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Places to Visit
Fort Cochin with its stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters and its historical associations is one of Kerala's prime tourist destinations. Along its winding narrow lanes are some Old Dutch houses, spice markets, the Dutch Palace, India's oldest European church built in 1503 and a Jewish synagogue. Huge, elegant chinese fishing nets that line the tip of Fort Cochin are a must see and when you're there, you can savor the fresh catch of the day at nearby restaurants. It is in Cochin that you can enjoy the spectacular Kathakali dance-drama performances in one of the many studios. Places to be visited: This pleasant easy-going market town, criss-crossed by canals and surrounded by coconut plantations, is also known as the Venice of the east and is one of the starting points for backwater trips. The famous Snake Boat race, which takes place each year in the second week of August, is a spectacular event not to be missed. Places to be visited:
An appealing beach, Kovalam lies about 12Km south of Trivandrum. It consists of two palm-fringed beaches separated by rocky headlands. There are numerous bars and cafes lined up on the shore side and you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood or continental cuisine. A must see is the Padmanabapuram Palace (40 km south) built fully out of wood.
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Kumarakom is an island in the Vembanad lake, on the backwaters of Kerala. It is an ideal starting point for a backwater trip. The various rivers, lagoons, channels and lakes here form a unique scenic network of water routes. The romantic houseboats converted from former rice boats, can be used for a comfortable stay overnight. Places to be visited: A scenic four-hour drive from Cochin takes you to Munnar, a nature lover's paradise. This place with its hillside rivulets and streams running along the roads, extensive tea plantations, and breathtaking views also has a sizable population of wildlife. A stroll through Eravikulam National park will bring you 'face to face' with a good population of Ibex. Mudapetty Dam is an ideal picnic spot on the route to the 'Top station', from where you can enjoy the views of the valley. Places to be visited: Thekkady is tucked amidst lush green tea gardens. It is one of the best places to visit tea, coffee and spice gardens and have a taste of delicious Cardamom tea. Adjacent to it is the Periyar wild Life Sanctuary with its unsullied grasslands and "Blue Mountains". A boat ride in the lake running through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to watch wild animals like elephants, deer and scores of water birds. A guided walk through the serene forest with beautiful birds and scent of the woods can be quite invigorating. Places to be visited:
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