Kannur the City of Pilgrims and History

Kannur, a small city in Kerala with great natural elements like beaches, monuments, village’s historical destinations and much more. The place has now become a well-known tourist destination with a number of travellers from all over the world visiting the place to have an experience of the beauty and taste of the place. Kannur is a city to the coastal area of Kerala which was once a well-known trading port in Kerala. The place has some well-known monuments like the 16th century St. Angelo Fort, which was then occupied by the European colonial forces, which now show the importance of the place in the trading sector of spice. One of the famous Arakkal Museum is located in Kannur which highlights Kerala's Muslim royal family. Another main attraction of the place is the presence of the palm-fringed sands of the Payyambalam Beach which run along the western shore of Kannur. All these tourist attraction of the place makes the place one of the prominent destination in most popular Kerala Tour Packages from Bangalore which is organised by tour operators like Gogeo Holidays. Some of the main attraction of the city are:

Shree Subramanya Swami Temple:

The temple in Kannur is believed to be built by the Hindu God, Lord Parashurama one of the creations of Lord Vishnu. The importance of this historic temple is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana, which is an ancient writing in the books of Purana. the main attraction of the temple is the ancient sanctum that is built-in the shape of Gaja Prishta which is the back of the elephant, the idol of Lord Subramanya and the Ilanji tree in the front yard of the temple. According to the history of the temple, it was demolished twice and then rebuilt in the era. The main predishtas of the temple are Lord Kshetrapalan, Lord Kanya Bhagavath, Lord Ganapathi and Parasurama, the creation of Lord Shiva.

Sundareswara Temple: 

The main attraction of the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built by Shree Narayana Guru in the year 1916 is a traditional festival which is celebrated every year at the period March and April, every year. The celebration in the temple lasts for around 8 days. The celebration attracts a number of tourist from around the world with its rituals and traditional prayers.

Sri Mavilayi Kaavu Temple: 

The temple located around 13 km away from the Kannur town is another major tourist attraction of the land with its traditional festival Adi Utsavam which is celebrated with harmony in the land. The disciples of the temple are Lord Daivattar, Lord Vettakkorumakan, Lord Ganapati and Goddess Bhagavati.

Muzhappilangad Beach: 

The beach located around 15 km away from the town attracts a number of tourists with its natural beauty and elements. The beach is considered mostly as the swimmer's paradise by the tourist who visits the land to enjoy its heavenliness. The main attraction of the beach is the presence of Green Island which is located closer to the beach. The beach at Kannur being the only drive-in beach in Kerala where the travellers are free to drive up to around 4 km attracts and entertain the travellers greatly. The beauty of the beach is another attraction which draws the tourist to the place.

Payyambalam Beach: 

Located close to the Kannur town the Payyambalam Beach acts as the attraction in the area. The main attraction of the beach is the presence of the remains of some famous personalities like Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, A.K. Gopalan and the remains of the former Chief Minister of Kerala, E. K. Nayanar. The primary factor that attracts a number of travellers and tourist are the presence of sculpture that portrays a mother and child by the famous sculptor, Kanayi Kunhiraman.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral: 

The cathedral located in Kannur is stoned where the first chapel was built by the Portuguese Christian Missionaries in the year 1501. This Cathedral was named after Nossa Senhora de Vitoria.

Gundert Bungalow: 

Gundert Bungalow is one of the historical location prominent in tour packages to Kerala from places like Bangalore and much more. The place once served as the residence of a known German scholar named Dr Herman Gundert. The place also has great in importance being the place where the 1st Malayalam newspaper was published. The Bungalow which is built in the shape of a watchtower is known for its architectural work. This historical building was once not only used by the German scholar but also used by the Judicial Magistrate Thomas.

Ezhimala: 

The place is one of the very famous tourist destination in Kannur with its beauty and natural elements. The place once served as the quondam of Mooshika kings and also served as a battlefield during the war of Chola and Chera. According to the ancient stories, Lord Buddha is believed to have visited the place. Closer to the place is an ancient mosque, which has great importance due to the presence of the remains of the Muslim crusader Shaikh Abdul Latif, which is also visited by many tourists.

Parassinikkadavu:

It is a small village located about 16 km away from the Kannur city. The main attraction of the city is the presence of a snake park within the village which was built with an intention to save nature by preserving both poisonous and non-poisonous snakes in the park. some of the other attraction of the place includes the presence of the Muthappan temple located on the shore of Valapattanam River and the Vismaya Water Theme Park, which is now managed and developed by a company named Malabar Pleasures Pvt. Ltd. some of the main attraction of the park is the presence of an electric swing, virtual waterfall, giant wheel and twister.

These are some of the main attraction of the place apart from being the best tourist destinations and a pilgrim centre the place also has a prominent position in the being a honeymoon destination. Some of the other honeymoon destination where couples would love to spend some quality time in Kerala would be hill stations. Different Munnar honeymoon packages to hill stations like Munnar are organised by the tour operators.kerala is a land abundant in tourist destinations and tourist spots which would serve as a paradise for the travellers by providing them with the best memories.

EXOTIC GEOGRAPHY OF KERALA

Kerala is one of the smallest states in India which covers almost 1.3 percent of the total area of the country and is flanked by Karnataka in the north and Tamil Nadu in the east, Kerala is an enchanting strip of land ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the western ghats. Based on the physical feature the state can be divided into three natural divisions namely - the sandy coastal region with its extensive coconut groves, paddy fields, backwaters and sea, the Midland region made up of fertile reddish hills and valleys that grow most of Kerala's agricultural crops, peaks, extensive ridges and ravines of the western ghats, where sandalwood, tea, coffee, rubber and most of Kerala's exotic spices are grown.

 The western ghats which form a solid, contiguous mountain wall, seem to dominate the topography of Kerala. The major hill station is Munnar where thousands of tourists visit after picking the best Kerala tour packages and indulge in sightseeing and adventurous activities who are guided by travel advisers like Gogeo holidays. The topography is well suited for the tea plantation and is one of the major industry flourishing in Kerala. The hill stations have played a major role in Kerala tourism. To escape from summer pressure, Kerala houses the place of natural air conditioning, Munnar 1600 meters above sea level. This beautiful hill station was once the summer resort of the British government in the south and is situated at the confluence of three rivers hence the name. 

The 2695 metre high Anamudi peak here is the highest point in South India. To ensure a steady rainfall, The ghats act as a natural barrier during the south-west monsoon. More than 40 rivers spring from the mountains and taking a roundabout route, they either join the backwaters and lagoons or directly merge with the sea. 

Kerala's progressive economy is mainly agro-based. Widely spread rubber plantations on the foothills of the western ghats and the cashew factories of Kollam are the main valuable foreign exchange earners. the coir products and handicrafts from Alleppey are received well both in India and abroad. The land itself is believed to have derived its name from "Keram" the coconut palm. The two main crown jewels of Kerala is backwater and Ayurveda. Backwaters are the most eminent and unique feature of tourism in Kerala where tourists with top Kerala holiday packages visits to have a day in the houseboat. These houseboats were once used for transporting goods which now serve as the main income for backwater tourism.These backwaters of Kerala are a chain of salt water lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian sea-coast of Kerala. The backwater cruises are done on Vembanad lake and Ashtamudi lake. The present major tourist attraction as well main source of revenue income of Kerala, Backwater cruise was once the mode of transport for goods. Tourists throngs to backwater spots for enjoying houseboat cruise. Beaches in Kerala stretches to a length of 550 kilometres across the Arabian Sea coastline. These coastlines are entwined with life, culture, and traditions of the state. Exploring these beaches will be an indelible experience in your life. 

Kerala's climate is always pointed to the medium level of tolerance which is like a balmy weather almost all through the year and it is neither too cold in winter months nor too hot in summer. Kerala must be visited during is November-February when the air is bracing, and on some mornings there is a light mist. Light woollens may be required in the hills in the evenings and early mornings. March-may is warmer months and September-October is the time when the flowers are out and nature is at her best. Mid-may to August is the monsoon period, and one can expect a wet time. In addition, June is also a windy month. Visiting Kerala after monsoon is the best as the beaches would offer a fresh feeling and all in Evergreen to charm tourists and mainly families chose the affordable Kerala holiday packages as they can have best of their holidays spend both in hill stations and backwaters. 

Kerala's land has many histories to speak and the wayandu areas has already exhibited the proof of existence of Indus valley civilisation in edakkal caves, stone and iron age in Marayoor. Many great epic stories like Mahabharata and Ramayana shares its pages of episodes in Kerala also which are the reason of cultural importance in Kerala. Like most parts of India, Kerala's climate is also tropical and since Kerala has close proximity to the sea, the temperature of Kerala stays equable for most parts of the year. the state does not have a continuous dry spell and the summer lasts from April to June. Summer seasons are best for opting Munnar honeymoon packages at low price and this is the best time for trekking activities as the slippery natures of the mountains will be affordable to some extent. Maximum temperature remains around 32-degree centigrade and Kerala receives most of the rain from the monsoons, which touch the state in June and remain there until September. Besides the south-west monsoons, Kerala also receives rain from Northeastern monsoons. Winter season in Kerala begins from October and lasts until January and there are chances for the temperature to drop a bit but the weather is never too chilly in Kerala. In winter, the average temperature in Kerala remains around 21-degree Celsius and the presence of the Western Ghats on the eastern side of the state and across an important climatic zone is created by south-west monsoon with abundant rainfall on the windward side and on the eastern side, a dry belt is created. 

The Kerala's fine blending and enrichment of life and culture were the result of the early settlements of Jews, Syrians and Portuguese in Kerala. Visited twice by the early yearly monsoon, Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India and is a tropical paradise of waving palms and white sandy beaches and filled with lush green vegetation in the mountain ghats. Thus this rich culture along with peculiar ecological pattern and beauty of the region have earned the title "Gods Own Country" to Kerala.

Fort Kochi the gateway of ancient India

A couple of time before, I hardly think to start a stunning trip to the most spectacle location of Kerala, which is Kochi. The modern metro city, port town and most precious heritage town of Kerala state. The day which I start my journey I really feel glad, and excited too. Actually I’m person who has native in Ernakulum, and I went majority of places in Ernakulum town several times. But I like to plan a stunning trip to the Cochin portal areas like fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Vypin island, Vallarpadam, wellington islands etc… only because of its beauty and tradition too. Beauty of Kochi kayal impressed me lot, may this is one of the reason to spend my holidays with Kochi. Any one of you interested to spend your valuable time with Kochi, you can access it through an awesome KeralaTour packages. Travel where ever you want and realize changes of nature.

‘’A city born in storm, nurtured in rivalry and established as battling ground for European empires’’, true words and which gives an introduction to the rich and colorful tradition of Kochi. The destination Kochi was originated as an ancient portal area after the massive flood in Periyar River in 1341. Then the partition of Chera Kerala Empire during the 14^th century, the Kochi region came under the control of a new dynasty and other local feudal. At the time of colonization, Kochi becomes the major battle land of European powers. During the early time like 600 years ago, merchants in Kochi start their trading in spices such as black pepper and cardamom with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Arabs and Phoenicians. The tradition of Kochi collides with all these peoples and the city bear its beautiful relics till now. All these attractions made strong impact during my Kochi trip.

The British planned to establish their control over Kochi, limiting their straight management to a small enclave of Fort Kochi and British Ernakulum with their capital at Bolgatty Island. The rest of the Kochi Kingdom was managed by Kochi Maharajas from their capital at Thrippunithura. However the genuine administration was done by Diwans, leaving the Maharajas to utilize culture, arts and focus greatly on public health and education regions. In early times 1970s, Punjabis located here, focusing their strong attendance on the local automobile business. Tamilians, Kannadigas, Telugus have all formed little settlements since the days of royalty. Recently, scholars from Cambodia, Korea, Thailand and Indonesia have settled in Kochi for learned and research activities. Kochi has an ample deportee population mainly from European countries that have developed in Fort Kochi. Most of them are senior citizens who are residing here to enjoy their retirement life and many run hotels and restaurants in that locality. Due to the quick growth of the city, a majority of the narrow inhabitants are now I migrants. Generally, the peoples of Kochi are modern as well as fashionable. Being a city that has a custom of diverse cultures being given alike respect, a high level of acceptance exists. The town has a modern attitude, but some basic social humility still prevails, especially in local and village areas.

During the winter fort Kochi is much beautiful than any other time. The chilled and frozen December is a festival time for local people; they celebrate Christmas and highly popular Cochin carnival at its peak level. Cochin carnival is a local festival celebrated by the peoples of Kochi, and it’s a part of their tradition and culture. During carnival time houses and streets are bedeck with lights and festoons. A large Santa Claus is created and they happily burn the Santa in New Year eve. All these fascinating and thrilling festivals are unique in Kochi and it enjoyed by the peoples who belong to out of Kerala too. Every tourists coming in many Munnar honeymoon Packages will not go back withour visiting Kochi. Christmas is another prestigious festival of Fort Kochi, and it’s gorgeous decorations are well credited. Church, street, house and other kind of buildings full of light during Christmas. Hot and sweet chocolates, cakes, pastries and brownie are commonly available in all bake houses during Christmas.

During your trip the list of attractions are awaited here for you, all are fascinated every travelers lot which may include Mattancherry palace, Paradesi synagogue, Santa cruise basilica, hill palace, Santa cruise basilica, Marine drive, Ernakulum Shiva temple and the gorgeous fort Kochi beach. Today it consist visual rendering of Cochin Rajas, Kerala murals and Hindu temple arts. The formation of the palace is quadrangular and it is a good example for the mixture of both European and Kerala styles architecture.  The beautiful Fort Cochin beach is a nearest destination of this synagogue. The beach which possess extreme beauty and convey awesome feel. Kochi has typical climate in all over the year, so you can start your trip whenever you want. Being a good traveler and listener and include Kochi during your Kerala tour through an awesome package.