/ Thiruvananthapuram / Kollam / Alappuzha / Kottayam / Idukki / Kochi /

Built over seven hills, Thiruvananthapuram retains some of old Kerala's ambience, pagoda shaped buildings with red-tiled roofs and narrow winding lanes.

Attractions :

Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple: This 260 year old temple, covers and area of 2400 sq. m. Its main entrance, the Eastern Gopuram, towers to over 30 m.

Puthe Maliga Palace Museum: This museum is housed in a 200 year old palace of the Travancore Maharajas. The palace took 5000 workers, four years to complete. Many of the exhibit reflect the spice trade with China and Europe.

The Zoological Garden: This is set among woodland and lake.

Napier Museum: This has an eclectic display of bronze, temple carts, ivory carvings and life-size figures of kathakali dancers in full costumes.

Surrounded by coconut palms and cashewnut plantations on the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake, is a busy kerala market town. Kollam is the southern gateway to the backwaters of kerala. The annual Ashtamudi Art & Craft festival of India, is conducted here from Dec 26 to Jan 10, which involves artists from all over India.

Attractions:

Krishnapuram Palace Museum: The fully restored Krishnapuram Palace Museum is a fine example of kerala architecture.

Backwater Cruise: Backwater cruise abroad a kettuvallam is another tourist attraction.

Also known as the Venice of the East. This fairly market town is built on canals and surrounded by coconut trees. A walk through the streets present many example of Kerala architecture. It is famous for its coir products.

Attractions:

Backwater Cruises: A glide in a kettuvallam through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to win your heart.

Snake Boat Races: Over a thousand men and women, who gather on the banks to witness this spectacular water regatta. ( see Nehru Cup Boat Race)

This city is place of churches and seminaries and an important centre of rubber production It is perched between the foothills of Western Ghats on one side and the backwater rivers and canals on the other.

Attractions:

St.Mary's Church, Bharananganam: The mortal remains of the Blessed Alphonsa are entombed at this church which is now a famous pilgrim centre.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This sactuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds. ( see Wildlife Sanctuaries)

Idukki

It is one of the nature rich areas of Kerala. It offers diverse attractions like hill stations, wild life sanctuaries, spice plantations etc.,

Attractions:

Arch Dam: This is Asia's first and world's second arch dam. It is constructed across two hills .

The Idukki Wild Life Sanctuary: This sanctuary spreads over 77 Sq.Km and is about 450 to 748 m above sea level. Elephants, Bison, Sambhar Deer, Cobra, Viper, Craite. Jungle Foul, Black Bulbul, Kingfisher etc., are seen in this sanctuary. ------ ( see Wildlife Sanctuaries)

Also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with true cosmopolitan character. One of the finest natural harbours in the world. Surrounded with breath taking blue lagoons and lush green islands. Biggest and the most active port in Kerala.

Attractions:

Bolghatty Island: This is where in 1744 the Dutch built the Bolghatty Palace which was later taken over by the British. There is a fine golf course also.

Chinese Fishing Nets: Traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets from China. Fishermen in Fort Kochi still use these large nets hanging from bamboo or teak posts to catch fish attracted bye the lights suspened above the net.

Jewish Synagogue: This was constructed in 1568 AD and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chadeliers. Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here.

Santa Cruz Basilica: This Roman Catholic church is a historic church built by the Portuguese. Elevated to a cathedral in 1558 AD. There are beautiful paintings inside.

St.Francis Church: This was the first European church to be built in India built in the year 1503. This is where the burial of Vasco da Gama first took place later of which the remains were taken to Portugal.

Hill Palace Museum: Hill Palace was the official residence of the Kochi royal family built in 1865 AD. Today it is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here.

Willingdon Island: Beautiful backwaters surround this man made island, named after Lord Willingdon, a British Viceroy to India. This is the site of customs and trading centres, the port trust and the head quarters of the Southern Naval Command.

Thrissur has long been regarded as Kerala's cultural capital. Today it continue to assume its role with it numerous festivals, art schools and institutions.

Attractions:

Pooram: The annual April / May Pooram festival, which includes the colourful procession of decorated elephants and exchange of colourful big umrellas is one of the biggest festivals celebrated here.

Kerala Kala Mandalam: Kerala Kala Mandalam, located at Cheruthuruthy, has made a significant contribution to the renaissance of the traditional art of Kerala. Students including foreigners undergo intensive training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc, which are some of the most famous art forms of Kerala.

Thrissur pooram....

It is known as the granary of Kerala. And also is the gateway to Kerala from the north. It is a land of valleys, hillocks, forests, mountain streams, rivers and dams.

Attractions:

Palakkad Fort: This old granite fort is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built in the year 1766.

Malampuzha Garden: It comprises a dam, beautifully landscaped gardens and a snake park. It is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats.

Nelliyampathy: This is a fascinating hill station at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad. ( see Hill Stations)

Parambikulam Wild Life Santuary: Sprawled across 285 Sq. Km, it is home to rare wild animals. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.000000000000000000 ( see Wildlife Sanctuaries)

Literally , a land atop hills.

Attractions:

Kottakkal: This small town is home to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, one of the pioneer institutions of ayurveda, the traditional systems of health and medicine in Kerala.

The landing of Vasco da Gama near Kozhikode in 1498 heralded the period of Portuguese colonisation in India.

Attractions:

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery: On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins etc., Adjacent to the museum is the art gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.

Kozhikode Beach: This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers.

It is known as the land of Gods, Forts, Rivers and the beautiful Beaches. Also it is famous for its coir and handloom industries.

Attractions:

Bekal Fort: The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.

Kappil Beach: Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

This is one of the places in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions.

Attractions:

Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary: It is established in 1973. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. ---------------------------( see Wildlife Sanctuaries)

Pookot Lake: A natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A fresh water aquarium with large variety of fish is also there.