The Historical Park in the Heart of Kochi City wears a New Look!

The Niagara Falls of India

Athirapilly Water Falls, situated 1000 ft above sea level on the Chalakudy River, at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges of the Western Ghats is popularly known as the Niagara Falls of India. The Western Ghats is one of the most important biodiversity hot spot in the world. This is the largest waterfalls of all in our nation, falling from a height of 80 feet. The forest and little streams add to its scenic beauty. Many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna are found in the forests of the Athirapilly.

The adventurous drive through the middle of the jungle is really astounding. But night driving is not encouraged as there are wild animals in the vicinity of the falls, especially elephants and bison spill over the road. The best time to visit Athirapilly Falls is during rainy season.

The famous Telugu movie director, S. S. Rajamouli chose the Niagara of India for taking almost all the shots related to waterfalls for his movie Baahubali: The Beginning. The noted Tamil film director, Maniratnam, is very much fond of this spot that many of his movies were shot there. Raavanan was almost completely shot from this location. Many other famous movies like Dil Se; Kannathil Muthamittaal; Iruvar; Guru, etc were also shot from this spot to bring about the blend of natural beautiful falls with urban culture.

Our predecessors have been fond of nature and they have been kind and generous enough to handover the bounty of nature from generations to the present generation. However, the contemporary people are little wary of nature and are not only keen on preserving the nature but are interested in exploiting it beyond the breaking point. Hence the nature lovers of the present are afraid the paradise on earth is already degraded by mining and hydro electric projects. For a few decades, the Kerala State Electricity Board is looking on to build a dam over here. Fortunately, environmentalists and people’s collectives opposed the project saying that it would imbalance the environment, the rich flora and fauna would be affected, infringe on human rights and finally threaten tourism as Athirapilly is a major tourist spot of South India. Reports and public polls are in agreement with seeking of alternative sources for achieving a semblance of self-sufficiency in terms of electricity requirements than investing time and money on non strategic myopic hydel projects.

- Aishwarya M. S.

Hill Palace - The Capital of Heritage

Hill Palace was the abode of erstwhile Maharajah of Kochi. The palace was converted to a Museum by Kerala State Archaeology Department in 1986. It is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala; situated at Tripunithura.

Main Entrance

The museum complex exhibits crown and precious ornaments of erstwhile Cochin Royal Family, paintings, sculptures in stone and marble, weapons, inscriptions, valuable coins etc. It has an archaeological museum, a heritage museum, a deer park, a pre historic park and a children’s park.

Deer Park

One can find a large variety of flora including medicinal plants in this 54 acres of land. 

The pond and its surroundings grab everyone’s attention as the sight is really magnificent. 

The famous Malayalam movie “Manichithrathaazhu” directed by Fazil was shot almost in full from this historical monument.

The place takes its visitors/ tourists to the real culture, heritage and history of Kerala. Do visit; it is something really worth enough!

Timings: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Opened to public every day except Mondays and National/ State holidays

Pulikkali

Pulikkali is a recreational folk art from the state of  Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. On the fourth day of  Onam celebrations, performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Literal meaning of Pulikkali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur Dist. of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is at Thrissur. on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikkali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. The festival attracts thousands of people to theThrissur city. Pulikkali is also performed during various other festive seasons.

Panieli Poru

Panieli Poru is a tourist spot in the Ernakulam region of Kerala caused by a natural bottleneck in the flow of the Periyar River due to rock formations.The river, which is shallow and wide until just before the rock formations, is forced to flow through some narrow crevices in the large rocks and to flow over shallower rocks, which increases its momentum and creates a great deal of turbulence. Nevertheless, this turbulence will not be visible on the surface. Although not a popular waterfall destination in the exact sense of the word, water and rocks together make for a picturesque scene at Panieli Poru, a little-known spot on the eastern tracts of Ernakulam district. Situated along the Malayattoor forest tracts, 20 km from Perumbavoor, the place casts an enchanting spell that mesmerizes the visitor. The Periyar gushes along the rocky terrain Add to dictionary rivulets of the Periyar, having separated upstream, join hands at the spot and continue the onward journey. The flowing water makes a symphony along with the chirping of the birds in the nearby forest. It is indeed an alluring locale for those who have a love for natures splendor.The locale attracts a steady stream of visitors from around the world.