PLACES TO SEE IN KERLA

PLACES TO SEE IN KERLA

Kovalam

Rated as among the best beaches in India even before Kerala Tourism shot into prominence Kovalam is the favorite option of many tourists in Kerala for relaxing in the sun, ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massages. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from cocnut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The mild home provide an awesome perspective of the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. To the northern of Kovalam is the Samudra beach and Hawah beach is in the middle of Kovalam. The rocky formations mixes with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a exclusive aquarelle on moonlit evenings. Three beaches at Kovalam are divided the rocky formations that is projecting out to the sea. The bigger one is known as Light House Beach and the second biggest in the Hawah beach.

Kovalam is the favorite option of many tourists in Kerala for relaxing in the sun, ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massages

Vagamon

Across the Idukki-Kottayam border, there is an enchanting hill station called Vagamon, pulling visitors and tourists across the world to feel the nature’s rhythm in wild. Studded with meadows, gardens, dales, tea plantations and valleys, Vagamon is a promising hill station holiday retreat in India. Mystic hills, perfectly maintained lawns and fresh air are quite enough to make your visit ravishing. What makes Vagamon extraordinary is a chain of hills contemplating religious harmony – Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala. Vagamon is one of those places that have to be experienced live than just read about and is rated among the best hill stations in India.

Mystic hills, perfectly maintained lawns and fresh air symbolises Vagamon Hill Station

Bekal

In Kasargod district of Kerala, locates a place called Bekal with beauty engraved all over. The Bekal Fort enhanced with the Arabian Sea is definitely one of the most significant tourist attractions. Film directors’ favorite, the Fort has also done a major role in enriching various Indian movies, especially their songs. In Kerala, Bekal Fort is the best preserved and the largest among its kind. This giant keyhole shape fort with the excellence of the sea surrounding it, greenery view from the top of the fort and the cool breeze sets an exotic feel. The Anjaneya temple located at its entrance is another attraction of the Fort.

Bekal has a keyhole shape fort with the excellence of the sea surrounding it, greenery view from the top of the fort

Nelliampathy

Just 52 miles away from Palakkad, Nelliampathy is one of the best hill stations in India you would never want to skip out of your itinerary. Evergreen jungles, lemon, tea, java and cardamom farms rich with awesome valleys and misty mountains makes Nelliampathy a fascinating place to visit and enjoy. The awesome environment and the nature’s miracle improve the whole encounter. Nelliampathy, often known as as ‘Poor man’s Ooty’ is also popular for the hiking paths and adventure experiences it offers. Take a drive through those thrilling hairpin turns and experience the wealth of characteristics at Nelliampathy.

Peacock Dances in Mayiladumpara near Nelliampathi

Kozhikode

Kozhikode also known as Calicut is famous for its historical, cultural, educational and culinary excellence. Calicut used to be the main trading center in the past between Kerala and the rest of the world. Vasco da Gama in his search for spices and other trades came to Calicut first, who was later followed by the English and Dutch. Today, Calicut is one of the most active commercial cities in Kerala. The National Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management have their campuses here in Calicut offering higher and sophisticated education to the deserving candidates. Another notable thing about Calicut is the authentic Malabar food it serves. Some mouthwatering delicacies such as Dum Biriyani, Kalummakaya and Chatti pathiri, and the yummiest halwa varieties are loved by the locals and the tourists alike.

Vasco da Gama in his search for spices and other trades came to Calicut in Kerala

Malampuzha

Malampuzha is a beautiful township located around 10 kilometers away from Palakkad town. The second longest river in Kerala, Bharathapuzha nurtures Malampuzha and the place is famous for its greenery and picturesque view. It is a blend of natural beauty and various man-made amusements. Malampuzha’s charm is spread over various smaller areas that give an enthralling experience to the tourists. Some of them are mentioned below.

Malampuzha Dam is famous for its greenery and picturesque view

Thrissur

Thrissur originally known as ‘Thirusivapperoor’ is the cultural capital of Kerala. Its cultural, religious and spiritual abundance has been historically recorded and is still preserved. The city is also denoted as the ‘Golden capital of Kerala’ because of the surprisingly high sales of gold happening here every year. In fact, there will be no other district in Kerala that would be doing consistently well in business over years. Talking about its cultural extravaganza, one must mention the mother of all poorams, the Thrissur pooram that is celebrated every year without fail. Held in April-May, Thrissur pooram is colorfully spectacular and pulls in a large number of tourists from all over the world to the city only to watch this festival.

Thrissur Pooram is colorfully spectacular and pulls in a large number of tourists from all over the world

Ashtamudi

Ashtamudi translates into eight channels and translates in local language as a lake with eight branches and is the second longest lake in Kerala stretching a distance of 16 kilometers finally merging into the sea at the estuary in Neendakara in Kollam. The backwater cruise between Ashtamudi and Alleppey is considered to be the longest in Kerala and is the best experience to intimately experience the best backwaters in Kerala . Ashtamudi lake is the best place to enjoy the serene beauty of the coconut groves and palm trees along the banks the backaters and is less crowded unlike Alleppey. Munroe Island (Munroethuruth) which is located at the confluence of Kallada river and Ashtamudi lake is a cluster of eight tiny islands is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munro who oversaw the land restoration efforts in Kallada river adjoining the Ashtamudi lake. When you enjoy a cruise in Ashtamudi lake you can enjoy the sightings of Chinese fishing nets which is locally known as cheena vala which is used for fishing and other activities like coconut husk retting used to produce coir products and the canoe from which the ripples from the oar spreads out in the backwaters.

Migratory birds, freshwater fish and other aquatic life and a lush vegetation to add to the beauty in Ashtamudi Lake Kollam