Location
Kannur figures among important towns on the Kerala coast. It was the capital of the Kothagiri kings for many centuries. In ancient Kerala also Kannur was a favourite destination of foreign travellers from Europe, China and Arab countries. In his book of travels, Marco Polo, recounting his visit to the area in 1250 A.D, refers Cannanore as a great Emporia of spice trade. In the ‘Periplus of the Erithrean Sea,’ a Greek work of great antiquity, Kannur finds mention as 'Naura'. Other famous visitors included Fahian, the Buddhist pilgrim, and Ibn Batuta, writer and historian of Tangiers.
Tourist Attractions
Fort St. Angelos: This fort, located in the West of Kannur town, was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeida with the permission of the Kolathiris, on the promontory jutting into the Lakshadweep sea. The Dutch captured the fort in 1663 and sold it to the Ali Raja of Kannur in 1772, and in 1790 it came into the possession of the British. The British rebuilt it and made it their most important station in Malabar. This fort is in a fairly good state of preservation though some parts of it have collapsed. A few ancient cannons are on display inside the fort. The fort, a protected monument, is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Snake Park at Parassinikadavu: This park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes that are facing extinction. Situated 18 km away from Kannur town, it is home to a large collection of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Snake demonstrations conducted here every hour draw large crowds of tourists.
Payyambalam Beach: A local picnic spot, this long secluded beach is situated around 2 km from Kannur town. It has a well laid out garden and a massive sculpture of mother and child erected by famous sculptor Kanayi Kunchiraman.
Thalassery Fort: The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683 and erected a trading shed here. Later they shifted their commercial capital to Thalassery from Kozhikode following obstruction from the Dutch. In 1700, the British built the Thalassery Fort on a small hill called Tiruvellapadakunnu and in 1708, it was strengthened by increasing its height and with bastions. This fort is a square structure built of laterite. It is distinguished by its massive ventilated walls and strong flanking bastions. It was here that Haider's captain was imprisoned. The famous St. John’s Anglican Church, situated behind this fort, is another tourist attraction in Kannur.
Valapattanam: This small town, located 7 km from Kannur, lies on the banks of the Valapattanam river. Also known as Baliapattom, it is famous for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The Azhikkal port and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. The Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in the country and one of the largest in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a tranquil sanctuary on the slopes of the Western Ghats covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests. Situated 35 km from Thalassery, the sanctuary is home to herds of deer, elephants, boar and bisons. Leopards, jungle cats, various types of squirrels and rare species of birds are also found here. Around 160 species of birds,including some species considered extinct, can be seen here.
Ezhimala: Situated 55 km from Kannur, Ezhimala has a beautiful beach with a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hillock. The Ezhimala hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs with mythological significance. The beach sand is of a differenttexture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam bay one could enjoy watching dolphins. A Naval Academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.
Pazhassi Dam: The Pazhassii Dam and reservoir present an awesome scenic beauty. Located 37 km east of Kannur near Mattanur, the site is an ideal retreat for tourists. One can cruise down the river in DTPC boats often crossing small islands inhabited only by birds. An added attraction is the amusement park. The Buddha’s mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are interesting places to visit. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.
Madayi Para: It is situated 25 km from Kannur. The Madayi Kavu Temple, the Vadukunnu Temple and the 12th century mosque (1124 A.D) built by Muslim preacher Malik Bin Dinar with white marble imported from Arabia are the major attractions here. There is also a dilapidated fort at Madayi which is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The view from the fort is fascinating.
Parassinikadavu: Parassinikadavu is famous for its Snake Park and the Sri Muthappan temple. It is the only place where the ritualistic dance Theyyam is performed round the year. Sri Muthappan Temple, standing on the banks of the Valapattanam river, is the pilgrim centre famous for the 'Muthappan Theyyam' performed every morning and evening. The best time to visit the temple is between 5 and 8 am or 6.30 and 8.30 pm when the pooja is held and the Theyyam performed. Non-Hindus also can watch the Theyyam performance. The DTPC provides boating service on the river near the temple, a pleasure trip amidst surrounding lush greenery and the river opening up to the sea ahead. Accommodation is available nearby. The Snake Park here has three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors. There are frequent bus services from Kannur to Parassinikadavu.
Gundert Bungalow: In this bungalow lived revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer Dr. Herman Gundert for 20 years from 1839. It is situated 20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu hill. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper - 'Paschimodayam' - took shape. Dr. Herman Gundert has also written 18 books in Malayalam including a grammar book. The Gundert's Bungalow today houses part of the Nettur Technical Training Foundation, an institution started by the Swiss Foundation.
Kottiyoor: This place, 60 km away from Kannur town, is famous for its Siva Temple situated on the banks of the Bavali river. Thousands of devotees attend the temple’s annual 27-day festival during May-June.
Malayala Kalagramam: This renowned centre for arts and culture is situated at New Mahe, 29 km from Kannur. It conducts courses in painting, sculpture, music, dance and pottery.
Pythal Mala: This enchanting hill station, located 65 km from Kannur town, is at 4500 ft. above the sea level near the Kerala-Karnataka border. It is rich in flora and fauna. It takes 6-km trek to reach the top of the hill.
Thodikalam Siva Temple: This temple, located 34 km southeast of Kannur, is is famous for its mural paintings. Believed to have been built 2000 years ago, the temple was closely connected with the Pazhassi Raja family of Kottayam (Thalasseri taluk).
Dharmadam Island: This small five-acre island, 100 metres away from the mainland, is covered with coconut palms and dense bushes. Surrounded by rivers and seas, it presents a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach. During low tide, one can just walk to the island from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island. Dharmadam, earlier known as Dharmapattanam, was a Buddhist stronghold.
Kochi
Location
Kochi figures among India’s major seaports. The second largest city of Kerala, Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is set in the midst of an island-studded harbour in Ernakulam district. Ernakulam itself is a modern bustling town. Considered Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city, Kochi is the State’s commercial capital. A Jewish community living here with roots going back to 1000 AD and a 16th century synagogue are testimony to the land's diversity
.Located on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi has Kottayam and Alappuzha districts in the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. It serves as a commercial hub for merchants dealing in cashew nuts, coir, seafood, timber, tea, coffee, rubber and spices. The spice trade here gives Kerela its nickname ‘The Spice Coast’.
How to Reach
By air: An excellent air network connects Kochi to all major cities in India.
By rail: Kochi has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on the Willingdon Island.
By road: Kochi is connected by road with several tourist centres in India.
Tourist attractions
Mattancherry Palace: This palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the Raja of Cochin, Vira Keralavarma. A good catch for tourists visiting Kochi, the place exhibits beautiful mural paintings that depict the scenes from the epic Ramayana. Some contributions were later on made by the Dutch in the palace.
Fort Kochi: This place, inhabited by the Anglo-Indian community, presents an aura and ambience of unique Eurasian culture. The dwelling places built by the British traders and the colleges established by the Dutch here are worth visiting. Fort Kochi boasts of two art galleries with good collections and its St. Francis Church is a wonderful attraction. Vasco da Gama was believed to have been originally buried here and later on shifted to Portugal.
Ernakulam: Ernakulam, developed as a modern city, features a commercial centre. It has museums, popular worshipping places, great eating places. The elephant procession taken out during festivals is a wonderful event, filled with great fun and excitement.
Santa Cruz Basilica Church: This Roman Catholic church, built in 1503 and situated near the St. Francis Church, is a specimen of the Portuguese architecture. Frescoes and mural paintings decorate its ceiling and interior parts. The Gothic architecture and the lofty spires give it a unique grandeur.
Bolghatty Island: This island has Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by the KTDC. The palace has a small golf course and several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour and the sea.
Willington Island: Named after the former Viceroy of India Lord Willington, this island is connected to the mainland by road-cum-railway Venduruthy Bridge. It is a manmade island created from the materials dredged while deepening the Cochin Port. The Willington Island boasts of some of the district’s best hotels, trading and industrial offices. The major establishments set up here include airport, shipbuilding yard, wharf, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Customs House and the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Government of India Tourist Information office. The branches of national and international banks, travel agency offices, souvenir shops, and warehouses can also be found here.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: A boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is an unforgettable experience through evergreen forests that are home to migratory and indigenous birds. . Thattekad is also accessible from Kothamangalam (20 km). Though recently established, Thattekad has secured an important place among major bird sanctuaries in South India. The birds commonly seen here are Malabar grey horn bill, Great Indian horn bill, grey jungle fowl, heron egret, parakeet and numerous other rare species
Pareekshit Thampuran Museum: Located adjacent to the Shiva temple on Durbar Hall Road in Ernakulam, this archeological museum features collections of the 19th century paintings, pre-historic monuments, a numismatic gallery, scriptures in stone and plaster of Paris, copies of mural paintings and collections from the Cochin royal family. Earlier it was known as the Durbar Hall of Cochin Rajas, where royal guests were welcomed, and royal ceremonies and meetings were held. Now under the State Archaeological Department, it has been named after Rama Varma Pareekshit Thampuran, the Cochin royal family’s last ruler.
Hill Palace Museum: This is the largest archeological museum of Kerala. Located at 13 km from Kochi on the Ernakulam - Chottanikkara route, the Hill Palace Museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the King’s throne and crown. Paintings, carvings, etchings are displayed in the museum apart from other trappings of royalty like majestic beds ,weapons and samples of epigraphy.
Kochi Boat Rides:The city face a broad expanse of backwaters studded with palm-flanged islets. It’s a delight to take a boat ride through all the islands in Kochi.
Chinese Fishing Nets: These nets symbolize the legacy of trading connections between China and India many centuries ago. The long rows of Chinese Nets silhouetted against the sunset present a spectacular sight of Kochi's waterfront. These are large nets hanging from bamboo or teak posts, and still being used by the local fishermen of Fort Cochin.
Kalady: Kalady is the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharaya, the great Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century. Located on the banks of the Periyar river, 45 km from Kochi, Malady has are two shrines in thememory of Sree Sankaracharaya. One dedicated to him as DakshinaMoorthi and the other to the Goddess Sharada. AdiSankara's shrine inKalady is open to all pilgrims irrespective of religion and caste. The spot were Adi Shankara's mother was cremated is called Vrindavan. Nearby is an old Krishna temple, the family temple of Sankaracharaya. Another temple, known as Sri Ramakrishna International Temple, was built in 1976 with the hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.
Malayattoor Church: This church is on a located on a small hillock, 53 km from Kochi and 8 km from Kalady. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine. It attracts thousands of devotees during an its annual festival, Malayattoor Perunnal, in March/April.
Kozhicode
Location
Once the capital of the Samuthiri ruler, Kozhicode was the most important region of Malabar in northern Kerala in the bygone era. Today, ancient monuments, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture, and warm and friendly ambience make Kozhicode a much sought-after tourist destination. Kozhicode is sandwiched between the districts of Kannur and Malappuram. The town a typical a coastal region with the Arabian Sea stretching out to its east.
How to Reach
By air: The nearby airport is located some 23 km from the town. It receives flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and various Middle East countries.
By rail: Kozhikode also has rail links with some major cities of India.
By road: Regular bus services to Kozhikode are available from the neighboring districts and cities.
Tourist attractions
Pazhassirajah Museum: This museum, situated 5 km from Kozhikode, exhibits copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins and models of temples and megalithic monuments. The next door to the museum is the Art Gallery which has an excellent collection of paintings by Indian artists and wood and ivory carvings. Also nearby is Krishna Menon Museum.
Art Gallery: The Art Gallery near the Pazhassirajah Museum has an excellent collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum: This museum near the Pazhassirajah Museum is dedicated to late V K Krishna Menon, the former Defence Minister and national leader of India. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.
Kirtads: This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on anthropology and sociology is an added attraction.
Kappad: This historic beach, located 16 km from Kozhikode, is the place where Vasco De Gama landed on May 27, 1498. A monument on the beach commemorates the event. The beach promontory is a very beautiful place providing great view of the stretched out sea. A 13th century temple stands on the rocks that reach out for the sea.
Kozhikode Beach: The Kozhikode beach is a fun beach dotted with a number of attractions. It is also the place from where on can view some astonishing sunsets. Among the beach attractions are two old piers and a lighthouse. The nearby Lions Park and aquarium are additional features.
Beypore: It is a harbour, situated on the Chaliyar river, some 10 km south of Kozhikode. This old port is home to a community that has been building vessels for more than 1500 years. The tradition of building vessels is still alive in the region. Since ancient times, the Beypore port has been a favourite trade center of several Arab countries.
Velliyamkallu: The massive rock on the shores is one place that navigators were often afraid of. Once this rock served as a vantage point from where Marakkars launched attacks on the invading Portuguese. On one occasion an entire crew of a Portuguese vessel was killed here.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary, located 25 km from the city, is home to hundreds of bird species including terns, sea gulls, herons, sandpipers, etc.
Planetarium: The daily shows at the Kozhikode Planetarium, located at Jaffarkhan colony, focus on the mysteries of the universe, planets and galaxies. Show timings: 12 o'clock, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Kollam
Location
Kollam is a small and beautiful town situated on the Ashtamudi Lake, some 71 km from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is sandwiched between Ashtamudi Lake and the Lakeshwadeep Sea. Lying towards the south of the state, Kollam shares its eastern borders with the state of Tamil Nadu. On the northern side, it is bounded by Pathanamthitta, on the southern side by Thiruvananthapuram and towards its west lies the stretched out Lakshadweep sea.
Kollam is gifted with the natural features - sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forest, vast green fields and tropical crop of every variety both food crop and cash crop. It is also throbbing with industrial activity. The country's cashew trading and processing industry is located in Kollam. It is also an important hub for Kerala’s marine products industry, with the port of Neendakara being the centre for trawlersand ice plants.
How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport at Thiruvananthapuram is 72 km away.
By rail: Kollam is connected by rail with several important cities.
By road: Kollam is connected by road with many tourist centres in India.
Tourist Attractions
Ashtamudi Lake: A great place to hang around, the serene Ashtamudi Lake is famous for its house boat trips and boat cruises. The boat cruise to Munroe Islands is a wonderful experience. Other popular cruises are Kayal Pradkashina Cruise and Sayanthanam Sunset Cruise.
Chavara: Situated 14 km north of Kollam on the Kollam-Alappuzha road, Chavara is famous for its mineral sand and mineral industries. Thousands of tonnes of mineral sand are exported from here. The Koilthottam port is situated within the limits of Chavara panchayat. Four major industrial establishments - Indian Rare Earths, Kerala Premopipe Factory, Kerala Minerals and Metals and Titanium complex - are located at Chavara. The Kottamkulangara temple of Chavara is famous for its annual (March-April) festival Thalappoli Mahotsavom - offerings of lighted lamps in decorated small pans. An interesting feature of the festival is that the men dress as women and carry lamps.
Quilon: The Dutch Quilon as it was called used to be a British Enclave. The place is also popular as Thangasseri. The 144-foot lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in 1902 is visible as far as 13 miles into the sea. The picturesque view of the seafrom the place where lighthouse stands is breathtaking. In the vicinity lies the Portuguese Fort built in 1517. Today only a wall represents the fort that has been ravaged by the time.
Punalur: About 10 km south of Kollam town, Mayyanad is famous for its nine temples, the most important being the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. The temple is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya.
Sasthamcotta: This small town, located about 19 km from Kollam, is a very beautiful place and an acknowledged picnic spot. The fresh water lake at Sasthamcotta is one of the largest in Kerala.
Thirumullavaram Beach: This secluded beach, 6 km north of Kollam town, is a beautiful picnic center, ideal for swimming or bathing in the sun. It is connected to Kollam town by bus.
Kumarakom
Location
Kumarakom is a cluster of tiny islands on the Vembanad Lake, located 14 km from Kottayam. Kumarakom’s salubrious climate, lush greenery and the all-pervading presence of water cast a mesmerizing effect on the visitor. Kumarakom is part of Kuttanad, the 'granary of Kerala', that falls in the Alappuzha district. Alappuzha itself is described as the 'Venice of the East'. Kumarakom offers excellent tourist attractions like boating, fishing and sightseeing. The bird sanctuary in Kumarakom is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise.
How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport 70 km away from the Muhamma boat jetty.
By rail: The nearest railway station is at Kottayam and regular local and express trains connect the city with the rest of India.
By road: Kottayam is 14 km from Kumarakom. Both the State and National Highways link Kumarakom with the rest of the country.
Tourist Attractions
Bird Sanctuary: This 14-acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern bank of the Vembanad Lake. Indigenous and migratory birds nest and spend happy summers here. A treat to watch here are egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Backwater Cruise: While at Kumarakom, the boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are something not to be missed. A stay at the houseboat, called Kettuvallom, is unique experience. You will feel touched by the scintillating beauty of nature and the simplicity of the people at Kumarakom.
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls: These waterfalls located in the vicinity of Kumarakom are some 18 km from Kottayam town. The water cascades down a mountain about 100 ft.
Thekkady
Location
Thekkady, located in the Iddukki district of Kerala, is a wonderful tourist place featuring hill stations, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries. Situated about 60 km from central Idukki, Thekkady lies towards the lower end of the state, close to the border of the state of Tamil Nadu. It has the pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, that is situated on the banks of the artificial Periyar lake.
The best time to visit Thekkady is between the months of September to March.
How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport is at Kochi about 190 km away.
By rail: The nearest railways stations are at Kottayam and Ernakulam.
Tourist Attractions
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 777 square km, is a famous wildlife reserve and one of the largest in India. The Periyar Lake, an artificial reservoir, is the cynosure at the reserve. Dense forests, open fields and waterways dot the sanctuary. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, leopards, wild boars, bears, wild dogs, bison, gaurs, flying squirrels, civets and snake species.
Periyar Lake: The Periyar Lake lies within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The boat cruise in the Periyar Lake is one thing you shouldn't miss while visiting Thekkady. The boat cruises often have encounters with elephant herds crossing the lake, gaurs, bison, wild boars and many other species.
Kumily: This small plantation town, about four km from Thekkady, supports plantations including pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, tea and coffee. It is also a famous shopping centre.
Nature and Bird Watching Treks: The Nature Treks and Bird Watching Treks started by the Forest Department at the Periyar Sanctuary are wonderful exercises amidst the rich bio-diversity of the park. The guides for these treks are trained local tribes men who know the place well. The Pandikuzhi area, some five km from Thekkady, also offers great trekking experiences.
Thrissur
Location
Thrissur is termed as the beautiful cultural capital of Kerala and a land of colourful festivals. It lies on the west end of Palakkad gap through the low pass between the Nilgiris and the Palani hills. The word Thrissur is a combination of three words 'Tiru-Siva-Perur' that is the town with the name of Lord Siva. The most important feature of this city is the Vadakkunath Kshetram (temple) where the reigning deity is Lord Siva. The temple is also famous for its annual (April-May) Pooram festival.Tourist attractions in Thrissur lie in its old temples, cultural centres for paintings, dances and literature and splendid festivals.
How to Reach
By air: The nearest airport Nedumbassery is only 58 km away from the town. Another nearby airport is Kochi.
By rail: Several important trains connect Thrissur with other places in Kerala and other neighboring states.
By road: An extensive road network links the city to many significant places in southern India.
Tourist Attractions
Vadakkunath Kshetram (Temple): One of the oldest temples in Kerala, the Vadakumnatha temple is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture. It has many decorative murals and art pieces. Also known as the Rishabhari or Thenkailasam (the Kailash of the south), the temple sits atop a hill at the centre of Thrissur. It is the venue of the world-famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April -May. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple except during the Pooram festival.
Athirapally: Located at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges 63 km from Thrissur, this 80-foot-high waterfall is a popular picnic spot.
Guruvayoor Temple: This is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in the state. Located 29 km from Thrissur, the Guruvayoor Temple has Lord Krishna as its presiding deity. Legend has it that Guru, the preceptor of Gods, and Vayu, the God of wind, created this temple.
Zoo: It is situated near the Art Museum. Spread over 13.5 acres of cool green, flowered area, the zoo is home to a variety of fauna such as the endangered lion-tailed macaque, tiger, lion, sloth bear, several species of deer and many birds. It is reputed for one of the best reptile collections in India. Its snake park has the reptilian collection of the king cobra, pythons, kraits, vipers, rat snakes etc. The zoo also has an aquarium near the Nehru Park.
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary: This is the largest elephant park in the world. Elephant races and feasts for elephant are unique features here.
Thrissur Festival: The most spectacular festival in the region, held in Thrissur, is one of the major tourist attractions. During this annual (April/May) festival, the caparisoned elephants from neighboring temples walk in an elaborate procession to the complex of Vadakkumnathan Temple. Dazzling fireworks are conducted throughout the night.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace: Also known as the Palace Thoppu, its campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here you can see three s
havakudeerams (tombs) including that of the renowned Shakthan Thampuran.
Peechi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary: The Peechy Dam is a beautiful picnic spot located 23 km from Thrissur. Its reservoir has boating facilities. It is surrounded by tea and eucalyptus plantations. Sometimes elephants and wild dogs can be seen roaming in the forest here. The sanctuary has a large variety of orchids. Several buses are available from Thrissur to Peechy. Accommodation is also available.
Anakkayam: It is located roughly 20 km from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route. Famous for its lake with cool and placid water, the place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit it quite often. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
Vazhachal: Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to dense green forests and is part of the Chalakudy river. Located about 68 km from Thrissur, Athirapally and Vazhachal are the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite destinations of tourists.
Thiruvananthapuram
Location
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. Lying on the southwest coast of India, Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city dating back to 1000 BC. Its name is a combination of three words - ‘Tiru Ananta Puram’ - that means the abode of the sacred serpent Ananta, upon whose coils Vishnu lies in the main temple. Although no records of the antiquity of the temple exist, the temple nevertheless is believed to be several thousands years old. Thiruvananthapuram shot into prominence in the 18th century when the capital of the then Travancore State was shifted here from Padmanabhapuram, a little down south. The erstwhile Travancore kings, taking on the title of Padmanabhadas (servant of the Lord), had dedicated themselves completely to the service of the Lord residing in the temple here. Their belief was that the deity owned the kingdom and the king is the mere executor of the Lord’s trust. After the Independence, the city was designated as the capital of Kerala.
How to Reach By air:
The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 6 km from the city.
By rail: Thiruvananthapuram has direct trains to all the main towns in Kerala as well as the major cities in India.
By road: Thiruvananthapuram is well connected to all towns and cities.
Tourist Attractions
Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple: The imposing seven-storey tower of this temple makes it the most impressive landmark in the city. The temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings, and mural paintings.
Veli Lagoon (Tourist Village): It is a beautiful waterfront park that serves as an ideal picnic spot where the lake merges with the sea. The tourist village also has a wading pool, gardens, exquisite sculptures, a floating bridge and a wide range of aqua sports facilities
Government Art Museum: This museum was formerly known as the Napier Museum named after a former Madras Governor General, John Napier. It is a gem of architectural exuberance, combining traditional Kerala styles and good doses of Chinese and Mughal influences.
Sree Chithra Art Gallery: This gallery has a rich collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich. It also has copies of paintings of the Ajanta, Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools besides some works from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali.
Zoo: The zoo here is one of the best maintained in the whole of Asia. It has beautiful sprawling lawns.
Observatory: The Observatory is situated 60 m above the sea level on a hill near the Art Museum. One of the oldest in India, it has a well laid out garden in front of the hill, with a beautiful rose collection.
Shanghumugham Beach: This popular beach is adjacent to the airport. Among its notable facilities are an indoor recreation club, children's traffic training park and a star-shaped restaurant.
Science and Technology Museum: Located near the Mascot Hotel, the museum is of high educative value for the students of science and technology.
Kowdiar Palace: This home of the late Maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to visitors but you can have a glimpse of it from the main gate. If a friendly guard is on duty, he will let you walk a bit inside the grounds where you can get a view of the grand old building at the end of its long drive.
Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary: One can reach the Peppara sanctuary, 50km from Thiruvananthapuram, from Vithurai on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi road. Spread over an area of 53 sq km on the Western Ghats, this sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. It is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and eucalyptus plantations. Elephants, sambars, leopards and lion-tailed macaques are commonly seen here.
Ponmudi: An ideal hill resort situated just 54 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudioffers best accommodation and restaurant facilities.
Padmanabhapuram Palace: Once the capital of the State of Travancore, this palace is 51 km from the city on the way to Nagarcoil (Tamil Nadu). The palace contains 17th and 18th century murals.
Neyyar Dam: This dam, 29km from Thiruvananthapuram, serves as a picnic spot. It has facilities for boating at its reservoir. There is a lion safari park and crocodile farm nearby.
Aruvikkara: Located 16 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, this place is gifted with lavish scenic beauty. It has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga on the banks of the river.
Akkulam Boat Club: It is a popular retreat for the city dwellers. Located 9 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, the lake has boating facilities and has the largest children's park in Kerala.
Thiruvallam: The place has Lord Parasuraman's temple and Chithranjali, the State Film Development Corporation's studio. Thiruvallam lies on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kovalam route,10 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Vizhinjam: Lying just 15 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this historic spot remained unnoticed for a long time. It was the capital of Ay-Vel kings of the 8th-9th century. The only thing here that withstood the time is a rock temple assigned to the period of the Cheras because of a strong influence of the Pallava Pandya architecture. The rock temple is a protected monument under the care of the Archeological Survey of India. It is located just a little off the main junction.
