Thursday, February 7, 2008

Districts


Alappuzha

With its vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water lakes and crisscrossing rivers, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Alappuzha is referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Lower areas of the district, known as Kuttanad, is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Tourist Places
Boat Races: Nehru Trophy boat race held during the month of August is one of the major attractions of the district
Arthunkal: The Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Church
Krishnapuram palace: This palace is famous for its mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham, dating back to the 18th century.
Pathiramanal: This little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.
Alappuzha Beach: Sandy beaches and sea view parks are the specialities of Alappuzha.

Ernakulam

Ernakulam is one of the fastest growing places in Kerala. It is an important commercial and residential area. Cochin Carnival and Sivarathri festival celebrated on the bank of Periyar river, attract tourists from all around the world.
Tourist Places

Kochi: Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian sea’, Kochi is the main commercial center if Kerala.
Bolghatty: A beautiful island situated away from the hustle of the city. The elegant Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD, is now a KTDC Hotel. The island also has park and golf course.
Willington Island: This beautiful manmade island is surrounded by backwaters. Willington Island houses many government offices.
Jewish Synagogue: Built in 1568, this Synagogue is the oldest in India. There is also a Jewish Town in Kochi. Many antiques are available on sale here and it is also a center for spice trade.
Fort Kochi: St. Francis Chruch, the first church built by the Portuguese in India, in the year 1503, stands here.
Hill Palace Museum: Kerala's first ever heritage museum and an ethno-archaeological museum are the main attractions.

Idukki

Idukki is the spice garden of Kerala. With the Sahya ranges occupying most of the geographical area, Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala. High ranges and wooded valleys of Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, jungle walks and safaris, mountain treks, elephant rides etc.
Idukki is home to a large population of tribals, the main tribes being Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Tourist Places

Thekkady: Thekkady, with the Periyar lake, wild life sanctuaries and Tiger reserve, is one of the most famous tourist destination in kerala.
Munnar: A holiday resort in the midst of misty mountains and tea estates.
Idukki Dam: Built on the Periyar river, Idukki dam is the first arch dam in India.
Mattuppetty: : Located at a height of 1700 mt above sea level above sea level
Waterfalls : Idukki also has many waterfalls like Thommankutth, Thenmaarikutth, Vaalakutth.

Kannur

Kannur district derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. Kannur was formerly known as Cannanore. Kannur is popularly known as the city of Looms and Lores. Kannur is the land of the famous performing art Theyyam.
Tourist Places

St. Angelo's Fort: St. Angelo's Fort, built in 1505 the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, is situated near the sea coast and is about 2 km away from Kannur town.
Muzhappilangad Beach: The only drive-in-beach in Kerala, where you can drive an entire length of 4 K.m. currents of the deep, the shallow waters of this long, clean beach is a swimmer's paradise.
Meenkunnu Beach: Situated at Azhikode, it is hardly a few kilometres from the town. Payyambalam beach: The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in the State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepctive of seasons.
Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu: The Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu is situated 18 kms.
Mappila bay: Situated near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the Mappila bay has a historical background.
Pazhassi Dam: The damsite, famous for its scenic beauty, is an ideal retreat for tourists

Kasargod

Known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches, Kasargod is world famous for its coir and handloom industries. Kasargod is the northern most district of Kerala. Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple architecture. The largest fort in the state, the Bekal fort is in this district.
Tourist Places

Bakel: The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the State.
Kanhangad: The Hosdurg Fort here, with its round bastions is a major attraction for tourists. \

Kollam

Kollam was a famous port and trade center of ancient times and was frequently visited by Arabs, Greeks, Romans and Chinese for spices and other produces. The district has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Today Kollam is the center of the cashew trading industry. Almost 30% of the district is covered by the Asthamudi Lake.
Tourist Places

Palaruvi: A breathtaking 300mt waterfall. It is believed that the falling water possess medicinal value.
Thenmala: The name comes from the best quality honey that this place produce.
Shastamkotta: The largest fresh water lake in Kerala is surrounded by hills on threes sides.
Krishnapuram Palace Museum: It is one of the monuments that can rightfully be called the pride of Kerala.

Kottayam

With a literacy rate of over 95%, Kottayam boasts of being the literary capital of Kerala. Kottayam is the land of letters, latex and lakes. There are also many artistically and historically important temples and churches here like the Thirunakkara temple, Ettumanoor temple, Manarcad Church etc.
Tourist Places

Kumarakom: With its luxurious backwater cruising, Mangrove forests, paddy fields, coconut groves and enchanting waterways, Kumarakom is a true Paradise for travelers.
Vembanad Lake: With an area of 260 sq.km., Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala.
Temples and Churches: Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Thirunakkara Temple, Bharananganam Church, Manarcad Church are important religious centers.

Malappuram

Bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east and the Arabian sea on the west, Malappuram, with its rich natural beauty, lush coconut grooves and historic past, has its own tourist attractions. The temples and mosque of this district are well known for their festivals.
Tourist Places

Kottakal: Kottakkal is a world renowned centre of Ayurveda.
Thirunavaya: Thirunavaya holds an important position in the history of Kerala. Situated on the bank of Bharathapuzha, Thirunavaya once hosted Mamankam, a grand assembly of the rulers, held once in 12 years,
Nilambur: World’s oldest teak plantation, Conolly's plot is here. Teakwood and Bamboo are in plenty
Tirur: Tirur is the birth place of Thunjuath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, honoured as the Father of Malayalam literature.

Palakkad

Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad district has its own special characteristics. Palakkad is known as the Granary of Kerala. The district has vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, with tributaries of Bharathapuzha river criss-crossing it.
Tourist Places

Palakkad Fort: Built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766, the old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. The location to the west fort known by the name is Kottamaithanam, is where Tippu’s cavalry once camped.
Malambuzha: The Malampuzha Dam and surrounding gardens have always remained the main attractions of Kerala. This famous picnic spot is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats. Within the Malampuzha garden compound, there are many more wonders which includes fish shaped aquarium, Snake Park, rock garden.
Silent Valley National Park: This ever green forest is home for several specious of trees and plants. It includes many varieties of reptiles.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: This Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating facilitie is available at the Parambikulam Reservoir.
Attappady: Attappady is home to many tribes like the Irulars and Mudugas, who are considered to be the descendants of the Negrito race. Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists.
Sholayar: Highest place in Attappady.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam, Kanniyarkali, Kaalapoottu, Pavakkooth, Pattambi Nercha etc… heralds the cultural heritage of Palakkad.

Pathanamthitta

More than fifty per cent of the total area of this district is covered by forests. Pathanamthitta is one of the most important pilgrim centers in Kerala and there are many Temples and Churchs. Maramon, the place where the world famous Maramon convention is conducted, is in this district. Sabarimala,located at an altitude of 3790 feet, is one of the most famous pilgrim centers in India. The world famous Aranmula mirrors comes from this district. The elephant-training center at Konni is also another attraction of the district.
Tourist Places

Aranmula: : Aranmula is famous for the snake boat race held on the last day of the Onam festival. Aranmula is also noted for its crafts and people’s dexterity.
Konni: The place is synonymous with ‘aanakoodu’ or elephant cage.
Sabarimala: The most popular Hindu pilgrim center in Kerala. Mandalapooja and Makara Vilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season which is between November and January.
Niranam: The powerful ancient church situated at Niranam, dates back to 52AD.
Maramon, Cherukolpuzha, Parumala and Manjanikkara are famous pilgrim centers

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (earlier know as Trivandrum) is the capital City of Kerala. Located at the southwestern tip of India, Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. With its 78 km coastline, internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage, Thiruvananthapuram district is a much sought after tourist destination in Kerala.
Tourist Places

Kovalam: Kovalam is the most famous beach of Kerala. Kovalam is also one of the best beaches in India and is attracting travelers from all over the world. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surges - ideal for swimming and surfing.
Neyyar Dam: The picturesque location of the dam and the lake in the midst of the mountains and a mini wild life protection area has made Neyyar a popular tourist destination.
Varkala: Janarddhana Swami Temple is a famous pilgrim center.
Thiruvananthapuram City: Shankmukham beach, Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Sri Chithra Art gallery – an exclusive art gallery for Raja Ravi Verma paintings, Planetarium, Zoo etc are the most important places of tourist interest. Apart from these, there are several Palaces and Museums showcasing the culture and heritage of this beautiful city.
Thrissur

With its rich history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, Thrissur is called the Cultural Capital of Kerala. Thrissur pooram, a two century old festival celebrated with all pomp and splendor in the month of April/May, is the greatest attraction of Thrissur. The Guruvayoor Temple and the St. Thomas Chruch at Kodungalloore gives a religious recognition to Thrissur.
Tourist Places

Cheruthuruthy: Kerala Kala mandalam is situated here. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom, Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted here. Koothambalam is an important attraction here.
Aathirappalli and Vazhachal: Two splendid waterfalls makes this place another important tourist spot in Kerala. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty.
Peechi Dam: Peechi dam and reservoir is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir.
Guruvayur: Known as the Dwaraka of the South, Guruvayur is among the most important pilgrim centers in India. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan. A 7 mt. high Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), with its 13 circular receptacles, provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit.
Vadakkunathan Temple: This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue.
Punnathur Kota: The place where the temple elephants are taken care of.

Wayanad

A hilly district lying close to the Sahya ranges and with almost one forth of the total land area under forest cover, Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. Wayanad district is also home to some of the oldest tribes in South India.
Tourist Places

Edakkal Caves: A pair of caves on top of the Ambukuthimala with historical importance. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilisation that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. Symbols of human beings, animals and ancient tools are visible here.
Muthanga: Wayanad wild life sanctuary is here.
Pookod Lake: This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala.
Thirunelli Temple: An ancient temple in the foot hills of the 5276 feet Brahmagiri Mountain. A journey through the forest gets you there. temple is a marvel of temple architecture.
Pakshipaathalam: Home to a large variety of rare species of birds, this place can be reached by trekking.
Lakkidi: Gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass.

No comments: