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Metro Rail:- Solution to the Traffic congestion in the city Cochin

Metro rail is proposed to be completed in Kochi within next three to four years, a 10 year old dream of Kochiites. The two way Metro rail will be 25 km long and will run from Aluva to Thrippunithura. It will go through Kalamassery, Edappilly and Palarivattom to kaloor, and from MG Road via Madhavapharmacy Junction, Kadavanthra and Pettah to Trippunithura. Metro rail project is expected to be completed in the stipulated three years period, after the Government acquires the land. Based on the current proposal there will be a station at almost every one kilometer stretch. There will be 22 Metro rail stations. Metro rail is the fastest mode of urban transport with an average commercial speed of 40 kilometer per hour (maximum speed is expected to be 90 kilometer per hour) and is comfortable, reliable and safe with no pollution problems. The initial proposal was to complete the project in three phases. The first phase is between Kalamassery and Trippunithura, The second connecting Kalamassery and Aluva, and the third between Ernakulam and Mattanchery. The 24 kilometer stretch between Kalamassery and Trippunithura is to pass through Palarivattom, M.G. Road and Sahodharan Ayyappan Road. But now it has been revised to start from Aluva.

Schools and Colleges 

St. Xavier's College - Only 7 Km from Emerald Hills Flanked by the soothing waters of River Periyar on one side and the bustling Aluva town on the other side, St. Xavier’s stands aloft, exploring the cutting edge of excellence in the zestful exploration of culture, knowledge and sensibility. Functioning under the management of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites and affiliated to M.G. University, St. Xavier's College For more details visit www.stxaviersaluva.ac.in

UC College - Only 12 Km from Emerald Hills The Union Christian College, Aluva (a.k.a UC College) is one of the prominent educational institutions in Keralastate in South India. It is situated to the north of Aluva in Ernakulam district. For more details visitwww.uccollege.edu.in

M E S College - Contact: ABOBECKAR Marampilly Aluva-683107. Phone: 0484-2677104

Aluva is also famous for one of the oldest residential schools called as Christava Mahilalayam or Mahilalayam (as the locals call it) is perched on top of a hill which overlooks paddy fields and orchards, in the Chowara Ferry and Kuttamassery villages.

Other noteworthy schools are St. Mary's High School, SNDP, Government Boys and Girls schools, Islamic Higher Secondary School, Vidyadhiraja Vidhyabhavan, Nirmala High school, St. John the Baptist, St Francis, The Alwaye Settlement, Rajagiri High School in kalamassery (near to aluva) etc. all of which has shown its class in various fields: academic, cultural, sports .

Nearest Tavel Destinations

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Getting there: Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away Nearest railway station: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away, Changanacherry, about 93 km away

Kaladi (35 km)The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination. A place called Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara's mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation)

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Idukki Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala. Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent. Spread across 25 sq. km. the sanctuary lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar like a peninsula. Rare birds like the Crimson-throated Barbet, Bee eater, Sunbird, Shrike, Black Winged Kite, Night Heron, Falcon, Grey Jungle Fowl, White-Breasted Water Hen, Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmoth, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet live here. Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles. Getting there: Nearest railway station : Aluva, about 48 km away. Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.


Thekkady Altitude: 900-1800 m above sea level Rainfall: 2500 mm The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. Flora Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids the only South Indian conifer Podocarpus Wallichianus. Fauna Mammals: Thirty five species including the wild elephant, gaur, sambar deer and wild boar which can be sighted from the boats the Nilgiri Tahr in the higher rocky areas the endangered lion tailed macaque confined to the evergreen interiors the bonnet macaque, Malabar giant squirrel, flying squirrel, tiger, jungle cat, sloth bear etc. Birds:265 species including migrants. The hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. Reptiles:Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non poisonous snakes, and the monitor lizard. Amphibians:Frogs, toads and limbless caecilians include the colourful Malabar gliding frog, common Indian toad, fungoid frog and bicoloured frog. Pisces (fish): The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The otter, the only mammal of the lake, can be frequently spotted from the boat. Plantations:Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations surround the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary Watch Towers: There are two watch towers in the interior of the Periyar forest. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028. Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady Idukki: 65 km (2 1/2 hrs) Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs) Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs) Sabarimala via Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs) Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs)

Kumbalangi - Model Tourist Village Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project is a unique initiative to transform the tiny island as a model fishing village and tourism spot. Here at the Kumbalangi Tourism Village one can fully savour a variety of natural splendours, and paramount to a model tourist village the outstanding ecological balance of the location. The village, the first of its kind in the country is located near the port city of Kochi in Ernakulam District. The model village is a veritable treat to its visitors with the famous Chinese fishing nets and many other sights to savour. As art of the model village project at Kumbalangi, a nearby island near Palluruthy would also have plenty of interesting vistas and activities in the near future. This coastal hamlet without doubt provides a fascinating glimpse of the simple and prosperous livelihood of the villagers, and also unravels the age-old, magnificent culture and heritage of the place. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction, about 25 km away Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 40 km away.

Alappuzha - Aquatourism With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers criss crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanad is perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level. Pathiramanal (Backwater) This little island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island is accessible only by boat. Boat races Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race at Punnamada (2nd Saturday of August) Alappuzha Tourism Boat Race (9th January) Pulinkunnu Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race (last Saturday of August) Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Moolam day of Midhunam - July) Payippad Jalotsavam (4th Onam day - August/September) Neerettupuram Boat Race (Onam - August/September). Getting there: Nearest railway station : Alappuzha, about 5 km from the beach. Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town

Cherai Beach Location : Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes, journey) from Ernakulam The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east give this upcoming tourist destination a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions. Getting there : Nearest railway station : Ernakulam Junction, about one km from the main boat jetty. Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.

Fort Kochi Location: About 13 km from Ernakulam town. Welcome to a 60-90 minute walking tour of the old streets of Fort Kochi. This is the ideal way to discover a historic town brimming with tales of myriad seafaring visitors who came here to trade and then stayed on to cease their work on this impressionable land. 'Walking through Fort Cochin' is a tour organised as part of the conservation and development initiatives taken up by the Corporation of Kochi. The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century. The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities. A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendours, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood are also popular among tourists. The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea. The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984. Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican church from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later... Each and every structure, street, door, window and brick in Fort Kochi has several stories to tell. Getting there : Fort Kochi is accessible by bus or ferry. The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and the ferry ride from Main boat jetty at Ernakulam about 20 minutes. Nearest railway station : Ernakulam about 1 1/2 km from the Main boat jetty. Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km

Kumarakom Location :16 km away from Kottayam town, central Kerala. Tourist season: Between June and August. The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands. An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience. Getting there: Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 76 kms from Kottayam town.

Guruvayoor Place :Guruvayoor (29 km west of Thrissur) Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. Within the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Getting There: Nearest Airport : Nedumbassery (87 km) .

Kodanad Location : Kodanad is about 30 km from Ernakulam town in the highranges on the southern bank of the river Periyar Elephants are an integral part of Indian mythology and culture. In God's Own Country, elephants are often referred to as the sons of the 'Sahya' (the Western Ghats). Once a part of every day life in Kerala, elephants are the most ornamental and auspicious animals here. No festival or celebration is complete without an elephant procession. Rows of majestically caparisoned elephants, replete with colourful silken parasols form the most spectacular part of any event here. Kodanad, set on the southern banks of the Periyar river amid the beautiful high ranges near Perumbavoor, is one of the largest elephant training centres of Kerala. Earlier elephants captured from the Malayatoor forests (the forests in the east and north of Kodanad) were trained here. Since the introduction of a ban to elephant capture Kodanad has been reduced to a training centre. The famous Malayatoor Church is near Kodanad. Muthanga of Wayanad district and Konni of Pathanamthitta district are two other such centres. Another attraction for elephant lovers is Punnathur kotta, of the neighbouring Thrissur district, where some 40 elephants of the Guruvayoor temple are groomed. Getting there : Nearest railway station : Ernakulam, about 30 km Nearest airport : Cochin International Airport, about 65 km .

Kottakkal: Kottackal which is 12 Km southwest of Malappuram ,is a small town that is synonymous with the word Ayurveda. Kottackal is the home of the world famous Kottackal Arya Vaidyasala. Founded by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier in 1902 the Arya Vaidya Sala is today the largest institution of its kind in India with branches all over the country . It has one of the best ayurvedic research centres in Kerala and has also a nursing home and a College of Ayurveda. The Arya Vaidya Sala also cultivates medicinal plants, manufactures medicines, conducts research programmes, publishes books and seminar reports on Ayurveda and related subjects, and runs a Kathakali Academy. The chief physician at the Arya Vaidyasala can be consulted only with an appointment made 10 days in advance. Kottackal and the Arya Vaidya Sala is certainly worth a visit . Accessing Kottackal: By road: Kottackal is well connected by road and is 12 km from Malappuram and 36 km from Kozhikode. By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode By Air: Nearest airport is the Karipur International airport which is 23 km from Kozhikode city

Athirappalli and Vazhachal Location: Athirappalli 63 km from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 km from Thrissur. Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy river after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy river. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors. Getting there :A good motorable road takes you to Vazhachal and Athirappalli from either Kochi or Thrissur town. Nearest railway station : Chalakudy,about 30 km away Nearest airports : Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

For more details visit Website :www.keralatourism.org