Friday, November 21, 2008

Kerala Travel Guide

Kerala is a state situated on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. The Cities of Kerala are enclaved within the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the sombre mountains of the Western Ghats. They are home to a range of birds, freshwater fishes, mammals and reptiles as well as a number of species of trees. The tropical forests and the gushing rivers work in unison to form a magnificent atmosphere that lulls every tourist. Some of the main rivers flowing through the Cities of Kerala are the Periyar, the Bharathapuzha, the Pamba, the Kadalundipuzha and the Achankovil.

The rich culture of the cities is well reflected in the Carnatic music and the dances of koodiyattom and kathakali. While Malayalam is the official language; Tamil and various Adivasi languages are also spoken. The main Cities of Kerala are Tiruvananthapuram (the capital city), Allepey, Cochin, Idukki, Kollam, Malappuram, Munnar, Varkala, Wayanad, Calicut and Kottayam.The following are the other important cities of Kerala:

Ernakulam Travel Guide :
Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Kochi (Cochin) Travel Guide :
Kochi (earlier known as Cochin) is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with true cosmopolitan character. With one of the finest natural harbors of the world, breath taking blue lagoons and lush green islands It is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is the biggest and most active port in Kerala and from here, ships set sail for foreign ports with spices, rubber, coir and fish.

Kasargod Travel Guide :
The northern-most district of Kerala, Kasargod is known for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. The district has water, forest, and mineral resources.

Alappuzha Travel Guide :
Alleppey (Alappuzha) beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular beaches of Kerala and is located in the district of Alappuzha. Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.It is Located roughly 5 kms from the Alappuzha railway station and has Arabian Sea on the west and a large network of lakes and lagoons.

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

Kode Travel Guide :
Once the capital of the powerful zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode (Calicut) was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode (Calicut) a popular destination.

Kottayam Travel Guide :
The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). It is an important commercial centre of Kerala, as it is a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, one of the country's primary commodities board.

Idukki Travel Guide :
The name 'Idukki' is derived from the Malayalam word 'idukku', which means a narrow gorge. Idukki district was formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the erstwhile Ernakulam district. Situated in the southern part of Kerala.

Munnar Travel Guide :
Idukki district is at an altitude of 5000 to 8000 ft above sea level. Munnar is one of the prominent hill stations in India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.

Thrissur Travel Guide :
Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south india.

Trivandrum Travel Guide :
The city has recently grown as a tourist and commercial centre, with the Trivandrum International Airport becoming the main gateway into Kerala for a substantial number of visitors and tourists.

Thekkady Travel Guide :
Thekkady, located in central Kerala, is a popular hill station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an important plantation centre, conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations.

Kannur Travel Guide :
Formerly a major port area, this is now a city known for its handloom and beedi industries. Some of the finest weavers of Kerala come from this district. Kannur is also the headquarters of the country’s largest and best-run beedi cooperative which produces the famous brand, Kerala Dinesh Beedi.

Wayanad Travel Guide :
Wayanad, one of the fourteen districts in Kerala and is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats.

Kollam Travel Guide :
Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi Lake. Famous for its cashew industry and the historic remnants and ruins of Portuguese forts and churches that were constructed here in the 18th century, it is the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala.

Malappuram Travel Guide :
Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history.

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

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