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PLACES OF INTEREST

Kalady
Kalady - situated on the banks of the river Periyar is the birthplace of Adi Shankara the famous 8th century philosopher and founder of the Advaitha Sidhantha, which gave new meaning and direction to the evolution of India's Philosophies. The famous Shankara's shrines are open to all pilgrims irrespective of caste and creed. Kalady is a very beautiful village and offers easy access to over a dozen other important tourist locations.

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
20 Kms from Kothamangalam, enroute to Munnar is the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary is a haven to rare species of birds such as Ceylon Frog moths, rose-billed rollers, the rose and blue-winged parakeets etc. A boat ride from Boothathankettu to Thattekkad through dense forests ridden with migratory birds will be an added experience.

Guruvayoor
This is one of the most sacred pilgrim centers in Kerala. The main attraction here is the Sree Krishna known to the locals as 'Guruvayoorappan'. According to legends, the temple is the creation of Guru (the preceptor of the Devas) and Vayu (the lord of the winds). In the outer enclosure of the temple are the 33.5 metre tall gold plated flagpost and the 7 metre high pillar of lamps. The lamps offer a spectacle when lit with its thirteen circular formations. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple hoses the main deity.

Backwaters
Kerala's midlands offer a good chance to enjoy the backwater cruises to appreciate the splendor that the land is gifted with. Her 44 rivers and lakes are interconnected with innumerable canals and waterways. Alappuzha - also known as the 'Venice of the east' is famous for snake boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir. The Kuttanad is the most important village in Alappuzha. Known as the granary of Kerala, it is the only sub-sea level farmland in the world; and whats more, the region has been under paddy cultivation from the very beginning of civilisation.

Another important backwater destination is Kumarakom, on the banks of the Vembanad lake. It is also a famous bird sanctuary.

The Hills
The Western Ghats on the eastern part of the state is covered by dense forests and rolling mists of cloud. A green carpet of tea plantation offers people their livelihood. The hills are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna besides being home to the protected silent valley - the oldest evergreen forest in the world.

Munnar, located 1600 metres above sea level is the most frequented hill resort in the state. A picture perfect colonial town, she served as the summer retreat for the colonial rulers of south India. The tallest peak in South India - The Anamudi is also located here. The 2695 metre tall peak offers excellent opportunity for trekking.

The hills also nestle a large number of smaller towns less frequented by travelers.

Wildlife
Kerala has huge areas of reserved forests where the wild live as free as man. Thekkady is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the country today. One of the most successful wild life protection initiative under project tiger, she is also home to a large number of Sambars, Bison, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Malabar Flying Squirrel, and Stripe necked Mangoose can also be seen in the forests.

This is just a speck of the state and what she has to offer a beckoning eye. You will learn more about Kerala in the ensuing communiqués. For more details on tour packages and relevant information, please contact the official travel agents for the conference.

• Day1
• 1st Day Arrival at Cochin by
  Flight or Train. Transfer to a
  hotel & stay at Cochin.
• Day2
• Cochin local sight seeing includ-
  ing the Dutch palace, Jew town, historical monuments and
  proceed to Munnar
• Day2
• In the morning you can visit the
  Indo-Swiss cattle project...
• more