Kerala Culture - Onam, Shivarathri, Vishu, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, BharataNatyam, Theyyam
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 is located about 40 km from Thodupuzha, Idukki district.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in Thekkady, 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 in Thiruvananthapuram.
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 from Thiruvananthapuram 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 from Thiruvananthapuram 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 Temple and Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary (60 Km from Kollam) are some of the places of tourist interest in this district.
