KERALA

 Kerala

Kerala was formed on 1st November 1956. Chief language of state is malayalam. Main rivers are Periyar, Bharatapuzha, Pamba,Chaliyar, Achenkovil, Muvattupuzha. Mountains are Anamala is the highest peak, Karinkulam, Mukutti, Devimala. The main beaches are Kovalam, Varkala, Vizhinjam, Shankumukham(trivandrum)etc. The main waterfalls are Athirapally, Palaruvi and Vazhachal. The wildlife sanctuaries include Peppara lNational park, Silent valley, Parambikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Eravikulam National Park known for its Nilgiri Tahr.

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala, it is a beautiful city with art galleries, palaces, beaches etc. Main places to visit are Sri Padmanabhaswami temple, Kuthiramalika palace museum, Kanakakkunnu palace, Science and technology museum and planetarium, Observatory tower, Napier museum, Sri Chitra Art gallery. Kovalam beach, Veli tourist village, Neyyar dam andvwildlife sanctuary , ponmudi hill resort and Varkala beach.

Kumarakom

At Kumarakom house boat sailing on backwaters. The kottayam, kollam, alapuzha route is famous for scenic beauty. Boat races are held here annually and it’s a royal attraction. Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Vembanadu lake is place for water ride.

Thekkady

Periyar wildlife sanctuary with artificial lake surrounded by evergreen forest and grasslands. It’s home to bison, antelopes, sambhar, monkeys, langur, elephants, tigers etc.Thekkady is centre inside Park with hotels and boat jetty. Kumily is the closest town.

Kochi

Kochi consist of Ernakulam, Wellington Island, Bolgatty, Mattanchery, Vypin Island, Fort Cochin etc. St. Francis church with tombstone of Vasco da Gama, the Mattanchery palace, the Jewish synagogue constructed in 1568. Other attractions are Bolgatty Island, Harbour, Chinese fishing nets, ParishathThampuran museum and Veegaland amusement park.

Thrissur

Thrissur is known as kerala’s cultural capital. Places to visit are Vadakumnatha temple, churches include Our Lady of Lourdes cathedral, Puthenpalli, Chandran church etc. Many important temple festivals including thrissur pooram, peruvanam pooram, Arattupuzha pooram, thaipooya maholsavam etc. Kerala Kalamandalam and Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple is situated in thrissur.

Kannur 

Kannur is the best place to enjoy Kerala’s ritual art Theyyam. Regular Theyyams are held in Parassinikadavu temple and at Kerala folklore academy. The Portuguese built St. Angelo fort and Kanjirode weavers cooperative are worth visiting. The famous Bakel fort and Kappil beach are places to visit.