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.
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