Halo Mani,

How are you ? I hope youre doing good there and yes , Im doing very well
here and its my pleasure to see you here in this summer fall and with due to
your request , I just made the enquiries and also some searches myself and
here I come with the trip dossier , Id strongly advise you to take en route to
Cochin first , so you go to Kerala directly and enjoy some hot spots and here
is how you need to take to Kochi [ if you are planning via. By bus or via.
Train ], if you are going to catch the Kochi bus in Coimbatore , then you
have got to go to Gandhipuram other state Bus stand which is opposite to
the local bus stand.. or you can book the ticket directly from Singapore to
Kochi and then take the en route to OOty Coimbatore.

Here Ive just shared the map and en route details from Coimbatore Kochi [
4-6 hours journey via. Bus or via. Train , 30- 55 mins via. Air ], I advise you
to take train or by bus , that will be more economic than taking local
chauffer cars

If you are planning to go by train , you have to go to the train station in

Coimbatore or if you are planning to go via. Air , then you have go to the
peelamedu airport and you have got to book earlier
Prefer yatra.com or goibibo.com for booking

When you get to Kochi , please go to the hotel , where hot spots are close by.
I recommend you to use this website https://www.redbus.in/hotels/search/Cochin?destId=82106665622865666
19&checkIn=2016-05-21&checkOut=2016-0522&noOfAdults=2&noOfRooms=1&noOfChildren=0&childrenAge1=0&childre
nAge2=0&sortType=mnp which has offers also.. [ PROMO CODE :
REDBUSS60 ]
And please hang over to the places which Im listing below :

In Kochi, there are lots of places that you should visit..

Marine Drive,
Jewish Synagogue,
Dutch Palace,
Chinese fishing nets,
Fort Kochi Beach,
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple,
Kaladi, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary,

Ernakulam Shiva Temple,

Parishath Thampuran Museum,
Bolgatty Palace,
Our Lady of Ransom Basilica,
St.Francis Church,
Santa Cruz Basilica,
Hill Palace Museum &
Cherai Beach
Lulu Mall

And if youre planning to visit other places in Kerala , you might have got to
stay for another few days to hung by.

Must Visit Places in Kerala

1. Munnar
2. Thekkedy
3. Alappuzha boat house
4. Kumarakom
5. Eravikulam National Park
6. Vagamon Hill Station
7. Wayanad
8. Poover
9. Cherai Beach
I hope this details can help !

Regarding Backwaters ; Backwaters in Kerala is a network of 1500 km of

canals both manmade and natural, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from
one end of Kerala to the other.Backwaters is one of the major tourism
product of Kerala, being unique to the state.
Here , I would like to share some screenshots of the backwaters that you
need to look at it..

Cruise through Kerala in a houseboat!

Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If
you haven't, make sure you do. This one is really a wonderful and
unforgettable experience!

Present day houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure
trips, and are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The
original kettuvallams were used to carry tons of rice and spices. A standard
kettuvallam can hold up to 30 tons from Kuttanad to the Kochi port.
The kettuvallam is held together with coir knots. Not even a single nail is
used during the construction of the boat.. The boat is made of planks of
jack-wood joined together with coir. This is then coated with a caustic black
resin made from boiled cashew kernels. With careful maintenance, a
kettuvallam can last for generations.
A portion of the kettuvallam was covered with bamboo and coir to serve as a
restroom and kitchen for the crew. Meals would be cooked onboard and
supplemented with freshly cooked fish from the backwaters.
When the modern trucks replaced this system of transport, some one found
a new way that would keep these boats, almost all of which were more than
100 years old, in the market. By constructing special rooms to accommodate
travelers, these boats cruised forward from near-extinction to enjoy their
present great popularity.
Now these are a familiar sight on the backwaters and in Alappuzha alone,
there are as many as 500 houseboats.
While converting kettuvallams into houseboats, care is taken to use only
natural products. Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of the areca nut tree are
used for roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring and wood of
coconut trees and coir for beds. For lighting though, solar panels are used.
Today, the houseboats have all the creature comforts of a good hotel
including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen
and even a balcony for angling. Parts of the curved roof of wood or plaited
palm open out to provide shade and allow uninterrupted views. While most
boats are poled by local oarsmen, some are powered by a 40 HP engine.
Boat-trains - formed by joining two or more houseboats together are also
used by large groups of sightseers.
What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the
untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers, while you
float! Now, wouldn't that be something?

DTPC House boat Pre-paid Counter

For booking houseboats, travelers can make use of the House Boat Pre-paid
Counter 'Trusted Service, Trusted Rates' managed by the District Tourism
Promotion Council (DTPC).

Contact details
Alappuzha - House boat pre-paid counter
Mobile: 09400051796, 09447483308, +91-477-2251796, +91-477-2253308.
Tourist can make advance booking by transferring INR 2500/- to the
account of the DTPC and send email to dtpcalpy@yahoo.com.
The account number of DTPC is A/c 10150100253203, Federal Bank,
Mullackal Branch, Alappuzha. Bank code is FDRL 0001015.

Tourist Visa on Arrival to Kerala

Yet another Happy news for the tourists to Kerala!!!! Now you can plan your
holidays in Kerala even on a short notice, with fewer hurdles! Apply for your
Visa Online, get the 'Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)' and fly to Kerala.
Tourist Visa on Arrival (T-VoA) enabled with Electronic Travel Authorization
(ETA) has been introduced for Foreign Tourists coming to Kochi and
Trivandrum from from 43 countries to from more than 100 countries
including Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Russia,
Singapore, Thailand, UAE & USA for a short stay of 30 days & Kerala
became the only state in India where two airports, having the T-VoA
enabled with ETA. Click here to know about e-Tourist Visa Facility available
for nationals from how many countries/territories.

Effective from November 27, the T-VoA enabled with ETA will allow tourists
to apply and pay the fee for the visa online, without having to travel to the
Indian missions in their home countries. Applicants who are approved will
receive the official travel authorization via email and only need to present a
printed copy of this to the immigration authorities upon their arrival in
India.
For details regarding Visa services please visit
Tourist Visa on Arrival-https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
Bureau of Immigration - http://www.boi.gov.in
For boat house bookings via. Online please make sure you stay for a day
and this website will help you to glance at the cost http://www.keralahoponhopoff.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwvOC5BRCb_8yNmZ_ls
9IBEiQACTz8vuuyPG6kNSRR6tJ6ZVuRsBP2lf9jDii7pwbzC3lRK5waAvTS8P8
HAQ
If you want to go to Alapuzzha boat house from Kochi.. here is the route
map. There are many boat houses available and the price will vary according
to the bedrooms available . prefer the cheap and economic one. If you are
planning for one night and day..
Here is the en route map

And bus frequency for your perusal

Bus Timings - KSRTC
Time allotted to

Fare (Subject to

reach

change)

every 20
minutes

1hrs 30 minutes

Rs 25

6hrs

Rs 45

Kannur

7hrs (Express)
8hrs 30 minutes
for ordinary

Rs. 85 (express)
Rs. 75(ordinary)

Kottayam

2hrs 15 minutes

Rs. 35

Kozhikode

5hrs (Express)
6hrs 30 minutes
(ordinary)

Rs. 65 ( express)
Rs.60 (ordinary)

Thekkadi (Kumily)

0630

6hrs 45 minutes

Rs. 65

Thiruvanthapuram

5 hrs (Express)
6hrs 30 minutes
(ordinary)

Rs. 60 (express)
Rs. 55 (ordinary)

Thrissur

1 hour 45
minutes

Rs. 30

Destination

Frequency

Alappuzha
Devikulam, (near
Munnar)

And whence all these stuffs are over , you can get over to OOty via . car or
by bus or by train depending on your flexibility

If you are planning to take the bus from Kerala State Bus station, please
have a look , because that will be economic

Once you get to ooty , please stay in the hotel , where you can go to the
hotspots nearby quickly and also please find the ratings and economic one..
Please check this link for booking the hotel in ooty which you may find it
economic

https://www.redbus.in/hotels/search/Ooty?destId=889033689324744753
&checkIn=2016-06-09&checkOut=2016-0610&noOfAdults=2&noOfRooms=1&noOfChildren=0&childrenAge1=0&childre
nAge2=0&sortType=mnp

Best hot spots in and around OOTY that you need to view it for your best
experience
Also known as Udhagamandalam and sometimes Ootacamund, the hill
station of Ootylies near the Nilgiris in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The
area came under the occupation of the East India Company around the end
of the 18th century leading to its popularity as a hill station. The town is
famous for its tourism and attracts a large number of tourists. Apart from
tourism the major sources of the towns economy are agriculture,
photographic film and medicine manufacture.
The Nilgiris lit. The blue mountains are the major responsible factor for this
towns popularity. The blue misty haze off the eucalyptus trees that cover
the area are considered the reason behind its name, many different possible
sources may exist however.
1. Botanical Gardens

Laid out in 1848, the government Botanical Gardens is located at the

slopes of the Doddabetta peak. The terraced garden is maintained by the
Tamil nadu horticultural society and covers an area of 22 hectares. The best

time to visit the place is anytime except the monsoons. Now this place will
be the first thing the people would mention when you visit ooty, and well, in
my opinion it is pretty awesome. Now be prepared for a long walk when you
visit this place, I would advise you not to get any kids or people who cant
walk for long. The place is amazing for photographers and casual visitors
alike get a supply of food and drinks or you can also buy some snacks at the
gardens. I visited this place because of my photographer friends and was
totally amazed due to the amount of greens and flowers around me under an
amazingly cool weather.
2. Tea Factory

Small and nice, tea factory that is frequented by tourists who visit ooty,
although not much to do here, but it was quiet a new experience to me when
I visited the place. You can smell the aroma of the fresh tea leaves as soon
as you near the place. I love how machines process the fresh tea leaves and
package it. Theres also a shop where you can buy the tea processed at the
factory. They also provided tea prepared from the freshly processed leaves
and it tastes amazingly fragrant. This is a good place to show to the kids as
well and Im sure theyd be delighted.
3. Doddabetta Peak

A visit to Doddabetta Peak was the reason I went to Ooty in the first place. I
had heard a lot about the picturesque Nilgiris and the amazing views this
place has to offer. The place stands at a height of around 8,650 feet and
makes it the highest peaks in south India. This place offers amazing trek
spots and plenty of quiet and picturesque locations to solitary wanderers
like me. You might want to pack some really good pair of binoculars when
you reach this place to enjoy it to the fullest. There is a small eatery placed
here courtesy of the tourism department of Tamil nadu that offers some
okay tasting food at a cheap price.
4. Hyderabadi Biriyani House

I was pretty hungry and was looking for a place where I could get a good
amount of food for a moderate price. While there are a couple of cafes in
ooty which offer some good snacks but I was looking for something more
solid. I reached the place, and I could smell the fragrant flavors of the
Biriyani. Some people might need to mention beforehand for the amount of
spice they want though. The portion they served was nice and did quiet a
great job at sating the munchies out of me. I have always been a Mughalai
food enthusiast and this place I must say did a fine job at delivering the
taste. Dont keep your expectations too high and Im sure youll come back
with a full tummy and no sweat. The place is located at Mysore Road, Hill
Bunk.
5. Avalanche Lake

The reason I came to ooty was to actually visit the aforementioned

Doddabetta peak but wasnt quite satisfied with amount of indulgence I was
seeking with the nature. Although It was suggested by a local there and
wasnt on my itinerary, this place made me love my visit to ooty. Located in
the heart of the Nilgiris 28 kilometers from ooty, Avalanche lakeis certainly
a wanderers haven. The surrounding landscape is simply mesmerizing. You
can camp beside the lake in tents and enjoy trout fishing. Theres also a
hatchery located nearby where you can get the fishing rod and other fishing
equipment at. Its an amazing trek location that made me stay here for 2
days at this place. The place derives its name from a landslide that occurred
sometime in the early 1800s.

And from there , if you would like to visit Kunoor , its just takes 75-80
minutes distance via. Train or by bus. I advise you to get via. Train ,so you
can enjoy the scenary of the mountain view ,

And the places to visit in Kunoor [ which takes a day long or two ]

High Field Estate/Golf Course

Sims Park
Lambs Rock
Dolphins Nose
Gymkhana club
Madras Regimental Centre(Lake)
Tiger Hill
Tamizhagam Coffee
Places close to Coonoor

Ralliah Dam - 15km

Upper Bhavani Dam - 60km
Glen morgan

Once you done with all these visits , please go to Coimbatore and here are
the direction by bus or by train as follows

And once all your trips are over , please hang out in Coimbatore to
brookefield mall [ take the Bus no. 7 from gandhipuram to Gandhipark ] and
if you want to visit the park , please walk away from gandhipuram or take
the bus from thudiyalur to gandhipuram and then walk away. Its V.O.C
park and nearby , Nehru stadium is there and you can have your food in
best places like Annapurna hotels or pizza burger centres nearby and then
take the noon or night train to Chennai or by bus or by flight as per your
convenience.
If you are planning to take the route via bus , then plan via. Redbus or via.
Setc

Note : Take local transits like Bus , if you want to hung around Coimbatore ,
ooty or Kunoor
And in Kerala Kochi , ALLEPEY or wherever you go , you can either take
via. Local bus or via. Auto rickshaw [ the fares are quiet okay when
compared with Tamilnadu ].
I Guess as per your plans , I have detailed my best and hope this helps for
your journey , and please make sure that you turn on your GPS also , for
better route clarification
I wish you to have a happy and pleasant journey Mani, Have a nice day .
Convey my regards to your family as well..

With warm regards and sincere ,

Ajay chander R.