Holiday Destinations in Kerala
Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea.From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.
Alleppey
Described by the fabled Italian traveler Marco Polo as ?Venice of the East?, Alleppey is a town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons Part of the Kuttanad area, also known as ?the rice bowl of Kerala? with the unending stretch of paddy fields, small streams and canals with lush green coconut palms, this is one of the few places on earth where cultivation is carried out below sea level. Allepey was the commercial centre of the erstwhile state of Travancore. Export flourished from the port with pepper and timber being the main exports. Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries. Cultural events in Alappuzha include the Chambakkulam Moolam boat race, Chettikulangara Bharani and the Nehru -Trophy boat race. Snake boat races are a traditional event in Alappuzha. The most famous snake boat races are the Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Champakulam -Moolam Boat Race.
