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WAYANAD

Wayanad AT A GLANCE Area 2131 sq.km. District Population 6,72,128 Temperature Mean min. 20 deg.cMean max. 35 deg.c Climate Tropical Altitude 700-2100 m. above sea level Rainfall 250 cms. (annual) Tourist Season August to May. The picturesque plateau, having the largest concentration of tribal population in the state, was once known as Africa in Kerala. Kalpetta, the only municipal town in the district, is district headquarters. The district is the largest producer of pepper in the country. Muthanga sanctuary is adjacent Bhandipur Sanctuary in Tamilnadu. These areas are teaming with elephants and during scorching summer, elephants in herds move to Muthenga from Bhandipur. THIRUNELLY : Vishnu Temple, one of the oldest in South India, is known as Southern Kasi. River Papanasini is nearby the temple. River Kabani, a major tributary of Legendary Caveri, originates from the thick forest of 5276- feet-high Brahmagiri hills. PAKSHIPATHALAM : A natural nest for birds, in the Brahmagiri valley. rare species are seen. POOKODU LAKE : A major tourists hub in the district. A natural lake tucked away in the hills. facility for paddling country boat. MANANTHAVADY : Pazhassi Raja, who died a martyr's death at the hands of British, rests here. His tomb is preserved by state Archeology Department. EDAKKAL CAVES, Ambalavayal : Archeologists reason that the scribbles on the caves dates back to pre-historical period. The nearest airport is Calicut. 109 km from Kalpetta, district headquarters. Road N H 212 (Kozhikode-Mysore) passes via Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. KSRTC Bus Station in Sulthan Bathery operates round-the-clock services to Kozhikode sector. Buses to Bangalore and Mysore are from Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta. Interiors of the district are connected to Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. Mananthavady is also connected to Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Kozhikode.

KOZHIKODE

Kozhikode (earlier Calicut) : Tourist Spots : Art gallery, Krishna Menon Museum, Pazhassi Raja Museum: at West hill, Five km from city. Kallai : Timber trading centre, once had the second biggest centre in the world. Two Km from the city. Kappad : Beach emerging as a tourist centre. Vasco De Gama landed here in 1498. 16 Km from Kozhikode. Baypore : World famous boat manufacturing centre. A major port in the ancient times.10 km from Kozhikode. Feroke : Tile factories concentrated here. Ruins of a fort, believed built in 1788, are seen. Vadakara : birth place of legendary navigator Kunjali Marakkar, chief of Zamorin's force. His sword is preserved in the house which is under state archeology department. 40 km from Kozhikode. Kakkayam : The only power generating centre in Malabar. A breathtaking waterfalls, Urakkuzhi . 60 km from Kozhikode. Peruvannamuzhi : Dam, with boating facility. Bird sanctuary, crocodile farm garden include other attractions. 45km from Kozhikode. Mahi( earlier Mayyazhi) : Earlier a French settlement. Now part of Pondichery Government. St. Theresa's Church, a major pilgrim centre in Malabar area.

KOTTAYAM

Kottayam AT A GLANCE Area 2203 sq.km District Population 18,28,271 Temperature Mean Max. 34.5 deg.CMean Min. 23.0 deg.C Climate Tropical Altitude Sea Level Rainfall 346 cm Tourist Season September to March Kottayam is the largest rubber producer in Kerala. Tourist Spots Kumarakam : 10 km away from Kottayam.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, was the erstwhile capital of Travancore and is the State Capital today. The sprawling city is built on seven hills. Tourist Spots Thiruvananthapuram city : The City has several palaces and Museum showcasing the culture and heritage of erstwhile princely states. Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Zoo, Art gallery. Planetarium and Shangumugham Beach are the city's other tourist hubs.Being the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram has headquarters of all Government Departments. Varkala : Beach Resort, facilities are on par with any other beach resorts. Janardhana Swami Temple , a leading pilgrim centre. Sivagiri is another pilgrim destination. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary : A lake tucked away in hills. Wildlife Sanctuary has a crocodile- breeding plant. 29 km away from Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam : 18 km off Thiruvananthapuram. Promontories, shallow waters for swimming and long sand-spread are major features. Chowara beach : 9 kms south of the renowned Kovalam Beach. Chowara is a virgin beach, a new tourist destination having heritage and ayurvedic resorts like Somatheeram, Surya, Samudra and Manaltheeram, Coconut Bay etc.Veli Tourist Village : A popular picnic spot built at a point where the Veli Lagoon meets the Arabian Sea. It is replete with fish ponds, wading pools and landscaped garden. About 8 kms from Trivandrum city. Ponmudi : An enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and a cool green environment. Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. It is located around 61 kms from Trivandrum ity and is having an altitude of around 915 M above sea leve.

KOLLAM

Kollam (earlier Quilon), 72 km off Thiruvananthapuram, is a trade-nerve in Southern Kerala. Its trading-tradition dates back to early centuries when Chinese, Greeks, Arabs and Romans haunted the shore for ship-loading Kerala spices and produces. Today Kollam is the major cashew trading and processing centre in the country. Also a hub of marine industry. Tourist Spots Kollam - Alappuzha backwaters Alumkadavu : A traditional boat-building centre. Thankassery Light House : Century-old light house at Thankassery beach. Remains of colonial culture are visible. Anglo-Indian families are concentrated here. Neendakara : A major fishing harbour in Kerala. Centre of Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community Project, since 1953. Sasthamkotta : The biggest freshwater lake in Kerala and picturesque Sasthamkotta temple.Thenmala : Reservoir, wildlife sanctuary, eco-tourism centre. Palaruvi waterfalls : 35 kilometers east of Punalur on Kollam - Shenkottah road.

THRISSUR

Thrissur ( earlier Trichur), the name derived from 'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is dubbed the cultural capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock. Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur and Bharatha Puzha are the major rivers in the district. The district has a forest area of 103619 hector. Thrissur's emergence to town and cultural centre is attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran', who was the king of Cochin in 1790. In different periods, Thrissur had fallen to Portuguese, Dutch and British forces. Tourist Spots THRISSUR : Vadakkumnatha temple, Zoo, Museum and Archeological Museum are attractions in the city. Kerala's literary and cultural organisations are headquartered here. Thrissur pooram, the spectacular spectacle, is an annual festival on May 1. KODUNGALLORE : A major port in the olden days. The oldest mosque in the country is here. St. Thomas landed on 52 AD, then the port was known as Musarees. PEECHI : Wild life Sanctuary, established in 1958. Dam and adjacent garden are other attractions. 15 km from Thrissur. ATHIRAPPALLY, VAZHACHAL : South India's most fascinating waterfalls, 32 km from Chalakkudy on N H 47. Conveyance to Air The nearest airport Cochin, 78 km away. Rail Thrissur Railway station is a major one on Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai routes Road KSRTC Thrissur station operates buses to all district quarters and major towns in the state. Buses are also to Chennai, Combathore, Bangalore, Palani and Thanchavoor.

KASARGODE

Kasargode AT A GLANCE Area 1992 sq.km. District Population 10,7,508 Temperature Mean Max. 36.5 deg.CMean Min. 27.25 deg. C Climate Tropical Altitude Sea level Rainfall 344cm (Annual) Tourist Season August to March Kasargode, is the only Kerala district that grows tobacco. It is also the largest producer of arecanut. Before the formation of Kerala, a section of the district was with South Canara of Karnataka. Language and life style of the Kasargode is till considerably influenced by Kannada culture. A dozen rivers give life to the farming community in the district which has 77 km seashore. Tourist Spots BAKKEL : Bekkal beach is being groomed as a major tourist hub in the western coast. Bekkal fort is one of the best preserved in Kerala.Conveyance to Air The nearest airport at Mangalore, 73 km away. Rail Kasargode, a major stop between Mangalore and Kannur. Road N H 17 goes through Kasargode. Kasargode-Puthoor( Karnataka) road leads to Madikkery, Mysore and Bangalore. KSRTC operates buses to Mangalore and several parts of Kerala.

PATHANAMTHITTA

Pathanamthitta AT A GLANCE Area 2642sq.km. District Population 11,88,332 Temperature Mean Max. 37.0 deg.CMean Min. 22.0 deg.C Climate Tropical Altitude 500-1000 mt. above sea level Tourist Season August to March Hilly district. Half of the geographical area is forest. Sabarimala, a major pilgrim centre in India, is perched at an altitude of 3790 feet. The district has the lowest birthrate in Kerala. Highly educated people, a major chunk of overseas Keralites hail from this district. Tourist Spots Perumthenaruvi Waterfalls Konni, Kakki, Pamba, Anathodu water reservoirs Sabarimala, Maramon, Cheukolpuzha, Manjanikkara, Parumala are places of religious importance. Famous Arenmula mirror (metal mirror) is being designed at Arenmula in the district. Conveyance to Air Nearest airport at Cochin, 152 km away. Rail Rail link at Tiruvalla, 30 kms. away. Road M C road, an important state highway passes via Pathanamthitta district.

KANNUR

Kannur AT A GLANCE Area 2996 sq.km. District Population 22,51,727 Temperature Mean Max. 32.6 deg.CMean Min. 21.4 deg.C Climate Tropical Altitude Sea Level Rainfall 344 cm. Tourist Season August to March Kannur (earlier Canannore), has carved a niche in the socio-political history of the state. The capital of erstwhile Kolathiri Rajas, the ancient town had fallen to European forces in several occasions. In 15th century, the Portuguese were the first to establish a settlement here. St. Angelo’s Fort in the city was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505. The Portuguese factory built by Cabral in 1501 was captured by the Dutch in 1663. In 1708 the British built a fort at Thalassery ( earlier Tellichery), another coastal town in Kannur. The nearby Mahe became a French colony in the 18th century. In 1940's, Kannur became an effervescent political cauldron. Communism was the provocation. The district hamlets witnesses bouts of violence which left indelible impressions on the political landscape of the district. Many folk art and dance forms have roots in the socio-religious culture of the district. Theyyam and Kavadiyattam were nurtured and nourished by artistes from Kannur. Another stronghold of the district is weaving. As many as hundred weaving units are ticking over here. Kannur is boarded by Karnataka's Kodagu district. Tourist Spots EZHIMALA : Naval academy is coming up here. 55 km from Kannur. THALASSERY : A trading centre of ancient times. Dr. German Gundert, a German Missionary, brought out the first Malayalam newspaper from Illikkunnu near Thalassery in 1856. He developed the first Malayalam dictionary. The historical city is also known as the cradle of Indian circus. Many a star circus artiste hailed from Thalassery. Leading circus troupes are still owned by people from this region. India's first gymnastic training centre functions here. Conveyance to Air The nearest airport at Karipur, Kozhikode 120 km away., Mangalore airport 170 km away. Rail Kannur railway station on Mangalore- Shornore Sector. A major station in north Kerala. Road N H 17 goes via Kannur, Thalassery- Virajpetta route is another Kerala-Karnataka route from Kannur. Private passenger buses for intra-district services. KSRTC operates buses to all parts of the state and to Mangalore and Bangalore in Karnataka.

PALAKKAD

Palakkad
AT A GLANCE Area 4480 sq.km. District Population 23,82,235 Temperature Mean Max.38.68 deg.cMean Min.21.15 deg.c Climate Tropical, hot season (March to May) Altitude Midland 7.62m. to 76.2m.above sea level Rainfall 240cm. (annual average) Tourist Season September to February Palakkad is supposed derived its name from Pala tree (Alsteria Scholaris) and kadu (forest). The whole area is said to have been once covered by 'pala' trees. Palakkad, due to its geographical position has strategic role in the Kerala life. Before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western coast, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala from the country elsewhere. The 32 to 40 km gap in the 960km Western Ghats functions as an inlet for northeast monsoon and dry winds. N H 47, major artillery of Kerala, passes through this Ghat section. Palakkad, the largest producer of rice is known as granary of Kerala. As many as eight rivers originates from the Palakkad hills. Among the rivers include Bharathapuzha, the longest river in the state. The hilly district has 136257 hector reserve forest including Silent Valley. The district which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats has only midland and highland areas. Palakkad had witnessed several alien invasions that had left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. The Palakkad Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions and the advent of the Britishers to the region. Tourist Spots Palakkad : The Tippu Fort in the city is a major attraction. Malampuzha : Dam and garden, children's park, aquarium, ropeway and fantasy park Silent Valley : Thick rain forest, habitat of rare species. Declared national park . 46 km from Mannarkkad. Mengara : Panoramic lake and aquariums. 32 km from Palakkad. Nelliyambathi : A perfect hideaway amid orange gardens. Parambikkulam : Wild Life Sanctuary. Siruvani : Eerie forest and dam, 25 km from Coimbathore. Sholayar : The highest peak in the district., coffee, tea plantations. Conveyance to Air The nearest airport Coimbatore, 55kms. away. Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away. Calicut airport 180 km away. Rail Bus service to all parts of Kerala and major cities in Tamilnadu, more so Coimbathore. Road Palakkad and Shornoore are major railway stations. Services to Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore sectors.

IDUKKI

Idukki AT A GLANCE Area 5019 sq.km. District Population 10,78,66 Temperature Mean Min. 22.5 deg. CMean Max. 37.5 deg. C Climate Tropical Altitude 2200 m above sea level Rainfall 270 cm.(annual) Tourist Season August to March The name, 'Idukki' is supposed derived from 'Idukku' means a narrow gauge. Man, animals and plants live in perfect harmony in this unspoiled natural queen of Kerala. The district is a sierra of domineering Western Ghats with altitude from 2500 to 6700 ft. The highest peak in Kerala, Anamudi, and a dozen peaks stand sentinels to Idukki, the spice kingdom of the state. The district has a forest of 260907 hector, largest area in the district. Several rivers, as Pampa and Manimala, originate from Idukki hills before meandering through the plainlands. Tourist Spots Thekkadi, Wildlife Sanctuary and lake. The lake was formed in 1895 when the then Madras government constructed a reservoir across periyar. The wildlife sanctuary was declared Tiger Reserve in 1978. Munnar : 136 km away from Kochi. Tucked away in misty teagardens. Indo-Swiz cattle project, Mattuppetti is near here. Idukki, The first arch-dam in India, inaugurated in 1976, is built between two granite hills across the River Periyar. Peerumedu : a hideaway in the snuggle of tea gardens. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary : On Munnar- Udumelpetta route, 50 km from Munnar. Rajamala : Eravikulam National Park, endangered sambhars can be spotted, 13 km from Munnar. Kumali : Portal of Thekkady, where Kerala and Tamil cultures meet and mingle.Mangaldevi temple 12 km away. Maryur : Famous for sandwood forests. Marayur jaggery is well-known. Sericulture and silk sari weaving are other attractions. Waterfalls : Vallakkuthu waterfalls on Aluva-Munnar road. Thommankuthu falls, 20 km off Thodupuzha. Thenmarikkuthu falls in Udumbenoore. Conveyance to Air The nearest airport Cochin, 132 km away. Rail No rail line in the district. Nearest Railway station at Kottayam, 133 km away. Road Kochi-Madura, N H 49 goes through Idukki district. Thodupuzha, the major town in the district, is well connected with other parts of the district and the state. KSRTC operates bus services from Thodupuzha station to several cities including district headquarters. Bus services on high range roads are scant.

MALAPPURAM

Malappuram AT A GLANCE Area 3550 sq.km. District Population 30,96,330 Temperature Mean Max. 32 to 37 deg.CMean Min. 22 deg.C Climate Humid on the coast, tropical with oppressive hot season in the interior Altitude Lowland: sea levelHighland: 477m to 2340 m. above sea level Rainfall 290 cm. Tourist Season September to March Malappuram literally means a terraced place atop hill. Lush coconut plantations-hallmark of the district-are bordered by Arabian Sea on the west and NiIgiri Hills on the east. The district has the highest birthrate in Kerala ( 28.74 per cent). Money orders from the Gulf countries are the backbone of the district's economy. Malappuram villages have most of the ancient Hindu, Muslim families in the state. Several places in the district are akin to legendary figures in Malayalam literature. It also has a unique position in the history; its people were the first to raise the flag of rebellion against the British Colonial Authority with the Mappilla revolt of 1921 being the bloodiest. Tourist Spots Kottakkal : The cradle of Ayurveda. Famous Ayurveda hospital.Thirur : Associated with Wagon tragedy, a black day in the history of freedom struggle. Poet Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language, lived here in the 16 the century. Palur : Tippu's Fort. Nilambur : Famous for teak and bamboo plantations. Kanoli plot; the oldest teak plantation in the world.The only teak museum in the Country. Thanur : One of the first Portuguese colonies in the country. St. Francis Xavier visited the coastal town in 1546 Conveyance to Air Calicut airport is at Karippur, 36 kms. away from district headquarters. Rail Major railway stations are Thirur, Kuttippuram. Local passenger service on Shornore- Nilambur line. Road Manjeri is the main city in the district, Malappuram has a KSRTC station which operates bus services to all parts of the state. Bus service to Ootty from Nilambur via Gudalore. Bangalore service from Malappuram

KOCHI

Cochin, 'Queen of the Arabian sea' is the capital of Eranakulam district. The city is built up on a cluster of islands and peninsulas joined by the bustling town on the main land, Ernakulam. Past entwines hand with modernity. Ruins of colonial days make the history a pervasive presence here. Cochin is the only metro in Kerala that is located on Central Kerala. Airport, harbour, oil refinery, public and private sector industrial units and hill- produce trading centres make the city the biggest commercial hub in Kerala. Geographically, the district with coastal, midland and high ranges is a Kerala-in-miniature. The urban district accounts for 8123-hector forest. Tourist Spots Bolghatty palace : A picturesque island with a palace turned tourist hotel, which was built in 1744 by Dutch Government. Wellington Island : Airport, harbour and headquarters of several governments departments are on this island. Museum : Evokes memories of 19 the century. Synagogue : The jewel on Kochi’s physique, stands testimony to the tolerance and hospitality of local rulers of Kerala. Built in 1568. Dutch Palace : A Portuguese contribution to King of Kochi in 1586. Named after Dutch when they rebuilt the palace later. Fort Kochi : The first foreign Church in India. Vasco De Gama was buried here; later remains were exhumed out and taken to Portugal. Chinese Fishing Nets : An enticing scene. Became trademark of Kochi. Churches : Santhacrus Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church. Thrippunithara : Hill Palace Museum Edappally : History Museum Kaladi : 45 km from Kochi. Birthplace of Sankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher. Kodanadu : Elephant camp under Forest Department. Malayatoor : St. Thomas Church, Edappally St.George Church are pilgrim centres.

ALAPPUZHA

Alapuzha
Area 1414 sq.km. District Population 20,01,217 Temperature Mean Max. 35 deg.CMean Min. 20 deg.C Climate Tropical Altitude Sea Level Rainfall 229 cm. (Annual) Tourist Season September to March Alappuzha ( earlier Alleppey), Venice of the East, is spread on the banks of a network of canals, lakes and lagoons. The city is the hub of the fabled backwater cruise. Sandwiched between Arabian Sea and Vembanad Lake, the district has no forest area to its credit and its 82km seashore constitutes 13.9 per cent of the state's seashore. This network of canals and lakes connects this city to other important destinations like Kottayam and Kohci. Kerala rural life at close quarters; toddy-tapping, coir-making, prawn-farming, and scores of other sights. Alappuzha's history was blood stained when Communist activists had a pitched battle with police in 1946. Tourist Spots Houseboat Cruises: Alappuzha, the centre of houseboat cruises. Various houseboat cruises like Alappuzha-Kollam, Alappuzha-Kottayam, Alappuzha-Kochi are offered by houseboat operators like Soma houseboats, Tour India etc. Boat races : In August every year on Lake Punnamada, Chambakkulam. Light House : First on western coast. Built in 1862 Pilgrim Centres : Edathua, Arthungal Ambalappuzha : Sree Krishna Temple, festival an cultural programmes famed. Conveyance to Air The nearest airport at Cochin, 64 km. Thiruvananthapuram Airport is 159 km. Rail Connected to Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. Road NH 47 passes via Alappuzha. Alappuzha-Changanassery road links the district to M C road. Water Boat services to Cochin 5.30 hrs., Kollam 8 hrs., Kottayam 2.30 hrs and Changanasserry 3 hrs.

HOUSE BOATS OF KERALA

The backwaters are best experienced while slowly punting down the labyrinth of canals in a traditional thatch-roofed houseboat, known as 'kettuvallam'. The houseboats are renovated cargo boats… kettuvallams… and are provided with all modern conveniences and comforts to make your stay a pleasant experience. To complement the traditional way of rowing using large poles, outboard engines are also provided. The boats are designed to facilitate a most eco-friently functioning.A wide selection of beautiful routes is available for the cruises and you can choose one that suits your budget and time frame. Each route is comprehensive, serene and enjoyable in itself, extending to you a complete experience of kuttand.. The unique water land of kerala. Staying in a houseboat would be a matter of pure amazement and sheer novelty to you. But for those in Kerala, water and boats are as dear to them as land and houses! For nightlong travels, nothing was as cozy yet convenient as the house boats. LUXURY HOUSEBOATS - These exclusive, ultra modern and well-furnished houseboats are truly castles in the water. These pricey palaces fit for the kings and queens are self sufficient with all the latest facilities- Internet, computer, air-conditioned, spacious rooms, and television. DELUXE HOUSEBOATS - More affordable than the super luxury houseboats, here exquisite boats do not compromise on quality. With well-decorated rooms and furniture, they are the epitome of rustic Kerala beauty. All the rooms are air conditioned too, to supplement your cool holidays. ECONOMY HOUSEBOATS -These truly traditional houseboats nurture the classic Kerala houseboat life. Marked by beauty in simplicity, you can enjoy a typical Kerala life style in this boat, untouched by the roots of the digital world.