Thiruvananthapuram Kollam Pathanamthitta Alapuzha Kottayam Idukki Ernakulam Thrissur Malapuram Palakkad Kozhikode Wynad Kannur Kasargod Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam Thiruvananthapuram city is considered as one of the loveliest cities in India. Built on seven low coastal hills, the city has an interesting mixture of tree-lined avenues. Massive buildings, ancestral homes and a long sea coast washed by the waves of the Arabian Sea. Clean, green Thiruvananthapuram, with its spacious layout and regulated life, is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala. Places to visit Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Sankumughom Beach, Kovalam, Vizhinjam, Akkulam Boat Club, The Fort, Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Chithira Art Gallery, Veli Tourist Village, Ponmudi, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary Kollam Located 71 Km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports of the Malabar coast. Kollam was once the port of international trade. Thirty percent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience of the backwaters of Kerala. Ashtamudi Lake The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Places to visit Thangasseri, Thirumullavaram Beach, Mayyanad, Sasthamkotta, Oachira, Kulathupuzha, Thenmala, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Jatayupara, Thirumullavaram Beach, Kolattupuzha, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary. Pattanamthitta Aranmula Boat Race Pattanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. More than 50% of the total area of this simple land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves covered by forest, this little district is frequented by visitors from India & abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and cultural training centre. Pattanamthitta is boarded by the Western Ghats on the east, Kollam district in the south and Kottayam & Idukki districts in the north. Places to visit Sabarimala, Mannadi, Pandalam, The Rock Cut Cave Temple, Maramon, Aranmula, Aranmula Boat Race Alapuzha With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons, and fresh water 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 is grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Houseboat in the Backwater Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holydays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Here, one can see coconut husks being beaten into fiber for making beautiful mats and coir products. 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. Places to visit Pathiramanal, Kuttanad, Ambalapuzha, Mannarasala, Boat Races, Arthunkal Kottayam Kumarakom Kottayam Town, the headquarters of this district is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats. This beautiful town is also a prominent trading centre, especially for plantation crops like rubber, tea, pepper and cardamom. Kottayam is a stronghold of the Christian community in the state as many denominations have their headquarters here. Many newspapers and magazines in Malayalam and English are published from Kottayam. Kottayam is very famous for its 'Kettuvallam' (House Boat). Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvalloms are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all basic facilities like kitchen, toilet, bathrooms, sit-outs etc. These boats gracefully move around the backwaters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vambanad lake in a relaxed pace. Places to visit Kumarakom, Vaikom, St. Mary's Church, Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara Siva Temple, Thazhathangadi, Goodshepherd Church, Vimalagiri (Angathattu Palli), Ettumanoor, Erumeli Idukki Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. The high ranges and wooded valleys are grided by three main rivers - the Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries. The river Pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and so on. Munnar Places to visit Munnar, Anamudi, The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady, Peerumed Ernakulam (Cochin) St. Francis Church This palm-green commercial town of Kerala is one of the finest natural harbour in the world. Though Kochi is one of the busiest port on the western cost, it has its own share sparkling blue lagoons scenic islands and backwaters which make the land beautiful and exciting. Places to visit St. Francis Church, Mattancherry, The Hill Palace Museum, Tripunithura, Willington Island, Gurukulam Kathakali Yogam, Kochi Shipyard, Lalita Kala Academy Gallery of Contemporary Art, Pareekshit Thampuran Museum, Aluva, The Backwaters, Thattakad Bird Sanctuary. Thrissur Thrissur, constituting the central region of Kerala, is rich in history, cultural and archaeological remains, is called the cultural capital of Kerala. The region has played a significant role in the political history of South India since ancient times Tipu Sultan of Mysore, and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Thrissur Pooram Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival. A cultural centre, the Kerala Kala Madalam (Art), the Kerala Sahitya Academy (Literature) and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy (Music & Dance) are located here. Places to visit Vadakkunathan Temple, Arattupuzha, Guruvayoor, Athirampilly Waterfalls, Cheruthuruthi,Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Vilangankunnu, Archaeological Museum, Zoo & Art Museum, Irinjalakkuda Koodal Manikam Temple, Peechi dam. Malappuram Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Malappuram Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 Km southeast of Kozhikode. Bounded by the Nilgiri hills in the east, the Arabian sea in the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the south. Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British East India Company in Kerala). It was a famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. The temples and mosque of this district are well known for their festivals. Alone with historic monuments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms add to its value as a destination worth visiting. Places to visit Thirunavaya, Kottakkal, Tirur, Nilambur, Tanur, Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna, Jama-at Mosque, Pazhayangadi Mosque Kondotti Palakkad The district of Palakkad is known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria Scholaris) and Kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the Pala trees. Nelliyampathy Places to visit Malampuzha, Nelliyampathy, Attappady, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam, Dhoni, Palakkad Fort, Pothundy, Chittur Gurumadam, Thenaruvi, Mayiladumpara, Thiruvalathoor, Kollengode, Lakkidi, Kottayi, Jain Temple of Jaininedu, Thrithala. Kozhikode (Calicut) Payyoli Beach, Kozhikode Kozhikode was once the capital of the powerful Zamorins. It was here at Kappad (16km) that Vasco Da Gamma first landed in 1498. Later, the Dutch, the French and the British came this shore to trade. Kozhikode still maintains its commercial traditions, as cargo steamers visit the port even today. The town is famous for its boat-building yard, timber industry and historic temples and churches. Places to visit Kappad, Pazhassiraja Museum, Beypore, Payyoli, Vadakara, Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Peruvannamoozhi Dam, Tusharagiri, Tali Temple, Mananchira Maidan, Kallai, The Backwaters. Wayanad Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes of people, who are yet untouched by the fast pace of civilization. Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this hill station. Vythiri Places to visit Pakshipathalam, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi, Pookot Lake, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bansura Project, Padinjarathara, Mananthavady Kuruvadweep, Thirunelly Temple, Pazhassi Tomb, Sultan Battery Edakkal Caves. Kannur Theyyam is the vibrant ritual dance With the Western Ghats in the east (the hilly Coorg district of Karnataka State) Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshasweep sea in the west and Kassarkod in the north, Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendor, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Kannur is mentioned in Marco Polo's travels as "a great emporia of spice trade." Places to visit Parassini Kadavu Temple & Snake Park, St. Angelo's Fort, Madayi, Pythal Mala, Dharmadam Island, Kizhunna Ezhara Beach, Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangadi, Pazhazzi Dam, Kottiyoor, Gundert Bungalow, Near Thalasseri, Valapattanam (Ballapattam), Ezhimala. Kasargod Kasargod is known for its coir and handloom industries.Fishing is a prime source of livelihood.The district has water,forest,and mineral resources.It is flanked by the forest-covered Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west.Demarcating the north and south are two rivers- the Talapadi and the Trikaripur.Grey rocks and barren land amidst decse vegetation as well as calm lagoons visible through the coconut palms along the coastal beltlend this districta rare and different beauty. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasaragod Places to visit Kasargod town, The Fort, Bakal, Chandragiri, Manjeshwara.