location for backwater tourism. A journey in the house-boat will
be an unforgettable experience. Kollam is an ancient seaport on
the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake. The cruise from Kollam to
Alappuzha which lasts eight hours is the main attraction for
tourists visiting the area. Kochi known as the Queen of the Arabian
Sea is known for its natural harbour. Kochi which consists of a
cluster of islands is the apt place to start backwater cruise. Kappil,
Kozhikode, Thiruvallam, Valapattanam and Valiyaparamba are also
major backwater destinations in Kerala.
Evergreen Hill Stations and Jungle Tourism: Eastern Kerala,
housing the majestic Western Ghats; the region thus includes high
mountains, gorges, and deep-cut valleys. The wildest lands are
covered with dense forests, while other regions lie under tea and
coffee plantations or other forms of cultivation. One of the most
exciting hill stations in Kerala is Ponmudi perched on the Western
Ghats at an altitude of 1100 ft. above sea level. Lush green woods,
lazily meandering streams and countless varieties of butterflies
and birds make this hill station unique. Another jungle abode is
Nelliampathy, a forest range of 75 km sq km in Palakkad district.
It comprises a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys
of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. The entire
area is a perfect paradise of nature lovers. Nestled in the green
and serene Kannan Devan Hills, lies the pristine hill station of
Munnar, at an altitude of 1524 mtrs from sea level and 136 km
off Kochi. The misty mountains, the green carpet of tea gardens
and long stretches of grass lands makes this hill station a virtual
paradise on earth. Tourists throng Munnar round the year for a
retreat in the very bosom of nature. Nearby is Eravikulam National
Park, the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahrs that roam on the
sprawling stretches of grasslands. In the high ranges there are a
number of other picturesque jungle abodes like Idukki, Kumily,
Devikulam, Vagamon, Peerumedu which are surrounded by a
spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and fresh water streams.
Idukki is also the home of the state’s hydel power thanks to the
giant arch dam built across river Periyar. Vagamon in the high
range Idukki district is yet another Hill station ideal for trekking.
It is an ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea
gardens, beautiful meadows, valleys and dales. Thekkady is one