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Kollam is where the world famous network of waterways begins. It is from here that a 130 km long chain of interlinked canals and lakes wind along Kerala. Lauded by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta as the trade capital of the old world, Kollam is home to flourishing cashew processing and fisheries industries. The district, one of the most industrialized of the state, produces and processes products as diverse as coir, chemicals, ceramics, minerals and sea food.
Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands on the Ashtamudi Lake. The district of Kollam is a veritable Kerala in miniature, gifted with unique features such as sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forests, and vast green fields.
Thirty percent of this district is covered by the renowned Asthamudi Lake. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Allappuzha is the best way to explore the backwaters. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.
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Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is a destination of a lifetime.
The timeless beauty of the palm fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the majesty of the undulating hills of Munnar and Vagamon, the serenity of the pristine backwaters of Kumarakom & Kuttanad and the enchanting woods and forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley will have you bowled over.
That such a small terrain can hold diverse geographical features and cultures is a wonder in itself.
Any mention about Kerala, conjures in one’s mind, an image of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages and greenery in profusion. God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature and so it only seems natural when Kerala is referred to, as God’s own country.
A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year.
Be it the sun-kissed beaches or the misty hill stations; the rhythmic backwaters or the forestlands rich with all varieties of flora and fauna; pilgrim centres or historic monuments; Kerala has everything you might travel far and wide to see. Just one visit and you will know why Kerala has the lovely epithets attached to it.
So come over to this land that holds promises of leaving you mesmerized and gifting you one of the best holidays you have ever had…
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Kerala is undoubtedly an ideal place for a holiday with your family. The natural beauty, the pleasant climate and the various places of interest will make for a wonderful stay of yours. Knowing a few tips on the things you may or may not do in Kerala can help you a lot while you are here.
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Kerala has a tropical climate and so is warm throughout the year with the exception of the monsoons. Wear light cottons during your visit to Kerala. Since there are several beaches and lakes here, you might as well come all prepared with your swimming gear. Do not forget to bring your sunglasses, hats, umbrellas and sunscreen lotion.
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Plan your trip well in advance. Make your bookings in time and choose a hotel that suits you as well as your budget. As soon as you arrive here, your needs will be taken care of by the hotel you are staying in. Home stays are a good option if you want to experience the traditional Kerala lifestyle. Ask the hotel staff for information about the places you wish to see. Ask for a guide who can show you around.
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You can hire a taxi and be chauffeured around or you can even use public transportation. However, choose public transportation only if you know the place or have a person who can guide you. Most of the places of interest in Kerala do not have expensive entry fees and you won’t have to stand in long queues to get them. The weather is mostly humid; hence it is advisable to have plenty of water with you.
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Largely a consumer state, Kerala has a number of shops selling textiles, gold ornaments and other handicrafts. The mall culture is becoming popular in cities like Cochin, Trivandrum and Thrissur. Traditional Kerala settumundu and kasavu sarees can be bought at Kasavukada, a brand name in Kerala Sarees. Handicrafts such as mirrors, wooden boats, Chinese fishing net models, elephants made out of wood etc are souvenirs you might want to take back. Khataisons and Surabhi on MG Road, Cochin are outlets that sell such handicrafts. Unlike rest of India, there is very little scope for bargaining. Almost all the shops have fixed prices.
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The cuisine of Kerala has varieties of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. The seafood specialties are something you cannot afford to miss. The naadansadya (traditional feast), an all-vegetarian meal, served on plantain leaves is a favourite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food is generally spicy but if you are not fond of spices you can try out the various appams (a fluffy pancake made out of fermented rice flour) which go well with vegetable and meat stews that are low on spices
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A beautiful beach town, Thangassery was established by the Portuguese in 1502 and became one of the major sources of Pepper trade. The town is famous for its beautiful and clean beach and a 44 meters tall light house that provides the most amazing views of the city. The town is a picturesque and contains several churches and other monuments that belong to the Portuguese and Dutch era.
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The first planned eco-tourism destination in India, Thenmala is located by the Kallanda River and is famous for being a favorite shooting location for Tamil and Malayalam films. The town attracts several tourists with its trekking and mountaineering spots and lush green surroundings. The Hanging Bridge is a popular attraction along with the Thenmala Dam.
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With a massive height of 91 meters the Palaruvi Waterfalls are a horsetail waterfall and a major tourist attraction in Kollam. The name Palaruvi literally means a stream of milk and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Kerala. The lush green surrounding with the backdrop of the misty mountains make it a perfect picnic spot to relax your body and senses.
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The erstwhile abode of the King of Travancore, the Thevally Palace was constructed between 1811 and 1819. The architecture of the palace borrows influences from British, Dutch and the Portuguese architectural styles. The Palace also contains a temple dedicated to a local deity Lord Sastha.
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Named after Colonel John Munroe from the British Colonial Period, Munroe Island is a famous tourist destination located in the backwaters of Asthamudi River. The island is home to a plethora of attractions including Watersports, fishing, boat racing and watching migratory birds etc.
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One of the most flora rich areas of Kerala, the Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 100 sq kilometers. The sanctuary was established in 1984 and contains a plethora of animal, bird and reptile species along with several archeological sites with excavations dating back to the Stone Age.
Considered as the gateway to god’s own country, Kerala, Kollam is a picturesque town with its rich culture and natural surroundings. The several lakes, rivers, beaches and backwaters make it a tourist spot like no other and the afore-mentioned places will make you experience Kollam in the best possible way.
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