Kerala

Trivandrum

Temple Padmanabha Trivandrum Also known as Tiruvananthapuram, the seaside capital of Kerala state, Trivandrum is surrounded by numerous hills and hilloks on which stand building and parks. Trivandrum literally means the 'Holy city of Ananta' and is a city of magnificient buildings of ancient and modern Architecture. Trivandrum is one of the most beautiful cities of India. Perched on undulating terrain of low coastal hills near the southern edge of the Indian mainland, clean and green Trivandrum, is an ancient city with trading tradition dating back to 1000 BC.

Places to See:

Padmanabhaswami Temple, Zoological Gardens, Shankhumugham Beach, The Napier Museum

Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi or Cochin is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula, in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.

This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.

Strictly speaking, Cochin is a small town. But, Cochin has outgrown its original bounds and is now the general name given to much of the region adjoining the original town, which now includes Cochin, Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many other nearby towns and villages.

Places to See:

Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St.Francis Church, Bolghatty, Gunda and Willingdon Islands, Kerala History Museum, Hill Palace Museum, Parishath Taamburan Museum, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santacruz Cathedral (Basilica).

Alleppey

Experience the un-paralleled magic of the narrow, shaded streets & vibrant color of Alleppey. This fairly pleasant market town is built on canals and is surrounded by coconut trees. The Arabian Sea on its west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers criss-crossing it, Alleppey (or Alappuzha as it's also known) is a district of immense natural beauty. The average temperature varies between 35 and 20 degrees centigrade, with an annual rainfall of 230 cm. The best time to visit is August to March.

As you walk down the Alleppey's quaint streets, you can discover its unique architecture, truly built in a Keralan styles. Alleppey markets have large quantity of rice, green coconuts, red chillies, and fat rough skinned jack fruit. Tourist usually cruise on the myriad waterways or on the shallow lake, to view the exciting scene of the great annual boat race, the most famous being the Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race, held in December, that will certainly get you snapping some great photos and thoroughly enjoying yourself. If you miss the event then, don't worry as the city takes pity on you and races are held again in January.

Places to See:

Backwater Cruise

Kollam

Located 71 kms to the north of thiruvananthapuram, kollam is the centre of the country''s cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the malabar coast, kollam was one the port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic tous is covered by the renowned asthamudi lake, making it the gateway to magnificent backwaters of kerala. The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Places to See:

Thangassery Light House and Backwaters.

Trichur

Thrissur, acclaimed as the cultural capital of Kerala is situated almost centrally in Kerala State and is well connected by road and rail. It is accessible by air from International Nedumbassery Airport Kochi (Cochin, Ernakulam) and by sea from Kochi seaport. Thrissur is built on an elevated ground on the apex of which is the oldest and largest temple complex in the state, the Vadakunnathan temple complex, famous since the 8th century AD. Trichur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is the cultural capital of Kerala. Trichur is famed far and wide for its pooram festival. This festival district has witnessed many rulers and dynasties starting with the Zamorins, Tipu Sultan to the Dutch and the British. A cultural center, the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy are located here.

Places to See:

The Vadakunnathan Temple, Guruvayoor, Arattupuzha, Anakkayam, Punnathur Kotta, Athirampally Waterfalls, Nattika Beach.