Major cities in kerala

Ernakulam Travel (Cochin)

MalappurErnakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.

Area : 2408 sq. Km.

Population : 2,797,779

Access :

Air - International Airport at Nedumbassery (20 kms from town)

Rail - Ernakulam (Cochin) is a major railhead of the Southern Railway. Main Station : Ernakulam (Cochin) junction.

Other station : Ernakulam (Cochin) town,Kochi Harbour Terminus.

Road - An excellent road network links to all major towns and cities in india.

Ferry - There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam (Cochin). The main boat jetty is one km from the junction railway station and the other is near the high court.

Places to visit :

Fort Kochi - A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic for Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township In india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the cultural influences, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of indo european architecture that still exist here.

Chinese Fishing Nets - These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the malabar coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 ad by Traders from the court of kublai khan, these nets are st up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the vasco da gama square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

St. Francis Church - Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, this is India's oldest European Church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant dutch, converted To an anglican church by the british in 1795 and is at present governed by the church of south india. Vasco da gama was buried here in 1524 before his Remains were moved to Lisbon, portugal.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) - Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beauriful murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also houses dutch maps of old kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of kochi.

Synagogue - Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the dutch.

Bolghatty Island - This island is famous for its palace of the same name. The bolghatty palace Was built in 1744 the dutch and later taken over by the british. Today it is a hotel run by the kerala tourism , with a small golf course and special honeymoon cottages.

Willingdon Island - Named after Lord Willingdon, a former british viceroy of india, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the southern naval command.

Excursions :

Athirapally waterfalls - 80 kms

Guruvayoor - 108 kms

Sree Krishna Temple - non hindus are not allowed

Periyar wildlife sanctuary - 192 km

Munnar - 130 kms

Kumarakom - 58 kms.

Malappuram Travel

Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquarters of the samorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British east india company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. Area - 3550 sq. Km Population - 3,096,000

Access :

Air - Nearest

Airport : Kozhikode (36 kms)

Rail - Nearest main railway station is kozhikode (calicut).

Road - Malappuram is well connected to all the major towns in kerala. Karnataka and Tamilnadu by an excellent road network.

Places to visit :

The jama-at mosque - This is an important pilgrim centre of the muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (Nercha) is celebrated in april. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the malappuram shaheeds (Martyrs)whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna - The temple is located about 3 kms west of angadipuram on the way to malappuram from perinthalmanna.

Nilambur - This is the original home of the cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of kerala. The extensively forested land is well known for canoli's plot the world's oldest teak plantation and bamboo woods.

Tanur - The small coastal fishing town of tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the portuguese. It is belived that st. Francis xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of tanur town is keraladeshapuram temple, dedicated to lort vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in kerala.

Kottakkal - 12 kms southwest of malappuram, this small town is home to the famed kottakkal arya vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in kerala.

Excursions :

Kadalundi bird sanctuary (48 kms)

Pazhayangadi mosque

Kondotti (18 kms).

Munnar Travel

Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Area - 1414 sq. Km

Population - 1,990,603 (1991 census)

Places to visit :

Pothamedu - 6 kms from munnar, pothamedu offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks.

Devikulam - 7 kms from munnar, this idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

Nyayamakad - 10 kms from munnar: located between munnar and rajamala, nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 metres. The enchanting surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Rajamala - 15 kms from munnar : this is the natural habitat of the nilgiri tahr. Half the world population of the rare mountain goat which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.

Eravikulam National Park - 15 kms from munnar : the 97 sq. Km park is situated in the devikulam taluk and is home to the nilgiri tahr. The anamudi peak (2695 m ) is located in the southern region of the park.

Excursions :

Anayirankal - 22 km from munnar

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary - 60 kms on tamil nadu border

Thommankuthu.

Palakkad Travel

The district of palakkad known as the granary of kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the western ghats, this is the gateway to kerala from The north. Palakkad derives its name from the malayalam words pala (alsteria scholaris) and kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the pala tree.

Area - 4480 sq. Km

Population - 2,382,235

Access :

Air - Nearest Airports Coimbatore (55 kms)

Rail - Palakkad junction railway station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the southern railways.

Road - Palakkad is connected by excellent network of roads to all the major cities in india.
Places to visit :

Palakkad Fort - The old granite fort situated in the very heart of pallakad town is one of the best preserved in kerala. It was built by hyder ali of mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modigied by the british in 1790. It is now preserved by the archaeological survey of india. Malampuzha Garden - This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped Gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats.

Excursions :

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary - 110 kms from palakkad : sprawled across 285 sq. Km the parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. The rest houses of the state forest department at thoonakkadavu, thellikkal and anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.

Nelliyampathy - 40 kms from south of nenmara: this fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to negotiated on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the sahya ranges. Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers.

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum)

The capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Area - 2192 sq.km

Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)

Access :

Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city.

Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.

Road - well connected to all towns & cities.
Places to visit :

Kovalam Beach - 16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Padmanabha Swamy Temple - The temple is located inside the East Fort. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, & a blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is known for its Mural Paintings and Stone Carvings. One among the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India, the presiding deity in here is Lord Vishnu reclining on anantha the serpent.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum - The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore, who was a great poet, musician, social reformer and statesman. This rare specimen of workmanship in the traditional travancore style of architecture also has exquisite wood carvings. The palace museum displays paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family.

The Napier Museum - Built in the 19th century, the indo - saracenic structure boasts a "natural" Airconditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The use of plaxtic is banned in the museum premises.

Sree Chitbra Art Gallery - Located near the Napier Museum. This are gallery displays select paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of Art In India. Other places of interest 1.. The zoological park , priyadarshini planetarium , observatory, shankhumugham beach & connemera market.

Excursions :

Thiruvallam - 10 kms away this serene backwater stretch enroute to Kovalam, is famous for its Canoe Rides.

Aruvikkara Dam - 16 kms away this picturesque picnic spot is on the banks of the Karamana River. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors.

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

The land's end of india or the point where the three seas meet, is the enchanting kanniyakumari. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Part of the fascination is, of course, the fact that it is the very tip of the indian peninsula and the confluence of the bay of bengal, the arabian sea and the indian ocean.

Varkala Tavel

Varkala has now emerged as a hot spot destination of Kerala. Being in Varkala is very momentous for tourists who intend to spend time leisurely in the beaches of Kerala. This beach destination is an absolute favorite for tourists, as it is here that one can spend time doing absolutely nothing while holidaying. Varkala is basically a small town perched at a distance of 55 kms in the north of Thiruvananthapuram. However, Varkala is so quaint that there is no indication that this town can also be on many a tourist itinerary.The landscape of this amazing town is what makes the coastline of Varkala exceptional. The beach has towering cliffs that stand like silent sentinels, guarding the sparkling waters. The visitors of Varkala are simply astounded by the unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs and the view that the rocky cliffs offer from its top. Besides, the shining white sands, the sky touching the blue water of the sea, the red soil of the hilltop, yellow green paddy fields and green coconut trees together make a composite picture of the beautiful and awesome nature of Varkala. The pristine glory of the beaches of Varkala remain so untouched that one literally has to climb down the cliff or scramble over rocks in order to reach the secluded parts of the beach.

Area - 1414 sq.km

Population - 157,342

Access :

Air - Nearest International Airport is Trivandrum (55 Kms).

Rail - Alleppy & Quilon is the nearest rail route to Varkala.

Road - Varkala is 54 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 37 km from Kollam.

Places to visit :

Papanasam Beach (Varkala Beach)

16 kms away this Internationally renowned Beach Resort has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple

Sree Janardhana Swamy temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus who visit this temple in huge numbers. This temple is built on a hill top that has become a sobriquet for the region. Non-Hindus, however, are not permitted entrance in the inner sanctum but can hang around in the temple.

Sivagiri Mutt

This Mutt is a religious site, founded by Sree Narayana Guru (1856 – 1952), the famous philosopher and social reformer of modern Kerala. This Mutt is also the headquarters of a religious organization, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham, established by the Guru to propagate his idea of ' One Caste, One Religion, One God'. It is between 30th December and 1st January that 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' is conducted every year.

Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort is the main garrison of the Dutch East India Company and is situated very close to Varkala town. This fort still reminisces the powerful position the East India Company in the state.

Varkala Tunnel

Varkala also has long a tunnel, the construction of which began in 1867 and completed 1880. Popularly known as 'Varkala Turuthu', this tunnel was built under the supervision of Divan Sheshaya Sasthri and was extensively used for ferrying of goods.

Nature Cure Center

Situated near the Varkala beach, this is an excellent destination for relaxation and rejuvenation of the body.

Excursions :

Kappil Lake (6 kms north of Varkala) :

Situated at the outskirts of Varkala town, the lake gives way to the pictorial world of the Kerala backwaters. The scenic beauty of the estuaries of the lake is mesmerizing.

Mineral Springs :

Located near the Varkala beach, the mineral springs are believed to have medicinal properties. A large number of people throng this place every year to drink and bathe in the water of the mineral springs.