Attractions in Idukki

Idukki Arch Dam
The Idukki Arch Dam is the second Arch Dam of the world while it is first for the continent of Asia. It rises to a height of 550 ft. high and extends to and width of 650 ft. The Dam was conceived by a superintendent of the Malankara Tea Estate who was on a hunting expedition and instantly recognized the potential of the place for power generation. Surprisingly, there is a famous legend associated with this dam as well. According to it, two natives were cursed by Lord Rama when he caught them staring at bathing Sita. The two natives, Koravan (man) and Kurathi (woman) who were converted into stones (on opposite banks of Periyar river) begged Lord Rama for mercy since they had never stayed separate. Lord Rama blessed them that they will stay together for years to come. And, today, the Idukki Arch Dam links the two hillocks, Koravan Mala and Kurathi Mala (thus in a sense reuniting them). You can enjoy a trip on the pedal boat on the river.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is close to the Idukki Arch Dam and covers a part of the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district. The total area covered by the park is 77 sq km out of which 33 sq km is occupied by the lake formed due to the construction of three artificial dams - Cheruthoni, Kulamavu and Idukki. The animals that can be sighted here include Elephants, Deers, Bears, Wild Pigs, Tigers and Leopards. Also to be seen are snakes like Python, Cobra, Ciper, Rat Snake, Iguana and birds like Hornbills, Wood Peckers and King Fishers.
Waterfalls
Two waterfalls - Thomankuttu and Rainbow Waterfalls - are located at a distance of 20 and 25 km from Thodupuzha. The waterfalls are an ideal destinations for all those who love to picnic in a natural surroundings. The first mentioned waterfall is characterized by seven step and a number of surrounding caves. The second one is surrounded by lush green forests
Ilaveezha Poonchira
Located atop one of the four hills, Kudayathoor Mala, at a distance of 20 km from Thodupuzzha, Ilaveezha Poonchira literally translates into 'pond of flowers atop a hill where no leaves fall'. This is a hamlet from where views of the surrounding area is bewitching. Legends have it that Bhima put his crown as a barrier to prevent people from viewing Draupadi while she was bathing. The crown later turned into rocks thereby isolating the area from the rest of the nearby places. You can undertake a trekking expedition to reach to the top of the Kudayathoor Mala.
Annamalai Temple
3 km from the centre of Thodupuzha is the Annamalai Temple which is around 1800 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is fortunately one of those temples that remain in their original form, devoid of any destruction. The temple is a good example of Chola style of architecture. Worth seeing in the temple is the window with nine lattices pointing to nine planets. There is another window with five lattices indicating the paanch bhoothas five elements. Today, the temple is managed by a private trust.
Karikodu Bhagwathy
Located opposite the Annamalai Temple, this temple has goddess Bhagvathy as its presiding deity. The temple is 460 years old and is, unlike the Annamalai Temple, a rebuilt structure. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the temple between 5 to 11 am and then from 5 to 8 pm.
Sri Krishnaswamy Temple
The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built by the king of Keezhmalainad who ruled from Karikodu. A legend attaches itself with the temple according to which a hermit had a vision of Lord Krishna at this spot. He stopped there and made offerings to the god, and today, at the same spot a temple stands. Like many other temples of Kerala, this temple too allows only Hindus to enter its premises. The timings are 6 to 11.30 am and 5 to 8 am.
Nainar Masjid
This mosque is believed to be built during the same time as the Bhagvathy Temple and is located just a little distance ahead of the latter. The present structure is pretty recent construction, though quiet a few things do remind of its past. These include the stone steps with ancient inscriptions, a water tank carved out of a single piece of rock and few old pillars.
St Thomas Church
Located 8 km from Thodupuzha, St Thomas Church is believed to be the oldest one in Idukki, around 600 years old. However, reconstruction work was done some 50 years ago itself. The devotees at the church believe that the original structure of the temple was constructed by St Thomas though there is no proof whether the saint even visited the place, leave alone constructing a church here.

KOTTAYAM TOURISM

Kottayam was once the capital of the Thekkumkur Kings before the annexation of the kingdom by Marthandavarma. The existence of the ancient religious shrines of different communities in close proximity is proof of the glorious tradition of religious toleration of the people. Kottayam tourism is commercially important because of the extensive rubber plantations, system of transport based on a network of inland lagoons wind streams with ferry boats, backwaters and lushy paddy fields. This district is first in India to attain 100% literacy. All this has given this district the enviable title - the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes. One can find large number of Syrian churches and Community in this district. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is in Kottayam. Kumarakom is an attractive places of tourists from several country. In kottayam tourism Kumarakom is the important tourist place.
District Area
2204 sq.km.
Taluk's
Meenachil, Vaikom, Kottayam, Changanassery, Kanjirapalli
Municipalities
Kottayam, Vaikom, Pala, Changanassery
Altitude
Sea Level
Tourist Season
September to March

Peermed, a snug little hill resort tucked away in the folds of the lovely High Ranges, is a veritable haven of the rest at 1066 metres above sea level in ldukki District.The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary of Thekkady, the domain of the elephant, the tiger and the bison amidst the grand heights and the deep shades of giant trees is on the blue Periyar Lake. Cruising on the lake watching herds of elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, a few bison and perhaps having a glimpse of a tiger or a leopard is an enthralling experience. Here in the vastness of the jungle you will find bliss and peace, and be at one with pristine nature.
Birds in Thekkady

Migratory birds White Ibeesat Kumarakom
A short distance west of Kottayam lies Kumarakom, on the vast Vembanad Lake, boasting of a well known bird sanctuary. Egrets, darters, herons and teal please the ornithologists during their respective migratory seasons. A cruise on the lake, gently rocked by the waves rippling to the rhythm of the swaying coconut palms on the distant banks, could be truly exhilarating. Backwater spot accessible by boat from this place is 'Pathiramanal', or the midnight-sands, a lonely island in the lake, ideal for the honeymooners, to get away from it all.
In the heart of Kottayam town is the much venerated Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple. Thali Kotta Temple is the ancient Royal temple of Thekkumkoor Principality. Kudamaloor is equally famous.
The Thazhathangadi Mosque, one of the oldest in India, is on the Meenachil river which girdles the town like a silver band. Valliapally (built in 1550) has a historic Persian Cross. Cheriyapally still preserves the ancient Church architecture. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church built about 175 years ago is a monument of the British Era.Old Seminary, Mar Thoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman traditions. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has its head quarters at Devakolam, Kottayam.
IPC Church
Kottayam town is the gateway to pilgrim centres of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcadu, Aruvithura and Athirampuzha. The famous Vaikom Siva Temple, associated with the legendary Parasurama, is just 40 km. north of Kottayam town and is a typical example of Kerala Temple Architecture. So also are the Temples of Perunna, Vazhappally and Thrikkodithanam near Changanacherry. The Temple at Ettumanoor about 12 km. north of Kottayam town is famous for murals and 'ezhara ponnana' or the 7½ elephants finished in gold. The Mosque at Erumeli about 60km north-east of Kottayam town is dedicated to Vavar, a contemporary and companion of Lord Ayyappa, a Hindu deity. Every year the unique sight of multitudes of Hindu pilgrims worshipping at this mosque before their trek to Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa is remarkably spectacular. What better example for Hindu Muslim amity over centuries in this country than this!
The Sacred 18 stepsbefore Shabari Mala Temple
Kottayam town is readily accessible by road, rail and backwaters from Kochi and Alappuzha. It is just 160 km. north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital and is on the railway line from Kanyakumari through Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi and beyond.Palatown and Kanjirappally, nourished by the Meenachil and Manimala rivers respectively are centres of rubber plantations. Wagamon, 60 km. from Kottayam and 30 km. from Pala. situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level is a trekker's paradise.Elaveezhapoonchira is yet another picnic spot accessible from Pala and located in the midst of beautiful hillocks.Come! Visit Kottayam! the Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes; the Land which epitomises the perfect blend of the trendy and the traditional. Leave behind reality for a while and walk into a historic past nestled nature's exquisite splendours.

Alapuzha Attractions

Alappuzha is a tiny place located on a thin strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Punnamada Backwaters. The place is fondly referred to as the Venice of East because of its striking similarity between the two (Alappuzha and Venice) with regards to intricate maze of backwaters, canals and bridges. In the east the canals open to the Punnamada Backwaters while on the west they end close to the pier of Alappuzha beach. Alappuzha was once a thriving port and also a gateway to enter Kerala. The port was built by Raja Kesava Das, the Deewan of Travancore in the 18th century and facilitated the passage of goods to and from the region.
Today, Alappuzha and its beach are a huge attraction for tourists who are in search of some different experience. The waters of the sea rush towards you as you approach it and seems more than willing to reveal the earthly story of this quaint little town. The Alappuzha beach, also known by the name of Alleppey is not popular amongst tourists without reason. From relaxing in solitude to indulging in exciting water sports - you can do whatever you wish to, the choice is yours.
Unravel the History
The 1000 feet pier at the Alappuzha beach that extends into the sea dates back to 1862. It was constructed by Captain Huge Crawford and served as a platform that provided access and protection to ships and boats. Today, though very little of the pier is left, yet it has an undeniable charm that will definitely attract you. The lighthouse, that once showed way to boats and ferries in the midst of pervading darkness of night, today allows very restricted entry. Together, the pier and the lighthouse recreate the era when boats sailed in large number to the ports of Alappuzha. They actually lead you back into time.
Get Set Go
Alappuzha beach beckons you to leave all inhibitions behind and indulge in a variety of water sports like surfing and parasailing. You can also swim a round or two if you so wish in the clear blue water of the sea. Alappuzha provides some of the best of aqua-sport equipment such as water-scooters and high-speed boats in the entire state so there is absolutely no stopping to you fun. Alternatively, you can also play a game of volleyball on the beach.
Leisure
Alappuzha, with its scenic beauty, is a perfect place if you want to unwind and give yourself a break. Lie down and let the gentle breeze caress your hair, build a castle out of the sand and even slot a room for yourself in it. You can also roam around and ponder over the various things that have huge relevance in your life but are mostly neglected due to a hectic schedule.
Vijay Beach Park
This park is located on the beach itself and allows you to enjoy yourself in variety of ways. The park is run by District Promotion Council and pretty nice place for children to have fun.

Ambalapuzha (Pilgrim Centre)The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 km from Alleppey is among Kerala`s more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectrual style of the State. It is equally famed for its palpayasam -a sweet milk porridge offered to the diety. The temple`s main festival occurs in March/April. It was in this temple that the 16th century poet Kunjan Nambiar staged his first Ottan Thullal, a solo dance performance with high social content.

Pathiramanal (An Island)This is a small beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake and is accessible only by boat from Kumarakom and Muhamma

PunnapraA short distance from Alappuzha is Punnapra, a village which has gone down in history as the scene of a bitter and heroic fighting between the communists and Travancore State Police in the Punnapra Vayalar Communist uprising of 1946.

Arthunkal Palli (Pilgrim Centre)Arthunkal Palli known for the St. Andrews church established by Portuguese missionaries is near Sherthallai, 33 km north of Alappuzha. The feast of St. Sebastian is held here every January.

KarumadiClose to Ambalapuzha, the village of Karumadi is famous for its Karumadi Kuttan, a black granite figure of Budha said to belong to the 9th or 10th century.

Krishnapuram PalaceThe 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors. It houses one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala called the Gajendra Moksham. It measures 14 feet by 11 feet and is at the western end of the ground floor, a walking distance from the Palace Pool. Inside is also a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes. Situated 47 km from Alappuzha on the way to Kollam, Krishnapuram is easily accessible by bus from either town.

Pathanamthitta attractions

Omallur : Omallur is a small village 5km from Pathanamthitta town. There is a famous Rakthakanta temple also known as the Omallur Ambalam. This Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held during March -April are the main attractions of Omallur. People from both within and outside the State participate in the fair.Malayalapuzha : It is situated 8 km from Pathanamthitta. The main attraction here is the Malayalapuzha Bhagavathy (The goddess) Temple. It is believed that the Bhagavathi here grant boons to devotees. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings. Kadamanitta : This village is 8 km from Pathanamthitta. The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances, which is an important ritual art held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. This art from is an offering for the mother goddess and is celebrated every year from the first day of Medam (Malayalam -era) to the 10th day (pathamudayam).Mannadi : It is situated 13 km from Adoor. This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here.The Rock Cut Cave Temple : The rock cut Siva Temple half a kilometre away is of great archeological significance. Dating back to the 8th century AD, this temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture in Kerala. Thiruvalla : Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Palikara Church here contains exquisite mural paintings. Sree Vallabha temple here is one of the important pilgrim centers of Vaishnavites all over India A granite pillar carved out of single piece with an image of Garuda on its top stands in front of the temple. This is perhaps the only one place in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday. Pandalam : It is situated 14km from Chenganoor. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human birth as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modelled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the 'Makaravilaku' festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.Niranam : The oldest Church believed to be built by the Apostle St. Thomas is at Niranam. It is situated 9km from Thiruvalla. This is also the birthplace of poets and social reformers popularly known as 'Kannassa Kavikal' Perumthenaruvi Waterfalls : Perumthenaruvi is a famous waterfall on the banks of the River Pamba. Here, the water flows down a rocky bed into a ravine 60 to 100 feet deep. The place is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Places of attraction in Kollam

To the north of Thiruvananthapuram comes the district of Kollam. Considered as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, the district takes the credit for being the hub of the country’s cashew trading and processing industry. It was formerly a renowned trading point for spice. The district is a leading center for fishing in Kerala and is home to the largest fresh water lake in Kerala – Sasthamcottah. A boat cruise starting from the Ashtamudi backwaters in Kollam to backwater networks in the adjoining district of Alappuzha and further is a delightful experience.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town): This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town): Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.
Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town): This vast fresh water lake surrounded by hills on three sides is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha Temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.

Thenmala (66 km east of Kollam): Covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala is home to India's first planned eco-tourism project. Selected by World Tourism Organisation as one of the world's best eco-friendly projects, Thenmala has a leisure zone that includes winding pathways, a sway bridge and a boardwalk; a culture zone with an amphitheatre and a musical fountain and an adventure zone.

Palaruvi Waterfalls (75 km from Kollam town): Palaruvi which means stream of milk makes its way down the rocks, from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation. Other attractions: Trekking to the waterfalls, bathing in the river.
Picnic Village: This village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre for recreational activities in Kollam. A 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma Temple dedicated to the Universal Consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku (twelve lamp festival) in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (battle field). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields, and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.
Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town): Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha Temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.
Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Sree Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam.
Rameshwara Temple : This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple give one the impression that the creatures are animate and actually climbing up the stairs with their outstretched paws.
Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu: The residence and headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.

Crafts Festival: Held annually during December-January, this festival features the work of craftsmen from all over the country.

Meen Pattichathu

Ingredients:
Fish cut into small pieces - 1/2 kg

Red Chilly Powder - 2 tsp(Adjust the chilly powder according to your taste.)

Paprika or Kashmiri Chilly Powder - 1 tsp(Adding paprika will give a bright red color to the dish.)

Turmeric Powder - a pinch

Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tsp

Shallots Paste - 2 tsp

KudamPuli - 2(In some parts of Kerala,tamarind is used instead of Kudampuli)

Fenugreek Powder - 1/4 tsp

Curry leaves - 2 Sprig

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cococnut Oil -as needed

Salt - to taste

Method:
Dip KudamPuli in 1/2 cup of Salt water and keep aside.Mix together chilly powder and turmeric powder adding a little water to make a smooth paste.Heat oil in a pan and pop mustard seeds.Add 1 sprig of curry leaves into it.Add ginger garlic paste and fry for few minutes.Now add shallot paste and fry well till brown.Add the chilly paste into it and again saute till oil seperates.Add 1/2 cup of water,and soaked KudamPuli together with the water.Allow it to boil for 1 minute and add the fish pieces.Close the lid and boil it again.Add fenugreek powder and simmer for 10 more minutes stirring occasionally.Add more water if necessary.Before switching it off,garnish it with 1 tbsp of coconut oil and the other sprig of curry leaves.Cover the lid and keep aside.The dish will be more tastier as it stays.In Kerala we used to prepare this in clay pot or ‘Manchatti’ and this gives a different flavour.It will be kept in the Chatty for a day or two before having it.

Kappa (malabar style)

Ingredients:

Tapioca (kappa) - 1 kg; cut into small pieces, boiled,

and strained

Onions - 2, medium size, finely chopped

Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Coconut - 1 cup; fresh, grated

Salt - 1 teaspoon

Oil - 1 tablespoon (preferably coconut Oil)
Curry leaves - 2 sprigs

Method: Grind the coconut coarsely with turmeric powder and salt and mix with the boiled tapioca. Cook it covered for 2 minutes in low heat, mash thoroughly, and keep it aside. Heat a flat-bottomed pan on a moderate heat. Pour in the oil. When very hot, add mustard seeds to splutter, curry leaves, and then onions. Saute till onions are golden brown and mix it thoroughly with the cooked tapioca. Enjoy the kappa hot or cold with traditional fish curries or onion-chilli chutneys.