Kovalam Beach : World famous Indian beach since 1930 where foreign and domestic tourists throng.The Kovalam beach is situated 16 Km, south of Trivandrum city. This post-card tropical beach, bordered by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, once was a haunt of hippies from European countries.

"Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems,to stand still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

Cherai Beach : This lovely beach near Kochi, bordering Vypeen island . .
A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.It is one of the best beaches in India.

On account of its natural location,azure water and favorable climate make Cherai a favourite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters.It affords facilities for safe sea bath Landlubbers will get lifeguards' service.The clean white sandy beach will arouse a temptation irresistible;to lie in idle on the sands and tan the body. Dolphins are occasionally seen here .

The main attraction at cherai is water - a large inland lake, separated from the ocean by only a narrow sandbar.It separates the lagoon from the sea. For a few rupees, a family can drift about in a pedal-boat or a row boat. . While skimming over the lake, visitors will see the local fishermen readying their boats, working on their nets.

Backwaters : Kerala's backwaters and lagoons stretch over 1900 km. Kerala lives along these backwaters. They snake over the state physique, bestowing paddy fields with good harvests, and provide the whole village with drinking water and other facilities.The backwaters refer to the large inland lakes of Kerala.Today these backwaters act as vital water ways for the transport of people and produce. They are often the only link between remote, isolated villages and crowded town pockets. It's an incredible experience to float on these soothing waters in a country craft to absorb this unusual representation of Kerala. When you first encounter the backwaters they look unreal: slow flowing watery highways meandering between palm-hung banks. Clearly, the best way to encounter these water lands is to hire a houseboat.

House boat : Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palms, seeing a rural Kerala preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting experience to any visitor.

Today, widely and appropriately called houseboats, they carry furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. It is astonishingly romantic to watch the sunset from one kettuvallam among several, while the boatmen hang lanterns and a pearly glow fades behind the scrim of palms."Waking at dawn, we find ourselves surrounded by hundreds of fishermens skiffs on water. Its like time travel into a quiet morning of another century."

Alleppey ( alappuzha ) : Alappuzha is famous for its boat races, houseboats, coir products, fish and lakes. Alappuzha is interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges.This water locked district has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism, preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting experience to any visitor. Gliding along the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palms seeing a rural more so while sailing a slow-moving, spacious Kettuvallam .

The sweeping network of canals, honey-combing the town of Alleppey (Alappuzha) has earned for the place its sobriquet - "The Venice of the East.". Do not miss out on a ride into Kuttanad through shimmering, green paddy fields and tail-wagging, head-bobbing groups of ducks. The coir-workers too present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long ropes on spindles stretched between endless coconut trees.

Kumarakom : The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. The lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing back water tourism destination, and its small water world is part of the Kuttanad region.
A 14 acre bird sanctuary is situated on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of Kumarakom. Birds (waterfowl, water ducks, cuckoos, wild ducks etc.) nest and spend happy summers here. Birds like Siberian Storks migrate here every year and is an ornithologist's paradise.

Thekkady ( Periyar ) : The pride of Kerela and a testimony to nature's splendor and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. The drive to Thekkady itself as enchanting as the road winds the high ranges.The Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.

Kochi ( Cochin ) : The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Cochin is the oldest European settlement in India,recording a history of visitors who came, saw and stayed for hundreds of years. Layered impressions - Chinese, Arab, Jewish, British, French and Portuguese, are contained within its environment.

The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of the state's cities,Cochin has long been eulogised in tourist literature as the “ Queen of the Arabian Sea” with ferry rides commanding its breathtaking view. Cruise around man-made islands with lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbour. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront.

Munnar Hills : The nature-lover’s paradise, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Panoramic views of low-flying clouds and mist filled valleys make it a pretty little heaven with a cool bracing climate. It was opened up out of virgin forests a century ago by pioneering planters. Sprawling tea plantations, it offers the best opportunity you are ever likely to have to see the tea plantations, to watch tea being picked, to learn how tea is processed, to smell the sweet scent of tea wafting through the air and to buy the tea directly from the gardens.

Picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

In the vicinity is the Eravikulam National Park, the home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr that roams on a stretch of grassland or is seen climbing the pinnacles of the undulating hills. Here we can have a glimpse of a Gaur, Langur, Lion-tailed macaque, and Elephants roaming in herds. Devikulam is a dainty town, sixteen kilometers southwest of Munnar. It consist of irresistibly green slopes touching the sky at a thousand metres and its silent clusters of slender red and blue gum trees. It has a lovely little lake hidden within the rolling hills.

Trivandrum ( Thiruvananthapuram ) : The Capital city of Kerala.The seven hills over which the city is spread and the great variety of lovely old colonial and traditional Kerala buildings give Thiruvananthapuram a special ambience.
A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make it a much sought after tourist destination.

Nelliyampathy :A forest range 75 kms. from Palghat, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations The height of the hills ranges from 467 meters to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 meters. A hill station with cool climate. spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and meandering streams Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palghat is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms. from Palghat, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for an ideal tourist destination

Athirapally : At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, 78 kilometers from Cochin, this scintillating waterfall is a
popular tourist spot.A picturesque spot adjacent to thick green forest land.Nearby the gliding Vazhachal waterfall is a part of the Chalakudy river.

Monuments

No other state in India has such a rich heritage as Kerala has. Its past is entwined with periods of tumult and tranquil. This green strip, several times, was soaked in blood when forces, domestic and alien, fought for supremacy. Religions, Christianity and Islam made their entry into Indian subcontinent via this coast.

A root-conscious people of the state have preserved their past not only in the form of history books but also in the form of monuments and palaces. Places, palaces and institutions of historic value are being preserved conscientiously.

Pallipuram Fort : Built in1503 by the Portuguese also known as 'Aya Kotta'. It is the oldest European monument in India. It was an out post to safegaurd the famous Mussiris Port. In 1661 the Dutch captured the fort and in 1789 the fort was handover to the King of Thiruvathankoor. In 1795 it came under the British. The hexagonal fort is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion.

Alwaye Palace : On the banks of River Periyar stands imposing Alwaye( now Aluva) palace ruminating over a past, long and eventful. One of the finest palaces in the state with beautiful circular verandahs overlooking the river. Now being used as Alwaye Guest House.
Location: Aluva. on N H 47, 15 kms away from Kochi. near Kochi International Airport

Bekal Fort :The largest and the best preserved coastal fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort, is 14 km off Kasargode,
North Kerala. The pristine Bakel beach along with the fort is being groomed into an international tourist destination. The fort has historical as well as archeological significance.
Location: Kasargod Nearest airport. Bijayee, Mangalore( 58 km)

Bolghatty Palace : Built by the Dutch in 1744, this palace is on an island, off Cochin in the Arabian Sea. Earlier Dutch and later British used the palace as Governor's residence. Today, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has transformed the palace into a tourist hotel. A canopied garden is another tourist attraction on The island.
Location: Kochi. Frequent boat services from High Court Jetty, Kochi

Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam) : Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, was founded by Malayalam Poet Vallathol in 1930. Main objective was to revive, preserve and develop ancient and traditional art form of Kerala, particularly Kathakali.

Kalamandalam has been the nursery of Kerala's renowned kathakali artistes. Hundreds of boys and girls are undergoing training in various branches of performing arts such as Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom and Ottan Thullal. Many foreigners captivated by the language of Kathakali and other art forms are joining the training sessions. Koothambalam attached to the Kalamandalam is a major attraction. The Samadhi (tomb) of the founder-poet is in the premises of the Kalamandalam on the banks of River Bharathapuzha.
Location: Shornur (Thirssur district) Near Shornur railway station on Mangalore- Chennai route. 29 Km away from Thrissur, bus services from Thrissur Private bus stand.

Edakkal Cave, Wayanad : Atop Ambukutty Hills near Ambalavayal in Wayanad is Edakkal Caves. Two caves, formed
by a split in a mammoth rock- one roofed over by the other- make up the Edakkal caves. For decades the caves have been the haven of archeologists. Ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions are supposed to be of pre-historic period. The stone walls also have pictures of human beings and instruments. Archaeologists consider this as one of the earliest centres of human habitation.

A 1500-acre Reserve Forest also houses as many as 200 stone age monuments. Down town Ambalavayal has a heritage museum,the first of its kind in the state. It has a rare collection of instruments and curios shedding light on life, centuries back.
Location : Caves three km away from Ambalavayal, Wayanad. Ambalavayal buses from Kozhikode, Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery.

Hill Palace Museum : This museum showcases wealth and prosperity of erstwhile royal family of Cochin. including the king's throne and crown. Also on display are other trappings of royalty like majestic beds, paintings,carvings and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also known for the nearby Chottanikkara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple.
Location: 13km off Kochi

Jewish Synagogue,Mattancherry : Built in A D 1568. Great scrolls of the Old Testament (Bible) and copper plates in which the grants of privilege to Jews from Cochin rulers were carved are preserved here.

Chinese hand-painted tiles are another attraction. Finely-wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons are also displayed. This, the only Synagogue in India has a nostalgic past of a Jewish Diaspora. A few Jew families are still residing in Kochi and its suburbs reciprocating the love and affection of this land. Besides, preserving the Synagogue is also their mission. Years back, hundreds of families were here, but for them the call of roots were irresistible.

Visitors permitted from 10 am to 12 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Location : Mattancheri, 8km off Kochi. Bus , boat services( from High Court jetty ) available.

Kanakakkunnu Palace : Situated on a hillock in the museum compound in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city. This imposing, fine-looking mansion of the Travancore Rajas is a stunning piece of architectural excellence of yore. At night, when the palace premises are lit up, the gabled, pagoda style red brick structure comes alive, bringing to mind the majesty and gallantry of kings Inside one can see large crystal chandeliers and exquisite pieces of royal furniture.
Location : Thiruvananthapuram

Karumadikuttan : A 10th century, black granite statute of Budha, founder of Buddhism. The statue known as Karumadikkuttan is situated 3 km east of Ambalapuzha, Alappuzha. Legends are woven around this idol.
Location : Ambalapuzha enroute NH 47 between Kollam and Alappuzha.

Kaviyoor Stone temple : A temple of historical and archeological significance, Kaviyoor is on the banks of River Manimala. The stone figuress here are considered to be the earliest specimen of stone culture.
Location : Kaviyoor in Mallappally taluk, Pathanamthitta district.

Koyikkal Palace : A 15th century palace.Situated between Ponmudi hill station and Kuttalam waterfalls. The manor was the official residence of Umayamma Rani of the Venad royal family. In the double-storeyed Nalukettu (Traditional house) Kerala Archeology Department has set up two museums of folklore and numismatics.
Location: 18 km away from Thiruvananthapuram

Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha : The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace was built during the reign of the Travancore Monarch, Marthanda Varma. A double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala's architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows and narrow corridors.

The 'Ganjendra Moksham' Mural, one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala, is a major attraction in the palace.. A museum with antique sculptures, paintings and bronzes is housed inside the building. The Palace is situated 47kms from Alleppey.
Location: Kayamkulam. 47 km from Alappuzha.

Kuthiramalika : This palace was built by Tamil sculptures from Thanchavore. Pillars carved on single stone and exquisitely designed roofs enhance the beauty of the palace. A striking monument of 122 horses is attached to the palace. Hence derived the name Kuthiramalika ( kuthira means horse)
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Eastfort.

Pazhassi Raja's tomb,Mananthavady : Pazhassi Kerala Varma Raja had a heroic death after fighting to the finish against British supremacy in the thick forests of Wayanad.He died on November 30,1805. His tomb at the Mananthavady, Wayanad had been a source of inspiration for many to fight the colonial forces. Archeology Department has taken over the Pazhassi tomb at Mananthavady town.

Location: Mananthavady, 30 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad district head quarters.100 km from Kozhikode. Round the clock bus service from Kozhikode KSRTC stand. Accessible from Mysore and Bangalore via road.

Mattancherry Palace : Also known as Dutch Palace. Built by Portuguese and handed over to Cochin Raja in 1555 AD and the was renamed as Mattancheri Palace in 1663, when the Dutch spruced up the palace. However, neither the Portuguese nor the Dutch stayed in the palace.

The centre of the building has a Coronation Hall where Cochin Rajas investitures were held. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Rajas. Rooms adjacent display 17th century murals depicting scenes from the epic,Ramayana.
Location: Eranakulam. Open for visitors. 10 am to 5 pm Closed on Fridays, national holidays.

Napier Museum : Gem of architectural exuberance, perfectly blending Chinese and Mughal styles with Kerala's traditional structural design. The ethereal beauty to the structure was added with the magical brush up of Chisholm, a 19th century architect. Strips of blue and pink alternating with yellow and red, scalloped arches of a banana yellow, elaborately carved balconies, red and white lattice work and mock friezes make an engrossing ensemble.
Location : Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabhapuram Palace : Manor of erstwhile Venad kings, Padmanabhapuram palace is a 16 the century marvel on wood. It flaunts the dexterity of Kerala's master carpenters. Carved wooden ceilings, slatted shuttered windows, intricate nterlocking beams, sculpted door panels and pagoda like tiled roofs stand testimony to the deftness of rchitectures.Intricate carvings, murals and exquisite wall paintings reflect the prolific talent of the sculptors and painters who enjoyed the patronage of Travancore kings.
Location : 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram

Tipu's Fort, Palghat : The fort in the nerve centre of Palakkad, built by Haider Ali of Mysore, dates back to 1766 A.D. Today known after Haider Ali's son Tipu Sultan. The fort still echoes the ballyhoo of those troops which barged into it to fight pitched battles. The fort was supposed to have built the fort to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and Palakkad, two vantage points.. In 1784 after a 11-days siege, Lord Fullerton, the then British Colonel, conquered the fort. Later Zamorin's troops wrested control but the British occupied the fort in 1790.
Location : Palakkad , 79km from Thrissur. Rail, road network with all centres in South India.

Pallippuram Fort : Another Portuguese legacy bequeathed to Kochi. Raised in 1503. Reckoned as one of the oldest European monuments in India. The Catholic Church here is an important pilgrim centre.
Location : Ernakulam

Pazhassirajah Museum & Art Gallery : Put on view are ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and old coins as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts and umbrella stones. Run by the State Archaeological Department. The Art Gallery near the museum contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
Location : Kozhikode ,East Hill

Shakthan Thampuran Palace : Also known as Thoppu palace, is spread over an area of 6 acres. Sakthan Thampuran, erstwhile ruler of Thrissur is buried in the palace compound.
Location : Thrissur

Shri Chitra Art Gallery : Masterpieces of Raja Ravi Varma, illustrious artist of Kerala are paraded in a different section. His works include a number of portraits of Maharajahs and members of royal family, distinguished British residents and prominent figures. A browsing of the pictures would give one a ballpark picture of who is who of Kerala history.

Antiques and curios once owned by Travancore royal lineage are showed at Sree Chitra Art Gallery. Prized ones are Bengali paintings, Rajasthani, Mughal miniatures, Tanjavore paintings and selected works of Svetosku Roerich, a Russian artist. Location : Thiruvananthapuram.

St. Francis Church, Kochi : The first European Church in India. Churches elsewhere in the country were modelled after this Portuguese construction.A mute witness to the watershed events in this coastal town, for the past five centuries.

Vasco De Gama, the legendary navigator from Lisbon, died at Kochi during his second voyage to Kerala. He was laid to rest in the St. Francis Church on Christmas eve 1524. Years later, his mortal remains were taken back to Portugal. The sepulcher is still preserved in the church hall and is open for visitors.
Location : Fort Kochi, Eranakulam.

Thalassery Fort :This coastal town as a whole is a historical monument. The centuries-old city is the cradle of Indian circus. Leading circus artistes and circus companies have roots in this city. Gymnastics was introduced in schools by German missionaries here. Thalassery Fort, stands testimony for the vantage position the city enjoyed in the battles between Britain and Tippu Sulthan.

The first Malayalam daily, Rajyasamacharam, was published from Illikkunu, a sleepy hamlet near Thalassery. Herman Gundert, a German missionary was instrumental behind it. His another contribution for Malayalam language was the first Malayalam Dictionary. He also established a few educational institutions, and churches in Thalassery.
Location : 20km. south of Kannur .

Thrissur Art Museum : Among art pieces and curios displayed in the museum are wood carvings, ancient jewellery pieces and figures depicting Kathakali, the majestic dance drama. Metal sculptures and traditional Kerala lamps are also showcased.
Location : Thrissur, 2 km from town