Upcoming

Mahe

State
Kerala

Mahé, a small town (9 km²) surrounded on all sides by Kerala and is officially a part of Puducherry. The official name of Mahe is Mayyazhi (മയ്യഴി) in the local Malayalam language. The original name of Mahé, Mayyazhi, means "eyebrow of the sea". The Kannur District surrounds Mahe on three sides. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, Karipur at a distance of 85 km; Kannur Airport under construction is nearing completion at Mattannur at a distance of 40 km. Nearest Railway Station is Mahe where a few local and express trains stop. The nearest major Railway Stations where several long distance trains stop are Thalassery, Kannur and Badagara.

History

Before British Raj in India, this area was part of Kolathu Nadu which comprised Thulunadu, Chirakkal and Kadathanadu. During the British Raj in India, this area was a French Colony. After independence of India this area continued to be a French Colony. After the French left, Mahe stood as a Union Territory. Later this became a Sub-Division of Puducherry State. The area of Mahe begins from Mayyazhi puzha in the north to Azhiyoor at the south. In fact the present Mahe entirely is part of North Malabar.
The French East India Company constructed a fort on the site of Mahé in 1724, after an accord concluded between André Mollandin and the raja Vazhunnavar of Badagara three years earlier. In 1741, Mahé de La Bourdonnais retook the town after a period of occupation by the Marathas.
Mayyazhi remained under French jurisdiction until 13 June 1954, when a long independence struggle[citation needed] culminated in its joining the Indian Union.

Topic
Upcoming

Lakkidi

State
Kerala

The hill station of Lakkidi is the gateway to the Wayanad district of Kerala. Located at an altitude of 700 meters or 2297 feet above the sea level, Lakkidi is the highest location in the Wayanad district and lies above the Thamarassery Ghat pass.

Lakkidi receives the second highest degree of rainfall in the whole world. So streams brooks, and waterfalls are a common sight around here. Soochipaara waterfall is one of the most popular among the many waterfalls that can be seen dropping of the rocks and one has to pass through thick equatorial forests of Wayand to see their hidden beauty. The rainfall at Lakkidi has also created a fresh water lake called Pokkot Lake in this area.

History

Killikkurissimangalam in Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kerala’s famous satirist poet, Kunjam Nambiar. He is regarded as the one who lead the way in the traditional solo dance narration called Ottanthullal. He was also an expert in the art form of Thullal, and had fused this art form with images from Mahabharata and Ramayana to form an art unique to Kerala.

The poet used to perform with Chakkiaars, a group of drummers. His house has been preserved as a monument by the Kerala state government.

Accessibility

Air: Karipur International airport at Kozhikode is the nearest airport to Lakkidi, which is nearly 110 km away. Taxi facilities are available form airport to Lakkidi and fare comes around Rs 2000. Karipur is well connected with all major airports in India and also connected to many cities abroad, especially to cities in Gulf region.

Rail: The nearest rail head is Kozhikode, which is about 100 km from Lakkidi. Taxi fare from railway station to Lakkidi comes about Rs 2000. Kozhikode is well connected with all major cities in India by train.

Road: KSRTC buses of Kerala and Karnataka connect Lakkidi to other major cities in and around Lakkidi. Frequent buses are available from Kozhikode to Lakkidi, which costs about Rs 180 for express KSRTC buses. Kozhikode is connected to Trivandrum, Bangalore, Chennai and Managlore by private super deluxe buses.

District
Wayanad District
STD Code
04936
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 20-28°C, Winter 16-20°C
Best time to visit
August to March

Kottayam

State
Kerala

Bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics.

Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. Kottayam Town is the first town in India to have achieved 100% literacy.

History

Kottayam dates back to an era of the Kulasekhara kings (1090 - 1102 AD) when it was ruled as one region under the name of Vemolinpad. Kottayam was also ruled by Rajas of the Independent kingdom of Thekkumcoor who ruled Kottayam from Thazhathangadi till the 18th century.

At this time the region of Thekkumcoor and surrounding areas were annexed by Marhanda Varma, King of Travancore and remained under the Kingdom of Travancore even during the British rule in India.
The citizens of Kottayam and surrounding areas have played an important role in the early social struggles in Kerala. The beginning of the modern political movements of Kerala was marked by the protest movement formed in 1891, the Malayali Memorial Agitation for representation of Travancoreans.
Another important moment of historical significance is the Vaikom Satyagraha under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave etc to demolish untouchability, also started here.

Accessibility

Air
Nearest Airport from Kottayam is in Cochin, which is around 91 km away. Pre paid taxis are available to transfer you to Kottayam.

Rail
Kottayam has express trains running between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam - Kerala Express (connects New Delhi as well), Kanyakumari Express (connects Mumbai), Trivandrum Mail (connects Chennai) and another Kanyakumari Express (connects Bangalore). Other trains that run between Thiruvanantpuram and Ernakulam include Parasurama, Malabar, Venad and Vanchinad Express.

Road
Kottayam has three bus stations.. Buses take about four hours to Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary). Seven express buses daily come through from Ernakulam and either terminate at Thekkady, or continue to Madurai, three hours away.

The other two bus stations are private and mainly operate to local destinations within 10 km to 30 km - although you can get to Munnar and Kumily from the Nagambaram (new) bus station.

Accommodation

There are number of hotels in Kottayam which suits all budgets. Hotel Windsor Castle, Pearl Regency, Orchid Residency, Hotel Aida and Hotel Elegance are a few good hotels in Kottayam.

Attractions

Flower Show and Food Festival

Flower Show and Food Festival is an annual event that is held during the third week of January. The festivities include cultural programs on all days. These events are quite popular and are worth a visit while in Kottayam.

District
Kottayam District
STD Code
0481
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
September to March

Kollam

State
Kerala

Kollam is an old sea port town and is the headquarters of the District of Kollam. Kollam used to be a major trading point where traders from Arab countries and Portugal used to meet the Chinese and Indian traders. The town of Kollam stands on the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, meaning the lake with eight creeks and is mapped by a number of backwaters, plains, hills, rivers and streams. It is also the to the serene backwaters of the State. Kollam is well known for its cashews and fish.

History

The city of Kollam is known by many different names that frequently changed with time. It was associated with names like Desinganadu, Kollam, and Quilon. From the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans this seaport town has continued to have a commercial reputation. Ibn Batuta regarded Kollam as one of the five main ports dealing in Chinese trade. Since ages rulers of Kollam and China have exchanged embassies and this led the town to flourish as a Chinese settlement.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a trading center at Kollam in 1502. Then came the Dutch followed by the British in 1795. A British garrison was stationed at Kollam in pursuance of a treaty between Travancore and the British.

During the rule of Velu Thampi Dalawa of Travancore the town experienced many changes, new bazaars were built and that invited merchants from Madras and Thirunelveli to settle here. Later on Kollam became the capital of the enlightened and liberal rulers of Desinganad.

As an administrative unit the town flourished in the year 1835, when the Travancore state consisted of two revenue divisions with headquarters at Kollam and Kottayam. In the year 1949 when Travancore and Cochin were desegregated, Kollam was one of the three revenue divisions in the state. Later on these three revenue divisions were converted into districts.

The later history of Kollam is interwoven with the Portuguese, Dutch and English rivalry for control of the Indian Ocean trade routes and commodities nearby. The Malayalam era is calculated from the founding of Kollam in the 9th century.

Accessibility

Air

The closest airport from Kollam is around 67 km away in Thiruvanantpuram. Pre paid taxis are available to fetch you to Kollam from Thiruvanantpuram.

Rail

Kollam is 159 km south of Ernakulam and takes three to four hour trip. The Trivandrum Mail from Chennai goes through Kollam, as does the Mumbai-Kanyakumari Express and the Mangalore-Thiruvananthapuram coastal service.

The Quilon Mail between Kollam and Chennai (Egmore station) via Madurai in 20 hours.

Road

Kollam is on the Thiruvananthapuram –Kollam –Alappuzha -Ernakulam bus route. The fast buses (reservations possible) take 1 ½ hours to Thiruvananthapuram; 1 ¾ hours to Alappuzha ; and 3 ½ hours to Ernakulam.

Boat

There are public ferry services across Ashtamudi Lake to Guhanandapuram (one hour), Muthiraparam (2 ½ hours) or Perumon (2 ½ hours). There are daily ATDC and DTPC tourist boats to Alappuzha The tours either start by bus from the KSRTC bus stand or from one of the town jetties.

Shopping

Kollam offers wonderful shopping items such as handloom products, jewellery, Ayurvedic products and textiles.

Accommodation

A range of rooms are available at various hotels and resorts at Kollam. Ashtamudi Resort offers luxury rooms, the best in Kollam. The said providers also provide house boat rooms. Some other deluxe resorts and hotels include Aqua serene and Palm Lagoon. Low budget accommodation providers at Kollam include Ram Kamal Residency, Yatri Niwas, Hotel Sudarsan.

Attractions

Kollam Backwaters
Mesmerizing, beautiful and rejuvenating, such are the Kollam backwaters. Offering picturesque views of the gorgeous green surroundings, the backwaters attracts tourists from far and wide. The lush green trees at lining the backwaters are homes to wonderful birds like egrets, cuckoo and ducks. The views of water lilies and lotus at the backwaters are a great delight. You can also enjoy traditional cuisine at the small restaurants on the shores of the backwaters.

A particularly picturesque town standing on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake Kollam`s contemporary fame among today`s travellers is as the gateway to Kerala`s exceedingly beautiful backwaters. The long 8 hour boat trip from Quilon to Alleppey is the best and most comprehensive introduction to the delights of Kerala`s backwaters as the journey passes through lakes, canals and waterbound villages. The famous `Cheena Vala` or Chinese Fishing Nets can also seen along with backwaters.

District
Kollam District
STD Code
0474
Topic
Upcoming
Popular Beach Destination
Best time to visit
August to March

Kodungallur

State
Kerala

Kodumgallur, a busy city in the district of Thrissur in Kerala, is renowned for its port and the temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. A historically important town, Kodungallur was a part of famous Muziris and was the capital of the Cheraman Kings during 7th AD. It was an established trade link in the Indian sea trading. It had regular trade links with Syria, Asia Minor, Egypt and many other Middle East countries during the pre-historic periods. The city was known for exports of many spices, the prime item was pepper, known as yavana priya. Kodungallur was the cultural and religious gateways for Christianity, Islam and also for the foreign rulers.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Kodungallur is at Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance 35 km away. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Kodungallur costing about Rs 500. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Rail: The nearest railhead to Kodungallur is located at Iringalakuda, at a distance of 16 km away. Iringalakuda is well connected with other major railway stations. It is in the main route connecting Kochi and Palaghat. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kodungallur at a fare of about Rs 300.

Road: Kodungallur is well connected by KSRTC buses and private transport buses. The city is connected to Kochi (35 km), Thrissur (38 km) and Guruvayur (45 km). Tourist deluxe luxury buses are available from many cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Kozhikode to Kodungallur.

District
Thrissur district
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 32-40°C, Winter 15-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous for the Bharani Festival

Kannur (Cannanore)

State
Kerala

Kannur an important sea town, also called as Cannanore lies between the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea.
Mythological legends suggest the name was derived from “Kannan” meaning Lord Krishna and “Ur” meaning place. Name is also derived from Kanathur, an ancient village in Kannur district.
A coastal tow , it was a port and in important trading centre in Kerala attracting travelers from far of destinations like Europe, China and the Arab world.

Kannur has some of the most beautiful beaches and backwaters to visit. The town is important in the production of handlooms and is famous for folk art and music.

History

In early 9th century the Chera dynasty established their political power and ruled till ~1100 A.D with their capital at Mahodayapuram - part of present day Kannur District.

Kannur has been visited by many famous people like historians of Tangier, The famous Buddhist pilgrim Fahian and Ibn Batuta. In 1205 AD when Marco Polo visted their area, he described it as Europia of spice trade.
Kannur was the capital of the Kolathiri Rajas for several centuries - who were the power to reckon with at the time of the arrival of the Portuguese towards the end of the 15th century to the southern coast of India

Accessibility

Air

The closest Airport to Kannur is Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode which is at a distance of around 114 km. Flights from here connect daily to Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai and Chennai. There are also flights to Goa (thrice a week), Trichy (twice a week) and Trivandrum (once a week). Taxis for Kannur are available, though a bit costly.

Rail

Kannur Station operates trains that run to Ernakulam and Trivandrum (Cannanore, Netravati and Parsurama Express), Mumbai (Netravati and Mangla Lakshadweep Express), Delhi (Mangla Lakshadweep, Trivandrum Rajdhani) and Chennai (Mangalore Mail).

Road

By road, Kannur is connected to various destinations within and outside Kerala. The KSRTC Bus Stand opposite the Collector's office in Kannur is the starting point of many buses like Kasodgarh (89 km), Kozhikode (86 km) and Mangalore (138 km). Buses also run to Kalpetta, Ponnani, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Bangalore.

District
Kannur
STD Code
0497
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 23-37°C, Winter 13-30°C
Best time to visit
October to June

Kalady

State
Kerala

Kalady (literally means feet), situated majestically on the banks of the river Periyar, is a popular Hindu religious destination in Kerala. Kalady is famed as the birth place of Adi Sankara, the founder of the Advaita order. Adi Sankara was born in a Brahmin family in 8th century. Sringeri Mutt located at his birthplace is a got spot among the Hindu pilgrims.

Kalady is situated on the north bank of the Periyar River where Adi Sankara, the founder of the Advaita order (monism), was born in the 8th century. The shrines that were built to his memory include the Dakshinamurti, Sharada shrines, and the 9-storeyed octagonal tower that describe his life and the six ways to worship.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Kalady is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance of 35 km. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Kalady costing about Rs 400. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Rail: The nearest railhead is at Alwaye (Kalady). It is a major railhead in the Southern Railway. Kalady is well connected by trains to all major stations in India.

Road: Frequent bus services are available from all cities in Kerala to Kalady. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses connect Kalady with other cities. Private bus services are available locally in the city for easy travel. Super deluxe buses connect Kalady with other important cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Palaghat, Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

District
Ernakulam District
STD Code
0484
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 10-32°C
Best time to visit
November to March

Idukki

State
Kerala

Idukki is a beautiful hill station located in Kerala. Idukki is the place you want to be to unwind and relax and forget all tensions of the world. The name Idukki has been derived from the Malayalam word "idukku", which means narrow gorge. Traveling to Idukki is an experience in itself as the place offers a great combination of traditional and modern comforts. Check out our various related sections that shall provide information on when and where to travel in Idukki. Three big rivers namely Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar surround this place. These rivers are helpful in creating electricity and an estimated 66% of Kerala's electricity is generated here by the various hydel power projects set up by the state.

History

The name 'Idukki' is supposedly derived from the word, idukku which means a narrow gorge. This very well could be the origin of the name since narrow gorges can be very easily spotted in this hilly region of Kerala.

As for the history of Idukki is concerned, there is very genuine information available. Discovery of Stone Age dolmen indicate at an existence of a civilization at that point of time. Close to Thodupuzha is Karikode which is believed to be the headquarters of the Vadakkumkoor Raja. A fort in Karikode and a mosque near it was built by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. There is also a temple built in Chola style and a 13th church (in Thodupuzha). Evidence also suggest that Thodupuzzha was a thriving business centre of Idukki from where ivory, teak, rosewood, sandalwood, peacock etc., were exported to foreign countries.

Kuzhumoor, the capital of the erstwhile Chera kings in Sangam Age, according to historian is the present Kumliy. Later, Poonjar Kingdom established itself in Idukki and brought under it a major portion of the district.

Post independence, Idukki became a part of the Kerala state in 1956. And the district of Idukki itself came into existence in the year 1972 when Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola taluks were carved out from Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from Eranakulam district.

Accessibility

Air: Madurai (Tamil Nadu): 140 km Kochi: 190 km Thiruvananthapuram : 265 km Kozhikode: 315 km Chennai (Tamil Nadu): 570 km

Rail: Kottayam: 114 km (4 hrs) Madurai: 136 km (3 1/2 hrs) Changanasseri: 114 km (4 hrs) Theni: 60 km (1 1/2 hrs)

Road: Kottayam - Kumily 110 km (4 hrs) Munnar - Kumily 110km (4 hrs) Madurai - Kumily 136 km (3 hrs) Thiruvananthapuram - Kumily 265 km (8 hrs) Thekkady - Kumily 4 km (10 min) Kodaikanal - Kumily 149 km (5 hrs) Idukki - Kumily 65 km (2 1/2 hrs) Alleppey - Kumily 160 km (5 1/2 hrs) Ooty - Kumily 390 km (11 hrs)

District
Idukki district
STD Code
04863
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 20-32°C
Best time to visit
Throughout the year

Devikulam

State
Kerala

Devikulam is a small hill station about 16 km from Munnar in the Idukki District of the southern state of Kerala in India. It is 1800 m above sea level.

Taking a tour to Devikulam means to live an experience that you will like to remember once and gain. Literally meaning "the pond or lake of the Devi", Devikulam is a small hill resort in the state of Kerala where the possibility of getting mesmerized by its sheer scenic grandeur is a rule rather than an exception. Legend has it that Sita of the Ramayana fame came here and bathed in the waters of the lake in Devikulam.

History

According to legend, the goddess Sita Devi of the Ramayana epic bathed in the beautiful Devikulam lake waters surrounded by lush, green hills, now named Sita Devi Lake. The lake draws tourists not only because of its sacredness but also for the curative powers of its mineral waters. Most of the inhabitants in this town speak Tamil. Nearby, are the scenic Pallivasal Waterfalls, dense, green tea plantations, and the natural vegetation of slim red and blue gum trees.

Accessibility

Air: Cochin International Airport, well linked with other major cities of country, is 149 km from Devikulam. From the airport, one can hire taxi or bus, each taking a bit more than 4 hours. .

Rail: Cochin (149 km) is the nearest major railway station of Devikulam. From Cochin, one can get taxi as well as bus for Devikulam.

Road: It takes about four hours to reach Devikulam from Cochin. Cochin is approximately 149 Km from Devikulam. Devikulam lies at a distance of nearly 132km from Kottayam. Devikulam can be reached in four hours from Kottayam.

Accommodation

You can stay at the Guest House run by the Government which offers all the facilities suited to the requirements of a modern day tourists.

Tea County Hill Resort City centre, Munnar, Idukki Ph: 91-486-2530589
Fort Munnar Chinnakanal, Munnar
The Tall Trees Baison Valley Road, Munnar
Club Mahindra Chinnakanal Village, Suryanelli, Munnar

Attractions

Tea Plantations
There are several tea plantations in and around Devikulam that add to the charm of the hill resort. The gum trees in red and blue are the other major highlights of the natural vegetation at Devikulam. For those of the tourists to Devikulam interested in visiting the tea estates, tea plantations or the factories conducted tours are available.

District
Idukki District
Topic
Upcoming

Chottanikkara

State
Kerala

Chottanikkara, a serene picturesque village located at the outskirts of famous town of Kochi, is renowned as an important religious destination in the central Kerala. It is an attractive hamlet in the district of Eranakulam in Kerala offering tranquility and solitude for the pilgrims. Centuries old Chottanikkara Bhagavathi temple is the prime attraction of the Chottanikkara town. Chottanikkara is the peeth of Rajarajeswari Devi, the pleasant form of Goddess Durga. Huge draws of pilgrims can be witnessed in Chottanikkara during many festival seasons including the Makam Thozhal during February – March and Navaratri festival during October – November.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Nedumbassery International airport which is about 45 km away from Chottanikkara. Taxi charge from Nedumbassery to Chottanikkara is about Rs 600. This airport is well connected to all airports in India and also to many cities in abroad, including gulf countries and Singapore.

Rail: The nearest railway station to Chottanikkara is Thrupoonithura, which is only 4 km away from the temple. Taxis and autorickshaws are available from railway station. Taxi charges the minimum charge of Rs 150. The major railway station nearby is the Ernakulam Junction, which is well connected to all cities in India. The station is about 30 km away from Chottanikkara. Taxis are available from Eranakualm Junction to Chotaanikkara. Taxis charge Rs 400 from railway station to Chottanikkara temple.

Road: Chottanikkara is well connected by bus services. KSRTC connects to many major cities in Kerala. Deluxe Volvo buses are available in plenty at any time to Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Mumbai from Kochi. Kochi to Chottanikkara, the KSRTC bus fare is about Rs 25.

District
Ernakulam District
STD Code
0484
Topic
Upcoming
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 15-25°C
Best time to visit
October to March
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