Kerala ‘The
God’s Own country’ is an enchantingly beautiful, emerald green land,
flanked by the Western Ghats on one side, the Arabian Sea on the other,
and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation. Legends
state that Kerala was created by Parshuram (a famous ancient sage). Vasco
da Gama discovered the sea route to India from Europe when he landed near
Calicut in 1498 AD.
Kerala is situated, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula.
It is a tropical state with green and lush
vegetation and has a 550 km coastline on the Arabian Sea. Kerala is
the most densely populated state in India with 38,863 sq km area with
around 33 million population. Kerala is also one of the richest states in
India with forests and plantations of rubber, cashew, and coconuts
everywhere. It has a particularly rich heritage of dance and drama (Kathalkali,
Koothu, Mohiniattam) and people here are among the most industrious and
well educated (100% literacy late) in the country. Kerala is renowned all
over the world for its backwaters, natural beauty, health resorts and
beaches.
How to reach Kerala -
Air: Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin have International Airports and
Calicut has international services to several destinations in Gulf. All
these airports are well connected with the other major airports of India.
Road : All major cities in Kerala are well connected with different
parts of India through a good network of roads. Kerala State Road
Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and various private bus services connect all
the big and small cities inside Kerala.
Railway: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Shornur and Kozhikode are the
major stations in the state. The Konkan Rail line along the Western coast
connects Kerala to Mumbai and North- West states.
Each district in Kerala has it's own unique culture and characteristics.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha is often referred to as the Venice of the East has an immense
network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it. This
backwater country is also home to diverse wildlife. Alappuzha is also
famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches and marine
products. Kuttanad region in Alappuzha is called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’.
Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. Keralas
network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene
waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and while navigating
these waterways one can appreciate the beauty of countryside. Besides the
backwaters one can visit Alappuzha beach and Krishnapuram palace(47 Km
from Alappuzha).
Alappuzha is well connected by railways. Nearest airport is in Cochin (85
Km). Boats are available for navigating the waterways.
Idukki
The highland district Idukki is famous for its mountains, valleys,
forests, wildlife, streams, trekking trails, sanctuaries, hill stations
and lakes. Idukki has a large tribal population. The tribes of Kerala have
unique customs and beliefs and a distinct culture.
Munnar
(1600m above sea level) is a hill station and one of the highest
tea-growing areas in the world. This is an area for walking and trekking.
If your interest is wildlife then it is possible to visit Eravikulam
National Park or Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary – It is located
about 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in Thekkady, in
Idukki district this one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in India.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake.
It is one of the best places in India to see wild Elephants, tigers,
gaurs, sambar, lion tailed monkeys and Nilgiri langurs.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary - is famous for Sandalwood trees and
rare Giant Grizzled Squirrel. Lot of other wildlife is also present in
this unique scrub forest.
Nyayamakad: Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a
land of breathtaking waterfalls.
Reaching Idukki –
Different places in Idukki are well connected by roads, although the
nearest railway station is at Kottayam, about 114 km and nearest airports
is Cochin International Airport (190 km) and Madurai (140 km).
Thiruvananthapuram
A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic
monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this
district a perfect tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram city is also
the capital of Kerala. There is an
international airport in Thiruvananthapuram.
Beaches near Thiruvananthapuram
–
Kovalam
is the main beach resort of Kerala and hence the busiest - particularly
Lighthouse Beach.
Varkala,
approximately 50km north of Trivandrum, is Kerala's second most popular
beach resort and has a number of hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Shankhumugham Beach - 8 km from the Thiruvananthapuram.
Other beaches
within easy reach of Trivandrum and Kovalam include -Pulinkudi, Chowara
and Poovar.
Hill stations
near Thiruvananthapuram
–
Ponmudi – about 60 Km from Thiruvananthapuram
Ponmudi
is a small hill resort. The area is good for walking and it is possible to
visit Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Agasthyarkoodam – 70 Km from Thiruvananthapuram is another
small hill resort.
Monuments and temples in Thiruvananthapuram -
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave, Koyikkal Palace are about 18 Km from
Thiruvananthapuram, Parasurama Temple, Thiruvallam.
Ernakulam
Cochin
(Kochi) in Ernakulam district is a historic harbor-city and Kerala's
commercial capital. Cochin International Airport (north of the city) is a
modern airport offering international and domestic connections.
Cherai Beach near Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming.
Museums in Ernakulum - Maritime museum in Cochin and Indo-Portuguese
museum, The Hill Palace Museum, The Museum of Kerala History
Monuments in Ernakulum – Fort Kochi, Vasco da Gama Square, Mattancherry
Palace and Dutch Palace, Mattancherry.
Kannur
Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty and is home of
colorful folk art and folk music.
Beaches in Kannur –
Payyambalam beach - 2 km from Kannur town
Muzhapilangad Beach - About 15 km from Kannur
Valapattanam beach - 7 km from Kannur town
Tourist attractions in Kunnur -
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: 35 km from Thalasserry and 60
km from Kannur town.
St. Angelo Fort: Location : 3 km west of Kannur town
Thalasseri Fort: 22km from Kannur
Kozhikode
Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar during the time of
Zamorins. Lush green countryside, tranquil beaches, historic sites, rivers
and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination.
The main city of Calicut (Kozhikode) has a
domestic airport.
Palakkad
Palakkad
is a natural depression in the Western Ghats and a popular tourist
destination. Fort, monuments, amusement parks and wildlife sanctuary are
the main attractions at Palakkad.
Wayanad
Wayanad
is a rainforest area in the Western Ghats. It consists of Wayanad Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere that also incorporates
Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
Kasargod
Kasargod is the northern district of Kerala and is famous for Forts,
rivers and beaches. The Fort at Bekal is the largest and best in
the state is located 16 Km from the Kasargod town.
Kollam
Thirumullavaram beach, Thangasseri fort 5 Km outside Kollam city, the
Cave Temple at Chadayamangalam, Rameshwara Temple
and Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Km from Kollam) are some of
the places of tourist interest in this district.