Unforgettable places
Kasaragod
Kasargod is a land with resonant past . Myths and legends abroad... The land of great antiquity. Very colourful and unforgettable. The district is bounded by Karnataka State in the north and east and Kannur district in the south. Tucked far away from the madding crowed lies Kasaragod, the most enchanting district of Kerala. The scene is breath taking. Obviously Kerala is the most beautiful of all the Indian states and Kasaragod undoubtedly shows Kerala at its best.
Kasaragod is the northern-most district of Kerala . It was formed on 24th May, 1984. Kasaragod, the district with natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. Kasaragod is also the cradle of many colourful art forms and folk music of Kerala. Kasaragod has a large population of tribals, who maintain an ethos distinctly different from the mainstream culture.It is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries.
BEKAL
16 km south to the northernmost district Kasargode, the place has gained immense popularity for its beautiful beach and its historic fort. Under development as a major beach resort, this will be ideal as much for the pleasure seekers as for those with undying archaeological interests.
Unforgettable: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach
Kannur
Cannanore or more appropriately Kannur as it is known today is a place with a rich history right from the time of the Aryan migration. The word Kannur may have evolved from a village named Kannathur around which the modern town of Kannur grew. Or according to some it is a combination of Kannan (Lord Krishna) , a deity in the Hindu pantheon and Ur meaning a place or an abode. With the advent of the Europeans, the name underwent yet another change - Cannanore !
Wayanad
Wayanad - the green paradise - the border world of greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotising this land has a history and mystery, culture and social epistemology yet to be discovered. Located at a distance about 76 km. from the sea shores of Calicut in the Western Ghats, this station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumala in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in its most natural abode.
POOKOTE LAKE
Surrounded by picturesque hills and lush meadows, this sublime natural fresh water lake is perfect for a relaxed outing. Its wide and deep expanse offers immense scope for fun and adventure.
Unforgettable :Lakkadi, Meenmutti Waterfalls, Boat Cruises.
Kozhikkode
"Calicut is a port for the whole Indian sea, which God forbid any craft to cross…" these words of Athanaseus Nikiten, the Russian traveler way back in the 13th century echo even today the glory of the historical town that is 'Koyil' (palace)'Kodu' (fortified).
In May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad, 16km north of Kozhikode as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal & was received by the Zamorin himself. [Vasco Da Gama being received by Zamorin] Kozhikode attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper & other spices which made it India's emporium of international trade. As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports. The globe-trotter Ibn Batuta (A.D. 1342-47) notes: "We came next to Kalikut, one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, & in which merchants of all parts are found." Associated with the Zamorins is Kottaparamba where stood their ancient palace. Mananchira was the bathing tank of the members of the Zamorin's household.
Malappuram
With Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian sea in the west, Malappuram district presents a treat to the eye. Rich and evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, rivers and brooks, sandy surfs and palm fringed coasts, festive mood of the gayful Onapatt - the district preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days. It has in store, a hoary past with Zamorins rule, 'Mamankam' festival, Vellattiri's revenge and the resultant Chaver Pada (Suicide Squad), the British rule and indiscriminate oppression of the masses in connivance with exploiting landlords, the National and the Khilaphat movement, the Malabar rebellion and the such.
Palakkad
Palakkad (the other name Palghat [Palm Tree] is a contribution of the British Raj) is prime among Kerala's most picturesque districts, thanks to its distinctive palmyra trees and extensive green paddy fields. Palakkad has probably the biggest mountain pass in the world (30-40 Kms) separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on the border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. Palakkad is rightfully therefore known as the Gateway of Kerala, giving the rest of India access to the State. For precisely the same reasons, Palakkad had to bear the brunt of invasions from the bordering kingdoms in the past. It therefore no wonder that this place is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic denominations, enriching its life, arts & culture.
Thrissur
Trichur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is the cultural capital of Kerala. Trichur is famed for and wide for its pooram festival. This festival district has witnessed many rulers and dynasties starting with the Zamorins, Tipu Sultan to the Dutch and the British. A cultural center, the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy are located here.
Unforgettable : Guruvayoor, Punnathoor Kotta.
Atirappilli
These spectacular waterfalls towards the east of Chalakkudy are a notworthy feature among Kerala's splendid natural richness. The amazing out-of-the-world feeling is further enhanced by the dense surroundings of the Sholayar forest ranges.
Unforgettable:Vazhachal, Kalady, Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Ernakulam
Famed for its natural harbour, one of the finest in the world, Kochi has earned the sobriquet [Ernakulam] "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Kochi is one of India’s most interesting cities. Here you can see the oldest church in India. The ancient temples, churches and synagogues in this district are of special interest to the archaeologists and historians. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impression on the town. A Jewish community with roots going back to 1000 AD, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi which was later renovated by the Dutch are part of Kochi.
Unforgettable:
Bolgatty Island, Mattanchery Dutch Palace, The Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets, Backwater Cruises
Kottayam
Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala, India, thanks to its strength as a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.
Unforgettable:
Baker's Mansion, Ettumanoor Shiva Temple, Kottayam Backwater Cruises, Syrian Christian Centre, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Shiva Temple
KUMARAKAM
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake, 12 kms from Kottayam are 101 acres of beautifully wooded grounds of the famous bird sanctuary. Abode to waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, the water duck and even the migratory Siberian storks.
Idukki
A landlocked district , [Idukki] Idukki is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala in India. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar - and their tributaries. The sacred river Pamba also originates from the mountain ranges here. As a tourist destination, Idukki is incomparable - forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spices & plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in India.
MUNNAR
A charming hill station situated 133 km from Cochin. Where you find endless stretches of tea plantations and the old-world colonial charm. This also is the place you can watch the tea leves being magically transformed to your morning cuppa. A conducted tour of the tea factory is simply not to be missed. Not too the exotic Nilgiri Tahrs.
Unforgettable:Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty, Devikulam, Kundalae, Rajamalai Wild Life Sanctuary
THEKKADY
The place of tranquil countrysides, rich plantations, thick jungles and renowned destination of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. A rain drenched tropical forest, this sanctuary spreads over 777 km of luxuriant green. Natural habitat to a variety of rare species.
Unforgettable : Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Peermade
Pathanamthitta
Situated near the western ghats and bordered by the hills, [Pathanamthitta Town] Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.
Pathanamthiita is a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest, Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations.
Alappuzha
Carved out of the erstwhile Kottayam and Quilon districts, Alappuzha(Alleppey) district was formed on 17th August, 1957 consisting of seven taluks, namely Sherthalai, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara.
It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place which means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it. It is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.
Unforgettable:Pathiramanal beach, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday every August), Krishnapuram Palace, R Block
Kollam
Quilon or Kollam , an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam , the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of [Old Fort_Thankassery] the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century.
The rulers of kollam (Desinganadu) and China , exchange embassies and there was flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. Merchant Sulaiman of Siraf in Persia ( 9th Century) found Kollam to be the only port in India , touched by the huge Chinese junks , on his way from Carton of Persian Gulf. Marco Polo, the great Venician traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublahan in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple is dicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. The sprawling city has an international airport. Most visitors to Kerala use it only as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to Kovalam.Trivandrum has good shopping areas and a variety of comfortable and reasonably priced hotels.
KOVALAM
Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. Ranging from five star complexes to some 35 standard hotels, these rooms are situated within walking distance from the beach. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.
Unforgettable: Napier Museum, Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Zoological Gardens, Pamanabhapuram Palace
Kasargod is a land with resonant past . Myths and legends abroad... The land of great antiquity. Very colourful and unforgettable. The district is bounded by Karnataka State in the north and east and Kannur district in the south. Tucked far away from the madding crowed lies Kasaragod, the most enchanting district of Kerala. The scene is breath taking. Obviously Kerala is the most beautiful of all the Indian states and Kasaragod undoubtedly shows Kerala at its best.
Kasaragod is the northern-most district of Kerala . It was formed on 24th May, 1984. Kasaragod, the district with natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. Kasaragod is also the cradle of many colourful art forms and folk music of Kerala. Kasaragod has a large population of tribals, who maintain an ethos distinctly different from the mainstream culture.It is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries.
BEKAL
16 km south to the northernmost district Kasargode, the place has gained immense popularity for its beautiful beach and its historic fort. Under development as a major beach resort, this will be ideal as much for the pleasure seekers as for those with undying archaeological interests.
Unforgettable: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach
Kannur
Cannanore or more appropriately Kannur as it is known today is a place with a rich history right from the time of the Aryan migration. The word Kannur may have evolved from a village named Kannathur around which the modern town of Kannur grew. Or according to some it is a combination of Kannan (Lord Krishna) , a deity in the Hindu pantheon and Ur meaning a place or an abode. With the advent of the Europeans, the name underwent yet another change - Cannanore !
Wayanad
Wayanad - the green paradise - the border world of greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotising this land has a history and mystery, culture and social epistemology yet to be discovered. Located at a distance about 76 km. from the sea shores of Calicut in the Western Ghats, this station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumala in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in its most natural abode.
POOKOTE LAKE
Surrounded by picturesque hills and lush meadows, this sublime natural fresh water lake is perfect for a relaxed outing. Its wide and deep expanse offers immense scope for fun and adventure.
Unforgettable :Lakkadi, Meenmutti Waterfalls, Boat Cruises.
Kozhikkode
"Calicut is a port for the whole Indian sea, which God forbid any craft to cross…" these words of Athanaseus Nikiten, the Russian traveler way back in the 13th century echo even today the glory of the historical town that is 'Koyil' (palace)'Kodu' (fortified).
In May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad, 16km north of Kozhikode as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal & was received by the Zamorin himself. [Vasco Da Gama being received by Zamorin] Kozhikode attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper & other spices which made it India's emporium of international trade. As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports. The globe-trotter Ibn Batuta (A.D. 1342-47) notes: "We came next to Kalikut, one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, & in which merchants of all parts are found." Associated with the Zamorins is Kottaparamba where stood their ancient palace. Mananchira was the bathing tank of the members of the Zamorin's household.
Malappuram
With Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian sea in the west, Malappuram district presents a treat to the eye. Rich and evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, rivers and brooks, sandy surfs and palm fringed coasts, festive mood of the gayful Onapatt - the district preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days. It has in store, a hoary past with Zamorins rule, 'Mamankam' festival, Vellattiri's revenge and the resultant Chaver Pada (Suicide Squad), the British rule and indiscriminate oppression of the masses in connivance with exploiting landlords, the National and the Khilaphat movement, the Malabar rebellion and the such.
Palakkad
Palakkad (the other name Palghat [Palm Tree] is a contribution of the British Raj) is prime among Kerala's most picturesque districts, thanks to its distinctive palmyra trees and extensive green paddy fields. Palakkad has probably the biggest mountain pass in the world (30-40 Kms) separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on the border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. Palakkad is rightfully therefore known as the Gateway of Kerala, giving the rest of India access to the State. For precisely the same reasons, Palakkad had to bear the brunt of invasions from the bordering kingdoms in the past. It therefore no wonder that this place is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic denominations, enriching its life, arts & culture.
Thrissur
Trichur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is the cultural capital of Kerala. Trichur is famed for and wide for its pooram festival. This festival district has witnessed many rulers and dynasties starting with the Zamorins, Tipu Sultan to the Dutch and the British. A cultural center, the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy are located here.
Unforgettable : Guruvayoor, Punnathoor Kotta.
Atirappilli
These spectacular waterfalls towards the east of Chalakkudy are a notworthy feature among Kerala's splendid natural richness. The amazing out-of-the-world feeling is further enhanced by the dense surroundings of the Sholayar forest ranges.
Unforgettable:Vazhachal, Kalady, Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Ernakulam
Famed for its natural harbour, one of the finest in the world, Kochi has earned the sobriquet [Ernakulam] "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Kochi is one of India’s most interesting cities. Here you can see the oldest church in India. The ancient temples, churches and synagogues in this district are of special interest to the archaeologists and historians. From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese sea fares followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impression on the town. A Jewish community with roots going back to 1000 AD, a 16th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi which was later renovated by the Dutch are part of Kochi.
Unforgettable:
Bolgatty Island, Mattanchery Dutch Palace, The Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin, Chinese fishing nets, Backwater Cruises
Kottayam
Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala, India, thanks to its strength as a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.
Unforgettable:
Baker's Mansion, Ettumanoor Shiva Temple, Kottayam Backwater Cruises, Syrian Christian Centre, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Shiva Temple
KUMARAKAM
Situated on the banks of the Vembanad lake, 12 kms from Kottayam are 101 acres of beautifully wooded grounds of the famous bird sanctuary. Abode to waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, the water duck and even the migratory Siberian storks.
Idukki
A landlocked district , [Idukki] Idukki is one of the most beautiful districts of Kerala in India. High ranges and wooded valleys are girded by three rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhyar - and their tributaries. The sacred river Pamba also originates from the mountain ranges here. As a tourist destination, Idukki is incomparable - forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spices & plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides and some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in India.
MUNNAR
A charming hill station situated 133 km from Cochin. Where you find endless stretches of tea plantations and the old-world colonial charm. This also is the place you can watch the tea leves being magically transformed to your morning cuppa. A conducted tour of the tea factory is simply not to be missed. Not too the exotic Nilgiri Tahrs.
Unforgettable:Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty, Devikulam, Kundalae, Rajamalai Wild Life Sanctuary
THEKKADY
The place of tranquil countrysides, rich plantations, thick jungles and renowned destination of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. A rain drenched tropical forest, this sanctuary spreads over 777 km of luxuriant green. Natural habitat to a variety of rare species.
Unforgettable : Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Peermade
Pathanamthitta
Situated near the western ghats and bordered by the hills, [Pathanamthitta Town] Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.
Pathanamthiita is a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest, Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations.
Alappuzha
Carved out of the erstwhile Kottayam and Quilon districts, Alappuzha(Alleppey) district was formed on 17th August, 1957 consisting of seven taluks, namely Sherthalai, Ambalappuzha, Kuttanad, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Karthikappally and Mavelikkara.
It is assumed that the name of Alappuzha was derived by the geographical position and physical features of the place which means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it. It is bounded on the north by Kochi and Kanayannur taluks of Ernakulam district, on the east by Vaikom, Kottayam and Changanassery taluks of Kottayam district and Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Adoor taluks of Pathanamthitta district, on the South by Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Kollam district and on the west by Lakshadweep sea.
Unforgettable:Pathiramanal beach, Nehru Trophy Boat Race (2nd Saturday every August), Krishnapuram Palace, R Block
Kollam
Quilon or Kollam , an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam , the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of [Old Fort_Thankassery] the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century.
The rulers of kollam (Desinganadu) and China , exchange embassies and there was flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. Merchant Sulaiman of Siraf in Persia ( 9th Century) found Kollam to be the only port in India , touched by the huge Chinese junks , on his way from Carton of Persian Gulf. Marco Polo, the great Venician traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublahan in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, meaning the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred Serpent Anantha on which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu trinity, reclines. Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. The famous Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple is dicated to Vishnu and is a landmark in the city. The sprawling city has an international airport. Most visitors to Kerala use it only as an arrival point, speeding on immediately to Kovalam.Trivandrum has good shopping areas and a variety of comfortable and reasonably priced hotels.
KOVALAM
Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation. Ranging from five star complexes to some 35 standard hotels, these rooms are situated within walking distance from the beach. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.
Unforgettable: Napier Museum, Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Zoological Gardens, Pamanabhapuram Palace
