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

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.

Karni Mata temple - where rats are worshiped

Karni Mata temple is home to more than 25,000 rats and they are revered as the prime worshipers of the temple.

Visiting Dubai? Mark a rainforest, underwater aquarium as must see

Green Planet and Underwater Aquarium and Zoo are examples of how Dubai continues to innovate to offer more its lovers.

Steam engine pulls over at Ooty station

The railways spent Rs 15 lakh to build the track and platform for the steam engine.

You shouldn't leave Hampi without trying these out

Here are four unique experiences that you should not miss in this ancient town.

Book trail: a quick jaunt across Spain inspired by Dan Brown's 'Origin'

You can love them or hate them, but there is no denying the fact that Dan Brown's books have taken readers through a lot of beautiful places. His 'Origin' takes his hero Robert Langdon to Spain.

It is an all-out stick fight: Visit the Banni festival next time in AP

For a casual passer-by, the festival will appear to be very violent. But for the local people, this festival forms an integral part of their culture.

Diwali, Ramlila, a play of colors – explore these places beyond Kerala in October

The holiday calendar for October starts off with Muharram and is followed by Gandi Jayanti and Diwali later in the month.

The Great Living Chola temples and their stories etched in stone

The three temples in this circuit – the Brihadeswara temple in Thanjavur; the temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the Airavateswara temple in Darasuram – are on the Unesco World Heritage Sites list.

Head to this tiny Himachal hamlet for a quiet vacation this Navratri

Pristine and undisturbed, serenity and calmness linger in the air of Jibhi located in Banjar Valley in Kullu district, a lesser known destination in Himachal Pradesh.

Religiously inclined? Take a trip to these Devi temples this Navratri

Navratri is a festival that is celebrated across India, though the rituals change from region to region.

A coffee lover? This 'must-visit' hotspot in Dubai is for you

Coffee is an integral part of the Middle East's heritage. And the coffee museum in Dubai is a testimony to the region's longstanding tryst with the drink.

Here's all you need to know about the mosque Modi took Abe to

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was commissioned in 1573 when the land prospered under the Sultanate of Gujarat and it is famous for its 'jali.'

The Golden Temple: an escape into the haven of brotherhood

A visit to the Golden Temple is not just about bowing to the supreme being but experiencing the rich culture of the land.

Make a pit stop at this heritage resort when you are heading to Rajasthan

Perched magnificently atop a granite hill, the Alila Fort Bishangarh appears seamlessly sculpted from the surrounding rustic terrain, providing a 360-degree view of the impressive Aravalli Hills.

Hurry to Ladakh before the winter starts

Ladakh - once the hub of the ancient Silk Route - is aptly described as a place where Buddhist spirituality and its ancient culture reign supreme amidst virgin nature.

You must plan a visit to these places in September

We give you a list of five places across India which will reverberate with festive fervor this September.

You can go 'road tripping' on your Indian driving license in these countries

Travelling by road is a great way to explore a country and experience it the "local" way.

This is the time to visit the enchanting waterfalls of Coorg

Waterfalls, the enchanting beauty spots of the forested hills, have lured millions of tourists to Coorg.

Ganga aarti: a serene treat for the eyes

The Paramarth Nikethan Ghat and the Triveni Ghat are the two famous spots in Rishikesh where the Ganga Aarati is performed.

Visa no hassle, 5 foreign trips that you can plan in a jiffy before Onam

If you still have not made plans for traveling abroad during the holidays, we bring you five tempting destinations.

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