Alappuzha Beach
Bekal Beach
Beypore Beach
Cherai Beach
Ezhimala Beach
Fort Kochi Beach
Godeshwaram Beach
Kappad Beach
Kappil Beach
Kovalam Beach
Koyilandy Beach
Kozhikode Beach
Mararikulam Beach
Meenkunnu BeachPadinjharekara Beach
Pallikere Beach
Payyambalam Beach
Poovar Beach
Shanghumukham Beach
Somatheeram Beach
Thangasseri Beach
Thirumullavaram Beach
Vadakara Beach
Vallapatanam
Vallikunnu Beach
Varkala Beach
KERALA BACKWATERS
Kollam
Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) was one of the leading trade centres of the ancient world, eulogised by travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo. It is also the starting point of the backwater waterways. The Ashtamudi Kayal, known as the gateway to the backwaters, covers about 30 per cent of Kollam. Sasthamcotta Kayal, the large fresh water lake is 28.5 km from Kollam city.The 8 hours boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is the longest cruise in Kerala and is delightful ride with lotuses and water lilies all around. The historic Thangasseri Fort is near Kollam, which is situated 71 km north of Thiruvananathapuram.
Alappuzha
With the Kuttanad region and the Vembanad Kayal nearby, Alappuzha (earlier known as Alleppy) attracts tourists throughout the year. The criss-crossing canals in the area evoke comparisons with Venice, but the differences are also substantial. Each has an identity of its own. Amongst the notable sights is the palm covered Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Kayal, one hour by boat from Alappuzha. The place is famous for the snake boat races and also has a number of historic colonial buildings and a beach. Kollam and Alappuzha connected to a beautiful lake named Kayamkulam Lake. Now newly started a major snake boat race in Kayamkulam basis.Kayamkulam town and National Thermal Power Plant are located in the banks of Kayamkulam Lake.(A part of ashtamudi Lake)Kuttanad
The Kuttanad region is a vast area of partly reclaimed land, covered with bright green paddy fields, separated by dikes. The level of water is a few feet higher than the level of the surrounding land. It is an amazing labyrinth of shimmering waterways composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets. Lined with dense tropical greenery, it offers a glimpse into rural life-styles of Kerala. Kuttanad is a backwater paradise and an ideal destination for a backwater cruise in Kerala. It is possible to drift along in a houseboat and enjoy the scenic view of the Kerala countryside.
Kottayam - Kumarakom
Fort Kochi
Kochi has a very good harbour right from the ancient times. The lake that surrounds Fort Kochi is the Vembanad Lake and the people can use ferry boats to travel through this lake. There are many small islands between Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and Ernakulam. The backwater cruise is done around islands like Bolgatty, Vyppin, Gundu and Vallarpadam.
Munroethuruth
Munroethuruth or Munroe Island is a place surrounded by kallada river, Ashtamudi Lake and Sasthamkotta Lake in Kollam district ,MunroeIsland is a cluster of eight tiny islands, Blessed with a number of criss-cross canals and zigzag water channels, this Island plays a host to many migratory birds from various countries around the world. You can watch birds such as King fisher, Woodpecker, Egret,Bee-eater, Crow pheasant, and Paddy Birds. There is yet another rare chance to see the traditional Indian spice plants such as Pepper, Nutmeg and Cloves.
The first community tourism programme in the State will start functioning from the MunroeThuruthu islands.Coir making is a home industry to almost all the village living people. It is very interesting to watch the coir making by the village ladies with the help of weaving Wheels. They make the coir ropes by hand. In addition to this, on the way, you can see the process of extracting coconut oil from the "copra" [dried coconut]. Among the routine traditional engagements, duck, poultry farm and prawn breeding are common in all houses.Kasargod
Kasargod in north Kerala is a backwater destination, known for rice cultivation, coir processing and lovely landscape, it has the sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the north and east. Cruise options are Chandragiri and Valiyaparamba. Chandragiri is situated 4 km to the southeast of Kasargod town and takes tourists to the historic Chandragiri fort. Valiyaparamba is a scenic backwater stretch near Kasargod. Four rivers flow into the backwaters near Kasargod and there are many small islands along these backwater stretches, where birds can be seen
Thiruvallam
Kozhikode
Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) has backwaters which are largely “unexplored” by tourist hordes. Elathur, the Canoly Canal and the Kallayi River are favourite haunts for boating. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
KERALA WATERFALLS
Adyanpara Falls
Adyanpara Falls is a cascading waterfall in the Kurmbalangod village of Nilambur taluk in Kerala, India. This water falls has a height of around 300 feet.
Aripara Falls
Aripara Falls (alternate spelling: Arippara Falls) is a tourist spot in Thiruvambadi panchayat in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is located on the Thiruvambadi - Anakkampoyil route, 15 km from Thiruvambadi. The waterfall is a tributary of Iruvanjippuzha. There is a proposal for implementing a hydel power project on the Aripara waterfall.Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls is a waterfall in India. It is situated 18 km from Kottayam, 2 km from Pallickathode and 3 km from Kooroppada. The waterfall cascades down the mountains from a height of 100 ft.
Athirappilly Falls
Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India. Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayar ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations. Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.
Cheeyappara
The Cheeyappara Waterfall is on the Kochi - Madurai Highway (National Highway 49), between Neriamangalam and Adimali. It is in Idukki district, Kerala.
The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes. This is also a great place for trekking.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Kanthanpara waterfalls are situated in Wayanad District. the waterfalls has a height of 30m and lies at a distance of 22km from Kalpetta.Marmala waterfall
Marmala waterfall lies a few kilometres away from Erattupetta, in Kottayam district, Kerala, India inside a private estate. It is exactly 7 km from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 km after which the road is not motorable. Only a four-wheel drive (4x4) Jeep can go through the narrow path, often passing over the uneven rocky terrain where no car would go. Even the jeep will not take you to the bottom of the falls. To reach the falls one has to get off the jeep and trek through the estate over the slippery rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.
Meenmutty Falls, Wayanad
Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road. It is Kerala's second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Each of its three tiers requires a separate hike through a moist, deciduous forest. The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome, but the waterfalls are worth it.
Palaruvi Falls (75 km from Kollam town)
The Palaruvi Falls is a waterfall located in Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Palaruvi Falls is some 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the mountain pass and the Kerala-Tamilnadu border at Aryankavu, It is the 40th highest waterfall in India. It is a single drop, horsetail type waterfall with a total height of 91 metres (299 ft). The Palaruvi Falls is across the Kallada River.Panieli Poru waterfalls
Panieli Poru is a tourist spot in the Ernakulam region of Kerala, India caused by a natural bottleneck in the flow of the Periyar River due to rock formations.
The river, which is shallow and wide until just before the rock formations, is forced to flow through some narrow crevices in the large rocks and to flow over shallower rocks, which increases its momentum and creates a great deal of turbulence. Nevertheless, this turbulence will not be visible on the surface.
Although not a popular waterfall destination in the exact sense of the word, water and rocks together make for a picturesque scene at Panieli Poru, a little known spot on the eastern tracts of Ernakulam district. Situated along the Malayattoor forest tracts, 20 km from Perumbavoor, the place casts an enchanting spell that mesmerises the visitor. The Periyar gushes along the rocky terrain here.The rivulets of the Periyar, having separated upstream, join hands at the spot and continue the onward journey. The flowing water makes a symphony along with the chirping of the birds in the nearby forest. It is indeed an alluring locale for those who have a love for natures splendour.
Perunthenaruvi Falls (36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira)
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls are waterfalls 36 km from Pathanamthitta in Pathanamthitta District, Central Travancore region, Kerala State, India. It is a popular tourist destination.
The name "Perunthenaruvi" means "The Great Honey Stream".
Located on the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Range, Perunthenaruvi is famous for the waterfalls there. The waterfalls are known for their wide area, rather than their height. The stream later unites with the Pamba River.
Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfalls)
Soochipara Falls also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is a spectacular three-tiered waterfalls in Vellarimala, Wayanad, surrounded by Deciduous, Wet Evergreen and Tropical Montane (Shola) forests. Locally referred to as Soochipara ("Soochi" meaning "Needle" and "Para" meaning "Rock"), the 15-20 minute drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. The Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is 200 metres (656 feet) and offers a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing.Once people reach the parking area, they have to pass through a security check at the entrance where they make sure you don't carry any plastic. It takes 10-15 minutes walk to the water falls and water flow is less during summer, which makes it easy to reach the rocks where water falls.(23 km away from Kalpetta)
Thusharagiri Falls
Thusharigiri Falls is a waterfall located in Kozhikode district in the Indian state of Kerala.
Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. The word Thusharagiri means the snow capped mountain. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres (246 ft).
Thusharagiri offers endless scope for trekking, rock climbing and wild life sanctuary visits. It is around 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Kozhikode. The nearest town Kodencherry is around 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Thusharagiri.The other main towns situated here are Thiruvambady and Thamarassery. One has to purchase all necessary things for trekking from here.
Thoovanam Waterfalls
Thuvanam Waterfalls is located in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is visible from the highway that connects Udumalpet and Marayoor. It originates from the part of the Pamba river that flows through the the sanctuary.
Vazhachal Falls
Vazhvanthol waterfalls
Vazhvanthol waterfalls are located near Vithura, around 45 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Initial 1 km from the check post to waterfalls can be covered by vehicle; the rest you have to go by walk itself. It is about 2.2 km trekking path just beside the river itself.
KERALA ZOOS
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo (also known as Trivandrum Zoo) is located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India. It occupies 55 acres of woodland, lakes, and lawns. The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo was established by the Maharaja of Travancore in 1857 as an annex to the Napier Museum. The zoo was originally built with the typical iron-barred cages prevalent at the time, and was designed for recreational purposes, but with increased loss of forest and wildlife due to human development, the goal of the Zoo has changed from recreation to conservation. A modernization project started in 1995 aims to gradually replace the old enclosures with spacious naturalistic enclosures. The state government of Kerala is undertaking this renovation with financial and technical help from the Central Zoo Authority.The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo situated in the Museum Complex right in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram and is open from 9 : 00 A.M. to 6 : 15 P.M tickets issued upto 5:15 P.M only. Monday is Holiday. Still and video cameras are allowed in the park for a fee.Thrissur Zoo
The Thrissur Zoo is 2 kilometres from the Thrissur city center and is open from 10:00 AM till 6:30 PM, except Mondays. Still and video cameras are allowed in the park for a fee.
KERALA FORTS
Bekal Fort (16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway)
Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kasargod, Kerala, India, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2). An important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. The nearest railway stations are Pallikare, Kotikulam, Kanhangad,and Kasargod.This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort. The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves continually stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby bear testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy inherent in the fort.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of any palace, mansion or such buildings are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy was very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of technology in defense strategy.Chandragiri Fort
Chandragiri Fort built in the 17th [century] is in Kasargod District of Kerala, south India.This large squarish fort is 150 feet (46 m) above sea level and occupies an area of about seven acres by the side of the river Payaswini. The fort is now in ruins. The fort has an eventful history behind it. In earlier days, the river was considered to be the border of two powerful kingdoms - Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. When Thulunadu was captured by the Vijayanagara Empire, the Kolathunadu kings lost the Chandragiri region to them. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire the area was administratively looked after by the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri. When the Vijayanagara empire fell in the 16th century, Vengappa Nayaka declared independence. Later Shivappa Nayaka took over the reins. He built a chain of forts of which Chandragiri is part. Chandragiri Fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea.
Chendamangalam
Chendamangalam (or Chennamangalam) is a small town and a panchayat in Paravur Taluk, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is about 35 km from Ernakulam. It has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and large expanses of green plain. Chendamangalam is a part of Greater Cochin.
The Paliam Palace, residence of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the former Maharajas of Kochi, is one of the architectural splendours of Kerala. The Palace is over 450 years old and houses a collection of historic documents and relics.The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple, a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other. The synagogue was built in 1614 AD and is in a peaceful wooded area. In the courtyard behind the synagogue, it is possible to find old Jewish graves, including one of a Jewish woman, dated 1264 AD.
Cranganore Fort
Cranganore Fort, otherwise known as Kodungallur Fort, was built by the Portuguese in 1523 A.D. and was called Fortaleza da Sao Tome. The Dutch took possession of it in 1661 and later it came under the control of Tipu Sultan. The Dutch wrested it back from Tipu Sultan, but the fort eventually came under the control of Tipu, who destroyed it in the following year. The remains of the fort show that the original fort wall was 18 feet in thickness. The ruin is also known as Tipu’s fort. The fort is about 2 km from the town of Kodungallur in Thrissur district.
East Fort
East Fort got its name from the eastern entrance to the fort built by the Kings of Travancore. The old city was all inside the fort on four sides with the Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple at the center. It is said that there were huge metal gates on this entrance to the Fort which was decorated with the symbol of a conch, which was the isignia of the Royal Family of Travancore.
East Fort or Kizhakke Kotta, as it is known in Malayalam, is today the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city. It is the central bus depot for the city bus services run by the state-run KSRTC. It is linked by MG Road to rest of downtown Thiruvananthapuram, and is the point of diversion to other parts of the city, as well as the famed Kovalam beach. The city's Central railway station, as well as the Central Bus Stand (for long distance buses) are both a few minute walk from East Fort, so are most of Thiruvananthapuram's cinemas, as well as top cultural venues and shopping malls.Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, from which the city takes its name (Thiru Anantha Puram means 'the city or puram of Holy (Thiru) Anantha, another name for Vishnu, who is the deity of Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple), is situated inside the East fort entrance.East Fort during the past few decades has trasformed itself into one of the biggest commercial hubs of trivandrum with majority of Branded Jewellery showrooms like Alukkas,Alappat,Josco,Prince,Kalyan.Apart from that it also house the biggest textile shops of southern kerala.Some of other major landmarks are Pattom thanu pillai park for children, Rajadhani buildings,Theerthapada mandapam,Attukal shopping complex,Sri karthika thirunal theatre, Transport office, Taluk office.The majort KSRTC terminal is just outside east fort facing putharikkandam fields which offer a base ground for major political rallies and demonstrations.Gandhi park which gives a recreational comfort to passengers as well as others is just 50 meters infrot of it.
Pallipuram Fort
Pallipuram Fort is in Ernakulam district of Kerala, south India. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is the oldest existing European fort in India. In 1789 the Dutch captured the fort in 1661 and sold it to the State of Travancore in 1789. This fort is situated in the northern extremity of the Vypeen island. This fort is in a hexagonal shape and popularly known as ayikkotta or Alikotta The outpost is a hexagonal structure. The lowest floor inside the Fort is raised to height of five feet. Cellar inside the fort was used to store gun powder. The gate and the door posts, and the lintels are finely dressed and arched. There is a square well of dimension 3’3”. Earlier, it was the source of fresh water. There is an opening to the north which leads to the cellar. There is a circular slab stone, on which was installed a pillar on which the radiating wooden struts supporting the upper two floors must have rested.Each face of the fort measures 32 ft in length, 34 feet in height, and the walls are six feet in thickness. Each face of the fort has three embrasures, one above the other. The central opening of the embrasures measures 2’x 2 1/2’. The fort could have mounted as many as guns commanding all quarters round it. There is an open space inside affording easy passage to the cellar.
The fort is constructed using laterite, chunam, and wood. The walls are thickly plastered using mortar. The door way in the central circular slab is made of granite. All the six sides of the fort are overgrown with vegetation
St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort (also known as Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta), is a fort facing the Arabian Sea, situated 3 km from the town of Kannur, a city in Kerala state, south India.
St. Angelo's Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is on the Arabian sea about 3 km from Kannur town. It was attacked in vain by the local Indian ruler in the Siege of Cannanore (1507).
On August 1509 Almeida, refusing to recognize Afonso de Albuquerque's as the new Portuguese governor to supersede himself, arrested him in this fortress after having fought the naval Battle of Diu. Afonso de Albuquerque was released after three months' confinement, and become governor on the arrival of the grand-marshal of Portugal with a large fleet, in October 1509.
The fort changed hands several times. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1663. They modernised the fort and built the bastions Hollandia, Zeelandia and Frieslandia that are the major features of the present structure. The original Portuguese fort was pulled down later. The Dutch sold the fort to king Ali Raja of Arakkal in 1772. In 1790 the British seized it and used it as their chief military station in Malabar. The fort is in the Cannanore Cantonment area. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a popular tourist attraction.
Tellicherry For
Tellicherry Fort is in Thalassery (Tellicherry) a town in Kannur District of Kerala state in south India. The British East India Company built the fort in 1708 to establish a stronghold on the Malabar Coast. In 1781 Hyder Ali, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, was unsuccessful in capturing the Fort in his campaign to control Malabar. His successor, Tipu Sultan, was forced to cede Malabar District to the British in 1792, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.The square fort, with its massive walls, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, is an imposing structure. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery's development. It is now a historical monument.
Thangasseri fort (5 km from Kollam town)
Thangasseri is a beach town on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kollam city, Kerala, India.It is located around 5 km from the city center and 71 km form capital city Thiruvanthapuram. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center in Tangasseri, Kollam in 1502, which became the centre of trade in pepper. In the wars with the Moors/Arabs that followed, the ancient church of St Thomas was destroyed. In 1517, the Portuguese built the St. Thomas Fort in Thangasseri, which was destroyed in the subsequent wars with the Dutch. The ruins of the Fort can still be seen in Thangasseri. In 1661, the Dutch took possession of the city. The remnants of the Dutch forts can be found at Thangasseri. In the 18th century, Travancore conquered Kollam, followed by the British in 1795. Thangasseri remains today as an Anglo-Indian settlement, though few Anglo-Indians remain. The Infant Jesus Church in Thangasseri, an old Portuguese-built church, remains as a memento of the Portuguese rule of the area.
Thangasseri, the picturesque seaside village has a three kilometre long beach on which stands a 144 feet tall lighthouse - a silent sentinal warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of the Thangasseri, since 1902. Ruins of Portuguese / Dutch forts and 18 century churches, a three km long beach, 2.5km break water and a century old lighthouse.
Palakkad Fort (Tipu's Fort)
The Palakkad Fort is said to have existed from very ancient times, but believed to be constructed in present form in 1766 A.D, but little is known of its early history. The local ruler, Palakkad Achchan, was originally a tributary of the Zamorin, but had become independent before the beginning of the eighteenth century. In 1757 he sent a deputation to Haider Ali seeking help against an invasion threatened by the Zamorin. Haider Ali seized upon the opportunity to gain possession of a strategically important location such as Palghat, and from that time until 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British. It was first taken by the latter in 1768 when Colonel Wood captured it during his raid on Haider Alis's fortresses, but it was retaken by Haider a few months later. It was recaptured by Colonel Fullarton in 1783, after a siege that lasted eleven days but was abandoned the following year. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops. In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart. It was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatnam. The fort continued to be garrisoned until the middle of 19th century. In the early 1900s it was converted into a taluk office. The fort is also known as Tipu's Fort.
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