Alappuzha City

With the Arabian Sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers cris crossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty,Referred to as the "Venice of the East" by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alapphuza is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The rice bowl of Kerala, Kuttanadis perhaps the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Ernakulam

A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi.

An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history.

Its reputation as a Sea-Farming Commercial Town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the Middle Ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it.

The town was shaped by the Portugese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of Indo-European architecture that still exist here.

Idukki City

Idukki Arch Dam :
This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the Dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary :
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three Dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq km.

Animals :
Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.

Snakes:
Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes.

Birds:
Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

Kannur City

With the Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendour, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Some of the popular beaches here are:

Dharmadam Island (Beach) :
The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam)

Kizhunna Ezhara (Beach)
This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala (11 km from Kannur).

Payyambalam (Beach)
The long, secluded beach is a local picnic spot (2 km from Kannur)

Ezhimala (Beach)
The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 M high). A Naval Academy is being developed here.

Aqua-Tourism is one of the most important constituent of Kerala.

Aqua-Tourism in Kerala can be broadly classified into three Zones of Kerala

Kasaragod City

The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast bordered by hilly Kodagu and Mangalore districts of Karnataka in the east and north. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood along with the coir and handloom industries. With its unique natural and cultural attractions Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabiansea, is the largest and best preserved fort in the State.

Pallikere (Beach)
This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort, and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation (1 km from Bekal Fort).

Kappil (Beach)
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian sea (6 km from Fort)

Valiyaparamba (Backwater)
(30 km from Bekal): This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Chandragiri Cruises (Backwater)
Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge.
Situated on the Chandragiri River, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vintage point to watch the sunset..

Kollam City

Thangasseri (5 km from Kollam town):
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

Rameshwara Temple:
This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.

Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town):
Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya temple at Umayanallor. This shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.

Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town):
The vast fresh water lake here is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):
The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town):
Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Thenmala (66 km east of Kollam):
The area is covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations. An Eco Tourism Development Project is under implementation here. Thenmala is also a dam site.

Ariankavu (70 km from Kollam town):
Situated on the Kollam - Shenkottai road, Ariankavu is famous for the shrine dedicated to Lord Sastha. Mandala Pooja and Trikalyanam celebrated in the month of December are the main festivals here.

Palaruvi Waterfalls(75 km from Kollam town):
Palaruvi which means "milky stream" makes its `milky way' down the rocks, falling from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot. There are frequent buses to Ariankavu from Kollam. The PWD Inspection Bungalow and the KTDC Motel offer comfortable accommodation.

Thirumullavaram Beach (6 km north of Kollam town):
This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.

Matha Amrithanandamayi Ashram, Vallikavu :
The residence and the headquarters of Matha Amrithanandamayi Devi, one of India's female gurus, is situated at Amrithapuri near Vallikavu. The ashram is accessible both by road and boat.

Picnic Village:
This village is located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main centre of recreational activities in Kollam. The 200 year old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, the Tourist Boat Club, the Children's Traffic Park and the Yatrinivas are situated in this vast tourist complex.

Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple (11 km from Chadayamangalam):
This temple situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam MC Road is an idyllic example of rock cut temple architecture.

Jatayupara:
A huge rock at Chadayamangalam takes its name from the mythical bird `Jatayu' in the epic Ramayana, who is believed to have collapsed on the rock after failing in his attempts to thwart Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.

Kottayam

The Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom (16 km from Kottayam town):
Also called a land of lakes, Kottayam is a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into great expanse of water called the Vembanad lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom Tourist Village offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (16 km from Kottayam town):
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist's paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. A cruise along the Vembanad lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.

Thalikotta Temple:
The ancient temple was the place of worship of the Thekkumkoor royal family. The Kudamaloor Temple is equally famous. The Thazhathangadi Mosque built on the Meenachil river is one of the oldest in India. The C.S.I. Cathedral Church built over 175 years ago is a monument from the British Era. The Old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman traditions. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has its headquarters at Devalokam, Kottayam. The mortal remains of the Blessed Father Chavara are entombed at the St.Joseph's Monastery Church at Mannanam. Thousands gather at this holy shrine during festivals