Excursion
in Cochin
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.
Copyright
© Kerala
India Holidays. All Rights Reserved (No
rights for reproduction of Images / Contents from this website)
Boat
Races in Kerala
