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Places to Visit in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Places to Visit in Ernakulam, Kerala, India

Ernakulam is located in the central mainland of the Indian state of Kerala. Ernakulam and Kochi are known as the twin cities of Kerala state. Ernakulam in English means ‘Pond for a Long Time’. The place is located 222 km from the capital of Kerala state. In summer season, the temperature ranges from 24⁰C to 37⁰C and in winter season, the temperature ranges from 17⁰C to 33⁰C. The geographical coordinates puts the place at 9.98⁰N and 76. 28⁰E. Ernakulam spans over an area of 3,034 km². Ernakulam is 13 feet above the sea level.

The month from October to March is the most favorable time to tour Ernakulam.

History of Ernakulam

The place was named Ernakulam after the famous Ernakulathappan temple. In the past, Ernakulam once formed the center of operation of the Ernakulam district. During Pre-colonial times Ernakulam was the capital of the Cochin Kingdom.

Ever since ancient times the place Ernakulam has been inhabited by people. During the Pre-Colonial times, Ernakulam happened to play an important part in the economy of Kerala. The early rulers of Ernakulam belonged to the Chera Dynasty of the Sangam age, who were established and ruled major portions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. After the defeat of the Chera Dynasty the place came under the rule of the Cochin Kingdom. Under the rule of the Cochin Kingdom, Ernakulam formed the center of administration in Kerala.

In the colonial period, Ernakulam witnessed many developments taking place under the Portuguese and later the British administration.

People & Culture at Ernakulam

Majority of the population in Ernakulam belong to Hindu religion while the rest worship either Christianity or muslim religion. Malayalam, Hindi and English are the languages spoken by the people in Ernakulam, with Malayalam being the local language.

Food and Shopping in Ernakulam

Many types of exotic cuisines are served in restaurants according to the customer needs. There are plenty of shopping centers in and around the city of Ernakulam. Some of the names of these shopping malls are listed below

Oberon Mall
Abad Bay Pride Mall
Lulu International Shopping Mall

Tourist Places in Ernakulam

There are abundance of religious and monumental places with magnificent architects of interest in the city. There are also beautiful landscapes with picturesque surroundings in and around the city of Ernakulam and the list is as follows:

Santa Cruz Basilica

This church was built in the year 1500 by the Portuguese in the Fort Kochi.

Francis Church

Constructed entirely by timber and later rebuild using stones and other mortar, the church was finally open to the public in the year 1779.

Princess Street

This street has houses created with a touch of European architecture.

Fort Kochi

Built in the year 1503, the fort has withstood every natural calamities till the present day.

Marine Drive

Streching a length of 1.75km the place provides a picturesque view of the lake surroundings.

Other than the above mentioned places of interest there are other places of interest. The names of such places are mentioned below

Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace)
Dutch Cemetery
Thanthoni Aqua Farm
Subash Chandrabose Park
Jew Street
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Bolgatty Island
Willingdon Island
Kumbalangi
The Bishop’s House
Cochin Carnival
Vypin Island
George’s Forane Church at Edapally
Kerala History Museum at Edapally
Hill Palace
Veegaland Amusement Park
Kalady
Thomas Mount, Malayatttoor
Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu
Boothathankettu Dam
Edamalayar Lower Dam

Means of Commutation to Ernakulam

Ernakulam is well connected to the rest of the places in India via roadways, railways and airways.

The distance of Ernakulam, via road, from cities in the state of Kerala and neighboring states are given below

Coimbatore is located at a distance of 190 km
Trivandrum is located at a distance of 207 km
Mangalore is located at a distance of 414 km
Bangalore is located at a distance of 514 km
Chennai is located at a distance of 682 km

Inter city transportation is facilitated by bus, auto rickshaw and taxis.

There are three major stations in Ernakulam where trains from various parts of India do halt. The names of these stations are mentioned below

Harbour Terminus on Willington Island
Ernakulam Town
Ernakulam Junction

Ernakulam Junction is the busiest of all the railway stations with trains from various places in India are seen arriving and departing.

Ernakulam is well connected to the rest of the world via airways. Nebumbassery International Airport is the closest airport to Ernakulam and is located at a distance of 20 km from the city.

Accommodation Options at Ernakulam

There are hotels providing world class facilities to tourists at prices commencing from Rs. 3000/- onwards per day. There are also budget hotels where one can get a room under rent for a initial price of Rs. 450/- . The names of such hotels are listed below:

Le Meridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre
Dream Hotel
Trident Hotel
Royal Village
Gokulam Park
Abad Atrium
Travancore Court
Thani IIIam Heritage Home
Nyle Plaza
The International Hotel
The Woods Manor
Sreeragam Luxury Villa Retreat
Hotel Pearl Continental
Hotel Highway Garden
The Town House

Beautiful Tourist Places in Elappara, Idukki , Kerala, India

Beautiful Tourist Places in Elappara, Idukki , Kerala, India

Elappara is a village located in the Indian sub-continent of the district of Idukki in the state of Kerala. The coordinates of Elappara are 9⁰37’0” N and 76⁰58’0” E. The district spans over an area of 5019 km². Elappara is 1,100 meters above sea level. Temperatures in summer season range from 22 ⁰C to 40 ⁰C and in winter season the temperature varies from 20 ⁰C to 30 ⁰C. The district is one of the most favored destinations, in the state of Kerala, among the tourists.

The preferred period to visit Elappara is from October to February.

History of Elappara

Idukki district was formed on January 1972, with Elappara being a small village. The entire administration of the place was conducted from Kottayam. In the year 1976, center of administration of the village was shifted to Painavu in Thodupuzha taluk. Periyar is one of the biggest rivers in the state of Kerala and flows through the district Idukki.

There are temples and forts built in the district during the Chola dynasty rule. After them, came the Kulasekhara Empire who ruled the district of Idukki from 800 to 1102 A.D. There are historical findings that trading of ivory, sandalwood, teak, rosewood and other forest products were traded with foreign nations during ancient times.

When the British established their settlements in the state of Kerala, Europeans arrived to Idukki region and built their own plantation in and around the village Elappara.

People & Culture at Elappara

The people in around Elappara speak fluent English and Hindi although the local language is Malayalam. All kinds of festival are celebrated by the people of Elappara with Onam being the most important of them all.

People of various religions such as Christian, Hindu, and Muslim reside in and around Elappara.

Agriculture is one of the main occupations of the locals residing in and around Elappara.

Food and Shopping in Elappara

Traditionally cooked food are purely vegetarian in Elappara and consists of spices. There are shopping centers around the Idukki district. Some of the names of these shopping centers are mentioned below:

Mall of Mysore
Mariyil Shopping Complex
Joy Vettukattil Shopping Complex
Al Shifa Complex
Triveni Shopping Complex

Tourist Places in Elappara

There are plenty of natural locations with amazing landscape of interest in and around Elappara. Some of the prominent ones are mentioned below

Peermede

There are numerous plantations in Peermede making the place one of the most beautiful landscape scenes for photographers.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 105 km², this sanctuary is home to many animals, reptiles and birds.

Idukki Arch Dam

Created in the year 1961, the Dam offers a breath taking view of the nearby green hills. One can feel energized by the intake of fresh air.

Nadukani

Being a hill station, Nadukani is the most cherished picnic spot and is at a distance of 25 km from Elappara.

Ramakkalmedu

Being a hill station, this place has a lot of interesting monuments apart from providing a panoramic view of the nearby villages.

There are some other interesting tourist spots whose names are mentioned below

Painavu
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Hill View Park
Mangala Devi Temple
Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam
Kulamavu Dam
Cheruthoni Dam
Kalvari Mount
Malankara Reservoir
Palkulamedu
Thommankuthu Falls
Keezharkuthu Falls
Pothamadu
Nedumkandam Hill

A variety of exciting adventure sports like trekking, bamboo rafting, Elephant rides, rock climbing organized by tourism agencies.

Means of Commutation to Elappara

Elappara is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. Elappara is 90 km from Idukki city.

The Cochin International airport is at a distance of about 87 km from Elappara.

The nearest railway station is located at Kottayam which is at a distance of 79 km.

Since the place lies at the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border, plenty of buses are available from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Kumbam and various other places in the state of Kerala.

Accommodation Options at Elappara

To cater to the growing influx of tourists and their accommodation needs there are four star, three star hotels and resorts. The hotels and resorts have a 24 hour check in and out, and other amenities and the charge per room begins at Rs. 2500/- per day. There are also economy class hotels renting room on daily basis from Rs. 500/- onwards.

Sicilia Hotel
Saj Vagamon Hide Out & Eco Friendly Resort
Treetop Hotel
Green Berg Resorts
T & U Leisure Hotel
Summer Sand Hill Resort and Ayurvedic Centre
Abad Copper Castle
Welcome Heritage Chinnar Heritage Plantation Resort
Micheals Inn Hotel
Paradisa Plantation Retreat
Himarani International Hotel
Sithara International Hotel
Urumbi Hill Palace
Hillview Hotel
Kumily Gate

Tourist Places Attractions in Lunagad, Uttarkashi, Uttaranchal, India

Tourist Places Attractions in Lunagad, Uttarkashi, Uttaranchal, India

Lunagad is a creek at Mori, a place on the Indian continent in the state of Uttaranchal. The place forms a part of Uttarkashi district. Mori is 1150 meters above sea level. During the summer season the average temperature is 23^oC and in winter season the average temperature is 10^oC. Temperature can drop to about 2^oC in the winter season. The creeks of Lunagad are surrounded by a variety of colored flowers such as wild roses, majestic red and yellow flowers making the place a heaven on earth.

Best time to explore Lunagad is between the months from October to February.

History of Lunagad

Over the years, Uttarkashi was ruled by many dynasties such as Kunindas, Guptas, Gurjara-Pratihara, Katyuris, Raikas, Palas, Panwars, and Sikhs before the British took control of the city.

During the 2nd century, Uttarkashi was ruled by Kunindas dynasty. There are also some artifacts that show the existence of Buddhism in some parts of the town. In 1803, the Gurkha Empire conquered Uttarkashi. Later in 1816, the Gurkha Empire was defeated by the British Raj who later took control of the city.

In the year 1947, after the Indian Independence, Uttarkashi became a part of Uttarakhand state.

People & Culture of Lunagad

Mori the place where Lunagad creek exists offers a rich and diverse culture, with people from all caste, religion and sect residing throughout the place. One can come across people belonging to various religions such as Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslim and Hindus. Kumaoni, Garhwali and Hindi are the languages spoken by the people in and around Lunagad, with Hindi being the local language. Every year festivals such as Maha Shivratri, Navarathri, Diwali etc., are celebrated in a grand way throughout Mori.

Agriculture forms the main occupation of the people of Mori.

Food and Shopping in Lunagad

Restaurants in Lunagad offer tourist a wide range of Multi – cuisine, vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Wheat has been the staple food in this region.

There are plenty of shops selling amazing artifacts crafted from wood. Other crafted items are ornaments, woolen shawls and rugs. There are shops selling beautiful paintings.

Tourist Places in and near Lunagad

There many religious structures and natural attractions around the creek which are of great interest. Some of these interesting places are mentioned below

Netwar

It is at this place, the rivers Tons and Rupin Gad meets together. There is a shrine dating to the Mahabharata epic and is devoted Karna who happens to be the son of Kunti and the Sun God.

Duryodhana Temple

There are also temples devoted to Duryodhana, one of the sons of the Kauravas. This is the only place where one will find people worshipping the prince, Duryodhana of Mahabharata epic.

Lunagad Creek

The place near the creek is like heaven on earth with varieties of exotic plants blooming in and around the Creek.

Other activities include trekking, camping, rafting and kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling.

Means of Commutation to Lunagad

Lunagad creek is well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The place has very good public transport facilities.

The distance of Lunagad creek from some of the cities in Uttaranchal and neighboring states are given below

Chandigarh is located at a distance of 300 km
Delhi is located at a distance of 400 km
Nagpur is located at a distance of 1468 km
Mumbai is located at a distance of 1800 km
Bangalore is located at a distance of 2530 Kms

Dehradun railway station in Uttarakhand is located at a distance of 175 km from Lunagad creek.

Jollygrant airport at Dehradun in Uttarakhand is located at a distance of 175 km from Mori.

Accommodation Options at Lunagad

Resorts and three star hotels at Lunagad offer outstanding facilities so tourist can stay comfortably. These hotels and resorts have luxury as well as deluxe rooms priced at starting range of Rs. 3000/- per day. One can also avail budget hotels at Lunagad for Rs. 500/- per day

Banjara Rafting Camp
Camp Har Ki Dam
Anand Ganga
Kurflon Basics
Shivlinga Tourist Complex
Shivparivar Resort
The Chardham Camp Barkot
Shikhar Nature Resort
Monal Tourist Home
Hotel Yamuna-Aditya
5 Elements Hotel
Geetanjali Resort
Hotel Hanslok
Hotel Himanshu
Hotel KNB Heritage

Best Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Best Tourist Places in Lonavala and Khandala, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Lonavala is located on the Indian subcontinent in the district of Pune in Maharashtra state. Khandala is at a distance of 3 km from Lonavala. The geographical coordinates puts the place Lonavala at 16.008⁰N and 73.687⁰E, and Khandala at 18.05918⁰N and 74.012629⁰E. Lonavala is 622 meters and Khandala is 559 meters above sea level. During the summer season the temperature ranges from 22⁰C to 40⁰C and in winter season the temperature ranges from 12⁰C to 33⁰C at Lonavala as well as Khandala.

The most favorable time to spend vacation in Lonavala and Khandala is from October to March month.

History of Lonavala and Khandala

During the pre-colonial times, the Yadava clan ruled these two places. Later the Mughals invaded the two places and overthrew the then Yadava ruler, and took control of the two places. The Marathas and Peshwa rulers lead a massive expedition to root out the Mughals in the state. Various forts were constructed, during the reign of these two great rulers, in and around the place. In the year 1870, these two areas were designated as hill stations by Lord Elphinstone, the governor of Mumbai in those days.

People & Culture at Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala have huge influence of the Maratha culture ever since the Marathas ruled this region. Over time, Lonavala and Khandala have seen a rise in the population with people from different parts of the country settling in Lonavala and Khandala thereby providing a rich and diverse culture. The local language of Lonavala and Khandala is Marathi. But nowadays one can expect to come across people speaking languages like the south Indian, north Indian, Gujarati, and Bengali.

People from all religion such as Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs reside in and around Lonavala and Khandala.

Many festivals are celebrated in a grand way across Lonavala and Khandala with Ganesh Chathurthi, Holi, Krishna Astami and Diwali being the most important.

Food and Shopping at Lonavala and Khandala

All types of lip smacking food ranging from south Indian or north Indian or international, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian are available in Lonavala and Khandala.

Some of the names of shopping complex close to Lonavala and Khandala are

Up Hill Mall
Shubham Complex
Kunal Icon Shopping Complex
The Arcade Shopping Center
Amit Complex
Ashirwad Complex

Tourist Places in and near Lonavala and Khandala

There are plenty of Beaches, Forts and Religious places with amazing landscapes of interest in and around Lonavala and Khandala. Some of them are listed below:

Tungarli Lake

This lake is a man-made water resource with a dam created in the year 1930 during the colonial times. This lake provides water to the locals in the area and is also used for cultivation of various crops.

Visapur Fort

This fort was created during the colonial times. It provides a birds view of nearby places such as downhill plains, Purandar, Tikona Fort, Sinhagad and Tung.

Lohagad Fort

The fort was created in 1563 and was used as a prison. The great Maratha ruler, Shivaji, conquered it in 1669 and used it to store his Kingdoms wealth.

Bhaja Caves

These caves date back to 200 B.C, created by nuns of the Buddhist religion. There are 22 rock cut caves.

Ryewood Park

Created during colonial times, the park was named after the founder by the name ‘Rye’. Varieties of trees and other exotic flower plants are present in this garden with a Shiva temple within the garden.

Few other must see places in Lonavala and Khandala include:

Karla and Bhaja Caves
Reversing Station
Shivaji Park
Rajmachi Fort
Monkey Hill
Valvan dam
Shooting Point
Bushy Dam
Lonavala Lake
Bedsa Caves
Amrutanjan Point
Celebrity Wax
Shivlinga
Shingroba Temple
Bhushi Lake
Rajmachi Park
Korigad Fort
Shrivardhan Fort
Lohagad Darshan
Sakur Plateau
Tunga Fort
Kune Waterfalls
Tigers Leap
Manoranjan Fort
Pavana Lake
Lion’s Point
Duke’s Nose

Means of Commutation to Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala are well connected with the rest of the places in India through roadways, railways and airway. The distance of Lonavala and Khandala by road from cities within Maharashtra and other cities in neighboring states are mentioned below

Pune is located at a distance of 64 km from Lonavala and 68 km from Khandala.

Mumbai is located at a distance of 88 km from Lonavala and 83 km from Khandala.

Ahmedabad is located at a distance of 657 km from Lonavala and 604 km from Khandala.

Hyderabad is located at a distance of 657 km from Lonavala and 627 km from Khandala.

Nagpur is located at a distance of 896 km from Lonavala and 895 km from Khandala.

There are plenty of buses both, Private and Government run, available from neighboring states to reach Lonavala and Khandala.

Auto rickshaws, taxis and buses are also the modes of transport available within the town.

Lonavala railway station is located within the vicinity of the Lonavala town. This station is located at a distance of 11 km from Khandala. Trains from Pune and Mumbai pass through this station.

The closest airport is situated in Pune which is located at a distance of 64 km from Lonavala town and 66 km from Khandala. Chatrapati Shivaji International airport is located at a distance of 101 km from Lonavala and 83 km from Khandala.

Accommodation Options at Lonavala and Khandala

There are plenty of hotels in and around Lonavala and Khandala. Some of the names of these hotels are mentioned below