Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave.
Distance from Kochi – 130 km

The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady.   Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands.   Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangala Devi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

The Chinese fishing nets found in Fort Cochi are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.  Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles.  The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.  The Square is ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc

Guruvayoor temple, famous all over India as a pilgrim centre, dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. The Sreekrishna idol of this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Vasudevar and Devaki at Dwaraka. This shrine popularly known as ‘Dakshina Dwaraka’ (Dwaraka of south) is in the form of a rectangle. There are a lot of mural paintings around the ‘Shrikovil’ (Shrine). Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Website: www.guruvayoordevaswom.com

On the right of the river Periyar, or 'Poorna' as it is also known, there is a tiny village cradled in green fields, called Kalady. This is an important pilgrimage center since it was the birthplace of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, one of India's foremost philosopher saints who preached the monistic or 'advaita' philosophy. Among the many miraculous happenings associated with his life is one when he is believed to have diverted the course of the river Poorna, then flowing one and a half kilometers away from the house, for his aged mother who could have her daily bath in the river without walking a long way.

KTDC Bolgatty Palace built in 1744 by a Dutch trader is now a heritage hotel and a KTDC Enterprise. It is located at The Bolgatty Island, a short ride away from Kochi. Bolgatty also represents one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland and only heritage hotel in Kerala. Bolgatty Palace now boasts of modern amenities such as Swimming Pool, 9-hole golf course and is a destination of choice for select Indian corporates for their conference and is a very popular holiday destination for Indian elite and overseas tourists.

The Portuguese originally built the Dutch Palace. Later, in 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented it to the Raja of Kochi. Coronation of many Rajas of Kochi was held here. The palace has a fine collection of mural paintings depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. The palace is located in Mattancherry.
Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers magnificently decorate the synagogue, built in 1568. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.

The Thattekkad bird sanctuary was set up in the year 1983 by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. It is located in the Kothamangalam district of Idukki. One of the most famous landmarks in Kerala, Thattekkad bird sanctuary is home to almost 500 species of exotic birds. The thick tropical deciduous and evergreen cover is a safe haven for these winged creatures. Apart from the birds, one can find at least 28 species of animals and many varieties of reptiles here. Animals like the leopard, bear and porcupine are found over here often. One can see herds of elephants also occasionally. Among the reptiles, one can find cobra and pythons resting here and there. Distance from Kochi – 50 km

Athirappalli waterfalls are one of the most sought after picnic spots in Kerala. Located in Thrissur district, 1000 ft above sea level, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats, Athirappalli is a scenic combination of forests and little streams. Falling from a height of 80 feet, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the state. Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors. Distance from Kochi – 65 km

Approximately 30 kilometres from Kochi, Cherai is sheer eye candy! It is a delectable combination of green paddy fields, coconut palms, and backwaters and of course, the omnipresent Arabian Sea. Cherai Beach is a 15-km long undulating strip of sand and surf. It has the distinction of being one of the cleanest beaches in India and owing its shallow depths, is safe for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. There is a Children’s Park on Cherai Beach ensuring the kids are entertained as well. You could also hire Water Scooters and Speed Boats and go for a spin in the sea.

The Marine Drive, also called the Shanmugham Road, is one of the most beautiful parts in the city of Kochi. The marine walk here is the main attraction and is a popular hangout for the local populace. The beautiful view of the backwaters with the harbor in the backdrop adds to its charm. The lights spilling out of various ships anchored at the harbour provides an interesting sight at night. The Federal Towers, Sealord Hotel, Hotel Taj Residency and GCDA Shopping Complex are located on this stretch. The boat jetty at Marine Drive operates ferry and boat services to the various islands across the lake.

Houseboats, called Kettuvallams in the local language, are a concept unique to Kerala. Converted from what were originally rice boats, these self-sufficient units cruise in the Alleppey Backwaters. A three-bedroom houseboat can accommodate up to six adults and three children sharing bed with parents, comfortably. The bedrooms have a fully functional attached bathroom with showerhead. The houseboat has a sitting and dining area open on all sides to take in views. The boat meanders through backwaters and canals unfolding village life on both sides through the Vembanad Lake.

The Ernakulathappan temple is situated in the heart of Ernakulam city and is easily accessible. The KSRTC bus station is 2 km away from the temple. The Ernakulam Kshetra Samithi is a registered voluntary organization and works in cooperation with the Cochin Devaswom Board for the development of the temple, organising festivals and enhancing the amenities for the pilgrims. Regular annual festivals conducted include Sivarathri, Sarpa Bali (Aayilya Pooja), ashtadravya mahaganapathi pooja, sapthaha yajnam etc and several cultural programs like chakiar koothu, carnatic music concerts and the like.

A popular tourist place in India, the town and the district, Kanyakumari District, in which it is located, is a place of great natural beauty - from the blue seas of Kanyakumari town to the blue hills of the Western Ghats in the interior. Kanyakumari takes its name from the Kumari Amman or Kanyakumari Temple, situated in the town, on the sea-shore, the very confluence of the three water-bodies - Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a must visit; especially in its splendor at sunrise and sunset. It is about 300 km from Kochi. There are also a number of temples at and around Kanyakumari which are famous for its architectural beauty.

Padmanabhaswamy temple (aka Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple), is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu, located inside the Fort in city of Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is one of the 108 divya desam, the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. The main deity, Padmanabhaswamy, is a form of Vishnu in Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra). This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple. Rice offered to the deity in coconut shell. Paal Payasam (Milk Kher) is very famous. During Thursday, Panakam is offered to Lord Narasimha.

The Chottanikkara Temple is a famous temple of the Hindu mother goddess Bhagawati. The temple is located near Ernakulam and is one of the most popular temple in the state, along with Sabarimala. Bhagawati is one of the most popular deities in the area, and she is worshipped at the temple, along with Lord Vishnu, in three different forms: as Saraswati in the morning, draped in white; as Bhadrakali at noon, draped in crimson; and as Durga in the evening, decked in blue. People suffering from mental illnesses commonly visit the temple, as Bhagawati is thought to cure her devotees. One should not miss the 'Guruthi Pooja' in the 'Keezhkkaavu' temple at Chottanikkara. This is a ritual done at late evening to invoke the goddess. 'Chottanikara Magam' is the famous religious festival in the temple.