Related State of Kerala Favorites Tips

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Favorite thing: House Boat in the Backwaters

I've been to North and South India and loved both for different reasons. I've never been to the North East states, just as far as Darjeeling, wich I really enjoyed.

Reasons for going to Kerala in South India:
* The Backwaters, Houseboat - Where: Kochi and Allaphuza in Kerala.
* Beaches - Where: Varkala and more.
* Western Ghats (Hills), Tea plantations - Where: Munnar.
* Ayurvedic massage - Where: Kerala (Varkala, Kochi and many more).
* Different food and atmosphere from North India.

Reason for not going to the South in late October:
* North East Monsoon/Retreating southwest Monsoon Season. When: Late October-December. Where: Mostly Tamil Nadu and Andhra coast.

I wish you a happy journey to India!

Fondest memory: Houseboat in the Backwaters - relaxing in a wicker chair on a house boat looking at the scenery as you floating by is a real treat!

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Favorite thing: All over Munnar back yard gardens are very popular sowing and harvesting fresh vegetables, what we call in the city as biological fruits and veggies. here in Munnar is abundant. i actually saw a bell pepper,ripe tomatoes, Brinjal and cauliflowers cultivation in my neighborhood during my early morning expedition.
Must eat these soft and sweet carrots on sale every 20 steps,as i did :)
Oh yes not to forget Guava trees in every yard.

oh don't forget bring home fresh homemade chocolate of various flavors and taste like rum and raisin, milk chocolate and more mouthwatering and extremely inexpensive.

Fondest memory: A tour of Rajamalai hills. i was awestruck.

Favorite thing: Hey Denis,

I agree, if you are lookin’ for best bargain prices on Houseboats then perhaps best to book a deal on the spot, instead of pre-bookin’, you’ll find plenty around
2 get an idea of the best prices, check out the prices of these Govt. run packages
http://www.dtpckollam.com/intinerary.html#house

Do check out my v comprehensive notes on Kochi, Alappuzha n the backwaters here - http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-491791-1-1-Travel-0-0-Kochi-discussion.html

Peace

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Favorite thing: Jews all over the world are a proud lot when it comes to their culture and heritage. Resulting from their diaspora in the sixth century BC, they made their presence felt in different parts of the world. They made India too their home, till majority of them returned to Israel after 1948.

Kerala is one place in India, where the Jewish community made its presence felt in a strong manner. Their presence can be still felt in the port city of Kochi, where they are still involved in a variety of business activities. Among the prominent landmarks of the Jewish community in the region is their place of worship called synagogue. There were quite a good number of them in Kochi as well as in Kodungallur, an ancient port city not far away from Kochi.

Besides the popular synagogue at Mattanchery in Kochi, the one at the village of Chennamangalam in North Paravur is one of the biggest, which was built some 175 years back. The synagogue was recently restored to its original glory thanks to the hard work and effort of the Kerala State Archaeology Department with financial support from Kerala Tourism. It is a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.

The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured chequered pattern, with huge wooden planks giving additional support for the roof.

A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is another attraction of the synagogue. There is another balcony, meant exclusively for women. A marvelous craftsmanship in wood, a spiral staircase leads to this balcony.

Chennamangalam is also an example of religious tolerance and harmonious co-existence, which can be felt by the presence of temple, mosque and church located close to the synagogue.

Visitors to the synagogue at Chennamangalam with a penchant for traditional architecture can also pay a visit to the Paliam Palace, which was once the abode of Paliath Achans, who were the Prime Ministers of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Historic documents and relics are on display at the palace. Another nearby place of interest is the Vypeenkotta Seminary built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Only the remains of the seminary are now visible.

Fondest memory: Nearest railway station: Alwaye, about 26 km away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 23 km from Ernakulam.

Favorite thing: I have been in Cochin for the past few days, during the day the heat builds up and it begins to pour cats and dogs which stay for a few hours. very dificult to go out at night. they say that this unusual since it is nearly the end of october. the westher was so bad when i arrived that flight couldnt land and we were diverted to coimbatore.
as october has been unpredictable, the normally predictable november may also be unpredictable

Fondest memory: this time of the year, there are less tourists, except for the ones who come in groups and they tend to keep to themselves, none of the loud other kinds around, gathered around their watering holes. so it is a sheer pleasure to walk down the street and enjoy the silence. the people you would meet are local malayalee, not the other tourists from far away countries.
Because of the economic crisis, there has been about 30 per cent cancellations for the upcoming season in Kerala, affecting mainly the houeboats etc

Favorite thing: On the Malabar Coast along the Kerala shore line is a small village, called Kovalam. This sleepy town suddenly came on the tourist map when its fabulous beaches were discovered.

Today Kovalam has become one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look.

The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promise a unique experience. Blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands makes this beach paradise. This marvellous beach is a tourist's dream come true.

The beaches of Kovalam have been announced as some of the most spectacular beaches in India. I had the chance to personally check this out and certify that the the experience is great, even though I live in Spain which has kilometers of fantastic beaches.

Favorite thing: Kerala is one of the paradises on the earth. Didn't visit kerala yet!! great miss of a lifetime......
Munnar is one of the most popular tourist places in Kerala.
Visit my blog to read more...
Kerala Tourism - Munnar

Fondest memory: Paddy fields, coconut trees, jungles, hill stations, beaches, backwaters, traditional arts and culture....
Everything here will never wipe out from your memory.

Favorite thing: In kerala you will find all kinds of fruits. The land is very fertile and fruits a plenty. Although due to the increase in population the farmlands have decreased, but people in their courtyard plant rare trees and berries. you will find cherries, berries, mangoes, custard apple and many other fruits in courtyards of houses.