Famous Cities of Kerala

The verdant land of Kerala is dotted with numerous alluring treasures. It seems that God has taken some extra care while carving this beautiful coastal state. Due to which Kerala is often called as 'God's own country'.

Kerala encompasses innumerable natural and artificial charms within its lap. There charismatic aura is very hard to resist. Hemmed by azure Arabian sea from west side and Karnataka from north and Tamilnadu from south and west side, Kerala is the southernmost state of India. Globetrotters from far and wide comes to this ancient land to enjoy a relaxing vacation amidst the cool breeze and lush green coconut palms.

Be it beaches or backwaters, Hindu shrines or Portuguese churches, Kerala has all in its kitty to lure you. The endless array of Kerala cities are divided into three climatic distinct regions have their own tales to share. The eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains) are the three regions in which the entire Kerala state is demarcated.

Some of the picture-perfect cities of Kerala that woo thousands of visitors every year are

Thiruvananthapuram:
This coastal city which is often called as Trivandrum, is the state capital. The word Thiru-v-anantha-puram is a three sylable onyma which means the abode of the snake god Shri Anantha, the thousand-headed, divine serpent on which Lord Vishnu reclines. It was once the part of erstwhile Travancore kingdom under the reign of Raja Marthanda Varma. It is considered as 'gateway to Kerala' and is barred of towering buildings, fast cars, glitzy night clubs. Yet Thiruvananthpuram captivates the attention of holidaymakers. It has endless list of tourist spots like Kovalam Beach, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, The Napier Museum, Sree Chitbra Art Gallery. While your trip to this city, don't miss out to get a first hand experience of Kalarippayattu - the Martial Art Tradition of Kerala and also view some popular festivals like Attukal Pongala, Vetta and Arattu, Nishagandhi Dance Festival, The Great elephant Race.

Alleppey:
Alleppey,a city famed for its vast network of backwaters and Ketuvallam, a special type of house boats is a small coastal city of Kerala. A backwater cruise in Alleppey is the best way to spend your vacation in leisurely way. Every year with the onset of monsoon season, the calm and poised backwaters of Alleppey becomes alive. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race which held on Punnamada lake on the second Saturday of August is the star attraction of this city. Despite its small town appearance, Alleppey has an impressive history. Raja Keshava Das, the Dewan of Travancore, has constructed the Alleppey port in early 18th century. Apart from its serene backwaters, Alleppey is also renowned for its coir industry which was introduced to the city by James Darraigh, an Irishman. Till date, ladies of Alleppey works on coir and magically moulds it into ropes or mats. Alleppey has several other attractions such as Sree Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha etc.

Kochi:
Kochi formerly known as Cochin, is a principal seaport of India. Located in Ernakulum district, Kochi is heralded as the Queen of Arabian Sea. Kochi is famed as the site of the first European colonial settlement in India and enjoys the title of being the capital of Portuguese India until 1530. Later on, both Dutch and Britishers has also ruled over this coastal city. Every nook and corner of the city still very well showcases the Portuguese, Dutch and British touch. Kochi has several charming spots of tourist value such as Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, Santa Cruz Basilica, Princess Street, St. Francis Church, Vasco da Gama Square, Dutch Cemetery. Apart from this, Kochi holds an important position in spice, rubber, coir and fish product trading on the Arabian sea coast from many centuries. While your sojourn in Kochi, don't miss out to witness the Cochin Carnival.

Kozhikode:
Kozhikode (Calicut), one of the coastal city of Malabar region has marked its name in the world history with the discovery of sea route to India in the year 1498 A.D. The Kappad beach of this prominent trade and commerce centre was the main venue which host the historical landing of Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama with three sea vessels and 170 men. To commemorate this historic landing, a monument was built here. Apart from it Kozhikode has some more tourist places such as Mananchira Square, Sweet Meat Street, Palayam Market, Valiya Angadi, Thali Temple, Valayanad Devi Temple, Kozhhikode Beach, Regional Science Centre, CSI Church, Pattalam Mosque and the 500-year old Commonwealth Spinning Mill. Beside these tourist spots, people can also spend their vacation cruising on a houseboat at the backwaters of the district.

Wayanad:
Wayanad, a hilly city of Kerala is set lofty on the majestic Western ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100m above sea level. Literally, known as 'land of paddy field', Wayanad is home to many indigenous tribal communities known as Paniyas, Adiyas, Kattunayakan, Kurichiyans, Uraali Kurumas. Apart from them, Wayanad also serves as haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The lush green land of Wayanad houses several wildlife and plant species. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary along with tea and cardamom plantations, Lakkidi, Pookote lake, Uruvu eco shop are famous tourist spots of this district.

Famous cities of Kerala
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