Kerala Tourist Destinations

kerala

Kerala is a state in Southern India, famous for its culture, spices, beaches and backwaters. It is also one of the most literate and prosperous states in India. Malayalees call their state "God's own country" and it is blessed with abundant greenery, tropical forests, a fertile coastal plain, fishing, tourism and a relatively stable political situation.

Kasargod

Kasargod is the northern most district of Keralam in Southern India

1. Bekal Fort - The largest and best preserved fort in the state.
2. Adoor - famous for ancient Siva Temple where legendary Kiratha Yuddham a battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place.
3. Ajanoor - famous Madiyan Kulom temple
4. Anandasram - spiritual centre
5. Ananthapuram the Lake Temple
6. Bekal Hole Aqua Park - Pedal boats and water cycles
7. Bela Church - Gothic style Roman Catholic church
8. Bellikoth - A cultural centre
9. Chandragiri - 17th century fort, Chandragiri river, Chandragiri Cruises.
10. Cheruvathur - Veeramala Hills a picnic spot, ruins of 18th century Dutch fort.
11. Edneer Mutt - Sankaracharya tradition art and learning center.
12. Govinda Pai Memorial - native palace of the greatest Kannada poets of modern time.
13. Hosdurg Fort
14. Kammatam Kavu - An evergreen forest associate with Kammadam Bhagavathi Temple.
15. Kanhangad Fort
16. Kanjan Junga - an artist village
17. Kanwatheertha Beach Resort
18. Kariangode River
19. Kappil Beach
20. Kasargod Town
21. Kottancherry - rain forests
22. Kottappuram - Mud fort build by the Nileshwar Rajas
23. Kudlu - famous for Adwaita and Dwaita Hindu philosophies
24. Madhur - famous Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple
25. Madiayankulam Temple - famed for Bhutha Dance (pootham) festivals in May/June and December/January.
26. Maipady Palace - palaces of Kumbala Rajas.
27. Malik Dinar Mosque
28. Nellikunnu Mosque - Famous for Uroos
29. Nityanandasramam - spiritual centre
30. Perne - Place 28 Muchilottu Bhagavathi temples, The mass marriage at the time of Pooram festival in the month of Meenam is a unique feature of this temple.
31. Pallikere Beach
32. Posadigumpe - An ideal picnic centre
33. Povval Fort
34. Ranipuram - trekking trails
35. Sree Mahalingeswara Temple
36. Trikaripur - famous for T.S.Thirumumbu of Thazekkattu mana, poet and freedom fighter.
37. Trikkanad - ideal place for adventurous swimmers and famous 'Pandyan Kallu' temple
38. Tulur Vanam - a.k.a Kekulom, Famous for eight day annual Temple festival
39. Veliyaparamba - scenic backwater

Kannur

1. St. Angelo's Fort - Don Francisco De Almeida of Portuguese constructed this fort in 1505 AD. The Dutch captured the fort from Portuguese in 1663 they sold the fort to the king Ali Raja of Arakkal kingdom.In 1790 the British seized the control over this fort and became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. Inside St.Angelo's fort,many people believe that there is a secret tunnel in this fort. This tunnel was built underneath the sea to the Thalassery Fort which is 21 km from Kannur fort. This under passage is said to be used by soldiers to escape.Grilled off from the general public, the percieved entrance is located 10 metres form the shore within the walls and is understood to be able to provide a potential escape route to horse-mounted soldiers with channels at regular points to provide air circulation.The Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque are near the fort.A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in AmsterdamThe fort is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India
2. Payyambalam Beach -is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala in India widely admired for its beauty.This beach is only 2 km from Kannur town.From the beach, one can see ships in transit along the Malabar coast, that is, beyond Calicut (Kozhikode) and moving towards Mangalore, Goa and Bombay (Mumbai). One can see a sculpture (Mother and Child) by Kanayi Kunhiraman near this beach.
3. Arackal Kottaram - Palace of Arackal Ali Rajas a Muslim royal family
4. Moppila Bay - Situated near the St. Angelo’s Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna Temple were quite famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norwegian project assistance, can be seen at this bay. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience
6. Baby Beach: It is called so as it is smaller than its bigger neighbourhood, Payyambalam Beach.The famous St. Angelo Fort is adjacent to it.
7. Meenkunnu Beach: Situated at Azhikode, it is hardly a few kilometres from the town. The virgin beach is a tourist’s paradise with golden sand and surf.
8. Thottada Beach Situated at Thottada just 2 km from the NH 17 connecting Kannur and Thalassery, it is hardly 7 km from Kannur town. The virgin beach is ideal for sun bathing. Tourists could stay at the beach house or guest house near the beach.
9. Azhikkal Ferry Situated near Azhikode around 10 km from Kannur town. There is the Valapattanam river joining the Arabian sea. Azhikkal ferry gives a magnificient view of the sunset. There is a granite pathway around 2 km into the sea at this place; once you reach the edge of the pathway you are surrounded by sea from all sides.
10. Muzhappilangad Beach: A long clean beach, its enchanting ambiance invites you to swim sunbathe or just lounge around. Its Kerala’s only drive-in beach and one could drive the entire length of 4 km. Muzhappilangad beach is situated about 5 km north of Thalassery and 15 km from Kannur. There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves, leading to the beach. The beach is about 5 kilometers long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur beach on the north. To the South and about 200 metres away from the beach there is a beautiful island called the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of the beach. Such a conjunction of beach and island is rare.
11. Dharmadam Island: (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam): The small 5 acre (20,000 m²) island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. It is surrounded by rivers and seas. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam was a Buddhist stronghold.
12. Gundert Bungalow - residence of a German missionary and great scholar, author of malayalam dictionary
13. Neltur Hill Church - build by Rev. Dr. Herman Gundert .
14. Thalassery Fort - 18th century fort built by british and a light house
15. Odathil Palli - Odathil Palli (Odathil Mosque) is a 200 year old mosque in Thalassery, a city in the state of Kerala, South India. The mosque was built around 1806.In the heart of Thalassery stands the 200 year old Odathil Palli and the Garden Mosque.
16. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary - The Aralam Wildlife sanctuary is spread over 55 square kilometres of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Iritty, a small town about 55 kilometres from Kannur. The sanctuary adjoins the Central state Farm at Aralam. Aralam wild life is situating in Muzhakkunnu panchayathu and Aralam panchayath. Muzhakkunnu is also a tourist spot.The elevation varies from 50 m to 1145 m. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.
18. Ezhimala - Ezhimala, the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings, is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur town. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola-Chera war of the 11th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque, believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif, a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs. There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, consequent to the proposal for commissioning the Naval Academy there.
19. Kizhunna Ezhara Beach
20. Kottiyoor - famous for Siva Temple
21. Madayi - This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of the Prophet. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore.
22. Mahe - French coloney, now part of Pondicherry state
23. Malayalakalagramam - centre for arts and culture
24. Parassini Kadavu -Snake Park is a famous landmark in the district of Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu, en route from Kannur to Taliparamba, 2 km from National Highway(NH) 17. Here one gets to see a large genre of snakes and other small animals and there is even a live show, where trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, including cobras and vipers, and seek to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes. The Snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri, has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. This Kendra(center) offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost 100% cure. This is the only place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites. The snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell's viper, Krait and various pit vipers. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons. A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually. It is located 16 km from Kannur. Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple. This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering
25. Pazhazzi Dam - favours for its scenic beauty, pleasure boating, accommodation at Inspection Bungalow.
26. Payyambalam Beach Resort
27. Pythal Mala - This hill on the Kerala-Karnataka border is 65 km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1,450 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers.
28. Thiruvangadi - Sree Ramaswami Temple, a prominent temple with carvings as old as 400 years.
29. Taliparambu - Taliparamba is a small town of only 67,000 people crowded into a small area of 43 square kilometers. But the undulating hills that surround this little town make it exceptionally beautiful. The surrounding villages of Pattuvam, Kuttikkol and Karimbam are filled with lush green fields and little rolling hills. The rivers of Kuppam and Valapattanam surround the towns from all sides and the Arabian sea is only 14 kilometres to the western side. The hanging bridge at Kuttiyeri and the beautiful riverside temple at Parassinikkadavu attaract a large number of toruists. The Kannur University, Pariyaram Medical College and Sir Syed College are a few famous institutions in and around Taliparamba. The origin of Taliparamba is from the Perinchalloor brahminical settlement. Of the original 2,000 Brahmin families, only 45 remain now. The old name of Taliparamba was 'Lakshmipura' as this place was considered as an abode of prosperity. The 'Raja Rajeswari Temple' and the 'Trichambaram temple' are renowned places of worship. Today Muslims and Christians also form a sizeable portion of the population.
30. Thodikalam Siva Temple - Believed to be 2,000 years old and famous for its mural paintings. This temple is believed to have been Constucted by the Pazhassi Raja Family of Kottayam.
31. Valapattanam (Ballapattam) - Valapattanam is a small town in Kannur district of Kerala in India. It is 7 km from Kannur town.This town is also known as Balyapattanam. This town is in the on the banks of Valapattanam river. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. Centuries back Valapattanam puzha river was the main ship route for trading and Valapattanam was the main town, because of this the town got this name. "Valya pattanam" means "big town" in Malayalam language though it is the smallest panchayath in Kerala. The port of Azhikkal is located nearby. In the bank of Valapattanam river you see Western India Plywoods Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in the country and which was the biggest plywood factory in Asia till few years back.The famous Muthappan temple is in the bank of Valapattanam river.
32. Karivellur -Famous for the Communist movement and martyrdom.

Wayanad

1. Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Banasura Dam- Largest earth dam in India, situated 15 km north-west of Kalpetta.
3. Chembra Peak - It is the highest peak in Wayanad and is 2100 m peak above sea level. It is 14 Km west of Kalpetta.
4. Chain Tree
5. Edakkal Caves - This location of breathtaking beauty is 25 kilometres from Kalpetta. The Edakkal cave in the Ambukuthy mountain, is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary, it is only'a cleft about 96ft. long and 22ft wide in the rock'. It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main Entrance to Edkal Cavesbody due to some natural causes. The depth of both the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it. The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole. The caves accessible only by a 1 Km trekking trail from Edakkal.
6. Jain Templeat Panamaram- It is 5 Km north-east of Panamaram.
7. Kalpetta
8. Kuruva Dweep - The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabini, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. It is 17 km east of Mananthavady and 40 km north west of Sultan Bathery. As a precaution don't stay on this island after dusk.
9. Kanthapara Waterfalls- A 30m high water-fall situated 12 km south-east of Kalpetta.
10. Lakkidi - hill station situated 700 m above sea level, at Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Winding roads, Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests. Telephones Microwave station, Hotel Management College and couple of resorts are situate here.
11. Mananthavady
12. Meenmutty waterfalls- It is 12Km from Meepadi. It involves a good trek through some inhospitable terrain, but the end result is breath-taking.
13. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary - Deer, Monkeys, Birds, Elephants and tigers.
14. Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries - This sanctuary extends to Karnataka State.
15. Padinjarathara - Famous for Bansura mini hydro project with the largest earth dam in India, and with a sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees.
16. Pakshipathalam - It is a bird sanctuary accessible only be trekking. It is 7 km north-east of Thirunelly temple. To visit this place, special permission needs to be obtained from the forest department.
17. Papanasini - See Thirunelly Temple in the list below
18. Pazhassi Raja Tomb - Memorial of the Lion of Kerala Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organized a guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company.
19. Pookote Lake - It is a natural fresh water lake, brimmed with ever green mountains. The weather here is salacious; the scenic beauty, hypnotising and the nature, unspoiled. Pookode lake tourist resort in Vythiri is the most sought after tourist spot of Wayanad. There is an aquarium and a green house here. Boating facilities also are available. Spices and handicraft items are also arranged for sale at Pookode. The lake has an area of 8.5ha. and the maximum water depth is 6.5mtrs. This lake is three km south of Vythiri
20. Soochipara Waterfalls
21. Sultan Battery Jain Temple - Also known as Tippu's Fort.
22. Thirunelly Temple - Thirunelly is situated 29 km north east of Mananthavady under the Brahmarigi hills in the reserve forests. The temple at Thirunelly is often called 'Thekkan Kasi' It is believed that a bath in the holy water of 'Papanasini' will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelly is a place of scenic beauty. Its Famous for its architecture, the shrine is shielded with 30 granite on the bank of Papanasini river. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7 km away from the temple.
23. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctury
24. Vythiri Resorts

Kozhikode

1. Art Gallery - paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma
2. Beypore - A city in the mouth of Beypore river, traditional boat(Urus)-building yard, old port, fishing harbour.
3. Canolly Canal - boating
4. Elathur - boating
5. Kadalundi - bird sanctuary, boating
6. Kakkayam - trekking and rock climbing
7. Kallai - timber trading centre, famous one of largest timber yard in Asia.
8. Kallai river - boating.
9. Kappad - Kappad see shore is famous because Vasco Da Gamma landed her in 1498 from Europe.
10. Kirtads - museum of ancient tribal communities household tools and devices.
11. Korapuzha - venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsav (water festival)
12. Kozhikode Beach - hundred years old lighthouse and the two crumbling pier
13. Krishna Menon Museum - dedicated to late V K Krishna Menon, the former Foreign minister and Defence minister of India.
14. `Mananchira Maidan - The palace tank of King Mana Vikrama, still used as venue of various festival.
15. Payyoli - historical place, old fort and mosque of the Kunjali Marakkar.
16. Pazhassiraja Museum - copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, coins, temple models and megalithic monuments.
17. Peruvannamuzhi Dam - Boating facilities, birds sanctuary, crocodile farm.
18. S M Street - Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode
19. Tali Temple - 14th century temple built by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian.
20. Thikkoti Light House - 1847 build
21. Tusharagiri - Famous for trekking tracks, with waterfall, evergreen dense forests with exotic birds and wild animals on the way.
22. Vadakara - A city on bank of Kuttiyadi river, famous 1500 year old Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, rock cut caves with murals and carvings.
23. Vellari Mala - waterfalls, velvet green landscapes, place for trekking.
24. Wayanad Ghats - enroute to Wayanad with nine hairpin bends
25. Kozhippara Water Falls - Ideal location for trekking and swimming ,with river side forests ,situated in Kakkadampoyil on the Malappuram -Calicut District border,can reach there by road.
26. Meenchanda -samudhiri royal familys fort that now in Nss high school

Malappuram

1. Tirur

   -Tirur 43 Kms south of Kozhikode. A major trading centre of fish and betel. Famous for Thunchan Parambu, the birth place of great poet Thunchath Ezhuthachan

2. Manjeri

   -A place rich with history now headquarters of Ernad Taluk. It is the commercial capital of Malappuram district.

3. Ponnani

   -One of the oldest ports in Keralam and situated at the mouth of Bharathapuzha (river).

4. Nilambur

   -A trading centre in hill products, Teak Museum and Teak plantations is 40 Kms from Malappuram city on the Kozhikode-Ootty highway

5. Vallikunnu Beach

   -A beach resort (NC Gardens & Beach Resort)set in the middle of a coconut groves is the main attraction here. The Kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away. Vallikunnu beach tour gives you one of the most relaxed and rejuvenating beach holidays of your life.
6. Adyanpara - famous for water falls and wooded jungles
7. Angadipuram - famous for temples Thirumandham Kunnu and Tali. Situated 1.5 Kms west of Perinthalmanna on Chennai-Kozhikode Trunk road.
8. Biyyam Kayal - waterway with a water sports facility, near to Ponnani
9. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary - sanctuary spread over a cluster of islands in Kadalundipuzha (river), it is 7kms from Beypore port or 19kms from Kozhikode city.
10. Kadampuzha - famous for Bhagavathi temple established by Jagadguru Adi Sankaracharya, in Melmuri village, Tirur taluk. Situated at 3 Km north of Vettichira on NH-17 (Highway) between Kozhikode and Thrissur.
11. Keraladheeswarapuram temple - one among the oldest temple in Keralam, it is 3 kms south of Tanur town.
12. Kodikuthimala - panoramic views of scenic hilltop, it is near Perinthalmanna
13. Kottakkal - famous for Kottakkal Aryavidyasala centre for Ayurveda medicine, 13kms from Malappuram.
14. Kottakunnu - famous for Vettakkorumakan Temple and the Siva temple with murals of Malabar and an old fort built by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) of Kozhikode.
15. Mumburam - a major pilgrimage centre of Muslims, shrine and burial sites of the Thangals (the religious leaders)
16. Padinharekara beach - confluence of the Bharatha Puzha (River Bharatha), the Tirur Puzha (River Tirur) and the Arabian Sea.
17. Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kondotti - Muslims pilgrim centre, 18km east of Manjeri on the way to Malappuram city
18. Tanur - earliest Portuguese settlements, situated 8 kms from Tirur.
19. Thirunavaya - famous for temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, and old venue of Mamankam festival.
20. Tirurangadi - famous for Tirurangadi incident on 20th August, 1921, which was the out break of the Mappila Rebellion.
21. Trikandiyur - famous ancient Shiva temple, legend say the temple idol have been installed by Parasurama the mythological creator of Keralam.
22. Valiya Juma Masjid Malappuram - This is an important pilgrim centre of the Muslims of Keralam.
23. Wagon Tragedy Memorial Municipal Town Hall - A standing monument reminiscent of the notorious Wagon Tragedy during the British rule.

Palakkad

1. Manapullikaavu Hindu Temple
2. Chittur Gurumadam
3. Dhoni
4. Kollengode -- the beautiful green lands, the great Palace of Kollengode "Kovilakam"
5. Kottayi
6. Lakkidi
7. Malampuzha Garden
8. Nelliyampathy
9. Palakkad Fort
10. Silent Valley National Park
11. Siruvani
12. Thiruvalathoor

Thrissur

1. Shakthan Thampuran Palace - Named as Vadakkekara Palace, was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin, well as Sakthan Thampuran(Greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty) is preserved by Archaeological Department.
2. Archeological & Art Museum - It has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers.
3. Thrissur Zoo It is a major attraction for children and students with a variety of animals.
4. Kerala Sahitya Academy - established on August 15, 1956. It aims at the development of Malayalam Language and Literature and works in co-operation with the Kendra Sahitya Academy in New Delhi. There is a good library attached to the Academy consisting of 2 sections the General Section & the Research Section.
5. Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy - This was established in 1962, the aim of the Academy is to promote the sculpture, painting and visual arts.
6. Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy - It is also located in city and was established on April 12, 1938. It's aim is to foster and develop Kerala Dance, Drama and Music and to promote through the cultural unity of Kerala. It works in close collaboration with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy in New Delhi for the enrichment of Indian culture. A regional theatre is constructed in Thrissur with all modern facilities.
7. Appan Thampuran Smarakam - Established in 1976 at Ayyanthole where Sri. Ramavarma Appanthampuran who lived the Kumarapuram Palace. This is also a cultural Museum.
8. Vilangan Kunnu - This hillock has been converted by the tourism department as an amusement park. While grown ups relish the scenic splendor from the hill top. Children can relax and play to their hearts. Lot of people use this place for their morning walk. Early in the morning walking to the top of hillock is a good exercise. View from top of the hill is really good especially at the time of sun rise and sun set. Now this place is under control of Thrissur District Tourism promotion Council and they charge nominal fee for admission to amusement park and parking the vehicle.
9. Athirappilly Falls (63 km from Thrissur City) This 80 feet high waterfall at the threshold of the Sholayar ranges is a popular picnic spot. Two amusement parks - DreamWorld and SilverStorm - are located nearby.
10. Vazhachal - Just a short drive from Athirapilly is close to dense forests and a part of the Chalakudy river.
11. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary- (23 km from city) It is very unique in being the largest elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants.
12. Peechi Dam - (20 km from city) It is a good picnic spot
13. Chavakad Beach - (25 km) A sea shore for rare scenic beauty. Acknowledged as one of the best beaches along the west coast.
14. Kerala Kalamandalam - (30 km) It is in Cheruthuruthy and was founded by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattom.
15. Kallayikkunnu - (30 km) this hill station is also known as nirimadakkunnu. This is a beautiful place near to Kunnamkulam, exactly 2.5 km from Kunnamkulam on Kozhikode road. Many newly married couples prefer this place for still and moving photography, while many film makers also prefer this place for song scenes. Its a place of natural beauty.

Cochin

1. Hill Palace Museum - The erstwhile Cochin Raja's palace, now converted to a museum along with a small zoo, is 12 Km south-east of Ernakulam at Tripunithura. Has paintings and epigraphy from the collections of the Travancore & Cochin royal families.
2. Museum of Kerala History - at Edappally, 10km. north of the city
3. Pareekshith Thampuran Museum contains oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings, and models of interesting temples and traditional Kerala buildings.
4. Fort Kochi
5. Mattancherry There is a beautiful Jain temple here. It is great to visit at about 12:15hrs when the pigeons are feed by Jain mandir people, which they have been doing for the past 17 years. A huge number of pigeons first take three circles of the temple and listen to mantra before eating.
6. Willingdon Island - An large artificial island made out of sand dredged from the backwaters to deepen the Kochi Port.
7. Vypeen and Gundu Islands - The Island boasts a lighthouse at Ochenthuruthu, beaches and the early 16th century
8. Bolgatty - built in 1744 as Dutch Palace; one of the KTDC Hotels with green lawns and Golf Course.
9. Chinese fishing Nets - at Fort Kochi.
10. Dutch Palace - constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 for Maharaja of Kochi Veera Kerala Varma. Later rebuilt by the Dutch.
11. St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi - constructed by the Portuguese[1503]. Vasco da Gama was buried here [1524] and later his remains were transferred to Lisbon, Portugal. His tombstone can be seen inside the church.
12. Jew Street and Synagogue - at Mattancherry, the synagogue was constructed in 1568 and rebuilt in 1662
13. Santacruz Cathedral- at Fort Kochi
14. Art Complex - Madhavan Nayar Foundation - Gallery of Paintings and Sculptures at Edappally, 10 km. north of city. (There is the Kerala History Museum, history students take note!)
15. Thirumala Devaswom Temple - at Mattancherry. A temple built by the Gowda Sarawatha Brahmins, Lord Venkateswara the main deity, famous for second-largest brass bell in Asia. The North Gopuram is fully roofed with copper.
16. Ernakulam Siva Temple - situated at the centre of the town, near the Durbar Hall Ground.
17. Durbar Hall Ground - venue of many fairs during festivals
18. Kalady - Birth place of Sri Shankaracharya (Adi Shankara) [786-820], the great Indian philosopher and founder of the Advaita philosophy. Shrines of Shankaracharya here are open to all pilgrims, irrespective of religion or caste. 48km north of the city.
19. Kanjiramattam Mosque - Muslim pilgrim center, venue of Kudikkuthu Festival, 30km east of the city
20. Chendamangalam - Historically the seat of Paliath Achan, the Prime Minister of Kochi Kingdom, old Oriental Jewish synagogue and colony. Now a centre for handloom weaving and coir manufacturing, view of annual fair "Mattachanda" (Barter Systems). It is 42km north-west of city near North Paravur .
21. Pallipuram Fort - built by the Portuguese in 1503, one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. Situated in Vypeen island at Pallipuram.
22. Aluva - called "Alwaye" till a few years ago, town on the way from the international airport to Kochi, has some places of interest - Sree Narayana Guru's Advaita Ashram and the erstwhile Travancore king's palace.
23. Aluva Manalpuram - is famous for the Shivarathri festival on the sandy banks of the Periyar river.
24. Malayattoor Mount - A Christian pilgrimage centre, supposed to be a place visited by St. Thomas. (St. Thomas visited Kerala in AD 52. Don't forget Christianity reached India much before it reached Europe!)
25. Cherai Beach - near North Paravur is a new-generation tourist hot-spot with golden beaches (with big sand grains, like those of river sand used in construction, probably deposited by the Periyar river at some point in time), coconut palm corridors, backwaters, and historical monuments.

Idukki

1. Cheruthoni
2. Hill View Park
3. Idukki Arch Dam - This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam
4. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Kalliyanathandu
6. Kalvarimount
7. Keezharkuthu
8. Kulamavu
9. Malankara Reservoir
10. Nadukani
11. Painavu
12. Palkulamedu
13. Thommankuthu
14. Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam

Thekkady and Kumily

1. Chellarkovil
2. Kumily
3. Kurisumala
4. Mangala Devi Temple
5. Murikkady
6. Pandikuzhi
7. Pullumedu
8. Ramakalmedu
9. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Vandanmedu
11. Vandiperiyar

Peermade

1. Grampi
2. Ilaveezhapoonchira
3. Kuttikkanam
4. Pattumala
5. Peeru Hills
6. Sahyadri Ayurvedic Centre
7. Thrissanku Hills
8. Tribal settlements in Peermade
9. Vagamon

Alappuzha

1. Alleppey is known for its snake-boat race - the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race [1], held on the second Saturday of August. It is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated it in 1952. The race is very popular with the locals. Traditional snake boats, each manned by over a hundred local people compete for the Cup. Tourists could rent a houseboat and watch the race close up from those boats.
2. If you are visiting Alappuzha, enquire about the schedule of temple festivals. Alappuzha is one of the few towns in Kerala where non-Hindus are generally allowed enter the temple premises. Most of the famous Kerala temples do not allow such thing, and if you are a foreigner you are immediately branded as non-Hindu and prevented from entering. Alappuzha temples are generally not that narrow-minded, though there might be a few areas inside the temples where the entry is restricted. The Ambalapuzha temple festival is particularly impressive. Five elephants carry the Krishna idol for quite a long distance with a music accompaniment. The temple is 14 kilometres away from Alappuzha. It is famous for its rose palpayasam. The temple makes this traditional very sweet milk-based dish as an offering. Because of long boiling the milk condenses turning light pink colour.
3. Alleppey has a high percentage of Christians. St. Mary’s Church (Champakulam) is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas.

Kottayam

1. Kottayam is blessed by nature with tremendous greenery and scenic beauty. This is evident from the backwaters in the west of the district to the hill stations to the east. Among the more famous places in Kottayam is Kumarakom which is known for its backwaters and a Bird Sanctuary. Many reputed hotels operate in the area. Like some other parts in the state, there are traditional Kerala boat races ("Vallam kali") that happens in some places in Kottayam, during specific times of the year. Other scenic places include Wagamon which is in high-ranges, slightly hilly areas to the east of the district. Kottayam is dotted by many historic and beautiful churches.

Pathanamthitta

1. Sabarimala
2. Konni Elephant Cage
3. Perumthenaruvi Water Falls
4. Pandalam Palace
5. Kaviyoor Cave Temple

Kollam

1. Achencoil - 80 kms from Punalur is an important pilgrim center. Famous for its Sastha temple with a Sastha installed several centuries before the Christian Era.
2. Alumkadavu - 26 Kms from Kollam is this scenic place, with blue green stretches back water, coconut palms, Back Water Cruise, House Boats, Ayurvedic treatment centers.
3. Amritapuri Asramam - A Hindu pilgrim center for worshipers of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
4. Anchal - 13 kms south of Punalur, known for its cattle market.
5. Aryankavu - 73 kms east of Kollam, pilgrim center, old trade route for merchants from either sides of western Ghats, famous for shrine of Lord Sastha, fine sculptures and mural paintings etc.
6. Chathannoor - 18 Kms from Kollam on the NH 47 towards Trivandrum. Polachira near Chathannor is a favourite haunt of migratory birds.
7. Chavara - 14 kms north of Kollam on NH47, famous for the mineral sand and place of Catholic saint Sister Alphonsa.
8. Jetayu Para - huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. legend says Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic Ramayana, fell after failing in its attempt to stop Ravana from taking sita away. Ideal place for trekking.
9. Karunagappally - 27 kms north of Kollam in NH47, old military station of Kayamkulam Rajas.
10. Kottarakkara - 27 kms north-east of Kollam, erstwhile capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a ruling family. Famous for Kath kali (a dance drama).
11. Kulathupuzha - 10 kms south of Tenmala on road to Shencottah, with forest range, well known for its elephants and Reeds.
12. Kundara - a prominent place in Kollam famous for industries.
13. Kunnicode - 10 kms west of Punalur, famous as Muslim pilgrim center.
14. Mayyanad - 10 kms south of Kollam, famous for its shrines and temples.
15. Neendakara (long shore) - 8 kms north of Kollam, famous for its fisheries industries.
16. Oachira - 32 kms north of Kollam in NH47, is this famous temple, a unique pilgrim center and handicraft center.
17. Palaruvi Water Falls - one of the famous waterfall in Kerala is near Aryankavu, one the way to Sencottah.
18. Paravur - 13 kms south of Kollam is this place famous for coir production center and fishing.
19. Pathanapuram - an old trading center on the banks of the Kallada river, it is 13 kms away from Punalur.
20. Pattazhi - famous for its ancient Bhagavathy temple.
21. Punalur - 45 kms from Kollam on the way to Shencottah is this place of archaeological interest with a suspension bridge build in 1877.
22. Sasthamcotta - 19 kms. from Kollam Town, biggest freshwater lake in Kerala.
23. Thangassery - 5 kms. away from Kollam town is this place of historical importance, with old 18th century churches, light house and remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts.
24. Thazhava - near Oachira is of archaeological interest.
25. Thenmala - 66 kms east of Kollam, on the way to Shencottah is this Dam site with dense forest is famous for Eco tourism, it is also reachable from Trivandrum.

Thiruvananthapuram

1. Attingal Palace
2. Aruvikkara Dam
3. Kovalam beach
4. Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad
5. Neyyar Dam
6. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Ponmudi
8. SreeMahadeva Temple
9. Thiruvallam
10. Varkala
11. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave