Page 18 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

16  INTRODUCING INDIA

1 Week in Kerala a look from the walls but is not
open to non-Hindus.
• Airports Arrive at Day 3: Kollam to Alappuzha
Trivandrum International Take the day-long cruise from
Airport, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam to Alappuzha (pp638–9)
and depart from Cochin through idyllic backwaters,
International Airport, Kochi. fringed by millions of swaying
• Transport Travel is most palms. The verdant green harbours
easily accomplished by rich birdlife, while on the banks,
road, with trains available the daily lives of the people
for some sectors such as reveals itself. It is possible to
Thiruvananthapuram to take a more expensive but less
Varkala and Kollam. Kerala crowded overnight houseboat
also offers the unique travel tour instead.
artery of its backwaters.
Day 4: Kottayam & Munnar
Travel up into the Western Ghats
Day 1: Thiruvananthapuram via Kottayam (p642), beautifully The scenic Mattupetty Lake in Munnar,
Palm-lined Thiruvananthapuram, located at the foot of the range perfect for boating
better known as Trivandrum, is and also accessible by local ferry.
one of India’s most laid-back state Munnar (p652) is a relaxing hill Cruz Cathedral (p648) and a
capitals. The Napier Museum station surrounded by a green number of grand colonial
(p630, closed Mon & Wed am) is carpet of tea planta tions, which buildings now converted into
worth a visit for its collection of make for ideal rambling territory. hotels. Take an afternoon boat
arts and crafts. Make an afternoon Relax at a tea house here. ride across the bay to Bolghatty
trip to the Padmanabhapuram Island (p647), where the palace
Palace (pp634–5), in its lush Day 5: Around Munnar has been converted into a state-
rural setting, and admire this Hike to Mattupetty Lake (p652), run hotel, a great place for tea.
prime example of Keralan surrounded by semi-Alpine Return to Fort Kochi in the
wooden architecture. forest, where visitors can opt to evening to attend a mesmeric
go boating or ride an elephant. Kathakali dance performance.
Day 2: Around Much longer treks are available
Thiruvananthapuram for those with time and energy. Day 7: Around Kochi
Enjoy a relaxing dip in the In the afternoon, enjoy the drive Towards the southern reaches
Arabian Sea at Varkala Beach back down to Kochi (pp646–9), of Fort Kochi, visit the 16th-
(pp632–3), nestled below a the jewel of the Keralan coast. century Mattancherry Palace
dramatic clifftop and choc-a- (p646). Originally built by the
bloc with enticing eateries Day 6: Kochi Portuguese, it is now a museum
offering delights such as fish in Amble at your own pace around housing a wonderful array of
local coconut-flavoured curries. the picturesque narrow backstreets murals and regal paraphenalia.
There are also magnificent and seafront promenade of Fort To the south, lies the uniquely-
sunsets. In the centre of the Kochi (pp648–9). Highlights are decorated Pardesi Synagogue
village, the ancient Janardhana the photogenic Chinese Fishing (pp646–7), India’s oldest and one
Swamy Temple (p632) is worth Nets (p648), imposing Santa of its few synangogues still active.

Pretty view of the Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
For practical information on travelling around India, see pp750–59

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