuram below. Very close to Kochi you have the large Vembanadu Lake for your backwater cruise. It is considered to be the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. 2. Exploring the backwaters means lazying the entire day (and night) in a well-equipped and well-furnished boat house. Typically, you start your journey from one end of the Vembanad Lake and finish off at the other end. You just relax in the placid waters of the lake. 3. Go to Kochi, then to Munnar and back, then do your backwater cruise on Vembanadu Lake, get off at the other end and continue by road to Thiruvananthapuram. 4. The National Highway from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram is almost along the sea coast. Also, Kerala is verdant country. 5. Get hold of a good, spacious vehicle like an Innova or a Zylo or a Scorpio and an equally good driver. Retain him for the entire road journey. When you get on the boat for your backwater cruise, ask him to wait for you at the other end of that large lake. Continue to Thiruvananthapuram and, if the mood strikes you, continue to Kanyakumari. 6. Cherai beach is about 20 kms from Cochin (nowadays called Kochi). It takes about 45 minutes to reach (road leaves much to be desired). It is not too large a beach but is comfortable. A number of resorts are available nearby. If you are planning to stay in Cochin, better to pack some food and take it along. Along the Kerala coast, you may find many more beaches and better ones but these would be more populated, more dirty, more expensive and less peaceful, eg., Kovalam. 7. Places of interest in Kochi: Santa Cruz Basilica: Built in 1558 it has beautiful paintings on the ceiling. St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church. Vasco da Gama's tombstone is here. Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557. Beautiful murals from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Jew Town: The Synagogue (constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth). The town is the centre of spice trade. Chinese Fishing Nets: Lovely large pieces. Photos come out brilliant late in the evening. Willingdon Island: Named after Lord Willingdon. Now hqs. of the Port Trust and of the Southern Naval Command. Vypeen Island: Brilliant lighthouse at Ochanthuruth. 8. Distance from Cochin International Airport (Kochi International Airport) to Guruvayur is about 80 kms. By bus, it should take you about 2 hrs. Those who visit Guruvayoor stay in the premises the previous night to attend the first viewing of the deity at 3 am. At that time, the deity is bathed. The worship continue till 10 pm. Between 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm, the temple remains closed. Please be aware that non-Hindus are not permitted within the temple. Link to the official website is: guruvayurdevaswom.org/dpooja... 9. Try out Thrissur for the most delicately-crafted gold jewellery. 10. Try out their 'kallu'('toddy'). Needs getting used to but, Boy! O Boy! what a kick! Here's the link:blogs.keralatravelcentre.co.... 11. Request use google for your map, distances and approximate timings between places.

QUOTE. hai i am really sorry becouse i am ubable short out your problem at this time so that you contact to your nearest friend oor another expert. QUOTE thanks -------- [url=http://aladsclassified.com] travel website [/url]

Wonderful advice by Anil, so i thought that i would just add that Kerela was one of my 3 Favourite places in Ind i (Rajahstan and Himachel Pradesh were the others) and you should have a wonderful time there. I enjoyed Kovalam for body surfing, and don't miss the backwater trip, stay on a house boat.

@David=Thank You!

Hi Anil, Wow - this really sounds like a great route. I shall look into this further. May I call upon you with any questions I may have? Thanks

Just adding to what Anil suggests - What city are you flying in and out of ? Mararikulam is another nice beach option other than those suggested already. A circular route can be Kochi - Marari - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Thekkady (Periyar) - Munnar - Kochi or Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady - Kumarkom - Houseboat - Kovalam - Thiruvananthpuram. Wayanad , Guruvayoor are up North and slightly out of the way.

Forgot to add - enroute Kochi to Munnar you can visit Kodanadu Elephant Training camp.

@Jay=That's what we VTers are here for. Please feel free to ask any or all questions. You are welcome to VT email me, should you so desire.

This has been said above, but I can't stress enough how incredible cruising through the backwaters on a houseboat is. Its worth forking out a bit extra for a double story boat, well provisioned and with a friendly crew. By far one of the most expensive things I did in India (from memory about 8000rp for 3 people with food and grog) but worth every cent.

Hi All, Apologies for the delay. Your responses have been great and from this how does the following sound to you London - Cochin Cochin city tour (could you suggest a hotel?) Periyar - Spice Tour Kumarakim - Houseboat (any particular tour company or houseboat?) Marari Beach - is this a good clean beach? Any thopugts on a good quality hotel Cochin-Mumbai-London What would you say to this tour? Thanks

The sequence should be - Kochi - Mararikulam - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Thekkady(Periyar) - Munnar - Kochi.What is your budget for Hotels ? Check out Marari beach resort for Mararikulam.

Hi - thanks for this. We were hoping to have beach part at end - is this not possible you think? As for budget - no real budget (ok....not bottomless pit)

Beach part at end - you reverse it - Kochi - Munnar - Thekkady(Periyar) - Kumarakom - Houseboat - Mararikulam - Kochi - Fly out.Lots of hotels to suit every budget.You had not included Munnar in your orignal itinerary,but if you have the time visit it - Hill station with tea gardens.