Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, the capital city of God's Own Country is the southern most district of Kerala. The beautiful seaside city built on seven hills is an ancienct city that offers all the modern facilities to the traveller and is also a centre of cultural activites. Situated just 80km away from the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, it offers a number of travel options with good facilities in accomodation, connectivity and scenic spots. Apart from the world famous Kovalam Beach, the place has beautiful backwaters, hill stations, temples, palaces, architecture, heritage walk, etc. all of which mesmerise the visitor.

Major tourist attractions here include SriPadmanabha Swami Temple, Kanakakunnu Palace, Vizhinjam, the Science anad Technology Museum, the Government Secretariat, Kowdiar Palace, Senate House, Veli Lagoon, Ponmudi hill station, Vettukad Church, Koyikkal Palace at Nedumangad, Sankhumugham Beach, Aruvikkara, Beema Palli, Anchuthengu Fort, Napier Museum, etc. The city is well connected to all parts of india by road, rail and air. Flights to international destinations are also available.

Varkala

Varkala, one of the most sought after beaches in Trivandrum district, is a upcoming destination in kerala. The main speciality of Varkala its exceptional landscape with high cliffs in front of the beach. Varkala retains a serene, rural atmosphere with rich vegetation. Quality accomodation facilities are available at Varkala as renowned hotel groups have put up properties there. Varkala is an important Hindhu centre of pilgrimage with the 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri mutt. More and more development activities are being carried out here taking this destination to higher standards.

Varkala is well connected by road and has a railway station, though the main railway station close to it is at Quilon. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, 50 km away. Prisitine waters, white sandy beaches, clear skies, towering cliffs and array of swaying coconut trees all combine to give travelers to Varkala an unforgettable beach holiday.

Kollam

Kollam, formerly known as Quilon, is famous as the land of cashew nut. The district is situated to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is also considered to be the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. In its past gloy, Kollam was renowned trading port of spices and other commodities. The district is also a fishing centre which provides different provides different types of fishes from both the sea and the backwaters. Kollam provides many tourism options like temples, backwaters, lush landscapes, boat cruises, etc. The largest freshwater lake, the Sasthankotta Kayal. is in this district.

Thirumullavaram Beach, Sasthamkotta Lake, Thenmala, India's first planned ecotourism project, Palaruvi waterfalls, Achencoil, Anchal, Aryankavu, Chavara, Karunagappally, Kottarakkara, Kulathuppuzha, Oachira, Pattazhi, Thangassery Light House, Thazhava, Jetayu Para and Courtallam Falls are the main tourist spots in kollam.

Kollam is easily accessible by road and has a major railhead. the nearest international are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (75km) and Kochi Airport (150km).

Alappuzha

Alappuzha is a veritable maze of bridges and canals, the presence of which has given it the appellation "Venice of the East". A place immersed in natural beauty, this destination enjoys a unique position in the maritime history of Kerala due to its proximity to the sea. Kuttanad, the Rice Bowl of Kerala, is in Alappuzha district. Alappuzha is also the place of many boat races. Places of interest include pathiramanal, an island on the backwaters; Karumadikuttan, statue of Lord Buddha associated with fascinating legends of 11th century; Krishnapuram palace built by Maharaja Marthanda Varma in Kayankulam which is famous for its 18th century murals depicting the story of Gajendramoksham and Alappuzha Beach, one of the most beautiful picnic spots.The District Tourism Promotion Council regularly offers tour package and backwater cruise packages in the Alappuzha - Kollam - Kumarakonam sectors.

Alappuzha is connected by all means of transportation to other parts of the state and the country. The nearest airports are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (156km) and Kochi International Airport (106km)

Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta district situated beside the Western Ghats is the pilgrimage capital of kerala.The district, with thick vegetation and mountain ranges, offers the travellers unending forests, rivers and landscapes, Sabarimala, situated 72km from pathanamthitta town, is one of the most important Hindhu pilgrim centres in India. The temple is situated amidst dense forests. During the pilgrimage season millions of pilgrims from different parts of the country visit this shrine by foot through the jungle trails.

Aranmula village is pathanamthitta district has been declared as an international tourism destination and is also included in the cultural tourism programme.

The biosphere created by the mountains and rivers supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The exotic wildlife of this region is an added attraction for visitors to the region. Trekking and adventure sport options are also available. The main places of interest include Aranmula, Charalkunnu, kakki, Konni, Mannady, Muloor Smarakom, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Pamba, Parumala, Pandalam, Manjanikara, Mannadi, Cherukolpuzha, Kadamanitta, Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam, Perunthenaruvi Falls.

Thekkady

Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the 27 tiger reserves in india, is spread over an area of 777sq. km. Situated in Idukki district, it is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Kerala. Today it has turned into one of the favourite locations for cinematography with its scenic beauty. Thekkady lies 4,000 - 5, 000ft above sea-level on the Western Ghats. The sanctuary showcase a large variety of flora and fauna like deers, monkeys, tigers, elephant herds and others. The place can be viewed best by taking a boat ride in the lake surrounding the sanctuary. Partially submerged tree-trunks can be seen in this charming artificial lake. Adventurous activities like jungle trekking are also among the options available visitors.

Kumili, Kurisumala, Murukady, chellarkovil, Vandanmedu, Pandikuzhya and Panchalimedu are the main tourist attractions around Thekkady. The nearest railway station is kottayam and the nearest airport is cochin International Airport 190km away. Road transport is available for the travellers to reach

Thekkady.

Kannur

Kannur, a land with great history and traditional charm, is one of the Malabar districts having rich tourism potential. It is reputed for its folk art forms, especially 'Theyyam'. The areas coming under the district have a significant place in the historical, cultural and political life of Kerala.

Kannur has always been a favoured destination for travellers for both trade and leisure. Its many attractions include the mouthwatering Malabar cuisine.

Payyambalam Beach, Baby Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Thottada Beach, Mappila Bay, St. Angelo's Fort, Azhikkal Ferry, Muzhappilangad Beach, Kizhunna Beach, Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple, Kottiyur Temple, Madai Mosque, English Church at Thalassery, Dr.Hermann Gundert's house at Illikunnu, Sri Rama temple at Thiruvangad, Odathil Palli and Overbury's Folly are some of the tourist highlights of Kannur.

Kannur is well connected with roadways to other parts of the country and has a main railhead in the town. The nearest international airport is at Kozhikode.

Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the undiscovered destinations of Kerala offering numerous of options to the travellers. This hill station is rich in wildlife, tribal life and heritage, all complemented by a cool climate. The unique hilly terrian of Wayanad gives the options for trekking and adventurous experiences too. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, located 18km East of Sultan Bathery. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, and situated on the northern boundary of the district bordering Coorg, Showcases a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Chembra Peak, Neelimla View Point, Meenmutty Falls, Chethalayam Falls, Pakshipathalam, Banasura Sagar Dam, Sultan Bathery Jain Temple, Edakkal caves, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Pazhassi Raja's Tomb, Valliyoor Temple, SeethaLavaKausha Temple, Thrissilery Shiva Temple and Thirunelli Temple are the other main tourist attraction here.

The nearest airport and railhead is at Kozhikode. Regular bus services are available to Wayanad and the journey to this destination is an excited one.

Kozhikode

Kozhikode, the third largest city in Kerala, is of great historical importance. The main port and city in Malabar, Kozhikode became famous in the new era after Vasco da Gama, the first European to sail directly from Europe, landed at Kappad Beach. The temples and mosques with the unique architecture of the region are attractions.

The main tourism spots here are S.M Street, kallai, Kappad, Beypore, Thusharagiri, Kirtdas, Mananchira, Planetarium, Ghat Section, Kadalundi, Backwater, Kozhikode Beach, Thali Temple, Kunjali Marakkar's House, House of Othena, Kuttichira Mosque, V.K. Krishna Menon Museum, Thiruvannur Temple, Azhokodi Temple, Valayanadu Temple, Varakkal Temple, Bilathikulam Temple, Bhairagi Madam Temple, Lokanarkavu Temple, Thusharagiri Falls.

This district is famous for many things including the folk songs known as Vadakkan Pattukal, Mappilapattu and Oppana, Ghazals, Football craze, non-vegetarian cuisine and the special sweet called 'halwa'

This district is well connected by rail, road and air to the other parts of the country.

Malappuram

One of the major areas in tha Malabar, the beaches, backwaters, hills and valleys, ancient pilgrimage centres and other attractions of Malappuram district offers traveller a unique experience of culture and cuisine. It is considered to be the birth place of Malayalam literature and the centre of Ayurvedic treatments. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. Along with historic monuments, natural attractions and a collection of ritual art forms makes this destinationis really worth visiting.

The place is also home to many festivals like Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram, Kottakkal Pooram, Nilambur Pattu, Kondotty Nercha, Puthanpalli Nercha, Omanur Nercha, Malappuram Perunnal. The main places of interests are Padinharekara Beach, Kadampuzha Temple, Angadipuram, Thirunavaya Temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, Trikandiyur Temple, Mumburam, Valiya Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque, Kottakunnu, etc.

The nearest international airport is at Kozhikode 26km away. The railways and the roadways cover connect the district to the rest of the state.

Palakkad

Palakkad, the Granary of Kerala, is also the Gateway of Kerala as it connects the state to the rest of the country though one of the biggest mountain passes of the world on the Western Ghats. The land of paddy fields offers picturesque landscapes. The district with mountain, forests and fertile valleys support rich flora and fauna.

The main spots of tourist potential are Nelliyampathy Hill Station, Tippu's Fort, Malampuzha Gardens, Snake Park, Fantasy Park, Palakkad Fort, Chittur Gurumadam, Jain Temple of Jainmedu, Dhoni, Loknayak J.P Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park, Kanhirapuzha Dam, Mangalam Dam, Mayilladumpara, Cholanoor Peacock sanctury Pothundy Dam, Seetharkundu Water Falls, Meenkara Dam, Parambikuam Wild life Sanctuary, Chulliar Dam, Killikurissimangalam, Meenavallam, Siruvani, Silent Valley National Park and Attappady.

The nearest airport is located at coimbatore 52km from palghat. The railway junction at palakkad is one of the major railheads in the region. Palakkad is also well connected by road.