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. |
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