Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Keralaplaces





Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvanathapuram city is one of the loveliest cities in India. It is flourished long shoreline with secluded renowned beaches, historic monuments backwaters streches,hill stations and a rich cultural heritage make this district much sought after tourist destination.Clean,green Thiruvananthapuram is also an excellent base to explore the interiors of Kerala. Here important handicraft industries include coconut shell products, wood carving and furniture manufacture, brass and bell metal products products, jewellery and khadi etc. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the most impressive landmark of the city. The Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram is considered to be one of the best in India. Another attraction is the Chithra Art Gallery with the collection of Raja Ravi Varma's paintings. The Fort of Thiruvananthapuram gives a clear picture of former rulers of Travancore.
ARUVIKARA:-The Hindu pilgrim centre set on the banks of Karamana river, 16km from Thiruvananthapuram. The ancient Bhagavathi temple is built on a rock.
KOVALAM:-One of the world's finest beach resort, it is rated among the best tourist resort in the country. The excellent sandy beach and one of the finest sea-bathing ghats are the major attractions.
NEYYAR DAM AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:-The sanctuary has a rich variety of birds and animals. There is also a Lion Safari park and a Crocodile farm.
PONMUDI:-The charming hill resort is located 61km from Thiruvananthapuram. The idyllic health resort is known for its bracing climate,tea plantations and acenic spendour.There we can have trecking facilities also.
SANKUMUGHOM BEACH:-The palm-fringed beach adjacent to the airport has a indoor recreation club,children's traffic training park and a star shaped restaurant.
VELI TOURIST VILLAGE:-The veli tourist village sandwitched between veli lagoon and the Arabian sea.Facilities at the village include watersports and an 18 acre waterfront park with a floating bridge connecting the beach.
VARKALA:-This is a coastal village,with the presence of 2000 Janardhanaswamy temple,dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The place has beatiful sea shore,pilgrim spotnatural mineral water springs.




Kollam

The district has immense tourist potential as it is blessed by nature's bountry.It has beautiful beaches and backwaters meandering rivers,lovely lakes,majestic mountainslush forests and fertile plains with vast green fields.The graceful chinese fishing nets hanging over the Ashtamudi lake is a great bliss to us.The boat ride from kollam to Alappuzha is a thrilling one.
ARIYANKAVU:-The Hindu pilgrim centre is located 70km east of Kollam.The famous Sastha temple attracts thousands of devotees during the Mandalapooja.
KOLLAM:-The early travellers mention kollam port as the largest in the world and it's market as one of the finest in India.The sea port has trade links with yhe Arab,China,Greek,Roman and later with Portuguese and British.It also the main cashew trade centre
ASHTAMUDI LAKE:-This is one of the magical backwaters of the state.KTDC offers internationally popular Backwater cruise between Kollam and Alappuzha.There is also severeal house boat holiday packages.
OACHIRA:-This is a famous hindu pilgrim centre.Oachira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of man,highlighting their martial skills
SASTHAMKOTTA:-It is situated on the right of kallada river.There is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
VALLIKAVU:-Matha Amrithanandhamayi Ashram of Amrithapuri





Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta known as the headquaters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. Pathanamthitta is a hilly areablessed with natural beuty.It is a land of temples,rivers,mountain ranges and cocunut grooves.More than fifty percent of the total area of this land is covered by forests. Sabirimala, the famous pilgrim centre,attracting millions of devotees annually is located in the district.Lord Ayappa also known as Sastha in the puranas is the preciding deity.
Aranmula:-This picturesque Hindu pilgrim centre is located on the banks of river Pampa. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The town is famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali(boat race), which is held on the annual commornoration of the week of Onam festival.
Cherukolppuzha:-Famous Hindu religious convention is held in February.
Kakki:-Long dark forest is seen here.
Konni:-Main agricultural region of the district.There is also an elephent training centre.
Kozhenchery:-Kozhencherry is the main trading centre,flourishing marbet for agricultural goods.
Maramon convention:-The annual Christian religious convention is held on the dry river bed at Maramon in Mallappuzhasseri village near Kozhencherry.
Mannadi:-Here we have Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk arts.Here we can see an ancient Bhagavathi temple famous for stone sculptures.
Malayalappuzha:-Famous for Bhagavathy temple,with beutiful wall paintings and stone carvings.
Niranam:-It is famous for the oldest church,beleived to have been built by Saint Thomas,the Apostle in 52 AD.
Nilackal:-Here we can see an old Siva Temple.Estate of the state farming corporation is situated here.And here is the Enumenical centre of Christians.
Pandalam:-Sacred town for Hindus,with famous Valikoikal temple,an important stopover for pilgrims on the way to Sabarimala.Thiruvalla:-Headquarters of the Malankara






Alappuzha

Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty,reffered to as the 'Venice of the East' Alapuzha literally means the land between the sea and the network of rivers flowing into it.The most colorfull event,typical of Alappuzha,is the annual 'Nehru Trophy Boat Race',organised Beach ,with it's old light house is a popular picnic spot.The main economy of the district is based on agriculture and marine products.Aqlappuzha is also renowned as the 'rice bowl of the state'
Alappuzha Beach:-The beutiful beach is popular among the locals as well as the visitors.The sea view park here has boating facilties.Alapppuzha beach is famous for its house boat holidays and boat races.
Ambalappuzha:-The pilgrim centre 14km. from Alappuzha renowned for the Srikrishna Temple. The temple is well known for its spectacular architecture and 'Palpayasam'.
Arthunkal Palli:-St. Sebastian Church is a famous pilgrim centre.Annual feast is in January.
Krishnapuram Palace:-This magnificant palace is situated 47kms ffrom Alappuzha on the way to Kollam. The museum inside the palace displays antique sculptures and paintings.
Kuttanad:-This place is known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. The boat trip to Kuttanad would be a thrilling one.It is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done below the sea level.Inland waterways which flow above the land level is an amazing feature of this unique land.
Mannarsala:-Temple important centre of serpent worship.Annual Festival:September/October
Pathiramanal:-The enchanting island of Pathiramanal on the Backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. The island lies between Thannermukkam and Kumarakom and is accessible only by boat.




Kottayam

The district is known as the land of Lakes, Latex and Letters. Kottayam is one of the industrially developed districts of the state, major large industrial units areTravancore Cement, Ruby Rubber works changanacherry, South india plywood industries kottayam etc. The district also produces large quantities of rubber,coconut,tea,coffee and pepper. This also has main tourist attraction places
Athirampuzha:- Famous for St.Mary's Church built in 1080 AD,the annual feast in honour of St.sebastian is a big event with fireworks and illumination.
Bharananganam:- Christian pilgrim centre,church containing mortal mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa.
Changanasserry:-The town is famous for the presence of the Thrikkodithanam Temple. Another attraction is the Sree sankara Ayurveda Vaidyasala,here special ayurvedic treatments are systematically and carefully carried out for the maximum benefits of the patients.
Erumeli:-The important Hindu pilgrim centre 60km from Kottayam is located on the banks of Manimala river. Pilgrims going to Sabarimala gather here to worship at the Sasrha temple and offer prayers an at ancient mosque.
Ettumanur:- The ancient Siva temple is the main attraction of the town.
Kottayam:- The backwater town is more famous with many publishing centres. Benjamin Bailey a Christian missionary in 1820 established the country's first printing press at Kottayam. Kottayam turns to be the important trading centre of the state especially for cash crpos like rubber,tea,pepper and cardamom. Thepresence of Thirunakkara siva temple is a glittering one to kottayam
Kumarakom:-This is also an ideal site for enjoying the backwaters and boad cruise. Here houseboat holiday packages are arranged by many tour operaters. The presence of bird sanctuary gives more importance to Kumarakom.
Elaveezhapoonchira:-The place enriched with verdant landscape, beautiful valleys and gigantic hills.The place is also ideal for trekking trails.
Vaikam:-Famous for the presence of the Siva temple. The backwater place is ideal for boating and site-seeking.
Kuravilangad:-Important pilgrim centre for the Christians.
Wagamon:-This is an ideal hill station in the district. The place seened to be situated 3000 feet above from the sea level.And to be known as "Kerala's Switzerland". Its tea gardens and meadows real attracts the travellers




Idukki

Consisting of undulating hills and valleys,Idukki district is rich in flora and founa. Thedistrict is also the "Power House" of the state, as about 60% of the States power needs are fulfilled by the hydro-electric power station at moolattom .The Idukki Arch-Dam built on the periyar river is first of its kind in the country. Tea industry is the main industry of the district .Pepper is the most important commodity produced and exported from Idukki.
ANAIMUDI:-The anaimudi peak is the highest peak of southern India.
CHERUTHONI:-It lies 3917 feet above sea level.It affords breathtabing views of the surrounding areas
CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:-Located on the Munnar-Udumalpet road it has 70km from Munnar.The Sanctuary established in 1984,is home to wide range of wildlife species.The area is also ideal for trecking.
DEVIKULAM:-The beutiful hill station with lake and tea plantations is ideal fosite seeing.
ERAVIKULAM-RAJAMALA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:-The famous sanctuary near munnar is accessible by road,just 4km from munnar.Here is the home of the Nilgiri tahr,besides elephent,tiger,leopard,Nilgiri Tahr,lion-tailed macaque and giant squirrel.
IDUKKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:-The sanctuary is located above the Idukki arch dam.The charming lake surrounding the sanctuary add to the scenic beauty of the region.It has rich collection of flora and fauna
MALANKARA:-Here is an artificial lake built as a part of Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project and this is ideal for boating.
MARAYOOR:-The little town located 36km from munnar.It is famous for the exotic sandal wood forests in the region.
MUNNAR:-Munnar is blessed with lakes,reservoirs,lush forests and several tea estates.Now munnar turns to be the main tourist centre of south India.The plantations here gives a distinct aroma to the cool and bracing climate of the hill resort.
MATTUPETTY:-It is located 13km from Munnar.Major tourist attractions here are,the indo-swiss Dairy project,exotic cattle,rose garden and lush green meadows.
PEERUMEDE:-An ideal hill station amidst rubber,tea,coffee and pepper plantations.
THEKKADI:-Rolling hills,tea and cardamom plantation welcome you to thekkadi.it is one of the largest wildlife reserves in India,the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is more popular as a tiger reserve.A boat ride on the spendid periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.Here we can see herds of elephents,tiger,sambar,spotted deer etc.Trekking facility is another advantage of Thekkadi







Ernakulam

Facing the backwaters studded with islands,Ernakulam,the district headquarters,is an important commercial and residential area.The presence of synagogue ,the Dutch palace ,the chineese fishing nets etc are real symbol of an eventful past.And this district is recognised as the commercial capital of kerala.The Handloom,coir and village industries of the district have also grown in prominence.The presence of international airport is a gift to the district.
ALUVA:-Pilgrim centre and summer resort,ideal for bathing and picnic.Annual sivarathri festival is in February.
CHOVVARA:-Chovvara is a famous beach in Ernakulam district on the bank of river Alwaye.There is an old palace here.
KALADI:-Hindu pilgrim centre on the banks of river periyar.Birthplace of the Bhakthi saint Sri.Sankaracharya.Sri Ramakrishna Advaitha Ashram is located here.
KOCHI:-More popular as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea',Kochi is a cluster of isladson the vast expanse of Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty,Vypeen,Gundu and Vallarpadam.And here we have one of the finest natural harbour in the world.Kochi,the commercial capital of the state and the major centre is known for it'sscenic beauty with beaytiful lagoons and backwaters .
MALAYATOOR:-Catholic chuech dedicated to St:Thomas.Annual festival in march/april
TRIPUNITHURA:-Hill palace museum-royalbeds,paintings,carvings and arms on display.
VYPIN ISLAND:-Densely populated island,the vypin Lighthouse provides a fine view of Kochi city and Alwaye.
WILLINGTON ISLAND:-Man-made island near kochi port ,picturesque spot,marine drive with promenade and ferry services
JEWISH SYNAGOGUE,MATTANCHERRY:-It was built in 1568 AD ,the great scrolls o Old Testament and other evidences of Jewish history preserved here are getting special interest.
THATTEKAD BIRD SANCTUARY:-Kerala's first bird sanctuary,water bird's and rare forest birds like the Ceylon Frogmouth and the Rose-billed Rollercan be seen here.







Thrissur

Thrissur district, constitutes the central region of the state. Thrissur district is rich in history, culture and archaelogical remains. Thrissur town the headquarters of this district is a beautiful town built around a hillock crowned by the famous vadakkumnathan temple.Thrissur also the centre of the Kerala Sahithya Academy and Sangeetha Nadaka Academy .Thrissur is also known as the 'Cultural Capital' of kerala.The Vadakkunnathan temple is classical example of kerala style of architecture and house of several sacred shrines.Major attraction is the pooram festival,celebrated during april/may.Beautifully decorated elephents carrying ceremonial umbrella,gives us a great bliss.And the fire works at night is Thrissur are zoo,palace and churches.
Arattupuzha:- The town is known for the colourful festival of Arattupuzha pooram.
Chalakudi:- The historical town is located 30km soputh of Thrissur. Chalakudi is an important timber centre.
Cheruthuruthi kerala kalamandalam:- Training centre for traditional act forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam,Tullal and other folk dances.
Guruvayur:-It is a major Hindu pilgrim centre located 31Km from Thrissur. The town is also known as the 'Dwaraka of South' the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna popularly known as "Guruvayurappan"
Kodungallor :-The town of immense historical importance and an ancient centre of trade and commerce with the jews, Greeks, Romans and the Arabs. St.Thomas the Apostle, is believed to have been first landed here. The town also has the distinction of having the first mosque in india.
Muringoor :- Christian Divine Retreat Centre.
Peechi Dam :-This place is ideal for picnic, dam site, and botanical garden






Palakkad

The district is unique in its geographical position, historical background, educational status and tourist attraction. Palakkad is popularly known as "The granary of Kerala". Palakkad district is predominantly an agricultural area.The main crop is paddy other important crops include sugarcane, groundnut, cotton, rubber, coffee etc. The palakkad fort built by Hyder Ali of Mysore is well preserved as one of the best forts of the state.
Attappadi :- It is one of the oldest tribal settlement in the state. It has extensive mountain region, verdant valleys, plantations and blessed with many ayurvedic herbs.
Chittar :-The town located 15 km south east of Palakkad, is known for the Kongappa festival. The Tunchath Acharyamadom is also located here.The Granite carving is a rare craft, which can be seen in the chittar taluk.Malampuzha :- Beautiful picnic spot on the tower hills of the western Ghats. Dam across the Malampuzha River, beautiful garden with lush green lawns, flower beds, glittering pools, avenues and fountains, a miniature zoo, aquarium and facilities for boating, fishing, swimming and water sports.
Nelliampathi :- A pleasant hill station made up of a chain of ridges, valleys and abundant forests, with teak, orange, tea, coffee,and cardamom plantations. It has splendid orange and vegetables farms.
Parambikulam wildlife Sanctuary :- it is one of the best sanctuary in the state. The sanctuary is home to varied wildlife species like gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur etc.

Silent Valley National Park :- These tropical evergreen rain forests are the most valuable gene reserve in the country, countaining rare species of plants and herbs, elephant, tiger wild dog, flying squirred and lion-tailed macaque can be found here.




Malappuram

Malappuram district has enriched the kerala's cultural traditions immensely. It has been a centre for Hindu Vedic learning and teaching. Ponnani, the taluk headquarters, is an important centre for education in the philosophy of Islam. Malppuram, literally means a terrated place atop the hills. The lilly tracts have dense forests and extensive teak plantations. The rains of Tipu Sultan's fort can still be seen here. The main crops of the district include paddy, coconut, cashewnut, pepper, ginger, banana, rubber etc. Though Malappuram is rich in naturl resources the district is industrially backward due to the lack of infrastructural facilities.
Angadippuram :-The town located near Perintalmanna. The famous Thirumandhamkunnu temple is situated here.
Kadampuzha :- It is situated on the Thrissur-Kozhikode national highway, the town is known for the Bhagavathi temple, which is believed to have been consecrated by Jagatguru Sankaracharya.
Kondotti :-Pazhayangadi mosque is seen here. This is an important pilgrim centre for muslims.
Kottakkal :- The headquarters of the kottakkal Arya Vaidya sala is situated here. Here is also the famous Ayurvedic research centre a nursing home and a hospital.
Manjeri :-The historical town is the headquarters of Ernad Taluh. the Karikkad Subramania temple,is a unique for its architectural style. The temple at Trikkalangode, near Manjeri is known for the annual Manjeri pooram festival.
Nilambur :- The place is famous for the world's oldest teak plantation and teak wood museum.
Tirur :- It is the birth place of 'Tunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan' the father of Malayalam literature. Famous Tunchan Parambu is situated here.
Vallikunnu Beach :- The beautiful beach resort is seen in the middle of a coconut grove.



Wayanad

The district has rendered the area with misty mountains, green valleys and picturesque scenery. The name, Wayanad, is believed to have been derived from the word Vayal nadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The district has enormous tourist potential due to its idyllic nature , nearness to major tourist destinations via Ooty in Tamil nadu and Mysore in Karnataka. Agriculture s the main stay of the district's economy.The rich cash crop plantations of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments has perhaps made Wayanad one of the biggest foreign exchange earners in the state. Another characteristic feature of the district is the presence of large number of tribals or Adivasis.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum :- It is located near Ambukuthi hill region. Here we can see good collection of tribal artefacts.
Chembra Peak :- It is the highest peak in the district. The hill is a trekker's paradise. The breathtaking scenic beauty of wayanad can be enjoyed from here.
Kalpetta :- It is the headquarters of Wayanad district. The famous Ananthaswami jain temple, the glass temple of Kootamunda is seen here. Meen mutty waterfalls is another attraction here.
Lakkidi :-The "Gateway to Wayanad",is located 5 km. south of Vayittiri. Its highest position gives scenic spot, picturesque hills,streams and luxuriant vegetation.
Pazhassi Tourist Resort, Mananthavadi :- It is an ideal picnic spot. It is on memorial to the veera Pazhassi Raja known as the "Lion of Kerala"
Sultan's Bathery :- Hill station and historical centre, noted for afort built by Tipu sultan in the 18th century.
Thirunelli :-It is situated 29 km north of Mananthavadi. It is renowned for the temple often called as "Thekkan Kasi". It is believed that a bath in the holy water of "Papanasini" will wipe off all sins.







Kozhikode Considering trade kozhikode has become an important region of Malabar. It was here in Kappad that Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498. The timber industry has a great influence on the economy of this district. Today, ancient monuments, ush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites,wildlife sanctuaries, rivers,hills,unique culture and warm,frindly ambience make this district a popular destination.
Beypore :- It is one of the chief port of Kerala, important trade and maritime centre. there we have major fishing harbour and boat-building yard.
Feroke :-This is the main centre of file industry.
Kappad :- Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498. Here we have calm beach, fishing villages and beautiful rock formations.
Vadakara :-The ancient town has a ruined fort. It was the scene of many exploits of Tacholi Othenan,the hero of ballads of North Malabar. Annual ceremonies are conducted in his memory







Kannur
Kannur city is mentioned as "a great emporia of spice trade" Today it is known as the 'weaver city' due to the thriving handloom industry. The district has excellent beaches, is dotted with many historical monuments.
Ezhimala :-The combination of high hills and beautiful beach has made Ezhimala a popular tourist place. Top at the hill the sight of an ancient mosque with sculptured stone pillars is a facinating one. Ezhimala also has a Naval Academy. A wealth of rare medicinal herbs is also found in Ezhimala and surrounding areas.
Thalassery :- The historical town is located 20km. south of Kannur. The British East India Company established its settlement in1683 and later built an impressive fort. It is famous for producing most of the india's circus artists.
Thalassery Fort :- The glorious fort located on the Thalassery beach was built by the British in 1708
Gundret Bungalow :- the former residence of German scholar Rev.Dr. Herman Gundert, who compiled the first malayalam dictionary. He is also credited for publishing first newspaper in malayalam.






Kasaragod
The district is bounded by Karnataka state in the north and east and kannur district in the south. The costal regions of the beautiful district abound in coconut and arecanut gardens while the midlands have extensive paddy fields.Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation-evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands.
Ananthapuram Lake atemple :- The 5th century temple set in a rock cut lake, is the only lake temple in Kerala. This is the moolasthanam of the deity of sree Padmanabha swami Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Bekal :- Bekal is known for the mighty fort, excellent beaches, backwaters and colourful festivals. And here is also a famous health resort. There is also an old mosque built by Tipu Sultan.
Bela :- The little town is known for the oldest church in the district. The church "Our Lady of Sorrows" was constructed in 1890.
Kanghangad :-The main attraction of the town is the prence of Karpooreswara Temple.
Madhur:- Hindu pilgrim centre, is well known for the Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple or Mahaganapathi Temple.
Manjeshwara :- This cashew rich town is the birth place of M. Govind pai, a renowned writer of Kannada literature and poetry. The Srimael Anantheswar temple is another attraction of the place.
Nileshwaram :-The cultural centre of the Kasaragod district. There are several 'Kavus', where nature, God and man commune in serne silence. The mannampurathu kavu is the most important.




























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