Introduction

Kerala’s unique culture and age old traditions have made her as one of today’s favorite tourist destinations in the world. By her sheer natural beauty, Kerala has charmed tourist  from all over the world.
        Kerala is one of the most advanced societies in India and by comparison the cleanest and most peaceful place one can enjoy. Kerala is blessed with its pleasant climate throughout the year. Even though the peak tourist season is between November to March, monsoon tourism is also becoming highly popular.
 This blog is wholly about the beautiful land Kerala. Let us learn more about the heavenly land kerala.

ALAPPUZHA

Area:1414 sq Km
Population: 2105349
Altitude: sea level
Access: 
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (85Km)
Rail: Alappuzha railway station.

Alappuzha widely known as The Venice of the East will brings to mind the backwaters, canals and rides on house boats. This district is situated in the south western tip of the Vembanad Lake. In the 2005 winter edition of ‘New York Travel’ website Kerala bagged sixth position in the “Follow Your Bliss” as one of the exotic places to visit & help you forget all your stress.

Alappuzha is a major producer of coir products in the state. Historians say that Alappuzha had trade with ancient Greece and Rome right from the middle ages. Alappy is an ideal place for honeymoon and also for people who want to get away from the fast city life.While saying about the must see places in Alappuzha, the first thing that comes in mind is the backwaters and the house boat cruise of kuttanadu. One night cruises on the backwater are popular tourist activations the Punnamada Lake. In the past Kettuvallom (commonly now known as house boats) were used for transportation of cargo and also for general transport across the state. By the development of tourism the old cargo bats were converted into floating homes with star hotel facilities.

Another major attraction in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Punnamada backwaters. The boat race begun in 1952 on the occasion of Prime minister’s visit to Alappuzha and held in second Saturday of august every year. Snake boat, with 100 rowers each, race to the finish in this grand event.

Must do things in Alappuzha:

• Kettuvallom (house boat) cruise
• A Visit  to Pathiramanal Island
• Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple:
• Kuttanadu
• Mannarashala Sree Nagaraja Temple
• Edathuva church
• The chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple
• The neelamperoor Pooram Padayani

ERNAKULAM

Area: 2407 sq Km

Population: 3105779

Altitude: sea level

Access:

Air: Cochin international airport

Rail: Ernakulum Junction

Ernakulum is located in the cost of Arabian sea, this district is a blend of old and the new. It is the commercial capital of Kerala an upcoming metro. World wide Ernakulum is known by Cochin (colonial name of the district). While checking the history of Cochin, it has a rich Historical background, with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and the Dutch all coming to its shore in search of exotic spices and sandal wood.

Cochin has been rated in the top the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism council and featured in National Geographic traveler’s “50 greatest place of a lifetime”. Due to varied influences, Cochin has always been the most cosmopolitan of Kerala’s cities with a fascinating blend of cultures. Cochin is blessed by one of the finest natural harbors in the world and got the name “Queen of the Arabian Sea”

There are several places in and around Cochin which is having monumental value such as the Jewish Synagogue the Chinese fishing nets and the Dutch palace.

Must Dos in Cochin:

• Fort Kochi:

If you want to walk through history, if you want to walk through the colonial streets visit the small and beautiful fishing village in Cochin “The Fort Kochi”. It is one of the earliest European townships in the country. It is patronizes since 16^th centaury by traders , visitors, conquerors from Portugal , Holland, England, the heritage town carries all their footprints in various monuments, mansions, churches etc more than 500 year old.

• Jewish Synagogue:

It can be arguable that, Kerala is the only place on earth was Jews did not face persecution and were accepted with open arms. The synagogue is located in Mattanchery was built in 1568is the oldest in the common wealth countries, noted for its 18^th century Chinese floor tiles Hebrew inscriptions and old testament scrolls. The site for synagogue was gifted to the Jews by the 16^th century Travancore King.

• Portuguese and Dutch palaces:

The palace is built by Portuguese in 1557 and renovated by Dutch in 1663. Bolgatty palace is another Dutch mansion built in 1744 is located in the beautiful island called Bolgatty.

Other places to visit in Cochin:

• Salim Ali sanctuary
• Kumbalangi Tourist Village
• The Marain Drive
• The Hill Palace – Museum Thripunithura
• Kaladi, the birth place of Sri Adi Shankaracharya
• Cherai Beach
• The Malayattoor Hill (St. Thomas Church)            
• Bhoothathankettu
• The hillocks of Kottayil Kovilakam
• The historical church Santa Cruz Basilica
• The Durbar Hall Art Gallery & the Durbar Hall Ground
• Kodanad

KOTTAYAM

Area: 2203 sq Km

Population: 18, 20,000

Altitude: Sea level

Access:

Air: Kochi International Airport (75 km)

Rail: Kottayam railway station

 Kottayam, widely known as the land of Letters, Latex and Lakes. Kottayam is a special place within the culture of Kerala having its picture perfect backwater stretches, lush green paddy fields and highlands, sprawling rubber plantations. Kottayam is locked between the lofty western gats on the east and magnificent Vembanad Lake on the West.

Kottayam  town is an important trading  centre of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.  It is the home of Rubber Board. The Kottayam town has been honored with the title, “ Akshara Nagari” which mean the city of letters. This is a tribute to the city’s pioneering efforts in print media and literature in Kerala.

While saying more about Kottayam,

•     English education in south India actually  started at the  old seminary at kottayam in 1813.
•     The first printing press in Kerala(CMS press) was established here in 1821 by Rev. Benjamin Baily.
•     The first college in the state ( CMS College ) was also started here in Kottayam at 1840.
•     Kottayam town is the first town in India to have Achieved 100% literacy (a feat accomplished in 1989).
•     The first printed Malayalam – English dictionaries in 1846 and English – Malayalam dictionary in 1847 were published from kottayam.
•     The first and only cooperative societies of writers, authors and publishers (SPCS), for publishing books and periodical was set up here in 1945.

Kottayam stands far ahead of all other districts in the field of Mass communication, printing and book publication and Education. The most famous publishers like Malayala Manorama, D C Books, and Current Books is established in Kottayam and believe it or not 70 % of the book publications takes place in the small city of Kottayam. Kottayam is an island of religious harmony in the state.

1000year old mosque Thazhathangady Juma Masjid one of the oldest mosque in the country, cheriya palli (1579) built and consecrated by Portuguese, valiya palli(1550) , and the Bharananganam church which is a global pilgrim destination after its daughter St Alphonsa became saint in 2008.

Kottayam has had tremendous impact on the growth and development of Kerala and it hold a very special place in the cultural landscape of the state.

Must see places in Kottayam:

• Kumarakom
• Vagamon
• Bharananganam Church
• Cheriya Palli ( small church)
• Valiya palli  ( Big Church)
• Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid
• Old Seminary (1815)
• The Poonjar Palace
• The Ilaveezhapoonchira
• Mannanam Monastry
• Vaikkom Temple
• Ettumannur Temple
• Thirunnakkara Sri Mahadeva Temple
• Erumeli

IDUKKI

AREA: 5019 sp Km

POPULATION: 1079369

ALTITUDE :  2200m above sea level.

ACCESSS:

Air : Madurai ( 140 Km  ), Kochi international (190 Km)

Idukki is located in the Western Ghats, which is immensely blessed by mother nature , with evergreen hills, valleys , water falls , dense forest and very cool weather.  Idukki is nurtured by three rivers , Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzha. The origin of the world famous Pamba river is also in Idukki.

The district is ideal for hiking , trekking, summer vacation places. Another major attraction in Idukki is the Asia, s biggest arch dam.  Idukku is also popularly associated with spices since it as agro-climatic conditions suitable for plantation crops like tea , coffee, rubber, coconut, cardamom and pepper.

Idukki is one of the most popular tourist destinations due to diverse attraction like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, dams, spice plantation tours and adventure tourism.

One of the favorite tourist destinations in Idukki is the hill station, munnar. Lush green tea plantations , winding lanes  and holiday facilities makes it a favorite destination.  Munnar is about 1600 m above sea level.  Among the exotic flora found in the forests and the grass lands here is the Neelakurunji, a flower that blooms every twelve years. This biological phenomenon draws in thousands of tourists, who arrive  to marvel at the spectacular sight of the hillssplashed with a vivid blue of Neelakurunji blossoms. The flowers are expected to bloom again in 2018.

About 13 kilometers from Munnar is the Anamudi , the highest peak in  the western Gats . It is also the highest point in south India. Literally Anamudi means “Elephant Peak”. It is 2695 m above sea level and is the tallest south of Himalayas.

Must Do Things in Idukki

• Munnar  
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Anamudi 
• Iravikulam National park
• Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary 
• Rajamala Wild Life Sanctuary
• Ramakkalmedu
• Thommankuthu
• Mrayoor
• Mattupetty
• The Blossom International Park
• Kuttikkanam
• Idukki Wild Life Sanctuary 
• The Malankara Dam
• Pullumedu
• Peermedu

Tourist Information Centers:

District Tourist Information Office,

 Department of Tourism, Thekkady junction,

 Kumily                                                                                                                      04869-222620

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),Civil Station, Painavu                04862-232248                                                            

DTPC Information Centre, Old Munnar                                                               04865-231516

PATHANAMTHITTA

Area : 2731 Sq Km.

Population: 1231577

Altitude: 500 to 1000 m above sea level

Access: 
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram international airport (119km)

Nearest Railroad: Chengannur ( 28 km)

If you are planning for a vacation which is a memorable one, if you are a nature loving person who loves trekking and wildlife Pathanamthitta is the ideal place to spend your time.The name pathanamthitta means settlement of houses at the river bank. The place is blessed with three rivers which makes the land so beautiful The Pamba , Achankovil River and the Manimala Rivers. The place is having vast rubber plantations and spices in the hilly area , paddy in the wet land and tapioca in the dry area.

Pathanamthitta is a land of religious harmony. The annual snake boat race  held at Aranmula and the elephant training centre at Konni. Shabarimala in Pathanamthitta district is one of the largest religious congregation in the world. The yearl Christian convention held at Maramon on the banks of river Pamba, where thousands of devout Christians and Episcopal representatives from all over the world come together , making it the largest gathering assembly in Asia. Aranmula sri Parthasarathi temple is another major pilgrim attraction in the district.

Vijnjana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre(1977) founded by a French lady Louba Schild under the Indo – French cultural exchange program is another major attraction among tourists.

Perunthenarvi is a natural waterfall in Pamba river and  a popular picnic spot, located at the western Gats of Sahyadri Range. The stream here spread over a wide area rather than the height. Water bubbling over the rock is a spectacular view and that is the reason it became a popular picnic spot in Pathanamthitta.

Must See places in  Pathanamthitta:

• Aranmula snake boat race:
• Aranmula sri Parthasarathi temple:
• Shabarimala Temple:
• The Babar Mosque at Erumeli:
• Konni elephant training centre.
• Maramon Convention
• Parumala church:
• Gavi eco tourism centre:
• Theperunthenaruvi Falls:

Tourist Information Centre:

The District Toursm Promotion Council,

Collect rate compound Pathanamthitta,

Tel: 0468 2229952

Email: dtpcpta@sancharnet.in

WAYANAD

Area: 2132 sq Km
Population: 671195
Altitude:  800 – 2100m above sea level
Access: 
Air: Kozhikode international Airport (45Km)
Rail: Kozhikode (110Km)


The saying “road to heaven” makes sense when you make a drive up to the Wayanad district in the monsoon. Best time to visit Wayanad is before May and after September every year. A jacket and an Umbrella is a must while visiting Wayanad as it lies at an elevation between 2000 to 4000 ft  with the peaks over 7000ft and never gets as cold as other hill stations tend to do.
The drive from Thamarassery offers interesting little sights and facts that only add to the mysteriousness of these rain forests. The “chain Tree“just at the foothills tells the story of the ghost of an Adivasi youth who haunted the Gat road and was finally tethered to the tree by an exorcist. The breath taking view of lush green tea plantations over the rolling hills is a magnificent view.
Wayanad however does have a rather peaceful past when compared to the dramatic events that make up the history of neighboring Kozhikode district. Other than the famous tomb of the Kerala Varma Raja of Kottayam , Pazhssi Raja, who was killed by the British after a couple of years of successful revolt, Wayanad history remains fairly passive with the early land lords and the hill tribes.
The beauty of these hills lies in the fact that Wayanad is so wonderfully endowed with sights and sounds that the average traveler is actually spoilt for choice as to what to do on that vacation to this part of what certainly is God’s own country.
Trekking and camping, Spas and Ayurveda, Wildlife, Heritage and history and Tribal arts are the other interesting activities in Wayanad.

Must Do Things In Wayanad

• Vythiri
• Kuruva Island
• Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary
• Edakkal caves
• The tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Thirunelly Temple
• The memorial of Veer Pazhssi Raja
• The Pookot Lake
• The Meenmutty waterfall
• The Chethalayam Falls
• Lakkidi
• Pakshipandalam
• Chembra Peak

Tourist Information Centre:

District Tourism Promotion Council: Civil station,
Kalpeta North, Wayanad 673122.
Tel: 04936-202134
Email: mail@wayanadtourism.com
                       

PALAKKAD

Area: 4480Aq ft

Population:2382235

Altitude: above sea level

Access: 
Air: Coimbatore airport (60Km)

Rail: Palakkad junction

Palakkad is a border district. Before entering Tamil Nadu Palakkad is the last stop. As every border district Palakkad is also a perfect blend of the finest from keralite and Tamilian ethnicities.

Palakkad is spread over an area of 26 square Km. Palakkad is a natural depression in the Western Ghats, with its strategic positioning Palakkad was historically such important that, the sultan of Mysore Hyder Ali built a large imposing fort around it in 1766. And as with most historic monuments, all that remains functional about it today is a jail and a Hanuman temple. The fort makes for pleasant evening walks with its majestic literate walls that whisper tales of velour and courage interspersed with laughter from the present day children’s park and games of cricket.

Kalpathy Agraharam (Bhramin Village) in the heart of Palakkad town is another major attraction in the district which is recently declared as “Heritage Village”. It is famous for is its architecture and chariot festival (usually held in November) in which all the temples in the area participate.

This part of the Palakkad also has the quadrangular shiva temple on the banks of the river Kalpathy, it is supposedly a replica of the Kashi Teple in Benares dating back to 1425 AD. Old traditions though seems to have endured the test of time: intricate kolam (rengoli ) designs at each doorsteps, young Bhramin boys with sandalwood paste smeared foreheads on their way to school and strains of prayer recitals from the temples wafting through the agraharam are still a common sight here.

Palakkad is also known as the rice bowl of Kerala. The lush green paddy fields, clear skies and coconut trees that gently sway in the early morning breeze are reason enough to want to spend a couple of days in palakkad town itself.

The name Palakkadu is derived from 2 malayalam words Pala –  it is a tree with sweet smelling flowers and kadu means forest. So the name indicates the forest of sweet smelling flowers.

• Silent vally National Park :

Silent vally has a legasy of an unbroken ecological history dating bac to millions of years. The bio diversity of this tropical rain forest attracts environmentalist from across the world as it is still an undisturbed “environmental island”. The genetic and biological welth of the zone was under a huge threat when the state government had decided to build a hydroelectric project here in the banks of the river Kunthi. An unprecedented popular protest which marked the first major green movement in the country made the government drop the plan and declared it as a protected national park which forms the core of Nilgiri biosphere.

• Parambikkulam Wild life Sanctuary:

Parambikkulam is one of the best sanctuaries in the south india . the 258 acre parambikkulam abound in a rich wildlife which includes sambar, langur and barking deer and a diverse fauna consisting of 125 rare and endangered species. Sanctuary also holds the first scientifically managed teak plantations. The must do thing in Parambikkulam us to visit the world’s tallest Teak tree about 48.5 m tall.

• Tipu’s Fort:

Another major attraction in Palakkad is Tipu’s fort built in 1766 by Hyder Ali, father of Tipu,the Mysore sultan , who entered through  Palakkad Gap to conquer the the British – ruled Malabar. The granite fort is one of the best protected monuments of the country and is in the midst of the town.

Other Places to visit in Palakkad:

• The Malampuzha Garden:
• The Kollengodu Palace:
• The elephant care centre:
• The Thiruwillamala Sri Rama Temple:
• Nelliampathy Hill Station:
• Attapadi:
• Thrithala:

Tourist information centre:

District Tourism Promotion Council(DTPC),

Near children’s park

Palakkad.

Telephone: 04912538996

Email: info@dtpcpalakkad.com

Website: www.dtpcpalakkad.com

CULTURE

The culture of Kerala is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, which has developed and mixed for centuries, under influences from other parts of India and abroad. It is defined bby it antiquity and the organic continuity sustained by Malayalis. As a result, Kerala’s culture has influenced and enriched the Indian cultural heritage and has also been vastly appreciated by the world as well.
Native traditions of classical performing arts include koodiyattam , a form of Sanskrit drama or theater and UNESCO – designated human heritage art , Kathakali is a 500- year – old form of dance drama that interprets ancient epics. Meanwhile, koothu is a more light  hearted performance mode, like modern day stand up comedy; it  was a ancient temple art later popularized by Madahava Chakyar.
Other keralit performing art includes mohiniyaattam  ( the dance of the enchantress) which is a type of graceful choreographed dance performed by women. Other art forms in Kerala are, oppana (keralit Muslim art form), Margam kali ( a Christian art form )
Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, a 19^th century king of Travancore and patron and composer of music , was instrumental in popularizing  carnatic music in early Kerala. Additionally Kerala has its own music system sopanam. The wider traditional music of Kerala includes Melam - percussive music performed at temple centered festivals, using an instrument known as the chenda. Upto 150 musicians may comprise the ensemble staging a performance and each performance may last up to four hours. Panchavadya ( 5 instruments ) is another type of percussion ensemble consisting of five types of percussion instruments : this can be utilized by 100 artist in certain major festivals.

MALAPPURAM

Area : 3550 Sq Km
Population: 3096000
Access: 
Air: Kozhikode international airport (36 )
Rail: Kozhikode junction


The land of social reformers and poets, this district is part of the core that represents everything that is quintessentially keralite. From poet to literary critics, many of Kerala’s finest figures were born here. Malappuram has been a hub of communist value and lender, right from the early years of Kerala, the communist leader E.M.s. Namboothiripad’s birthplace is just a short drive from perinthalmanna town.


Once clubbed with a wider area known as the Malabar region, this northeastern stretch of Kerala is a travel destination literally off the beaten track with its isolated beach stretches is otherwise unknown villages steeped in culture and tradition. The district offers some of the most scenic views with its four main rivers Chaliyar, Kadalundipuzha, Bharathapuzha and Thirurpuzha. The Nelgiri hills o the east and the Arabian Sea on the west makes it a land of beauty.


Malappuram is the home of Kalaripayattu, origin of the south Indian martial art form can be dated as far back as the 11th and 12th century and the trip will be incomplete unless and until you visit a Kalari school.


Malappuram is also famous for its fabulous cuisines like very thin rice rotis called Pathiri and spicy Chicken curry is really finger licking good. Malappuram is famous for its distinctive taste, Mappila cuisine (traditional Malabar Muslim cuisine) is an eclectic mix of local Kerala cuisine with flavors from the Arab world.

Cant miss in Malappuram:

• Tirur
• Kottakkal
• Ponnani
• Jama-at Masjid
• Thirunavaya
• Teak Museum
• The Padinjarekara Beach
• The Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala
• The Thunchan Memorial

Tourist Information Centre


DTPC Tourist information Centre, Malappuram
Tel: 0483 2731504
Website: www.dtpcmalapuram.com

KOZHIKODE

Area: 2206 Sq Km
Population: 2613685
ACCESS: 
Air: Kozhikode international airport, Karipur (25Km)
Rail: Kozhikode junction


Kozhikode one of the most popular northern Kerala district famous for its unique cuisines, beautiful beaches. Kozhikode found its place in world map in 1400s when Vasco de Gama landed in the ports of Kozhikode. Kozhikode is also known as Calicut. From as early as back when Vasco De Gama dropped by, Kozhikode has been known as a significant port for trade and commerce. Not really” off the beaten track” as far as tourism goes, Kozhikode has attracted a fair share of traders and travelers from In Batuta, the Moroccan Explorer ( who actually visited Kozhikode 2 centuries before Vasco De Gama), to the Portuguese and the Dutch.


Although Kozhikode today remains a thriving centre for business and enterprise, a distribution centre and a port for spices and palm oil, it is also representative of very realistic evidence of the non- resident Keralite. Huge empty modern houses and large shopping malls neighbor old fashioned “taravadu “(family homes), offering testimony, if any was ever needed, of the hardworking keralite all the way in gulf.


Calicut is also famous for its thick, oily and very sweet Halva. One whole street in Calicut market named “Midai Theruvu” means Sweets Street seems to be dedicated just for sweets.


While a walk down the Kozhikode with Lions Park for children is an experience in itself, a visit to Dolphin’s point, 2 Km away from city centre, leaves one with a lifetime’s worth of memories- of gentle waves against the rocks, the cool breeze and the dolphins playing in the sea every morning.


Kozhikode is historical district with a rather gory past; Kozhikode today still attracts travelers and traders from all over the world, much like it did in back in the 15th century. Kozhikode, with its immense scope for trade links and fishing industries, seems to have it all. From scenic views to a land filled with ancient art and culture, Kozhikode is the epitome of everything that it takes to be a part of that heavenly state that is called Kerala.

Places to visit in Kozhikode:

• Kappad Beach: were Vasco De Gama set his Foot with 170 men in 1498 in three vessels and opened the door for western colonization of Indian sub continent.

• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
• The Mananchira Square
• The Mithai Theruvu
• Velliyamkallu
• Beypore
• The Tasara Creative Centre
• The Pazhssi Raja Museum and Art Gallery
• The Thusharagiri Waterfalls
• CVN Kalari

History

The Brahminical myth proclaims that Parasurama, an avthar of Vishnu threw his axe into the sea and the land that was reclaimed from the waters was aptly named parasurama srishti. The history of Kerala though, goes back to several millennia. Stone age carvings in Edakkal caves had pictorial writings believed to be dating to at least 5000 BC, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region.
Around 3000 BC, Kerala established itself as a major spice trade centre and had direct links across the Arabian sea with major ports in the Red Sea , Far East and the Mediterranean. During the Chera dynasty in 1 BC, trading relations were established with the Greeks, Romans and the Arabs.
Vasco Da Gama’s voyage to Kerala from Portugal in 1498 was largely motivated by Portuguese determination to break the Arabs, control over trade of spices grown in kerala.The spice trade with the Middle East precedes Islam.
The Jews of Kerala claimed to be descendents of the Jews that left the northern Kingdom of Israel following the Assyrian invasion of 721 BC. Thomas the Apostle visited this region in 52AD and preached Christianity among many enlightened Hindu groups and Jewish people.


Another well recorded arrival is of Mar Sabor and Mar Porth on invitation from the Kollam king. They arrived from Assyria in the9^th century AD and were the founders of Christian religion in
 Kerala.