KERALA-the Tourists Paradise in ‘Gods own country’, MUNNAR- an endless panorama of lush-green carpets of tea plantations, ALLEPPY-Exploring the ‘Venice of the East’ by boat cruises in the tranquil stretches of emrald backwaters

KOCHI-MUNNAR-ALLEPPY TOUR :

On 27/06/2018 We ,a family of five persons set of on a 5-day tour to the ‘Gods own country’ through a package tour of Fine kerala & Kottayam Taxi Operators. Reached Kochi airport and Sara Hotels& Apptts.,Angamaly, Cochin at 8pm.After getting refreshed had dinner and a good nights sleep after the long journey from Jaipur.

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About Kerala :

Its called Gods own country being geographically blessed with Arabian sea in the west, Western Ghats, network of 44 rivers, lush green hill stations sprawling tea plantations, paddy fields, exotic wild life and the serene backwaters adding to its grandeur. There is high intensity cultural life with infinite no. of customs and age -old influence of Hinduism, Islam, Judaism & Christianity. There are enchanting art forms , magical festivals, inspiring ayurvedic lifestyles and remarkable forms of martial arts .All of these come together to offer you an amazing diversity of attractions in the perfect place to soak up the rich culture .

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About Ernakulam:

Its a distt. of Kerala with an area of 2407 sqkm with its headquarter at Kakanad. Ernakulam includes Kochi city which is known as the commercial capital of Kerala. Kerala highcourt , Cochin stock Exchange and the office of kochi Muncipal corporation are located here. Its famous for :1)Fort Kochi 2) Vypin Island & Lighthouse,3)Allapuzha beach, 4)Mahatma Gandhi beach,5)Cherai beach,6)Kerala backwaters,7) St Francis CSI Church, 8)Willington Island, 9)Mattencherry Peninsula.

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About Cochin:

Its the largest city of Kerala with a population of 5.5Lakhs marked with a riveting diversity of Kerala with different cultures .Cochins all-weather harbour has made it an important centre for commerce and Industry. It has a maritime history that began in remote past. The Portuguese ,the Dutch and English had established themselves at one time or the other. The assortment of rulers transformed Cochin into an extraordinary melting pot of people and culture. With a sizeable Jewish community, which is reflected in Jewish Signagogue, a magnificent prayer hall constructed in 1568 AD. Another place of interest is the St. Francis Church built by the Portuguese in Circa 1510 AD .Vasco da Gama’s gravestone is located here though its mortal remains were taken back to Portugal several years later.

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28/06/2018:

Started for Munnar at 8AM and enjoyed the journey with beautiful locations & stunning vistas on the way:1)Cheeyopara water falls2)Balra falls3)Elephant ride at Alhind, 4)Govt.Ayurveda Garden with variety of herbs spices of medicinal value(made some purchases).5)Dr Fish Spa: an exciting way to your feet pedicure. Enjoyed all the spots thoroughly. Reached Hotel Fort Munnar with a majestic look/nice amenities/well mannered staff .Had a very delicious dinner and retired in our very comfortable rooms.

About Munnar :

Its a popular hills station perched at an elevation of 1600mts in the Western Ghats and was established in 19th century in British rule and was colonial hideout from times gone by.Munnar was the favoured summer resort of British. Deep in tea plantations with terraced hillside irrigation as a setting, the town is a combination of traditional Indian shops/Guest houses and old colonial type buildings and architecture. Its picturesque setting layered with lush green carpets of tea plantation is a haven for honeymooners and tourists alike. Lokharts tea factory produces 1)Black tea,2)Lemon tea,3)White tea(the best &the costliest tea). Famous for largest tea estates, various shades of green, blankets of mist and craggy peaks, it is aptly known as the Kashmir of South India. Devikulam is a hills tation 5kms away for Munnar. Its lake water has rich minerals with rare curative properties. Munnar is 130kms from Kochi airport and 120kms from Angamaly railway station. Its devided into Old Munnar with Tourist information centres and Munnar with Bus station & most of the Guest houses. Best time to visit is Sept. to May.

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29/06/2018: MUNNAR TOUR:

We all woke up in early hours and reached on the Hotel terrace to witness the infamous & mesmerising sunrise of Munnar and believe me it was a stunning spectacle to be seen and cherished lifelong. We also had quite a unique experience of life listening to the sonorous singing of birds like the tones of harmonium. We made a recording of the same. Also we had a nice healthy & refreshing morning walk in the lush green lawns, excercised in the hotel Gym. Also some of us took body massage & spa in the parlour. After breakfast we started for our local joy trip of Munnar specialities such as1)Punmodi Dam2)hanging bridge3)Ripple water fall,4)SN Puram,5)Idukki,6)Lokharts tea factory & museum, 7)Echo point ,8)Photo point,9)Salim Ali bird sanctuary,10)Tea plantations.11)Spice garden,12)Pothamedu view point,13)Wildlife safari,14)Sports activities: Paragliding, Bike tours and Jeep safaris,15)Tata tea ( kdhp museum),16)Eraviculam national Park.It was a superb visit to the green valleys and picturesque landscapes. We had our fill of the stunning views. Reached hotel ,had nice dinner and night rest to prepare for the next days- Alleppy tour.

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30/06/2018:

ALLEPPY TOUR:

After breakfast we departed for Alleppy and reached at 1600 hrs.First of all we took the 2-hour Shikara ride in the backwaters relishing the colourful houseboats, the serene backwaters &the paddy field farms in the area. Later on we checked-into our Hotel LEMON TREE Vembanad Lake Resort, Muhamma, Alleppy with fantastic rooms and a swimming pool(with a illusion of its merging with the adjacent sea waters)with deep blue water.Got thoroughly refreshed after the swim, had a tasty dinner & went to sleep with sweet memories of the trip accomplished till then.

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About Alleppy :

Its a scenic coastal town with picturesque setting & ultra beautiful landscapes ,backwaters and lagoons-aptly called the Venice of the East.Officially called Allapuzha – its bordering the Laccadive sea with wide networking of interlinking palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejunuvating Ayurvedic resorts .Its popular for its houseboat cruises which pass through serene backwaters, green paddy fields, beautiful avifauna and local life of people. Towards the shore lies the Alleppy beach in Arabian sea. Vembanad lake is a lagoon ,located here, is the largest lake in Kerala with tranquil backwaters amidst mesmerising natural surroundings. Main Places of interest : 1)Houseboats,2)Alapuzha beach,3)Kumakoram bird sanctuary,4)Nehru trophy boat race,5)Paddy fields in backwaters,6)Vembanad lake,7)Heritage and cultural trails of Alleppy,8)Backwaters of Alleppy : Best time to visit is Oct. to Feb.

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01/07/2018:Return tour to KOCHI:

In the morning we visited the Allapuzha beach and started back for Kochi vising the CHERAI BEACH on the way. It was a very clean beach with beautiful view of waves & sea. We reached our hotel Sara Aptts.,had a nice meal and went to sleep.

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02/07/2018:Back to Jaipur:

After such a beautiful tour of the ‘Gods own country’, We took our return flight to Jaipur trying to savour the fantastic memories of the great tour.

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