An all time tourist favourite, Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. It has to offer palaces, forts, beaches, backwaters, old churches, snakes boat races, Kathakali, museums and the convenience of the big city.

Kochi is just about the center of Kerala. It is basically a collection of islands and narrow peninsulas. Ernakulam is the commercial center and forms the mainland. The two main railway stations and the bus stands are located here. Fort Kochi & Mattachery, form an elongated

island west of Ernakulam. Willingdon island which houses the Airport, Port & Naval base lies between Ernakulam & FortKochi. Jos junction in Ernakulam is considered as the nerve center of the city.

FortKochi(13 km from Jos Jn
)Fort Kochi has probably the best preserved history of the colonial times. Its culture and architectural styles used in its various Churches, Bungalows and Forts reflect the bygone era. The best way to see Fort Kochi is either walking or cycling

Chinese fishing nets
A legacy of one of the earliest visitor to the Malabar coast, these nets are unmistakable as one enters the harbour. Records show that they were first erected between A.D 1350 and 1450. Constructed out of Teak wood and Bamboo poles, they work on the principle of balance. The best place to watch is from Vasco Da Gama square, a narrow promenade that parallels the beach with little stalls that serve fresh seafood, tender coconuts and so on.

Old harbour house
Built in 1808 and once as a boat club, this elegant bungalow now belongs to Carrit Moran & Co., a vintage tea broking firm that initially had it's office on the ground floor, but now uses it entirely as a residence.

Koder House
This imposing building with red colored brick-like facade, represents the transaction from the colonial to the Indo-European period. It was

built in 1808 by Samuel S. Koder of the Cochin Electric Company Unique features include verandah seat at the entrance, interior floor tiles set in a chessboard pattern, a collection of wood carved furniture and a quaint wooden bridge running parallel over Rose lane on to a separate structure across the street. The house is at present occupied by the family of Mr. Satu Koder, regarded as the patriarch of Cochin's ancient Jewish Community

St. Francis Church
Considered India's oldest European church, St Francis was originally roman Catholic during the Portuguese period from 1503 to 1663, Dutch reform from 1644 to 1804, and Anglican from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India. The building was originally constructed out of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry during the 16th century. Vasco Da Gama who died in Cochin in 1524 was buried here before his remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later.

Vasco House
Along Rose Street stands Vasco House, one of the oldest Portuguese houses in Fort Cochin built in the first half of the 16 th century. Though never fully authenticated, it is believed to have been the residence of Vasco Da Gama. The straight lines of the balcony-cum-verandah with a series of typical European glass-paned windows, are typical area's architecture.

VOC Gate
Past Vasco House and facing the Parade Ground is a large wooden gate with the initials VOC carved on to it representing the monogram of the once mighty Dutch East India company which had it's office here for almost 150 years. The inscription also indicates that it was built in the year 1740.

Bishop's House
Standing on gentle hillock near the Parade ground the bishop's house has a circular garden path running up to the main entrance whose front is characterized up to by large Gothic arches. Originally built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Dutch occupied it in 1663. At the conquest of Cochin by the British in 1795, it came into the possession of the Vernedes family, from whom it was acquired by Dom Jos Gomez Ferreira, the 27 th Bishop of the Diocese of Cochin, whose jurisdiction ran over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon, in addition to the whole of southern and eastern India. There is a small collection of antiques and the other historic materials preserved here.

The Dutch Cemetery
Consecrated in 1724 and now managed by the church of South India, the inscriptions found here are some of the most authentic reminders of the countless men and women who left their European houses behind to play their roles on the colonial canvas of 17th, 18th and 19th century.

This region is rich in cultural activities. The Trichur Pooram is one of the biggest festival in Kerala. This area also has some rundown forts. One of the best Wild life parks is also in the region. The famous Kathakali center 'Kalamandalam' is other attraction.

The center of the town is a large ground which houses the Vadakumnathan temple, most town is around this ground.

Vadakumnathan Temple

This Temple emphasis the classical Kerala style of architecture and believed to be one of the oldest in the state. The Pooram festival celebrated here has decorated elephants, fireworks and cultural programmes

The Art Museum
This Museum has good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures and an interesting collection of Kerala lamps. There is a zoo in the same compound.

Town Hall
This imposing building has a collection of Murals painting and other works of art from various parts of Kerala

Guruvayoor(29 km north west)
The Sri Krishna Temple here is one of the two most important pilgrim centers in the state. Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. This in the good place to watch a Kerala Hindu marriage ceremony. There are 4 main festivals in the temple. Ulsavam in Feb/ March has elephant processions, Vishukani is in April, Astami Rohini in Aug/Sep and the most important festival, the Ekadasi(30 days) in November and December.

Thriprayar
The temple here is the other temple in the area. The wood carvings and Murals paintings are an interesting sight. The temple festival is in Nov/Dec and includes a parade of 17 elephants. During the Onam festival there is a snake boat race.

Athirapally and Vazhachal Falls(63 km)
These are two water falls an hour & half drive from Trichur. The first falls is of almost 80 feet. The Vazhachal falls is 5 km further away. These falls are in the forest area. This forest road leads to Valparai a hill station with excellent tea estates.

Kerala Kalamandalam
This Kathakalli training center at Cheruthuruthy is of wide repute. The other dance forms Mohiniyattom, Thullal etc are also taught here. There is no accommodation facility at the institute.

Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.

Thirthala(50 km from Trichur)
This town on the banks of the river Barathapuzha has a wealth of historical monuments, which are mostly unknown in the tourist circles. There is a ruins of a large fort made of laterite which is believed to be built by Raja of Kuttanad. The dommed Kattil Mandom temple made of Granite is believed to be built in 9th century AD. The other attraction is the river Barathpuzha, its vast stretches of stand is a certainly a rare feast for the eyes.

Guruvayoor
This is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is a shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the god of winds.

Anakkayam
This is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

Shopping Thrissur is the place for bell metal and there are a number of shops crammed with lamps, household appliances and images of deities. A good place is Nadavaramba metal emporium on Round West.
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Bakel is a small village in Northern Kerala, famous for the Bakel Fort. This area has only recently caught the attention of the tourist. The authorities have identified the area for further development. Though most of the facilities will come up only later, the area has good stretches of beaches, backwaters and colourful festivals.

In and Out of Bakel
Air : The nearest airports are Mangalore (80 km) and Calicut (200 km), Cochin (390 km), Bangalore (390 km). Calicut and Bangalore

Pallikere Beach
This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.

Bakel Aqua Park
This is a boating facility in the backwaters near the Pallekere beach.

Nithyanandasram (12 km North)
Spread across 25 acres near the Hosdrug Fort, the ashram exhibits some beautiful sculptures depicting scenes in the Bagawath Gita.

Ananthapura Lake Temple( 30 km North)
This 9th century temple is set in a rock cut lake. This temple is supposed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha, the diety of the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple, Trivandrum.

Ranipuram (55 km East)
This hill station is set amidst coffee, rubber, pepper plantations and the forests. There is a good trekking route. Seeing wild animals is a distinct possibility. The night is full of animal calls.

Theyyam
Theyyam is a festival common in these parts. It is a festival in remembrance of great warriors of the area who have become Theyya (Gods). Theyyam is an art form conducted in the temple premises.

Yakshaganam
Yakshaganam is an art form similar to the Kathakali in some respects. This is an import from the neighboring Karnataka.

Kamalam (Buffali Race)
Kamalam (Buffalo Race) conducted in different areas near the Karnataka border (North) is an interesting spectacle. It held on almost every Saturday & Sunday during November and December.
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Kasaragod is about 20 km north of Bekal and 47 km south of Mangalore. There is a small 17th century fort nearby at Chandragiri built by Shivappa Nayaka.

Bekal
The Bekal Fort : The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterites rise 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acer headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The Sri Gopalkrishna Yakshagana Bombeyata Sangha performance troupe is based in

Kasaragod. With one week's notice they'll arrange a performance of their puppetry art, Yakshagana, for groups of five or more.

Kappil Beach
6 km from Bekal Fort)
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourism attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Anandasram
15 km from Bekal) This internationally renowned spritual center founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spritual studies.

Ananthapura Lake Temple
(30 km from Bekal) This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolsathanam (original adobe) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thriuvananthapuram.

Valiyaramba
(30 km from Bekal) This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Chandragiri
Chandragiri Situated on the Chandragiri River, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known foe its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same rulers, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is advantage point to watch the sunset. There is a mosque nearby. The ancient Kizhur State Temple at Chandargiri celebrates annual festival called Pattu Utsavan.

Manjeswaram
A number of temple and fifteen mosque make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim center.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor
(45 km from Kasaragod) Located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Shiva temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II.

Cheruvathur
This is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath. The runs of a Dutch Fort built in the 18 th century can be found in the Veeramala Hills. Cheruvathur is also a fascinating picnic spot.

Ranipuram
(85 km from Kasaragod town) Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation - evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests of Madathumala merge with the forest of Karnataka. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty.

Centeral Plantations Crops & Research Institute
The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research and has its headquarters in Kudlu, 5 km north of Kasaragod. The CPCRI serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops, to conduct basic and applied research on various aspects of these crop, to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, spices and cashew nut.

Pandiyan Kallu
A rock rising in the area in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend is that the ship of one one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad temple was converted in to a rock.

Nileswaram
The cultural center of the district, this was the seat of the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as the folklore center of the Dept. of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus, temple festivals and the Kavil Bhawan Yoga and Cultural Center which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.
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