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South
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| Queen
of the Arabian Sea
Kochi (Cochin), the commercial and industrial
capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural
harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia,
China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all
left their mark on this beautiful island city.
One of the finest natural harbours
on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi (Cochin), earlier
known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign
traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character
is reflected in the buildings and structures representing
different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas
and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.
Kerala's prime tourist destination,
it spreads across islands and promontories in
a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and
Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam
in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry
and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are
linked by a complex system of ferries.
 Area:
83.52 sq. km
Population: (1991 census) 5,64,038.
Altitude: Sea Level.
Latitude & longitude: 9.9 N & 76. 2 E.
Climate: Tropical.
Temperature range: 35 C to 22.5 C.
Clothing: light cottons
STD code: 484.
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| Tourist Information |
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Tourist Information
Centre
Government Of India Tourist Office, Willingdon
Island; Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
Tourist Reception Centre, Shanmugham Road.
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Post & Telegraph
General Head Post Office, Hospital Road.
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| Places to stay
in Kochi (Cochin) |
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Taj Malabar, Willingdon
Island.
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Taj Residency, Marine Drive,
Ernakulam.
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The Renaissance, Palarivatton,
Ernakulam.
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ATS Willingdon, Willingdon
Island.
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The International, M.G.
Road, Ernakulam.
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Park Avenue, Princess Street,
Fort Cochin.
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Luciya, Ernakulam. Seagull,
Calvathy Road, Fort Cochin.
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| The
word Konark is derived from two word elements
- KONA means Corner and ARK means the Sun. Worshipping
the Sun God Legends say that Samba, the son of
Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy because
of a curse by his father. After a penance of 12
years, Samba was cured by Surya, the Sun God,
in whose honour he built this temple. |
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| Travel Information |
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Climate
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Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Winter ( Nov. To Feb.): Mildly warm and pleasant
 Clothing
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Summer-Cottons
Winter-Woollens
Getting There :-
Konark is connected by road to Bhubaneswar (65
km) and Puri (35 km).
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.
The nearest railhead is Puri.
Where to Stay :-
Panthaniwas, Labanya Lodge, Ashoka Travellers'
Lodge.
What to see :-
The Black Pagoda
Dedicated to the divine charioteer, Surya, the
Sun Temple is a magnificent example of ancient
Orissan temple and architecture. Built in the
13th century AD, it was visualised as a chariot
for the Sun God for his daily celestial journey.
It was built in the image of the chariot with
seven horses (seven days of the week) and 12 pairs
of wheels (12 months).
Festivals :-
The Chandrabhaga Mela in February on the beach.
The Konark Dance Festival - In the Open air Auditorium
north of the Sun Temple, in the first
week of December. |
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| History of Karnataka
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| Karnataka's
history takes us back to pre-historic times. The
earliest find of the Stone Age period in India
was an hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district.
Chandra gupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor
abdicated his throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola.In
1956, the Kannada-speaking areas were grouped
along with the princely state of Mysore to form
what we now call Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka
has the imprint of many dynasties. Prominent among
them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the
mighty Vijayanagara Empire. |
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| State Capital -Bangalore
 Population
- ('000s in 1991) : 44,977
Area - ('000 sq. km) : 192
Females per 1000 males - (1991) : 960
Literacy rate (1991) - : 56
Ratio of urban population - 30.9
Principal Language - : Kannada
Capital of Karnataka :-
Bangalore, the capital goes by many names -- the
Garden City of India, India's Manhattan and Silicon
Valley. One of the most industrialized cities
of the country, its pleasant climate makes it
the seat of much commercial and cultural enterprise.
Occupation in Karnataka :-
While agriculture is the major occupation, the
state boasts some of the most significant industrial
growth in post independence India. Karnataka is
as well known for its silk and sandalwood as for
its high tech industry. Bangalore, among the fastest
growing cities in Asia is home to many industries.
The state is rich in mineral ore, and supplies
all of India's gold.Other ores mined in the state
include iron, chromite, magnesite, mica, copper,
etc. The Sharavati, Kali, and the Cauvery rivers
have been harnessed for electric power.
Culture in Karnataka :-
Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage.
The folk theatre has an ancient and rich tradition,
the two principal forms being Yakshagana and the
puppet theatre. Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali
of Kerala in the choice of its elaborate costumes
and vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance
of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the demon
dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in
Dakshina Kannada coastal area.
Handicrafts of Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship
in sandalwood and rosewood. Eye-catching items
of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables, wall
hangings etc. are worthwhile purchases. Rich silks,
wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other
artefacts make ideal mementos.
Climate of Karnataka :-
Best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.
Tourism Offices in Karnataka :-
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- Director, Dept of Tourism, 1st Floor, F Bk,
Cauvery Bhavan, K.G.Road Bangalore - 9
- KSTDC, 104/1, Kasturba Road, Bangalore -1
- Tourism Information Counter, Railway Station,
Bangalore
- Tourism Information Counter, Airport, Bangalore,
Karnataka
- Manager,Tourist Cottages, Belur, Karnataka
- Tourist Cottages, Dept of Tourism, Halebid,
Karnataka
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