Kerala Tourist Guide

Starting one's journey from the southern district,
Thiruvananthapuram, is an ideal choice.

Thiruvananthapuram District
The city of Thiruvananthapuram, built on seven hills and named after the sacred serpent god Anantha on whom Lord Vishnu reclines, is the capital of Kerala and district headquarters. Thiruvananthapuram can be reached by air rail and road.










Kollam District
Situated on the banks of Astamudi Lake, Kollam (Quilon) is the district headquarters. The town is situated about 71km from Thiruvananthapuram and is a major railway junction. National highway NH47 passed through it. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram. Kollam was an ancient seaport where spices with Chinese, Arabs and Europeans were traded. It is still one of the important commercial centres in Kerala.

Ashtamudi Lake
This is one of the largest lakes in Kerala. The District Tourism Promotion Council organises backwater boating on the traditional boats of Kerala. The boating from Kollam to Alappuzha (approx. 9 hours) through the canals, lakes and backwaters will be a remarkably memorable experience.

The DTPC also conducts guided tours to Manroe isle in Ashtamudi Lake. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 10, the annual Ashtamudi Craft and Art Festival of India is held at the Asramam Maidan.

Thankassery
Located about 5km from Kollam, Thankassery has an 18th century church and ruins of an 18th century Portuguese fort. It also has a 44m tall lighthouse.

Palaruvi
About 65km from Kollam and 5km from Ariyankavu near the Tamil Nadu border, is this unspoiled picnic spot. The Palaruvi falls from a height of 300 feet into a shallow pool that is ideal for a swim.

Krishnapuram Palace Museum
Palace, a fine example of The museum is situated at Kayamkulam, 35km from Kollam towards Alappuzha. The KrishnapuramKerala style architecture, is fully restored and converted into a museum. The museum houses murals, antiques, sculptures and bronzes. One of the largest murals in Kerala is among the collections named "Gajendra Moksham" that is 14ft X 11 feet in size.



Pathanamthitta District
Situated closer to the Western Ghats and hedged by hills, forests and rivers, Pathanamthitta is a treat for the nature lover. Pathanamthitta town is the district headquarters. The nearest airport is Kochi about 175km away. The nearest railhead is Chengannur, 30km from Pathanamthitta and the town can be accessed by roads from other towns of Kerala.

Aranmula
Famous for the hand-made mirrors of polished metal, known as the "Aranmula Kannadi", Aranmula is an important pilgrim centre. The Parthasarathy temple is situated on the banks of River Pamba. The major tourist attraction is the Aranmula snake boat race held during the Onam season (Aug.-Sept.)

Sabarimala
Aboard of Lord Ayyappa, Sabarimala is a very well known pilgrim centre. During the pilgrimage season in Nov. - Jan., millions of people from different places of India pay homage to Lord Ayyappa.

Kozhencherry
Located 13km from Pathanamthitta on the banks of River Pamba, Kozhencherry is famous for the Maramon Convention held in Feb-March. This is the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia and the second biggest in the world.

The Vijnana Kalavedi Cultural Centre
Founded by Louba Schild, a French scholar, the centre is supported by UNESCO. The centre offers residential training courses in traditional arts and crafts of Kerala. Training under expert supervision is given in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic music, Kalaripayattu, woodcarving, painting, Ayurvedic medicine, religion, astrology and cooking.


Alappuzha (Alleppy) District
Alappuzha is an easy-going pleasant market town. Built around canals, backwaters and surrounded by coconut palms Alappuzha town is the headquarters of the district. There are several canals and lakes in the district those are fit for boating. Houseboats with all amenities are available for hire. Alappuzha is accessible by rail and road. The nearest airport is Kochi, about 75km north.

Mullakkal Rajarajeswary Temple
The temple is in the heart of the town. Two festivals are celebrated every year. The Navaratri festival held in Sept. - Oct. is more important. Colourful processions with nine caparisoned elephants are held during the last two days of the celebration. India's finest artists conduct several cultural programs including Thullal and Carnatic music.

Pathiramanal
It is a small but beautiful island in the Vembanad Lake. Regular boat services are organised from Kumarakam and Muhamma.

Ambalapuzha
The Sri Krishna temple in Ambalapuzha is a classical example of Kerala style temple architecture. Situated 14km from Alappuzha, it is a very famous pilgrim centre. The temple festival is celebrated in March-April. Kunjan Nambyar, the creator of Thullal, an original performing art of Kerala, enacted his first performance in this temple courtyard in the 16th century.

Karumadi
Close to Ambalpuzha is Karumadi, known for the 9th century black granite sculpture of Buddha.

Arthunkal St. Andrews Basilica
Arthunkal is located 22km from Alappuzha. The Portuguese built the St. Andrews Basilica that is a popular Christian pilgrim centre.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
The most popular tourist attraction in Alappuzha is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race that began in 1952 when the erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha. The race is held every year on the second Saturday of August. Many gigantic snake boats with 100 rowers in each representing different villages take part in the race. Another Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in mid-January to promote tourism

Kottayam District

Situated between the palm-fringed backwaters on the west and Western Ghats on the east, Kottayam presents some of the most beautiful natural scenes of Kerala. Kottayam town is the district headquarters. The town can be accessed by rail or road from other places of the state. The nearest airport is Kochi 100km north of Kottayam.

Valiyapalli
Not far from the city centre, this St. Mary's Church was built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians. The church is known for the 8th century Persian cross with the Pahlavi inscription on it.

Cheriyapally
Located about 100m from Valiyapalli (Big Church), this smaller St. Mary's Church built in 1579 has an elegant façade with an interior noted for its 400 years old paintings depicting biblical and other themes.

Bharananganam
An important Christian pilgrim centre where the mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa (1916-1946) are interned in a chapel next to the 1000 years old St. Mary's Church. The church has an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.

Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary
On the banks of Vembanad Lake, 12km from Kottayam, Kumarakam is a bird watcher's haven known for local and migratory birds. Cormorants, teals, ducks, owls and water fouls are seen from October to February. Feb.-July is the time for the snakebirds, night herons, egrets, and Siberian storks. The ideal time to watch the birds is around 0630 hrs. Kumarakam tourist village is a 101 acre wooded complex with many luxury resorts and houseboats. Boats are available on hire for backwater cruises in the lake.

Vikom
Famous for the Shiva temple, Vikom is 40km from Kottayam. It is believed that Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala, built the temple. The Ashtami festival in Nov-Dec is popular for elephant processions as well as dance and music performances.

Ettumanur
Famous for the Shiva Temple, Ettumanur is 17km from Kottayam. The temple has inscriptions dating back to 16th century or older. The temple is admired for the superb woodcarvings and murals. The temple festival is held in Feb-Mar. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.

Athirampuzha
Situated 3km from Ettumanur towards Kottayam, St. Mary's Fiona Church is famous for its annual feast known as "Athirampuzha Nercha". The grand feast is an eight days event.


Idukki District
dukki is an unspoiled nature lover's paradise. With high ranges, forests, abundant wildlife, ridges, valleys and streaming rivers, it indeed is the queen of Kerala tourism. Painavu is the district headquarters. The nearest railhead is Kottayam, about 133km. Idukki can be reached via road from most parts of the state.

Cheruthoni
Located around Idukki and Cheruthoni dams, near Painavu, Cheruthoni is at a height of 3900 feet from the sea level. On a clear sunny day one can see the far away Kochi from here. Boats can be rented for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu.

Peerumedu
Situated at about 3000 feet from the sea level, Peerumedu is on the way to Thekkady. The Travancore Rajas used to spend their summer in this small hill station. Peerumadu is full of plantations, waterfalls and open grass fields.

Munnar
Munnar literarily means three streams. Munnar has Muthirapuzha, Nallathani and Kundala flowing through and meeting the water demand of the town. It is a hill station at a height of 5300-6000 feet from the sea level. 135km from Kochi, it was the summer retreat of the European settlers. Different types of accommodation are available to suit one's whims and budget.

Mattupetty
The Indo-Swiss dairy farm is located here. Mattupetty is 13km from Munnar and has a rose garden that attracts many tourists.

Devikulam
Devikulam is another small hill station in Idukki. It is located at 16km from Munnar. According to legend Sita, the consort of Sri Ram, once had a dip in the lake and the name Devikulam originated from that. Devikulam has a number of tea plantations.

Malankara Dam And Reservoir
It is an artificial lake formed as part of Muvattupuzha valley irrigation project. The dam is 6km from Thodupuzha and easily accessed by road. Boating facilities in the reservoir is available.

Periyar National Park
The most renowned destination in Idukki is the Periyar National Park at Thekkady. The wildlife can be observed from boat-ride or by trekking. Though a tiger reserve, it is the best sanctuary to observe elephants. More Information

There are other wildlife sanctuaries in Idukki. They are Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 70sq.km, Eravikulam-Rajamalai sanctuary known for the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary and Thattekad Bird sanctuary home to Malabar grey hornbills, Sri Lankan frog mouth and rose billed roller.

Thommankuthu
Situated at 28km from Thodupuzha, this place is renowned for its numerous waterfalls. A 12km trekking brings one to the top of the hill from where one can experience the breadth-taking panoramic view of the valley.

Ernakulam District
The cosmopolitan city of Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. The harbour around which Kochi grew to be known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ernakulam is the district headquarters that is located on the mainland where most of Kochi's commercial centres are located.

Kochi consists of Ernakulam, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and islands of Willingdon, Bolgatty, Gundu and Vypin. All these areas are linked with ferry services. Bridges also link Ernakulam to Willingdon and Mattancherry. Ernakulam can be accessed by rail, road or air. Kochi domestic and international airports are about 30km north from the city centre. From Kochi harbour, periodic scheduled passenger services are organised to Lakshadweep.

Mattancherry
Almost all historical sites in Kochi are situated in Fort Kochi or Mattancherry. It is a blend of medieval Portugal, Holland and England.

Mattancherry Palace
The Portuguese built the palace in 1555 and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, the erstwhile ruler of Kochi. The Dutch renovated it in 1663. Hence the palace is also known as the Dutch Palace. The two-storey structure surrounds a courtyard containing a temple. The murals in the palace depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are some of the best in India. The palace is open for visits from Saturday through Thursday. Entry is free.

Synagogue
The synagogue was built in 1568. The Portuguese destroyed it in 1662. When the Dutch took-over Kochi, it was rebuilt. The Chinese hand-painted willow pattern tiles of the 18th century and the scrolls of the Old Testament are of interest to the visitors.

A stone slab inscribed in Hebrew from an earlier synagogue, built in 1344 at Kochangadi, can be seen in the Mattancherry synagogue. The synagogue can be visited from Sunday to Friday.

Fort Kochi
St. Francis Church
Built in 1503 by the Portuguese this church said to be the oldest European-built church in India. The original wooden structure was rebuilt in stone during the middle of 16th century. The Dutch restored the church in 1779. In 1795 when British occupied Kochi, it became an Anglican church. In 1524 Vasco de Gama was buried here for 14 years before his mortal remains were moved to Lisbon.

Chinese Fishing Nets
The entrance to the harbour is dotted with fixed and cantilevered Chinese fishing nets. Traders from the court of Kublai Khan introduced these to Kochi. Each net requires three men to operate.

Bolgatty Island
This is the island where the Dutch built the Bolgatty palace in 1744. When British occupied Kochi, this palace became the seat of the British resident of Kochi. Today KTDC has converted it into a three star hotel. The hotel ground has a small golf course.

Willingdon Island
Named after Lord Willington, the British Viceroy of India, it is a man-made island created with material dredged up to deepen the harbour. Two of the top hotels (Taj Malabar & Casino Hotel) are located in Willingdon Island. The headquarters of the South Naval Command and the Govt. of India Tourist Office are also located here.

Ernakulam
Parikshath Tampuran Museum
It is an archaeological museum next to the Siva Temple on Darbar Hall Road. The museum has collections of prehistoric monuments, old coins, oil paintings from the 19th century, stone sculptures etc.

Hill Palace Museum
Located at Thripunithura, 13km from Ernakulam, the museum displays artefacts and belongings including the king's throne and crown of the royal family of Kochi.

Aluva
21km from Ernakulam, Aluva is a pilgrim centre. The town is located on the banks of River Periyar. The annual Sivaratri festival is colourfully celebrated on the banks of the river.

Kalady
45km from Kochi and situated on the banks of river Periyar, Kalady is a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Shankara, of the 8th century, the advocate of Adwaita in Hinduism.

Vypin
Ferries shuttle across the narrow strait from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island. The island has a lighthouse. The Pallipuram Fort (Azhikode Fort) built in 1403 by the Portuguese is in hexagonal shape. It is considered as one of the oldest European monuments in India.

Festivals
Athachamayam
It is a spectacular procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants and floats making the beginning of Onam Festival. Conducted at Thripunithura and Piravam, it displays folk and temple arts of Kerala.

Cochin Carnival
The origin of the carnival is traced to the New Year celebration of the Portuguese during the colonial days. Noted for the unique games and competitions, the feast is observed during the last week of December with a grand procession on the New Year day.

Indira Gandhi Boat race
The race is conducted during the last week of December to coincide with the tourism fair. Several snake boats representing different villages participate in this race.

Thrissur District
Being considered as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur continue to assume the role with its numerous festivals, art schools and institutions those promote cultural activities.

Situated 80km from Kochi, Thrissur town is the headquarters of the district. Thrissur is built around a hillock crowned by the famed Vadakkunathan Temple. The nearest airport is Kochi at 50km towards south of the town. The town is accessible by rail and road from different places of India.

Archaeological Museum
Situated on the Town Hall Road, the archaeological museum has a collection of temple models, stone relieves, Gandharan pieces and reproduction of some of the Mattancherry murals.

Zoo & Arts Museum
2km from town centre, the zoo spreads over an area of 13.5 acres. The zoo has a variety of animals and a snake park. Within the compound of the zoo is the Arts Museum that has exhibits of woodcarvings, bronzes, Kathakali figures etc.

Vadakkunathan Temple
Vadakkunatan Temple is the landmark of Thrissur. It is believed that Parasuraman, the mythological creator of Kerala built the temple. A classic example of temple architecture of Kerala, the temple has shrines of Siva, Parvathy, Shankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Rama and Krishna. The central shrine and koothambalam have exquisite vignettes of carved wood. The temple festival Pooram celebrated in the month of April-May is the grandest in Kerala.

Guruvayoor
The Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor is one of the most famous temples and a popular pilgrim centre in Kerala. The temple is said to have been built in the 16th century. Non-Hindus are not permitted into the temple.

Punnathur Kotta, an old Zamorin palace, is where the elephants of the temple are kept. Visiting the palace definitely is worthwhile.

Irinjalakuda
Located 21km from Thrissur on the NH47 towards Kochi, Irinjalakuda has a temple dedicated to Bharata, brother of Rama. Perhaps this is the only temple in India where Bharata is worshipped.

Cheruthuruthi
Cheruthuruthi is 29km from Thrissur and near the Shornur railway station. It is where Kerala Kalamandalam, the home of traditional Kerala arts is situated. Students undergo rigorous training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, music and drama.

Athirapally

The Athirapally Waterfall is situated near the entrance to the Sholayar forest range east of chalakkudi and falls from a height of 80ft. The Vazhachal Fall is 5km from Athirapally. These falls are becoming very popular tourist attractions.

Peechi Dam
This is an irrigation dam built across the River Mandi. 15km from Thrissur, it is a tourist centre. Boating facilities in the reservoir are available.

Kodungallur (Cranganore)
Formerly known as Muziris, Kodungallor was a major seaport on India's west coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumal. His famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was near Thiruvanchkulam. It is also believed that St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ landed in Muziris in 52 AD. Cheraman Parambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathy Temple, the Portuguese fort and the old mosque built in the lines of a Hindu temple are of tourist interest in Kodungallur.

Palakkad District

The district lies at the foot of the Western Ghats. Much of the area is made up of plains of midlands and highlands with a few hillocks. Palakkad is the headquarters of district and can be reached by rail and road. The nearest airport is Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu about 55km away. Kochi airport is 130km south of Palakkad.

Fort
Hyder Ali, the erstwhile ruler of Mysore built this fort in 1766. The British conquered the fort in 1784 after defeating Tipu Sultan. Later for a brief period, it was in the possession of the Zamorin. But the British took it back in 1790. The fort is well preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Attappadi
Attappadi is an extensive mountain region with dense forests, plantations and rivulets those drain to River Bhavani. Predominantly a tribal area, Attappadi offers forests in its elemental magnificence.

Malampuzha
The irrigation dam built across the Bharathapuzha, the longest river in Kerala, is a popular tourist centre. The town is at the base of the hills of Western Ghats. The children's amusement park, miniature zoo and the beautiful rose gardens are set for the pleasure of the children. Facilities for a boat-ride in the reservoir are also available. The famous sculpture "Yakshi" (nymph) by Kanai Kunjuraman is another attraction in the garden.

Nelliampathy
It is a forest range 75km from Palakkad. The range is a chain of ridges cut off from one another with valleys of evergreen forests. Nelliampathy is a hill station with cooler climate and can be reached by road from Palakkad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a continuation of the Anamalai sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, spreads over an area of 285sq.km. The wildlife includes elephant, bison, gaur, sloth bear, wild boar, sambar, chital, crocodiles and a few tigers and panthers. Thunakadavu is the headquarters of the sanctuary. The forest department has a rest house and a treetop house those are available for tourists. Boating can be arranged in the lake at Parambikulam.

Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley is the only virgin rain forest in the Western Ghats. Spread over 90sq.km, it contains India's last stretch of substantial evergreen rain forest and many rare species of wild animals.

Trithala
Trithala has ruins of a large fort and Kattil Madom Temple with domed granite structure.



Malappuram District

Bifurcated from Palakkad and Kozhikode, Malappuram was once a centre for Vedic learning and teaching. Malappuram town is the district headquarters. Roads connect Malappuram to the other towns of Kerala. The nearest railhead is Shornur, 33km from Malappuram. The nearest airport is Kozhikode about 30km to the north.

The Jama-at Mosque
The mosque is an important religious centre for Muslims. The four-day annual festival (Nercha) is celebrated in April. Adjacent to the mosque is the mausoleum of Malappuram Shaheeds who fought bravely against the Zamorin's army.

Angadippuram
Angadippuram is a pilgrim centre for both Hindus and Muslims. The mosque at Puthanangadi has ancient Arabic inscriptions on one of its planks. Thirumandakkunnu Durga temple is one of the three Bhagavati temples in Kerala. The Pooram celebration of the temple is an important temple festival in the Central Malabar.

Kottakkal
Kottakkal is well known for the Arya Vydyasala that provides ayurvedic treatment for various ailments. P. S. warier, the famous Ayurvedic physician, established the vydyasala and people from different parts of the world come to Kottakkal for treatment. The township is 12km from Malappuram.

Thirunavaya
Thirunavaya is a place of historic importance. Located on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha, it is 7km from Tirur, a railhead on the Mangalore-Chennai route. In the olden days Mamangam, a gathering of the local rulers to choose the king among them, was held in Thirunavaya. The last mamangam was held in 1755.

Tirur
Tirur is an important business centre in Malappuram. 3km from Tirur railways station is Trikkandiyur where Tunjan Parambu, the birthplace of Ezhuthachan who lived in the 16th century, is situated. Tunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is considered as the father of Malayalam literature. On the Vijayadasami day, in Dec., people come to Thunjan Parambu with their children to initiate them to the world of letters.

Nilambur
At the foot of the Western Ghats, Nilambur is famous for its bamboos and teaks. Nilambur boasts the oldest teak plantation in the world. The oldest teak Kannimeri is an attraction for visitors. The teak museum is located on the Nilambur-Gudallur road, about 4km from Nilambur. The museum will educate a visitor about every aspects of teak.

Trikandiyur Shiva Temple
Located near Tirur, it is believed that Parasurama, the mythological creator of Kerala, built this temple. Devotees from far and near places visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

Kondotty
Kondotty is a township near to the Kozhikode airport. The 18th century pazhayangadi mosque where the first Kondotty Thangal, believed to be a descendant of Prophet Mohamed, is buried. The Nercha is held at the tomb of the Thangal.

Tanur
Tanur is situated 8km from Tirur. It is a coastal town where the Portuguese set up one of their earliest settlements. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited this place in 1546.

Ponnani
Ponnani was one of the oldest seaports in ancient Kerala. Arabs, Chinese and Europeans were trading in spices. Now Ponnani is an important fishing centre.

Kozhikode District
Previously known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a historical town. It was the capital of Zamorins of Kozhikode. In 1498, Vasco de Gama landed in India at Kappad beach near Kozhikode. Kozhikode was a major seaport in the olden days and steamers even today call for cargo at the port. Being a major centre for timber, Kozhikode has thriving boat-building industry. The city of Kozhikode has a domestic and international airport at Karipur, 23km to the south. Roads and rails connect Kozhikode to major centres of the country.

Manachira Square
This is the heart of the city. Once it was the courtyard of the Zamorins who ruled Kozhikode. The Tali Temple, Kuttichira Mosque and the Church of South India in the square represent the major religions of India. Manachira Library that boasts the literary heritage of Kozhikode is worth a visit.

Pazhassiraja Museum
The museum is situated at East Hill, 5km north of town. The museum has archaeological displays of bronzes, copies of ancient murals, coins and models of temples and megalithic monuments. Krishna Menon Museum

Krishna Menon Museum
The museum is next door to Pazhassiraja museum and has a section devoted to honour the great Indian leader V. K. Krishna Menon. His personal belongings and souvenirs are exhibited here.

Art Gallery
The Art Gallery is located next to the museums. It exhibits paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.

Dolphin's Point
At dolphin's Point, in the early hours of dawn, one can see the dolphins swimming and playing in the sea. It is 2km from the city centre.

Kappad
Kappad is the beach 16km from Kozhikode where Vasco de Gama set foot in India on the 27th of may 1498. A non-descriptive stone memorial is erected at the beach to commemorate his landing.

Beypore
Beypore is a small coastal town 11km south of Kozhikode. For centuries it was famous for shipbuilding. It is still famous for its country crafts built by traditional shipbuilders. Beypore is a popular shopping centre for Arabs who look for large boats.

Vadakara
Famous for the Kerala martial art, Kalaripayattu, Vadakara has a historical in the town. 5km from the town is the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple dedicated to Durga, one of the three famous Bhagavathy Temples in Kerala.

Vellarimala
Vellarimala is the unspoilt hilly reaches of Kozhikode not crowded by tourists. The Kanjirapuzha, tributary of Chaliar, takes a winding path through the rocky terrain of Vellarimala forming many attractive waterfalls.

Thusharagiri
Located 50km from Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a tribal tourist spot. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats merge here to form the River Chalipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray. One of the waterfalls plunges to a depth of 75m.


Wayanad District

Wayanad is situated at a height of 700-2100m above sea level. It is one of the few districts in Kerala that could retain its pristine nature. The geography and the climate of Wayanad make it ideal for cultivation of tea, coffee, spices and rubber. Kalpetta town is the headquarters of the district. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. The nearest railhead is also Kozhikode. Roads link Kalpetta to other parts of the state.

Wayanad is known for its Jain temples and past Jain influence in the state. The famous Ananthanathaswamy Jain temple is located at Puliyarmada near Kalpetta. The glass temple of Kottamunda dedicated to Parswanathaswamy, the third Thirthankara of the Jain faith is located 20km from Kalpetta, on the slopes of Vellarimala.

Lakkadi
Lakkadi is a nature's beauty with hills, streams and lush green forests. At 700m from sea level, Lakkadi registers the second highest rainfall in the world.

Mananthavadi
Located on the Western Ghats, Mananthavadi is the final resting place of Pazhassiraja, the famed freedom fighter. Thirunelli Temple is 32km from Mananthavadi. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself installed the idol of Lord Vishnu in the Temple. The Nagarhole wildlife sanctuary is only 40km from here. Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery
98km from Kozhikode, Sultan Bathery has an 18th century fort built by Tipu Sultan. The ruins of Pazhassiraja fort are located at Panamaram, 29km from Sultan Bathery.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated between the Nagarhole and Mudumalai sanctuaries, this 345sq. km wildlife sanctuary is under project elephant. It is the second largest sanctuary in the state. The wildlife includes elephants, tigers, leopards and various species of deer, monkeys and birds.

Pookote Lake
It is a deep and wide freshwater lake surrounded with lush green meadows and trees. Boating facilities, a children's Park, a freshwater aquarium and a handicrafts and spice emporium are available for the tourists.

Edakkal Caves
These caves are located at a height of 1000m from sea level on the Ambukuthi Hills, 10km from Sultan Bathery. The caves formed by a natural split in the huge rock present one of the richest pictographic galleries of the world. Archaeologists consider this as one of the earliest human dwellings. The caves contain paintings and graphical writings of the new stone-age civilization. In 1894, F. Fawcet, the then Superintendent of Police accidentally discovered the caves.



Kannur District

Formerly a major spice trading seaport, Kannur is known for its handloom industries and forest ranges. From 15th century AD, various colonial powers like Portuguese, Dutch and British exerted their influence on Kannur. In his book of travels, Marco Polo mentioned his visit to Kannur in 1250AD. Kannur Town is the headquarters of the district. The town has a railhead. The nearest airport is Kozhikode, 93km south. Major roads link Kannur to other centres of the state.

St. Angelo's Fort
The Portuguese built this triangular fort of laterite in 1505 after getting consent of the Kolathiri Rajas. Under the British it became a major military base. They modified laterite fortifications and several buildings in the fort. Now the Indian Army occupies the cantonment area near the fort.

Parassinikadavu Temple
The Muthappan temple is located on the banks of Valapattanam River, 18km northeast of Kannur. Open to all, this is the only place where regular Theyyam is performed daily throughout the year. The timing is usually between 0400hrs to 0900hrs.

Talassery Fort
Talassery is 20km south of Kannur. The British established their settlement in 1683 and completed the fort in 1708. Though abandoned, the old English church on Nettur Hill with stained glass windows is worth visiting.

Parasdsinikadavu Snake Park
The snake park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes those are getting extinct. The park has a collection of over 150 snakes those include cobras, Russel vipers, pit vipers, king cobras, pythons and non-poisonous snakes.

Taliparambu
The Vishnu temple at Taliparambu is an example of medieval Kerala temple architecture. The temple is said to be built in the 10th century. It has stonewalls, murals and woodcraft work for the visitors to see

Kasargod District

Kasargod is the northern-most district of Kerala. It is a land of forts, rivers, hills and beaches. The district is known for its coir and handloom industries. Kasargod is the district headquarters. The nearest airport is Mangalore, in Karnataka, 50km away. The town has an important railhead. Roads connect the town to other parts of the state and neighbouring states.

Bakel Fort
Bakel fort is the largest of best-preserved forts in Kerala. 16km south of Kasargod town and on the national highway, the imposing circular laterite fort covers 35 acres of land and stands 130 ft above sea level. The history changed the ownership of the fort from one ruler to another. During the ancient times the Kadambas owned it. Then it came under Kolathiri Rajas. Later it became part of Vijayanagar Empire. During the late 18th century Tipu Sultan captured it. Bekal served as an important military station of Tippu Sulthan when he led the great military expedition to capture Malabar. The coins and other artefacts unearthed by the recent archaeological excavation at Bekal fort indicate the strong presence of the Mysore Sultans. After his death, it became the property of British. During the reign of the Company Bekal become the headquarters of the newly organised Bekal Taluk of South Canara District in Bombay Presidency.

Chandragiri Fort
Sivappa Nayak of Bedanore built this fort in the 17th century. The fort was built in a square shape. It is located 10km from Bakel. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers breathtaking view of the meandering Chandragiri river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

Hosdurg Fort
Somasekhara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built a chain of forts in Kanjangad. He captured Manjeswaram and Taliparambu and built a fort at Hosdurg known as the new port. It is a main tourist attraction. Hosdurg is also known for Nityanandashram, an internationally renowned spiritual centre.

Ananthapura Lake temple
This is the only lake temple in Kerala. This 9th century temple is the original abode of Anandapadmanabha of Anandapadmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram.