Thenmala Video

Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism project, is a dam-site located in Kollam district in Kerala, India.

Watch some wonderful moments at Thenmala! Watch stunning shots of the natural forest and trees touching the sky. You can watch snakes, deer and monkeys.  Watch this wonderful hanging bridge! Those wooden watch houses on the tree top arouse a lot of curiosity. Watch this wonderful video clip from keralatourism.org. Also read Thenmala Eco Tourism Project!

Kochi - the Queen of Arabian Sea

Welcome to Kochi, the Queen of Arabian Sea, the economic capital of Kerala. Kochi is also the most advancing business hub in the fields of IT and tourism in South Asia. Kochi is accessible from all over the world by air. The domestic and international airport at Nedumbassery 30 km. from Kochi and 25 km from Ernakulam. The international airport operates regular flights to different parts of the world, Gulf, Asia Pacific, Europe, The major airlines that are operated from Cochin international airport are Air India, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Atlantis, Air Maldives, Oman Air , Cathay Pacific, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss Air, British Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa,..

Kochi is also connected with other parts of the world by sea. There are several tourist luxury ships operating to Cochi. Reaching Kochi by sea arouse a lot of nostaldgia for Europeans. The ancient traders from Europe reached Kochi by ships and they have rache at Kochi and other near by ports. They have taken spices and other valuables from Kerala.

Kochi can be accessed by Rail.Ernakulam Juynction (Ernakulam South), Ernakulam Town are two major rail way staions in South India. Most of the Indian Cities are connected by rail route from Kochi.

Several Roads are passing through Kochi. Thgiruvananthaouram – Palghat, Edappally – Mangalore, Kochi – Madurai highways are connected with Ernakulam. Also several State Highways are connected to Kochi.

Kochi is also well connected with other pars of the state by water ways. You can travel down to other parts of Kerala by boad. This means of transport is not yet tapped to its full potential.

Chottanikkara Temple

The sacred shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati and lies near Ernakulam city. Chottanikkara enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is situated on the crest of a hillock; this temple is an important pilgrim center of the Hindus. Those who visit Ernakulam from south Indian states also visit this place. The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (also called Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. Chottanikkara Temple is around 15 km from City and it is off Cochin Madurai highway.

Mangalavanam – The mangrove forest

Mangalavanam is a mangrove forest right in the heart of the city. Mangalavanam is located just behind the High Court building. The Mangalavanam Bird sanctuary is also called the green lung to the city of Kochi. Mangalavanam is an ecologically sensitive area. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary is home to wide variety of birds. And it attracts many migratory birds and you can watch birds throughout the year. The 2.74hectare area is the second home for several migratory birds. It is a popular destination for city nature clubs and sight seeing school kids. Mangalavanam has been declared as a protected area on 31st August 2004.

Kumarakom natural village resort

Kumarakom natural village resort, always heard with Kerala Tourism, is a tourist village in Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Kumarakom is a natural village of Kerala in Kotayan District. It is known for its exotic sceneries, tastes and houseboat journeys. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Mangroves are noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. Drifting through the backwater lake through the narrow passages of a cluster of islands is one of the most exciting thing you can do in a sunny or rainy day.

Kumarakom is a natural village of Kerala in Kotayan District. It is known for its exotic sceneries, tastes and houseboat journeys. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Mangroves are noted bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. Drifting through the backwater lake through the narrow passages of a cluster of islands is one of the most exciting thing you can do in a sunny or rainy day.

Kumarakom, always heard with Kerala Tourism, is a tourist village in Kottayam district, Kerala, India. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake in Kerala. Know more Kumarakom lake resort, Boat houses and country boat journey. Also you find more about Kumarakom hotels, Kumarakom map, Kumarakom houseboat, , Kumarakom restaurant, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Photos! Find the taste Karimeen and Chemmeeen special recipes of Kuttanad.

Fort Kochi Attractions

Fort Kochi Beach: The beautiful beach extends from Kamalakada to the entrance of Kochi harbor. Along the beach are many colonial bungalows, which retain the ambience of the bygone era.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: This magnificent mansion is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and Kerala architectural styles. It was the office of Pierce Leslie &Co. and is noted for excellent wood work.

Koder House, Fort Kochi

KODER HOUSE is a three-storeyed heritage boutique hotel opposite the beach at Fort Kochi. The house is a landmark for visitors to Cochin. One can have a gracing scenery of the St. Francis Church and the Chinese fishing nets. This magnificent structure is a fine example of transition from colonial to Indo-European Architecture. It was built in 1808 by Samuel Koder of the Cochin Electric Company and is noted for its beautiful facade and fine wood-work. A visit to Fort Kochi is considered to be incomplete without a visit to this historic site. This building belonged to the most illustrious Cochin Jewish family, the Koders.Now it is KODER HOUSE Heritage boutique hotel at Fort Kochi!

Where to shop in Kochi?

Kochi is for shopping also. Ancient Europeans came here for buying spices.You will get anything from Spices to Electronic Gadgets. Here is the list of Shopping Areas in Kochi.

Broadway

Mahatma Gandhi (M G) Road

Market Road

GCDA Shopping Comp., Marine Drive

Pioneer Towers, Marine Drive

New Road, Mattancheny

Princess Street, Fort Kochi

KTDC Sight Seeing Tours in and Around Kochi

KTDC, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, offers several sight seeing trips. If you come to Kochi better use these tours to know more about Kochi and surroundings. Let us just browse through the tours arranged by KTDC. The contact details are also provided with each picnic descriptions and that will help you to plan your trip better.

 

Boat Cruise into Kochi Through Backwaters:

Daily two trips: 9 am to 12.30 pm /2 pm to 5.30 pm from Cochin and this tour covers Harbour to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island

 

Sunset Cruise to Backwater Vilage

3 hrs. backwater village cruises (5.30 pm to 7 pm daily). Enjoy the sent floating on the deck of boat! The tour starts from Boat Jetty.

 

Two-day Periyar Wildlife Tour:

The periyar tour leaves every Saturday 7.30 am. and returns Sunday 8 pm. Covers Kadamattom Church, Periyar WLS and Idukki Dam. Enjoy the wild forest and lush green villages. For further details, contact the KTDC Tourist Reception Centre, Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Kochi-682 011 (Ph: 2353234, 2362799) - email: ktdc@giasmdOl.vsnl.net.in

 

Backwater Village Tour

Daily two trips from 9 am - 1.30 pm and from 2 pm- 6.30 pm. Starts from the Main Boat Jetty, Emakulam. Contact - Tourist Desk, Main Boat Jetty, Nr Subash Bose Park, Ernakulam ((b 2371761).

A trip to Malakkippara

A trip to Malakkippara VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Watch some stunning photos taken during the trip to Malakkippara, the trip goes from Athyirappilly, Poringal, Anakkayam, Sholayar, Ambalappara, Uppersholayar. On can travel down to Valparai for more thrilling experience. Below find a road map for reaching Chalakkudy, Sholaya and Valparai!

Onam Pookkalam

Onam Pookkalam VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Kochi – Ernakulam - The Queen of Arabian Sea

Kochi the economic capital of Kerala and major destination in South Asia has an area of 87.341 sq.kms. and a population : 16.6 lakhs and it is just above sea level. Surrounded and crisscrossed by rivers, backwaters and Sea this city is considered as a true destination for Europeans and Westerners visiting to Asia. Kochi is connected with the world by Air, Road, Rail and Sea. Kochi is one of the busiest harbor in this part of the world. The domestic and international airport at Nedumbassery is located at 30 km. from Kochi . Kochi consists of townships like Ernakulam, Old Cochin, Mattancheny, Fort Kochi, Palluruthy, Thoppumpady, Willingdon Island and suburbs like Edappally , Kalamasseiy, Thrikkakara, Kakkanad and Tripunithura.

Kerala Road Distance Guide

For Kerala Tourists here is a simple distance Guide. Tour across Kerala, find your shortest route and longest route. These distance are from Kerala State Capital Thiruvananthapuram. Road distance for main highways running across Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram – Palakkad National Highway

Attingal 33

Kollam 7 1

Kayamkulam 109

Harippad 122

Alappuzha 157

Cherthala 178

Ernakulam 219

Aluva 240

Angamaly 251

Chalakudy 268

Thrissur 297

Palakkad (Via Alathur) 365

Thiruvananthapuram – Kanyakumari National Highway

Balaramapuram 1 3

Neyyattinkara 20

Kerala Rail Distance Guide–From Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Rail Distance Guide–From Thiruvananthapuram for rail journeys. Memorize your route before start your journey!

Thiruvananthapuram 0

Kollam 65

Kayamkulam 106

Mavelikkara 114

Chengannur 127

Kottayam 161

Ernakulam 221

Aluva 241

Chalakudy 265

Thrissur 296

Shoranur 328

Palakkad 373

Kozhikode 414

Thalassery

483 Kannur 504

Kasaragod 589

Manjeswaram 618

Nilambur 394

The Kovalam beach

Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 13 km from downtown Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). One can reach here by air from Trivandrum Airport, by Rail from Trivandrum Railway Station and by Road also. This beautiful beach is located around 235 km from Kochi. The Kovalam beach, is full of coconut palms, has become one of the most popular beach in India. The Kovalam beach consists of three curve shaped beach sections - Lighthouse Beach (the most popular beach located at the southern part), Samudra Beach (ideal place for nature lovers ) and The famous Hawa Beach. Kovalam is the most prominent tourist spots in India during for tourists from Europe and Israel. Tourists come to Kovalam will stay there for few days. There are tourists who made their home near Kovalam, imagine the calling beach in the bank of Arabian Sea. Enjoy sunset and sun rise from this beach, you can see fishermen going to see and coming back.

Parumala Church, Parumala, Thiruvalla

Parumala Church, Parumala, Thiruvalla is the most important Christian Pilgrim Centre in Keral. Parumala is famous Parumala Thirumeni, the Greatest Saint of India belonging to the Indian Orthodox Church. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, born on 15th June 1848 at Mulanthuruthy near Cochin is known as "Parumala Thirumeni". This Church belongs to Orthodox Syrian Christians.

Pallipuram Fort, Vypin

Pallipuram Fort is one of the oldest European Monuments in India. It is located in North Vypin Island. Pallippuram. Fort was built in 1503 AD, by the Portuguese and considered as the first of this sort. The name is derived from English word “Palliport”. Pallippuram Fort was captured by the Dutch in 1661 AD and finally sold to the State of Travancore in 1789 AD. Pallippuram Fort is located approximately 25 k.m. from Ernakulam Town and you can reach here by road. The near by Catholic Church is an imp, ortant Pilgrim Centre of Christians.

Ajith Sen ’s trip from Kochi, Kerala, India to Alappuzha

Alappuzha Backwater Cruise: Massage by Wind Slideshow: Ajith Sen ’s trip from Kochi, Kerala, India to Alappuzha was created by TripAdvisor. See another Alappuzha slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi

Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi is one of the major tourist attractions of Kochi. It is built in 1862. The nineteenth century Pierce Leslie Bungalow is an ancient colonial mansion. The Pierce Leslie Bunglow was once the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., the famous coffee merchants. The main attractions of Pierce Leslie Bungalow include the wood paneled roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. The Pierce Leslie Bungalow in Kochi is a beautiful mansion with a long water front veranda. Pierce Leslie Bungalow is loacted near Fort kochi, 13 km from Ernakulam. You can reach here by cab and it is about 2 km from Main Boat Jetty at Ernakulam.

Vasco da Gama Square, Cochin.

The Vasco da Gama Square in Cochin is a place for cultural and social reunion. You can do many things at Vasco da Gama Square, Cochin, like a morning walk to the Vasco da Gama Square in Cochin The long walk along the shore starts from this square right upto the Fort Kochi Beach or taste some of the true flavors of Cochin at the Vasco da Gama Square. Enjoy sunrise, sunset and delitious sea food reparations of Kerala. From Vasco da Gama Square, Cochin you can watch the wonderful art of fishing using Chinese fishing nets. The St.Francis Church is located at a stone throw distance from this square. The protestant church was built by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. You can reach the Vasco da Gama Square in Cochin by road from Kochi. It is about 12 km from Kochi mainland.

View Larger Map

The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala)

Those who visit Fort Kochi or Vypin can see huge fishing nets operated for fishing. This Chinese fishing nets in Cochin are locally known as Cheenavala. The technique of fishing by Chinese fishing nets differs from the technique of ordinary fishing nets. Normally the Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is used during High Tide. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is dipped in the cost and will be lifted and the catches are collected by fisherman going over to the net. Three to four people can operate this cantilever mechanism. These huge fishing nets were introduced between 1350 and 1450 AD. These nets were brought by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan in China. Thus this net got the name Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala). You can see The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) throughout Malabar Cost and in the banks of backwaters and some river landings.

Those who visit Fort Kochi or Vypin can see huge fishing nets operated for fishing. Normally the Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is used during High Tide. The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) is dipped in the cost and will be lifted and the catches are collected by fisherman going over to the net. Three to four people can operate this cantilever mechanism. These huge fishing nets were introduced between 1350 and 1450 AD. These nets were brought by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan in China. Thus this net got the name Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala). You can see The Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) throughout Malabar Cost and in the banks of backwaters and some river landings.

Kerala Tourism Your Moment is Waiting

Philipose M Philip speaks on "Kerala Tourism Your Moment is Waiting" - the international ad campaign by Keralatourism:
Kerala Tourism's international campaign, Your Moment Is Waiting is a film that goes far beyond the realm of a commercial, to capture the soul of Kerala like no destination hitherto has. Stark Communications, which has been handling the Kerala Tourism brand for almost two decades, conceived, scripted...