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| • Munnar |
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Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantation, picture- book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this popular resort town. Among the |
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exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, Which tower towers over 2695 m Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. |
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| Reaching Munnar: |
133 km from Kochi, the journey by bus takes nearly 4 hours. Buses start from near the south Railway station and are mostly run by private operators. Munnar is also accessible from Kodaikanal (110km) and Thekkady(98km). |
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| • Kumarakom |
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Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. Other common varieties like the Woodpecker, Skylark, Crane, Water hen and Parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is- |
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the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here. |
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| Reaching Kumarakom: |
| 16 kms from Kottayam |
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| • Thekkady |
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The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants. Unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations, In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantation and hill town that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. |
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| The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world’s most fascinating natural wildlife reserves – the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary , spread across 777 sq, km, of wich 360 sq. km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978, noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world. |
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| • Varkkala |
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This is another good beach 50 km from Trivandrum. The Papanasan beach here is not as crowded as the one in Kovalam. The Janarathama temple here is believed to be 2000 years old.
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| Things
to See & Do |
Varkala is first and foremost
a temple town and the
Janardhana Temple is on
Beach road. |
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| Reaching Varkkala: |
| 31 km from Kollam |
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| • Kovalam |
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This
beach town is probably the
most important tourist destination
in the state. The good beaches
and excellent hotels and
resort make it a tourist
favourite. The other attractions
is the Ayurvedic health
programmes offered by a
various health centers and
resort. Thirty years ago
Kovalam was a hippy idyll
: a picture-perfect beach;
a traditional
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Keralan fishing
and toddy (coconut beer);
and about as far from decadent
western civilization as
you could get and still
hear Jim, Janis, Jimi. |
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Kovalam
retains a certain charm
and is still popular with
travelers carving some rest
from the long haul across
the subcontinent. The beaches
are generally safe and clean
and the powerful Arabian
Sea swells are inviting
and invigorating. And each
night local fishermen still
row their boats out to sea.Orientation
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Kovalam consist of two palm-fringed
coves separated from less-populated
beaches north and south
by rocky headlands. The
southern headland is marked
by a prominent lighthouse.
It's is 15 minute walk from
one headland to the other. |
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