Trivandrum |
The State Capital of Kerala
is famous for its historical temples,
museum and a long shore line,
with internationally renowned
beaches, backwater
stretches, and a rich
cultural heritage. Thiru-v-anantha-puram
is a three sylable name meaning
the abode of the sacred snake
god "Anantha". Lord
Vishnu of the ancient Indian mytholgy
rests on this huge serpent.
This city and district are also
popularly known by its anglicised
name Trivandrum |
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| Varkala |
50 km from Trivandrum, is one
of the famous and upcoming beaches
in South India. Varkala is famous
for its quiet secluded stretch
of sand. The Papanasam
beach in Varkala is known
for its mineral springs and rocky
cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree
Janardhana Swamy temple
and the Nature care centre are
the two main attractions here.
Varkala is also an important Hindu
center of pilgrimage. The final
resting-place of the great social
reformer, Sree Narayana
Guru, is near Varkala,
atop a hill called Sivagiri. |
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| Thekkady |
Periyar Tiger Reserve,
one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries
in India, spread across 777 Sq.
Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is
thick forest, is one of the best
places for viewing wild
elephants. There is a
26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed
by the Mullaperiyar Dam
across the Periyar river.
A boat cruise on the lake is a
great way to watch the wildlife.
Wild animals like the Elephant,
Gaur, Sambar
Deer and wild
boar, which can be easily
seen from close quarters during
the serene boat ride. Other Mammals
like the Nilgiri Thar,
the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet
macaque, the Malabar giant
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| Squirrel,
the flying Squirrel,
the Tiger, the
jungle cat and the sloth bear
are seen only once in a while.
Around 265 different species of
birds like the Hornbill,
stork,
woodpecker, kingfisher,
raptor, cormorant,
grackle, darter
etc. can also be seen |
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