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A visit to Kochi will not be complete without a visit to nearby places Alappuzhaa (63 km on N.H. 47).This 'Venice of East', sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Vembanad lake is criss-crossed by canals. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held here every second Saturday in August. Alappuzha is also famous for its coir products. Alappuzha is connected with Kochi by road, rail and water. But the best way to travel is by boat through the backwaters, enjoying the lush vegetation and beautiful scenery.
Aluva
(16 km on NH 47)
An important commercial and pilgrim center. The Udyogmandal, Ambulamugal, Kalamaserry and Periyar rivers runs through Aluva. The Shivarathri Festival is celebrated on the banks of the Periyar every March/April. At other times, this river bank proves to be an excellent picnic and bathing spot.Aluva is considered the outskirts of Kochi and is connected by road and rail.Angamali (10 km on NH 47)The fastest growing town in Kerala Angamali is the gateway to many places of tourist and religious interest like Kaladi, Malayattur etc. The Little Flower Hospital, the largest eye hospital in South India, is located here.
Angamali
It is connected to Kochi by road and rail.Cheruthuruthi (110 km) Home of Kerala Kalamandalam, a famed arts academy. Training in various dance forms, but especially in Kathakali, is imparted here The nearest railhead and bus terminus is at Shoranur, 3 km away.
Guruvayur
(111 km)
This temple town is a pilgrim center famed for its Lord Krishna temple. Guruvayur is connected with Kochi by road and rail.
Kaladi (45 km)
This important pilgrimage centre, is on the banks of the River Periyar. It was here the Bhakti Saint Sri Sankaracharya was born. The Sri Ramakrishna Adwaitha Ashram is located here. Kaladi is connected to Kochi by road.
Kodungallur
(Cranganore) (35 km on N.H).
A famous port before nature destroyed it and formed Kochi harbour. St. Thomas the Apostle landed here. The Kodungallur Bagwati Temple is very famous famous for its 'special payers'. Kodungallur also has the first mosque in India, a shrine built in the form of a Hindu temple. Kodungallur is connected to Kochi by road and water.
Kottayam
(76 km)
An important commercial area, it is the gateway to the famed rubber and tea plantations of Kerala. The Mahatma Gandhi University is located here. It is the home of Malayalam Journalism. Kottayam is connected with Kochi by road and rail.
Munnar (138 km on N.H. 49)
A hill resort famous for its lush green tea and cardamom plantations. An ideal holiday spot, it has a cool and stimulating climate.
The Mist Valley Resorts, overlooking Munnar town is a ideal place to spend the hot summer months. The rare species of Nilgiri Tahr can be seen in the Ernakulam game Sanctuary not far from here. Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India, is in these hills. The Munnar - Kodaikkanal Road is the steepest road in South East Asia.
An important cultural and commercial centre. Thrissur, the largest town in Kerala is called the cultural capital of Kerala. The famous Pooram festival is celebrated here every April / May. The Museums, and the Vaddakkuntham Temple are all worth visiting. After Kochi, Thrissur is the most important commercial town in Kerala.Thrissur is connected with Kochi by road and rail. The Peechi Dam, 26 km from Thrissur, is a good picnic spot and is ideal for a holiday.
HOW TO GET HERE
By Air
The Kochi International Airport is located at a distance of about 35kms from Kochi It has daily flights to Mumbai, Agatti, Bangalore, Chennai,Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Delhi and Coimbatore. The Kochi International however does not have all airlines operating from here so the nearest convenient international airport is Mumbai which is connected with Kochi by three daily flights.
By Rail
Kochi and Ernakulam are directly connected to all parts of India by Broad Gauge trains. It is an important Railway Junction the Southern Railways.
By Road
Kochi is connected with all major cities and towns in India by a network of National Highways and State roads.Kochi is the terminus of National Highway 17. National Highway 47 passes through Kochi and National, Highway 47A runs between Kochi bye-pass and Willingdon Island in the city.
There are regular bus services to all important places in South India operated by transport corporations of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
By Sea
Kochi, has a magnificent all weather natural port which is located just 10 miles off international shipping lines. Kochi can be reached from nearby places like Alappuzha,Kottayam etc via boats through the backwaters. The passenger wharf of the Kochi Port Trust is at Mattancherry, situated on the Western side of Willingdon Island.
All boats to and from Kochi, from other parts of Kerala start / terminate at the Main boat jetty at Park Avenue, Ernakulam
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