Places in Kerala

GETTING AROUND KERALA

BACKWATERS

The breathtaking backwaters capture the beauty of the unhurried village life of rural Kerala with it's enchanting web of majestic canals, lakes and lagoons that link the remote islands and villages with the mainland.

BEACHES

With a 600km shoreline that has some of the finest beaches in the world, Kerala is known for the natural perfection of its beaches. Each exudes a unique charm highlighted by sun, sand, endless stretch of the blue sky and sea and palm groves bordering them.

HILL STATIONS

Velvety lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air; irresistibly green slopes touching the sky at a thousand metres, silent clusters of slender gum trees and a lovely, little lake hidden within the rolling hills; come, experience the Hills of Kerala.

OTHERS

Kerala, a narrow, fertile strip of land on the southwest coast of India, is immensely blessed by nature with beautiful beaches, rivers, hills, wildlife sanctuaries, forts and palaces, monuments and memorials, shrines and festivals.

MY DISCOVERY

An enchanting drive along the East Coast Road

Passing the French-style streets, a traveller can head to the 690-km East Coast road, which starts from Chennai and reaches Tuticorin along Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Nagapattanam, Karakkal and Nagoor.

Experience jail tourism in Gudalur

Gudalur, located between the historic princely state of Mysore and Ooty, which was the summer capital of the Madras Presidency, carries a mysterious charm.

Saudi antiquities site, long seen as haunted, tries to woo visitors

Elaborately carved multi-storey facades with epigraphs inscribed into the red sandstone give way to internal chambers where bodies were once laid to rest.

Enjoy Andaman and Nicobar Islands on a budget trip

There are 555 islands under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration, of which only 37 have human habitation.

This 'waste-bar' exchanges cigarette butts, used straws for beer

'This ensures that they become conscious of the waste that is there on the beach and that trash actually has value!'

The lamps of Mannarkovil light up Tamil Nadu temples

Devotees say that the tradition of making stem lamps started here after the kings of those times decreed that the temple should be self-reliant.

Where Buddhist spirituality and ancient culture reign supreme

Taktsang Monastery is the place that every Bhutanese is expected to pay obeisance at least once in a lifetime.

Sri Lanka: Ideal destination for a budget trip

Visa on arrival facility is available for Indian tourists, avoiding the need to go through elaborate procedures.

Things to remember before going to Valparai

Tips about and information around the scenic locale along the Western Ghats.

At peace in the madding crowd: Taking a holy dip at the Kumbh

The historic city of Praygaraj, which was recently renamed from Allahabad, is witnessing the coming together of saints, seers and devotees in numbers that can blind the human eye.

Swimming camels, mangrove islands of Kutch face mounting challenges

The Kharai camels are held with respect by the Rabari and Jat communities - the two tribes which own and handle the animals - and until a few years ago they did not even sell its milk or wool.

Heritage site Hampi is second on NYT's top 52 travel destinations

It has been a favourite holiday destination for many but it recently became highly accessible due to the opening of an airport just 40 km from Hampi.

Vaduvoor: A tiny village that lures and feeds global birds

Vaduvoor, more renowned for its Ram temple than the sanctuary, is an unassuming village located 25 km from the quaint and historically rich city of Thanjavur.

A trek to the third highest peak in Karnataka – Kudremukh

The base camp of the Kudremukh peak is at Kalasa. Coffee plants start appearing on either side of the road as soon as one starts from Mudigere.

Mamallapuram really rocks, thanks to ancient sculptors

Mamallapuram is a coastal town on the way from Chennai to Puducherry.

Beyond weddings, it's time to celebrate art and more in Italy's fashion capital

From old forts to gothic churches to famous Milanese restaurants and museums, the city offers everything one would seek during a vacation.

Trekking the heights of Maharashtra's forts

There's no dearth of trekkers who would rather venture into untrodden paths and go for sights hitherto unseen.

Crowds come back to 'ghost town' Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is no longer a ghost town, abandoned after the sea destroyed everything in its path.

Plan a getaway from Kerala for a Merry Mysuru Christmas

Here’s a lowdown on how best to enjoy your stay in one of India’s neatest cities.

Majnu Ka Tilla – The hot shopping destination in a cold Delhi

The closest Metro stations are Vishwa Vidyalaya and Vidhan Sabha. From there an e-rickshaw will take you to Majnu Ka Tilla for Rs 10.

A trip to the stunning Valley of Flowers

It was Frank S Smythe, a British adventurer, who introduced the valley to the world after visiting the place.

Kudajadri – a place for spiritual awakening

The only buildings in the area are the house of the temple 'tantri' (chief priest) and an adjacent shrine.

The royal palace where Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas will get married

The couple arrived with their families in the western Indian heritage city of Jodhpur and headed to the Umaid Bhawan Palace where the couple will be tying the knot.

Off beat: Winter falls on a Himalayan village

Walking along the little paths meandering through the woods, silence becomes one's best, and perhaps only, companion.

A budget trip to 'paradise on Earth'

The nearest major railway station is Jammu, 165 km away, to where trains ply from all important cities in the country.

Viking spirit is alive and sailing on board Oslo's beached boats

From America to Antarctica, Norwegians have pushed the frontiers of our world. The hair-raising legends stay afloat in the maritime museums of Oslo.

A trip to unravel the secrets of Andaman Islands

It is believed that the place 'Angamanain' mentioned by Marco Polo in his travel diaries is Andaman.

Experiencing the wild in Nilgiri hills

The return trip to Kerala touching Mulli in the evening hours presents amazing views of the distant hills. Windmills give an eerie feeling to travellers.

Lessons in nature conservation Kerala can learn from Tamil Nadu

Keralites have seen only flowering trees on roadsides the branches of which break during heavy rain.

How to enjoy a trip on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

87 seats in two bogies can be booked in advance through the Indian Railways' website.

Iconic Mysore Palace of the Wadiyars

The palace remains illuminated during 10 days of the renowned Mysore Dasara festival that is celebrated every year during autumn.

Experiencing real rural African life first hand

Visiting a typical African rural dwelling and experiencing at close quarters the life of the local people around the Kilimanjaro mountain offers a varied experience. The journey starts from near the base camp of Kilimanjaro. Often, it rains here which may even turn into a heavy shower. But the

Belur-Halebidu temples: Poetry in stone

The temples built in Hoysala style of architecture are a favourite among lovers of history, art and culture who are thrilled no end by the poetry in stone.

Casinos or not, Macao is a place to remember

Macao is blessed with panoramic views and rich cultural and historical sites.

Chennai's colonial marvels will take you back in time

Stately buildings reflecting the might of British Empire now attract many tourists.

Teesta really lends colour to your Gangtok trip

The Sikkim capital has an air of ancientness and modernity in great mix.

At Ranthambore, every feline has a distinct personality

Drawing thousands of visitors even in the scorching heat of the summer, the tigers of Ranthambore show up and pose for cameras.

Be at peace in the lap of Oman's luxury resorts

One can easily enjoy their hospitality to the fullest in a week's time.

Magnetic Hill: Where a vehicle travels uphill on its own

Magnetic Hill is located 30 km from Leh on the highway to Srinagar at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level.

Dusty Jhunjhunu's glorious past comes alive in frescoes

The eastern Rajasthan district revels in multi-hued haveli frescoes.

Real location of the bloody feud in 'Rakta Charitra'

A visit to the village of Ravi and Suri gives a traveller the opportunity to take a tour of India's second longest cave Belum.

Oman: Hospitality, heritage, and beauty leave an impact

You don't really need to pay for roller-coaster rides in Oman.

A pulsating evening at Chennai's Marina Beach

An evening at Marina Beach, can wind back memories to one’s own childhood.

Nalanda, the seat of knowledge, once lured scholars from abroad

Even today visitors from all over the world are drawn to the remnants of this place.

Chettinad mansions gleam with Chettiars' wealth

Even the smallest house there is as big as the Hill Palace at Thripunithura, Kerala.

This Himachal hamlet is an ideal honeymoon destination

Enjoy a trekking honeymoon from Kasol village in Himachal Pradesh to Grahan.

Tiny Himachal hamlet is a perfect getaway from city life

Pristine and undisturbed, serenity and calmness linger in the air of Jibhi, a lesser known destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Thanjavur - a timeless wonder in Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur beats passage of time with the same grace that marks its music and art.

Bylakuppe: A Tibetan 'nation' that grew from 10 to 10,000 people

The place attracts thousands of travellers every day who are captivated by the temple with its Buddha statues.

Hyderabad sparkles with old-world charm, modern glitter

The 'city of pearls' conquers the visitors' hearts with its incredible old-world charm and mouth-watering delicacies.

When rain clothes an arid Rajasthan with green

The most beautiful sites of Rajasthan monsoons are in the drenched villages.

Visit Lakshadweep in the lap of the sea

Ships ply between Lakshadweep and Kochi, Beypore, and Mangaluru.

Taiwan: An emerging destination for intrepid Indian travellers

This small island nation in the south China Sea is truly the heart of Asia.

Enjoy rustic charm, vibrant culture of north-eastern states

It is at the north-eastern part of India where the first rays of the morning sun hit.

'If only people travelled, India would be more peaceful'

Senior journalist Bishwanath Ghosh shares his journey to the Radcliffe Line.

Explore the mighty Mehrangarh in Jodhpur

Like all major Rajasthani cities, Jodhpur is also studded with majestic forts.

Andaman limestone caves: Enchanting journey into the unknown

Tropical wilderness of Baratang island testifies to variety of the Andaman archipelago.

The pensive Bahubali of Shravanabelagola is majestic

Name Sharavanabelagola derives from the term 'Belagola' which means 'white pond.'

Take a budget-friendly trip to less-explored Pamban Island

There are four-star, three-star hotels, and smaller lodges available in the town.

'No hurry, No worry' Fiji island beckons more Indians

India and Fiji share a long-standing relationship of celebrating cultural diversity.

A quaint European town on a meander of the Danube

In the quaint town of Novi Sad, the Petrovaradin fortress overlooks the landscape.

Why Ooty? Try a colder Kotagiri this Onam

In many ways, Kotagiri is a Tamil version of Idukki’s hilly Munnar.

Fish tales from Mandovi in Goa

Here you find tiny shrimps that are hard to notice even if they come teeming together.

Masinagudi: An offbeat experience close to Ooty

Wildlife sanctuary, tea estates, farm lands, and the mist … Masinagudi offers it all.

On a bicycle expedition, Keralite youths discover the pangs of India

Anish Jacob and Sreejith are aiming to learn about rural life in India as well as traditional farming practices during their cycle trip.

Belgrade square: Where lovers gather to laugh and make merry

Republic Square is Belgrade's central point and the main gathering venue for locals and visitors alike.

Adventure seekers will love this forest path to Sarvajna Peetha

It is believed that Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom had accompanied Adi Sankara here.

Plan an overseas trip here on a shoestring

Here is a list of such countries where the cost is less and the excitement for travellers is high.

An Andhra riverside that has canyons like in Colarado

Gandikota in Kadapa district has been an oft-seen locale in several Tamil and Hindi movies, much like what Colorado has been for Hollywood with its century-old history.

Why the walled city of Jaipur deserves World Heritage tag

In 2015 ASI submitted a proposal to UNESCO for World Heritage City status for Jaipur.

History looks beautiful at Tito's grave

House of Flowers, as the resting place of Tito is called, is nothing short of fascination.

Shimla's 250-year-old hilltop temple regains its past glory

The temple of Devi Tara was built by Giri Sen, whose fort still exists at Junga.

It's sheer spiritual bliss at Manasarovar

From Dirapuk, the majestic beauty of the Kailash could be seen with all its glory.

Iruppu Falls beckon tourists to Karnataka border

The waterfalls, located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, have gathered volume in the heavy rains.

Time to head to Kuttalam and splash waterfalls

There are mainly nine waterfalls at Kuttalam. In addition, there are numerous tiny streams.

Jayalalithaa's final resting place is a destination in itself

The memorials are to the northern end of the long beach and could be easily accessed on foot.

Myladi - stones come to life as Gods in this TN town

Prior to transforming itself into an artisans’ village, Myladi was part of the uninhabited rocky landscape.

Record-breaking biker is literally on top of the world

Gladin covered 6,427 km and passed through 13 states, on his favourite Royal Enfield 350 classic.

How Mary Corbett became the mother of tourism in Nainital

Mary Jane Corbett was virtually the mother of tourism activities in the hill town as she set up its first lodging facility for visitors.

Unusual travel duo, Sarath and his mom Geetha are all set to visit the Himalayas

Adding a befitting afterword to his father M K Ramachandran’s much-loved travelogues, Sarath is on a mission to trace his father’s steps in the company of his 60-year-old mother.

This monsoon, make a road trip to Ootty via Attappady

The advantages of the route are absence of traffic blocks, abundance of clean air and the beauty, peace and grace offered by the stately Nilgiri mountains.

Skip water-parched Shimla, head to Kotgarh instead

A 146-year-old church, which is attached to the Gorton Mission School surrounded by apple orchards, stands testimony to Kotgarh's rich cultural tradition.

Kotagiri: a treasure trove of nature, culture & history

Owing to its cooler weather and calmness, many travellers now prefer Kotagiri to Ooty.

Andhra tourism gets a caffeine shot from Araku valley Arabica

The organic coffee, one of the finest in the world, is grown by tribals at an elevation of 1,100 metres above the mean sea level under is one of the flagship products in the tourism revamp of Andhra Pradesh.

Madikeri still exudes colonial charm | Video

The seventeenth century fort built by Madduraja is an architectural marvel.

Welcome to Nanjangud: where both piety and commerce thrive

Nanjangud is just a day's journey from Kozhikode and Wayanad; read and plan a trip to this fascinating Karnataka town.

8-year-old Keralite boy scales 12,000 ft high Beas Kund

Inspired by his sister's tales of Kedarkantha trip, Thomas joined his father on the trek to scale Beas Kund in Kullu-Manali Valley.

Wayanad to Kodagu – a road trip to remember

The scenes on Wayanad to Kodagu road that will unfold before one’s eyes would do well for a slideshow.

Tamraparni: a nectar of life from Agasthyarkoodam

Tamraparni river is source of life for the people who live on the 120-km stretch that it covers before meeting the Indian Ocean.

Brahmagiri – beauty at its unbridled best | Weekend destination from northern Kerala, Bengaluru

The evergreen and perennial forests make Brahmagiri an ideal weekend destination from northern Kerala, Bengaluru, and Mysuru.

China, here they come: globetrotting tea seller couple’s travel bucket list for 2018 is ready

This Kochi-based couple will make you reconsider your travel plans.

Get wedded in SA to the accompaniment of a jumbo's trumpet

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and bride Anushka Sharma are marking the New Year in South Africa.

Omar Abdullah, Piyush Goyal & Jonty Rhodes, lovers of J&K winter is on the rise

Winter has dressed Jammu and Kashmir like the princess in a fairy tale.

Dubai celebrating cruise tourism season

Dubai cruise tourism season, which began on October 25, will run till June 2018.

Chatham Saw Mill: an old lumberman in the Andamans

Crimson walls of the Buckingham Palace in London are made of the Padauk wood seasoned in Chatham Saw Mill in the Andamans.

Kumbh Mela listed as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO

The UN inscribed Kumbh Mela on the 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' at its 12th session in Jeju.

From Israel to Mattancherry’s Jew Street - a walk into the past

Jacob Ben Eliyahu and his family left India for their home in Israel more than half a century ago, leaving their hearts behind.

New Year deal: explore Singapore, Malaysia with IRCTC

All the tour packages will include air ticket, stay at star hotels, air conditioned road transport, and a tour manager.

Chilling out in Chinnar

Exploring Chinnar by five travel maniacs in two days.

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