The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks.It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar is embellished by the presence of endangered species including White Tigers. To explore the wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve tourists has many options like from boating to trekking.
Perched atop Nadukani, the mountains and the rivers seem like ancient beings, lying in deep slumber with a host of greenery on all sides as spectators. The bird’s eye view from this hill station in Kottayam is sought out annually by people numbering into the thousands. Nobody wishes to miss out on the panoramic view of mountain ranges on one side and that of the River Muvattupuzha on the other. Gigantic rocks are your companions, over 3000 ft. above sea level, and it is a visual worth embracing at least once in your lifetime.
Thiruvambady Beach near Varkala is among the most beloved secluded getaways for most residents of the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. Lying right next to the North Cliff, Thiruvambady or the Black Sand Beach is the perfect setting for those who wish to cut out the sounds and noises that permeate urban life. There are no disturbances here, and the gentle tides and friendly locals will help you reinvigorate your entire being. Locals and visitors alike vouch that this is the perfect site for a weekend escape from the world.
Anjengo Fort is forever remembered in the pantheons of history as the location of the first trade settlement of the East India Company in Kerala. Legend has it that the English were given this site by the Queen of Attingal for trade purposes. Anjengo or Anjuthenguwas a small stretch of land with five coconut trees at the time and the fort was named after the same. The old English Fort that once stood here would be constantly attacked by foreign powers for centuries. Today, this place provides one with a majestic architectural marvel situated in a picturesque setting. Located near the popular tourist haunt of Varkala, you have a secluded beach on one side and a backwater stretch on the other. The coconut groves that dot the shore add to the destination’s charm and make it among the finest picnic spots in the area. One can simply sit and watch fishermen diligently go about their work, following traditions and customs that have never changed regardless of whose flag was raised at the summit of the Fort.
The Koyikkal Palace was built for Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal Family between 1677 and 1684. Today, however, it is famous as a Folklore Museum and a Numismatics Museum. Its unique antique collection provides one with valuable insight into the past of Kerala and it attracts people from across the State on a regular basis. The palace itself is a double-storied structure famous for its distinct gabled roofs. The Folklore Museum was set up in 1992 and boasts of musical instruments, household utensils and models of folk arts among others. This is the only place in the State where one can see a Chandravalayam. This small percussion instrument is played while reciting the ballad Ramakathappattu (the story of Lord Rama). It also contains old manuscripts along with ornaments and decor items used by the erstwhile Royal family.
Bolgatty Island is a picturesque island located near Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district. It is famous for its eponymous palace along with being a growing cosmopolitan hotspot in the area. The Bolgatty Palace was built in 1744 by the Dutch and was eventually taken over by the British. This has now been transformed into a famous Kerala Tourism Department Corporation (KTDC) Hotel and Resort and boasts of its own golf course and honeymoon cottages. The Kochi International Marina is situated here. It is the only marina of its type in India and can host up to 34 yachts alongside water, electricity and sewage pump-out facilities. The Bolgatty Event Centre is renowned for hosting a large number of international conferences, conventions, exhibitions and wedding ceremonies. With the backwaters, Cochin Seaport, Vallarpadam Container Terminal and the Arabian Sea overlooking it, there is no better location to host such important events.