Kerala

About Kerala

Capital of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is also known as Trivandrum. It’s an ancient city with a blend of history, culture, and modern development. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city. Thiruvananthapuram is known for its educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and the University of Kerala. The city is also the gateway to the beaches of Varkala and Kovalam, which are famous for their picturesque coastlines.

The Queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi is a vibrant port city, often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea.” It has a rich colonial history, influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The city is famous for its historical sites like the Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, and the St. Francis Church, which houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Kochi is a modern, cosmopolitan city known for its bustling Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, and the annual Cochin Biennale—a major international art festival. It is also the hub of Kerala’s film industry, Mollywood, and a major center for trade, commerce, and culture.

City of Spices
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is an important city located on the Malabar Coast. Historically, it was a major center for spice trade, particularly during the medieval era. The Kozhikode Beach is a popular tourist destination, with the famous Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first landed in India, nearby. The city is known for its unique culinary offerings, such as Malabar Biriyani and Kozhikode Halwa. Kozhikode is also home to Sultan’s Battery, a historic fort, and Mananchira Square, a well-known park.

Land of Lakes and Letters
Kottayam is known for its scenic beauty and educational importance. The city is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala, and is surrounded by rubber plantations and picturesque hills. Kottayam is also a hub of Malayalam publishing and is home to several important Malayalam newspapers. The St. Mary’s Church and the Vembanad Lake are major tourist attractions. The city is close to the famous hill station of Kumarakom, known for its backwaters and eco-tourism.

Gateway to Kerala
Mangalore is located on the southwestern coast, and though it is officially part of Karnataka, it is culturally linked with Kerala. The city has a unique blend of coastal and hill town features, with influences from both states. Mangalore is known for its beautiful beaches like Panambur Beach and Surathkal Beach, and historic temples such as Kadri Manjunath Temple and Ullal Beach. It’s also known for its seafood and saree weaving industries.

Venice of the East
Alappuzha, often referred to as Alleppey, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kerala, particularly for its backwaters and houseboats. The town is crisscrossed by a network of canals, and visitors often hire houseboats to cruise through its scenic water routes. The Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and the Ambalappuzha Temple are popular landmarks. Alappuzha is also known for its annual Nehrukris boat races, a thrilling event held during the Onam festival.

Cultural Capital of Kerala
Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala due to its rich traditions in dance, music, and festivals. The city is most famous for the Thrissur Pooram, a grand and vibrant temple festival that involves decorated elephants, fireworks, and traditional music. Thrissur is also home to the Vadakkunnathan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, which showcases classical music and dance performances. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a reminder of the city’s royal past.

Gateway to Kerala
Palakkad is often referred to as the “Gateway to Kerala” because it connects Kerala with Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its verdant landscapes, including the Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Palakkad is famous for its historic Palakkad Fort and the nearby Nelliyampathy Hills, which are ideal for trekking and nature walks. The city’s proximity to Western Ghats makes it an important destination for nature lovers.

The Heart of Kerala
Idukki is a hilly and scenic region in Kerala, known for its spice plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, and majestic waterfalls like Attukal Waterfalls. It is home to the famous Idukki Dam, which is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The region is rich in biodiversity and offers beautiful trekking opportunities in Eravikulam National Park and Munnar, which is nearby.

Land of Paddy Fields and Wildlife
Wayanad is an enchanting hill station located in the Western Ghats. Known for its lush green landscapes, Wayanad is home to dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and plantations of tea, coffee, and spices. Major attractions include the Edakkal Caves, which feature ancient petroglyphs, and Pookode Lake, a serene spot for boating. Wayanad is also home to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects elephants, tigers, and other animals.

Gateway to the Backwaters
Kollam is a coastal city and one of the gateways to the famous Kerala backwaters. The city is located on the Ashtamudi Lake, which is the second-largest lake in Kerala. Kollam is known for its cashew industry, and it has a strong historical connection with trade. The Sree Mahaganapati Temple, Thangassery Light House, and Jatayu Earth Center are some of the city’s landmarks. It’s also a starting point for backwater cruises to Alappuzha.

Land of Looms and Lores
Kannur, located on the northernmost part of Kerala, is famous for its handloom products, particularly Kannur saris. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly the folk dance Theyyam, which is a ritualistic performance. The St. Angelo’s Fort, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, and the nearby Valapattanam River are key attractions. Kannur’s beaches, such as Payyambalam Beach, are also popular among tourists.

Cliffside Beauty and Spirituality
Varkala is a coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Papanasam Beach is famous for its spiritual significance, as it’s believed that a dip in the sea here washes away one’s sins. Varkala Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is another popular attraction. Varkala is a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the more touristy spots like Kovalam.