About Thekkady
The first time you hear about Thekkady, it gives you an impression of presence of elephants, hills that just don't end and plantations that emanate the smell of spices, dig a little deeper and you'll find one of the finest wildlife reserves which also provides you an opportunity for treks and mountain walks that will get you closer to the nature like never before.
Attractions
» Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The sanctuary is situated in close vicinity of the plantations and has been declared a tiger reserve in 1978. There is an artificial lake here which was formed by the construction of Mulla Periyar dam which adds to the beauty of the park. Here you can have a look at the wild animals quenching their thirst from the safety of the boat.
» Kumily : It is a plantation town that is closely associated with Thekkady. Kumily is located on the periphery of the Periyar Sanctuary. It is an important centre for shopping specially for the spices.
» Murikkady : It is also an important spice plantation centre where you'll find a kaleidoscope of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
About Alleppey
Alleppey is a pleasant market town where the narrow shaded streets create a period feel about the town. The town has come up around the canals and is situated in between the Arabian sea and the backwaters which makes it a city of unparalleled natural beauty. Walk down the streets of Alleppey and you'll easily spot the typical Kerala style of architecture obvious in a variety of structures. Along with the variety of tourism attractions the place also boasts of great hotels and resorts.
Tourist Attractions of Alleppey
» Alleppey Beach : It was once a busy port and also the gateway to the rest of Kerala. The beach here still attracts hordes of the tourists who are looking forward to a different experience. Exiting water sports options are also available at the seaside here so you can have a whale of a time here whatever your choice. The pier at the beach is about 1000 feet long and dates back to 1862.
» Vijay Beach Park : This park is situated on the beach and it's an attractive place especially for the children to have loads of fun.
» Ambalapuzzha : There is a Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalappuzha which is more than famous for its Palapayasam which is a sweet milk porridge offered to the God.
» Pathiramanal : It is a tiny island in the Vembanad lake and you can only reach here by boat either from Kumarakom or from Muhamma.
» Punnapra : It is a village which has a historical significance as the place was witness to a bitter pitched battle between the communists and the Travancore State Police.
» Arthunkal Palli : There is a church here which is known as St Andrews church which was established by Christian missionaries of Portugal. It is about 33 km away from Alleppey.
About Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a rejuvenating and captivating experience in the state of Kerala which is one of its kind. The place is full of swaying coconut palms as well as the beautiful paddy fields, lagoons and backwaters, mangroves where many rare variety of birds can be found. In all, the place has a soothing effect on the minds of the tourists to the place.
It is a charming peninsula having a landscape that is projected into the waters of the Vembanad lake. Enjoy the traditional country boats as well as canoes in the network of criss crossing canals which make the place a veritable paradise. The backwaters are rich in both flora and fauna which are the source of many rich delicacies. The place turns into a rich fertile land in the season of monsoons where the paddy fields become a source of livelihood as well as an attractive tourist destination, at the same time.
Since Kumarakom is located pretty close to the sea, the region enjoys a moderate climate. The region is a paradise for those interested in bird watching for here you get to see a number of exotic and attractive birds.
Attractions
» Water Bird Sanctuary : It is a 14 acre sanctuary which is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad lake and it adds to the beauty of the place. The birds that can be sighted here easily are water fowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc especially during the summers. The Siberian storks visit this place every year.
The Vembanad Lake» Backwater Cruise : These are endless miles of waterways that are lined by the palms along the banks. These cruises are soothing and enticing at the same time and give you an unmatched experience that will last a lifetime. The backwaters afford you the opportunity to see the boat races, houseboat cruise and indulge yourself in activities like canoeing and fishing which is something you'd never like to miss.
» The Vembanad Lake : The vast network of rivers and canals in Kottayam pour everything into the Vembanad lake thereby turning it into an enticing picnic spot. The experiences on offer here are private boating, sightseeing and fishing experiences.
» Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls : The place is situated 18 km away from Kottayam and is a beautiful picnic spot where the waters make a splash from the height of 100 feet. Other nearby attraction here is the presence of rubber plantations.
