KERELA ANT IT'S BEAUTY

Kerala

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 islocated about 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district.

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Located inThekkady, 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 inThiruvananthapuram.

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 fromThiruvananthapuram 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 fromThiruvananthapuram 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 TempleandShenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Km from Kollam) are some of the places of tourist interest in this district.