Calicut

Introduction and history: Calicut (Kozhikode) is known as the traditional city of Malabar region of Kerala. The city sandwiched between Wayanad hills on the east and Arabian Sea on the east has served as a strategic trade centre over two millennia. Its setting as a tourist destination, however, was appreciated by Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo. Vasco Da Gama first landed here in 1498. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and Ayurvedic medicines.

What to see and when to go: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, the renovated square today houses important structures such as Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall, Jama’atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque, the oldest in Kerala), Kappad Beach. The best season to visit Calicut is from September to May. Apart from spending time in tourist destinations, Calicut offers various other options like shopping, cruise along the backwaters in the Kallai River and other canals. Kakkayam is famous for trekking.

Accommodation: Calicut offers multiple accommodation options. There are many hotels which are priced below 2000 per day. Expensive hotels are also available.

Mode of transport: Its airport is at Karipur, which is 25 kilometers away from the centre of the city. It is well connected with all major domestic locations inside India. It has a local railway station, which is connects to major junctions like Chennai, Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Tourist guide information supplied by Government and Private agencies at various locations provide extensive information about train timings. It also has a good network of railways and well connected by roads with other towns and cities. NH 17 and 212 are the major highways.

Related links:

• Tourist information: http://www.calicut.net
• Calicut city portal: http://www.calicutcity.com/

See also (nearby places): Beypore, Thushagiri waterfalls and Peruvannamuzhi.

Alleppey

Introduction and history: Alleppey remains prominent on the tourist trial of Kerala as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. The large network of crisscrossing canals lined with coconut trees has earned it the name ‘The Venice of The East’. It is well known for its coir industries. Alappuzha or Alleppey is also home to Kuttanad, The rice bowl of Kerala, one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Alleppey was a historic trade centre having connections with ancient Greece, Rome and other parts of India. It is mentioned in the Sangam era.

What to see and when to go: Kuttanad, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, Karumadikkuttan, Block Kayal. The lighthouse at the beach is one of the major tourist attractions. Apart from temples mentioned above, Alleppey is famous for its ancient churches, which stands as a testimony of past. Poomkavu Church is one of the ancient churches of the past. August is the best time to visit as that is when the famed Snake boat races are held. Backwater cruises on the Punnamada Kayal and visits to the Alleppey beach are some of the major tourist attractions.

Accommodation: Being a tourist destination, the town has a wide range of hotels and resorts. Accommodation prices range from 1000 to 3000 rupees. Houseboats can also be rented. This comfortable stay costs 5000 for non A/C and up to 20,000 for A/C houseboats.

Mode of transport: Cochin is the nearest international airport, which is 64 kilometers away. Alleppey is also well connected by trains to different cities by direct trains. For nature lovers the train journey from Cochin should not be missed out as it passes through most beautiful backwaters and country sides in Kerala. It is connected to all important cities by roads and inter-state by houseboats.

Important links:
• Official website: http://www.alappuzha.com
• Tourist information: http://www.atdcalleppey.com
See also: Champakulam, Krishnapuram Palace and Mararikulam

Varkala

Introduction and history: Varkala is a small but picturesque town in southern Kerala. It is best known for its unique tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs off the Arabian Sea coast that are considered as a geological monument. Apart from beautiful beaches, it is famous for the 2000 year old Janardhanaswamy (Vishnu) temple. Hence it is also known as Dakshina Kashi. Taking a dip in the Papanasam beach is considered to be auspicious. The town is famous for is Sivagiri Mutt founded by the great Hindu reformer and Philosopher Sree Narayana Guru.

What to see and when to go: Papanasam Beach, mineral water springs, the Sivagiri Mutt, Janardhana Swamy temple and Anjengo fort. The best season is from October to March. In line with Kerala’s Ayurvedic history, massages and treatment is something very special at Varkala. Viewing the sunrise and sunset views at the beach is a great scene for nature lovers.

Accommodation: Varkala offers various options for accommodation. Expensive and middle-class hotels are available in the price range of 500 to 1500 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Trivandrum is the nearest Airport which is the 57 kilometers away. The national highway number 47 (NH-47) connects Varkala with almost all major cities in South India. It has its own railway station, which is well connected with Trivandrum with frequent train. Auto Rickshaws are available in aplenty. Bicycles can be rented for traveling local areas in the city. If living around the cliff/beach area, majority of places can be easily done on foot.

Related links:
• Kerala Tourism: http://www.keralatourism.org/
• Tourist information: http://www.varkkala.com

See also: Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Cochin, Munnar and Alleppey.

Kottayam

Introduction and history: Kottayam which literally means ‘the interior of a fort’ is located in Kerala. Kottayam’s history traces back to 18th Century where it was ruled by the Rajas of Thekkumkoor who ruled from Thazhathangadi. After the British invaded India, Kottayam continued to be ruled under the Princely State of Travancore. The city has contributed in several ways to the nation. Being the first place to secure 100% literacy is its major success. Rubber plantations and print media help its economy. The city has a long history as the famous Vaikom Sathyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi was held here.

What to see and when to go: Vaikom temple, Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple ,Marmala waterfalls, Temple at Ettumanoor, Mosque of Erumeli, Poonjar Palace, St Mary’s Forane Church, Elaveezha Poonchira, wagamon and Aruvikuzhi waterfalls. September to April is the best time to visit this place.

Things to do: Apart from spending time in the tourist destinations mentioned above, Cruising in the boats is one of the major attractions of Kottayam. It offers various shopping options which include famous sarees produced from here.

Accommodation: Kottayam offers various accommodation options from budget to luxury. Comfortable stays available from 500 to 4000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Cochin is the nearest international airport, which is 65 Kilometers from Kottayam. Cochin has frequent flights connecting various domestic and international locations. Kottayam is well connected by rail and road with nearby major stations which include Trivandrum and Cochin. Both private and government operated buses are available connecting it to nearby tourist destinations.

Related links:
• Official website: http://www.kottayam.nic.in
• Tourist information: http://www.kottayam.com
See also (nearby places): Bharananganam, Kumarakom, Pathiramanal, Thazhathangadi, Vembanad lake, Bird sanctuary, Wagamon, Vaikom, Kurisumala and Elaveezhapoonchira.

Wayanad

Introduction and history: Wayanad is one of the beautiful tourist destinations situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. The name Wayanad has been derived from the expression ‘Vayal nadu’ - the village of paddy fields. History of Wayanad traces back to Rajas of the Veda tribe, which later Rajahs of Kottayam royal dynasty and later under Hyder Ali. After hard fought battles with the British it finally came under the control of them, where they made this location for cultivation of tea and other cash crops. This laid the basic blocks for Wayanad finally turning out to be a tourist destination.

What to see and when to go: The natural beauty of Wayanad offers multiple options for travellers to explore this place. Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Cave, Kuruva Island, Lakkidi, Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Pazhassi Tourist Resort, Pookot Lake, Sentinel Rock Waterfall and Soochippara Waterfall are some of the important tourist destinations around Wayanad. October to February is the best time to visit Wayanad.

Accommodation: There are hotels available at Wayanad depending on the tourist’s pocket. Multiple government promoted guest houses are available at very economical prices. The accommodation prices at resorts can go as high as 3000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Calicut is the nearest Airport, which is 76 kilometers from Wayanad. It also serves as the nearby railway junction, which is one of the important junctions in Kerala. Couple of national highways connects Wayanad to nearby states Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Taxis can be hired for local travel.

Related links:

• Official Website: http://www.wyd.kerala.gov.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.wayanad.com/

See also (nearby places): As Wayanad is located in border of Karnataka and Tamilnadu multiple nearby places can be visited alongside which includes Mysore (120 Kilometers), Ooty (110 Kilometers), Calicut (90 Kilometers), Bangalore (260 Kilometers) and Cochin (280 Kilometers).

Onam And Boat Race

Introduction and history: The colourful festival of Onam is the Harvest festival of Kerala in India, held every year. The festival celebrated over a period of ten days incorporates special activities such as Boat racing, Pookalam, Onakalikal and lots more. Legend says that Kerala’s wise Demon king Mahabali was exiled from his land by lord Vishnu. But the lord was so pleased with the king’s generosity that he granted the king a boon. People welcome king Mahabali back from his exile once every year with cleaned houses, flower arrangements, sumptuous feasts. In the limelight of Onam festival is the Snake Boat race called Vallamkali appreciated by Prime Minister Nehru himself. The bank of river Pampa at Aranmulla is the primespot.The Snake boats are believed to have played the role of escorts for a devotee carrying food to the Aranmulla temple every year during Onam.

What to see and when to go: Onam begins with a grand procession called Athachamyam that includes Elephant processions, folk art presentations, music and dancing. The procession of Athachamyam is of marked importance at Thripunithura, Cochin.
On the fifth day of Onam celebrations the splendid Boat race is held on the bank of river Pampa at Aranmulla. Colourful flower rangolis called ‘Pookalam’ adorn everybody’s doorstep. Onam is celebrated in the month of August-September, which is the ideal time to visit the place.

Accommodation: Cochin offers range of accommodation facilities, which is really unique to the place. Starting from tree house, the options are available in form of floating in a traditional houseboat, living in the luxury of palaces and posh five star hotels. Plenty of cheap and good hotels and lodges are aplenty as well.

Mode of transport: Cochin has well developed international airport, which is well connected to all major domestic and international destinations. It is also one of the important railway junctions, which is well connected to various parts of India. Well regulated local transport is available in form of taxis and auto.

Related links:
• Comprehensive information about Cochin: http://www.cochin.org/
• Onam festival information: http://www.onamfestival.org

See also: Beaches at Kovalam, Hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad, Periyar and Eravikulam national Park, The backwaters at Alleppey, Heritage sites such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattencherry palace.

Lakshadweep

Introduction and history: Lakshadweep which means ‘hundred thousand islands’ is a unique and quiet getaway destination in India. Situated about 300 kilometres off the south-western coast of India, it has the privilege of being the only coral reef island in India. Out of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited. The islands are also mentioned in great detail in the stories of the great Arab traveller Ibin Battuta. Islam is the major religion. Tourism has been encouraged to sustain the unpolluted beauty of the tiniest union territory of India.

What to see and when to go: Bangaram, Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy.A 300-foot tall lighthouse built in 1885 by the British is the oldest majestic landmark. October to May is ideal and popular with tourists. Lakshadweep diving is spectacular and akin to the Maldives, but without the crowds. There are plenty of opportunities for Scuba diving, Yachting, Pedal boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Snorkeling and sunbathing. One may also visit local houses, Marine museum, Lighthouse and a few local industries.

Accommodation: Lakshadweep offers wonderful accommodation facilities in the lap of Mother Nature. Major beach resorts are at Agatti and Bangaram. Tourist huts are available in tourist focal islands. Several package tours are also available where accommodation is provided aboard the ship.

Mode of transport: Agatti is the only Airport. Direct flights are available from Cochin. Ships also sail from Cochin.