Overview of Kerala Budget Tour Package from Kolkata

Kochi finds a place on every bucket list. The queen of the Arabian Sea brings people from faraway lands to its shores. The city provides a glimpse of the Anglo-Indian connection. The well-maintained remnants from the past, the cafes, architecture, palaces, beaches, backwaters, and the famous fishing nets invoke interest in every kind of traveler. Athirapally waterfalls lie closer to Kochi and a drive through the thick forest is exciting as well.

KOCHI ATTRACTIONS:

1. FORT KOCHI– Fort Kochi is a heritage center in Kochi with a rich history. Throughout centuries, it was under the rule of the Kochi kingdom, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British. The place also gave asylum for Jews, Muslims, and Jains. It hence contains diverse relics that proclaim its prolific past. The historical monuments in Fort Kochi include Mattanchery palace (Dutch Palace), Jew Street, Synagogue, Jain Temple, Santacruz basilica, and so on which makes it a busy tourist attraction in Kochi.
2. MARINE DRIVE -Marine Drive is a picturesque walkway in the heart of Kochi city. It has developed into a thriving tourist location due to its view of backwater, sunset, and the line of restaurants. Natives and tourists throng the area usually during evenings. The clean long walkway is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day of hard labor.
3. BOLGATTY PALACE – Built by the Dutch in 1744, the Bolgatty Palace is one of the oldest Dutch mansions outside Holland. The place was the Governor’s palace for the commander of Dutch Malabar. Later it was leased to the British in 1909. It served as the palace of the British resident of Cochin during British colonial rule.
4. HILL PALACE – If you are interested in the cultural heritage and architecture of Kerala, the place is sure to enthrall you. The largest archeological museum in Kerala is located in Thrippunithura, about 10 kilometers from Kochi. Built in traditional Kerala architecture in 1865, the palace was the official residence of the Maharaja of Kochi. The palace is now transformed into an Ethno-Archeological museum and the first-ever heritage museum in Kerala.
5. MUSEUM OF KERALA – Founded in 1986, this is one of the oldest art and history museums in Kerala. The well-set museum stands as one of the best holiday destinations in Kochi. You will be thrilled to understand the history of Kerala through 36 dioramas, each representing a key historical moment or personality. A light and sound show accompanied by commentaries in Malayalam and English greets the visitors to the museum.
6. KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM – If you love the traditional architecture and heritage of Kerala you should visit the Kerala Folklore Museum. The place has developed into a tourist attraction in Kochi due to its great art collection. There are more than 6000 exhibits here that will blow you away. The unique museum is the best place to learn about traditional Kerala arts, woodworks, and ancient carpentry. Entry Fee: Rs.100/- for Adults and Rs.50/- for Students.
7. WONDERLAND AMUSEMENT PARK -One of the best amusement parks in India, Wonderla, is located just 12 kilometers from the Kochi city center. It is a major tourist location in Kochi, luring families from different parts of India. Spreading over 30 acres of land, the amusement park has more than 50 exciting rides. If you have children, they would be thrilled at the prospect of spending a whole day in this wonderland.
8. KOCHI BACKWATERS – The backwater tourism of Kochi is second only to Kumarakom house boating. Renowned as the ‘Queen of Arabian sea’, the beautiful land contains serene lakes ideal for cruising. The lush green shores, Chinese fishing nets, and view of local village life reserve it the first spot in every Kochi tourism package. You will feel re-energized after a one-day cruise through the placid backwater, with the cool breeze blowing in your face. You may also get to see some varieties of migratory birds resting or peacefully soaring through the blue sky.

Munnar is a natural beauty in all its glory. The panorama of cloud-kissed mountain peaks, mist-covered valleys; green carpets like tea plantations, and rich wildlife make this hill station a destination that cannot be missed! A drive through Munnar provides you with exceptional experiences. Travel lovers glorify the climate, landscape, wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and greenery of this hill-town. Silent Valley, Devikulam, Pazhathottam, Kanthalloor, Top station- Vattavada, Chinnar, Mattupetty, Eravikulam, Chinnar, Marayoor are the major sightseeing spots in Munnar. Endangered species- Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji which blooms once in 12 years are major specialties of Munnar.

MUNNAR ATTRACTIONS:

1. MATTUPETTY DAM – Mattupetty, otherwise called the ‘cattle village’, is ranked top among Munnar places to visit.  The dam and its premises are known for their sightseeing opportunity.  The elephant herds coming down to drink water is a sight that interests sightseers. Apart from elephants, the premise is also famous for other species of wild animals, birds, and butterflies. The dam is also famous for the Indo Swiss farm project or Livestock project which was launched in the year 1963. The farm and the view of the cattle grazing around is a beautiful sight for tourists.  The major attraction of the dam is the still water which has a beautiful reflection of the landscape around it. The spot is ideal to engage in activities like trekking, boating, and more.
2. ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK – Eravikulam National Park, the first national park of Kerala is famous for its endangered species Nilgiri Tahr and butterflies.  A must-visit Munnar sightseeing, the park is also famous for Neela Kurunji which blooms once every 12 years, and Anamudi peak, the highest peak in South India. A heritage site, the park is beautified with plateaus, green lands, mountain peaks, streams, and waterfalls. Also, the park is separated into three regions; the core area, the buffer area, and the tourism area,
3. TATA TEA MUSEUM -Munnar is blessed with plenty of best places and the Tata Tea Museum is one of the must-visit Munnar attractions.  The plantations and the museum display the milestones of Munnar’s history in tea plantations. The different stages of tea processing and the types of machinery used in the tea powder-making procedure can be seen here. In the history of Munnar places to visit and Munnar tourist places, the tea museum holds a prominent place. Visiting this museum is a great experience for those who are interested to explore the culture and history of places. The tea beds look like a green carpet spread over the valley
4. MUNNAR TOP STATION – The Munnar Top Station, the highest peak located on the Munnar – Kodaikanal road provides a magnifying view of the Western Ghats and Theni Valley. Among other Munnar attractions, Top station is the only destination that overlooks the entire Munnar Township. The magnificent view of the green valleys and cloud-kissed mountain peaks is a beauty one cannot be missed.
5. VATTAVADA – An unexplored and hidden gem of Munnar known for its topography and climate, Vattavada is home to lands, animals, and birds. Those who are keen on exploring the culture and nature will love their visit to Vattavada. Traveling is going to be a splendid experience to and through this landscape. It has beautiful woods, climate, wildlife, vegetation, and more. Vattavada is famous for strawberry wine and jam made from the berries freshly picked from the farm.
6. CHOKRAMUDI -Chokramudi, one of the Munnar best places gifts you with a stunning panorama of the astonishing landscapes of this region. You can go on a trekking with your friends or family to this beautiful hill station to enjoy the view of rocky hill slopes on one side and ever charming Shola forests on the other end.  This Munnar sightseeing offers you a wonderful view of ‘Anamudi peak’, the highest peak in India, and the architectural brilliant Idukki Dam, the highest arch dams in Asia.
7. CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY -Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is a famous Munnar attraction. It is situated in the eastern region of the Southern Western Ghats. The sanctuary shares its borders with Eravikulam National park and Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. One of the best places in Munnar, the 90 km long sanctuary is known for its ecology, geography, and culture. Famous as one among the twelve restricted areas in Kerala, Chinnar is a haven for wildlife and a perfect destination for trekking.
8. MUNNAR ECHO POINT – Munnar places to visit are known for their beauty and charm but the Echo point is known for its natural phenomenon. Located at a height of 600ft and above the Echo point is a perfect spot to go for a stroll enjoying the soothing climate and screaming out to listen to the echo that invokes the child in you. The Echo point also provides a view of panoramic tea gardens, clouds, and misty mountain peaks. Among the other Munnar tourist places, the Echo point is distinguished by the presence of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana) flowers, boating, chirping of birds, mist, and more.
9. MARAYOOR -Marayoor is known for its naturally grown sandalwood plantation. The smell of sandalwood and jaggery otherwise famous as Marayoor Sarkara made from sugarcane makes this place distinguished from other sightseeing places. This beautiful landscape is situated 40Kms away from Munnar. Muniyaras or dolmens are a major attraction of Marayoor which asserts the existence of prehistoric men in these regions.
10. LIFE OF PI CHURCH -Named after the Hollywood blockbuster, “Life of Pi”, the Mount Carmel Church in Munnar is the first-ever Catholic church in the high ranges. The church was founded in the year 1898 by Father Alphonse who belongs to the Spanish Missionary.  The church stands tall amidst the mist-covered and cloud-kissed Munnar hills. The ambiance and the positive aura of the church are astonishing. The view of Munnar from the church is beautiful

Thekkady Home to the country’s largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is a great way to enjoy a jungle vacation.

Periyar National Park, being a major attraction, is one place where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam, hiking, and in the midst of the wilderness, shopping! Popular for its good eating joints, you can also enjoy its vast stretches of spice gardens and various adventure sports. You can also enjoy a night trek in the wilderness of Periyar. The early morning ride in the boat within the sanctuary is an extremely awesome experience and you might be able to spot wild elephants, bison, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc. 

THEKKADY ATTRACTIONS: 

1. PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK -Periyar National park may be the first location that comes up on your search for the best places to visit in Thekkady. The dense evergreen forest of Periyar National Park with its deciduous trees and lush green flora can enchant anyone. The preserved area devoid of human intervention pulsates with the innate beauty of nature. You will be thrilled when you see the wildlife filled with elephants, deers, Nilgiri langurs, and sambar living peacefully in their natural habitat. The exciting safari gets you very close to their unperturbed life in the wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady.
2. PERIYAR LAKE -Though Periyar National Park is the major tourist attraction of Thekkady, the lake ride through Periyar Lake is so exotic to the point that it almost eclipses the fame of the wildlife sanctuary. The boat cruise through the placid backwater of Thekkady provides a unique perspective of the wildlife. It is usually the children who enjoy the fun-filled ride more than their parents. Nevertheless, if you have a taste for bird watching, you can find rare species like Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon resting peacefully on the logs standing alone in the lake
3. KUMILY – At a distance of 4 km from Thekkady, Kumily stands as a typical Kerala village famous for its hospitality. The tranquil countrysides of the region can calm your nerves and blot away all your worries.  It is a cheerful experience to take a ride through the winding road in between the densely growing green vegetation and small hills.
4. MANGALA DEVI TEMPLE – Deep in the forest of Periyar National Park rests an unlikely surprise for the tourists, a historic temple of Mangala Devi Kannagi. Believed to be erected by the ancient Tamilakam king Cheran Chenguttuvan nearly 2000 years before in remembrance of the legendary character Kannagi, the temple is an amusing monument for history lovers.
5. PANDIKUZHI – Located just 5 kilometers away from Thekkady, Pandikuzhi is an exotic location that will impress you with its green hills, rich vegetation, and chilling streams. For those trapped in the hustle of city life, the breathtaking landscapes and captivating environment of the place is a great getaway. The serene atmosphere of this tourist spot in Thekkady is sure to reenergize anyone who enjoys getting connected with the environment.
6. CHELLARCOVIL VIEWPOINT – Chellarkovil is one of the most gorgeous viewpoints in Thekkady. Anyone who has been to the place will never forget the serene sunset.  The green foliage of the valley assumes a golden glow when the last rays of sunshine on them. Combined with the music of a distant waterfall that overlaps with the orchestra of chirping birds returning to their nests, the sunset creates a heavenly feeling.
7. VANDANMEDU -Vandanmedu offers a unique opportunity to learn the commercial processing of one of the most expensive spices in the world; cardamom. Tourists can also buy and relish high-quality cardamom at a reasonable price. Those who enjoy the aroma of the spice will find it difficult to get out of the place as the incessant cool breeze is impregnated with it. The busy tourist spot in Thekkady also showcases some old buildings constructed around the early 20th century. The post office, known locally as the Anchal office is one of the kind.