If you’re considering a vacation to the southern Indian state of Kerala, you’re probably wondering where to start. Here are some tips to help you plan your Kerala tourism trip. Start by exploring the stunning beaches, temples, and palaces in Kerala tourism. Don’t miss the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the Mangaladevi Temple, but don’t forget to check out the Mattancherry Palace and Krishnapuram Palace, too.
Mangaladevi Temple
You may have heard about the enchanting Mangaladevi Temple, but do you really know what it is? This 1000-year-old temple is nestled in the thick forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Made of huge granite pieces, this temple is about 1337 meters above sea level. Its shrine is dedicated to the goddess Mangaladevi, also known as Kannaki. The goddess is a powerful symbol of moral power, and she proves that even ordinary women can take on the role of royalty for just causes.
The ruins of the Mangala Devi temple are under protection of the archeological department, and inscriptions on the walls date back to the 11th century. The temple lies in the ecologically sensitive Periyar Tiger Reserve, about 10 kilometers from the town of Kumily. The temple is open only one day of the year, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly. Once you’ve been to the temple, be sure to take a few photographs. Book Maharajas Express
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
For a spiritual visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, make sure to dress appropriately. During the day, men must wear dhotis and women must wear saris. Men can rent dhotis at the entrance of the temple. You can also wear your dhoti over a pair of pants, shorts, or churidar. If you want to experience the culture firsthand, you’re recommended to stay in a heritage hotel in the area.
The Sree Padmanabhaswammy Temple is constructed in a Dravidian style with high walls. The main sculpture is an eighteen-foot idol. The temple is constructed using stone and bronze, with a wide corridor on the east side. Inside, there are eleven mandapams. There’s also a gopuram in the temple that contains valuables used to enhance the potency of the Principal Deity.
The temple is managed by the Ettara Yogam, the religious institution. The Temple is governed by the six members of the Thiruvananthapurathu Sabha. The Sabha is the primary authority of the Temple. The chief minister of the state, Pushpanjali Swamiyar, presides over the Sabha meetings. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a must-see for any visitor to Kerala. Book India Trip
The Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace is a royal residence in the southern city of Kerala, India. It is situated 9 km from Ernakulam town and was earlier known for its spice and tea trade. However, it has since become an important tourist destination. Fort Kochi is home to the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of India’s finest churches and a center of historical significance. Its gothic style and architecture is worthy of a visit.
Located in the heart of the city, this royal residence embodies the traditional culture of the state. You can also explore Jewish Town and Paradesi Synagogue. There is also a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati. The Mattancherry Palace should definitely be on your list of places to see in Kerala Tour Packages. Here you can experience the history of the city and witness how the rulers lived and ruled.
The palace is decorated with exquisitely carved wooden ceilings and brass cups. The floors are made from a traditional Kerala material – coconut shells, egg whites, and plant juices. The dining hall features a wooden ornate ceiling covered with brass cups. The Kerala palace also features rare examples of traditional Kerala tourism flooring that was created by burning coconut shells, lime, and egg whites.
Krishnapuram Palace
If you’re visiting the Kerala state, make sure you visit Krishnapuram Palace. This historical complex is home to a majestic statue of Lord Buddha, which was recovered from a pond in Aleppey. The Buddha Mandapam hall features several rare artifacts and ancient paintings, including a bronze Buddha statue. The palace also boasts a mural painting, the Gajendra Moksham, which is 14 feet by 11 feet and depicts the rescue of elephant King Gajendra.
The palace is located about 47 kilometers from Alappuzha. You can walk through narrow corridors, dorm windows, and gabled roofs as you wander through the palace. Inside, you can find murals and paintings, including the world’s largest mural painting, Gajendra Moksha, which covers 53 square feet. Visitors are enamored by the wealth of historical value in the royal residence.
Once upon a time, the palace complex spanned 56 acres, but as monarch rule ended, the palace was reduced to a small 2.5 acre area. This compound was once surrounded by a three-meter-high wall. The main palace was restored in the 1950s and now features a museum. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the palace’s surrounding gardens. Book Now – Kerala Honeymoon Tour
Kanakakunnu Palace
If you’re looking for a glimpse into the past, Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram is a must-see. The red-bricked structure and white stone dressings of this majestic palace are a living example of Victorian-era architecture in Kerala. Inside, you’ll find a rounded hall and neoclassical entrance portico. The palatial building sits amidst lush greenery and is also within walking distance of beaches and important tourist sites.
The palace’s wall is scheduled to be completed by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd. An auditor has already given the tourism department a design for the retaining wall and boundary wall. However, it’s too early to know how long the wall will take to complete. The group hopes to complete the work before the south-west monsoon hits Kerala. But it won’t be easy.
Poovar is a coastal village near Vizhinjam. It is believed to be the location where biblical king Solomon first set foot in the country. This was once a center of trading in sandalwood, timber, and spices. Kanakakunnu Palace is a former royal palace built by a Travancore king and now hosts cultural programs. So, if you’re looking for a taste of the past in Kerala tourism, don’t miss Kanakakunnu Palace.
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Poovar Island
If you are planning to visit the picturesque state of Kerala, you should know about Poovar Island. It is an attractive tourist town in the Neyyattinkara district of Thiruvananthapuram, almost at the southern tip of the state. The next village after Pozhiyoor is Poovar, a charming resort town. Its picturesque beach is an all-year attraction, attracting tourists to the area throughout the year.
Travelers can reach Poovar Island by car or by rail. The closest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, which is located about 30 km from the island. The railway station in Thiruvananthapuram is 27 km away. Both are connected to major Indian cities. If you plan to use public transport, the nearest bus stop is at Kovalam Beach. A cab or a bus can be hired for the rest of the trip.
There are a number of ways to get to Poovar. If you plan to swim, be sure to bring sunscreen and sports shoes as the island is located near the Arabian Sea. The best time to visit Poovar is from August to March. The summer season can be hot and humid, but winters are pleasant. The temperatures on Poovar are cooler in winters and cool in summer. Be careful when you travel during monsoon season; the weather conditions in Poovar are dangerous and the water may not be safe to swim in.
Munnar Tea Plantation
A visit to the Munnar Tea Plantation is sure to be a sight for sore eyes. The lush, green tea plantations sprawl across the hills of Munnar are a sight to behold. The roads dotted with these plantations are as picturesque as the tea itself. However, if you’re looking for a more serene, relaxed setting, don’t visit the plantations during the rainy season.
If you’re into taking pictures of tea plants, Munnar’s Tea Plantation is definitely worth a look. You can capture some great shots of the tea trees from the roadside or take a 4WD Jeep tour through the plantations. If you are looking for the most photogenic photo opportunities, leave your hotel early to beat the tour groups. After all, you can’t get a better shot of tea fields than when you’re in the morning.
You can also visit the Tata Tea Museum and the state-owned sandal plantation. The tea museum has excellent information on the tea plantations. Besides the tea plantations, Munnar also offers spices and handicrafts. Visiting a tea plantation is sure to be an unforgettable experience. This is the other side of Kerala tourism that will leave you wanting to return again.
Toddy shop
If you’re looking for the opposite side of Kerala tourism, visit a Toddy Shop. These establishments serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of palm sap. There are several names for toddy in Kerala tourism, including ‘toddy,’ ‘palmyra’ and ‘coconut sap.’ Despite the many names, all of them are delicious and worth trying. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Kerala, a Toddy Shop might be the perfect destination.
Thrissur’s Mapranam Shappu is a popular toddy shop, just a short walk from the Rose Bar. The Mapranam Shappu serves 26 varieties of authentic Kerala delicacies on weekends, while half of the dishes are served on weekdays. Menu items include Crab, Duck, Rabbit, and Kada Fry. You can also try Kallummakarya, Meen Thalakkari, and more.
Finding a toddy shop is not an easy task, and a visit to a toddy shop can be difficult. Many are shabby and poorly maintained, and are best visited as part of a houseboat excursion. Some of them are tucked away in cul-de-sacs or amidst green paddy fields. Toddy shops in Kerala can be found on the edge of the backwaters or in towns with dense greenery.