Scenic Kerala

Coimbatore

Coimbatore City, the second largest in the State, is the District Headquarters of Coimbatore District. It is 510 kms from the State Capital Chennai. This district is along the Western Ghats and the wind through the Palghat Gap makes this city to have a pleasant climate most part of the year. It was called as Kongunadu and now it is locally called Kovai in short. This was a village before earlier period ruled by the Tribal chieftans called Koyan or Kovan. Then followed the Karikala Cholan and after him it was ruled by the kings of Rashtrakudas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Hoyasalas and Vijayanagar.

Victorian Era of the recent past converted this as an Industrial city beginning with Textile Mills. The presence of large number [more than 100] textile units makes this city be called as Manchester of the South. Apart from textiles, there are more than 25,000 small, medium and large Engineering Industries manufacturing Machine tools, Textile machineries, Automobile Spares, Electronics, Steel and Aluminum Foundries, Motors and other engineering products in this district. Two special SEZ [special economic zones] help this development too. Aviation spare parts industry too enters the industrial map of this city. The District has a population of 34,58,045 [census 2011]. The City populations records 10,61,447 [census 2011].

On the Tourism front, the popular Udhagamandalam [Ooty] hill Station tops the list, apart from other places of interests nearby.

Palakkad

This is the place for the people who want to connect with the history of Palakkad. Commonly known as Tipu’s Fort, the gigantic Palakkad Fort is located in the heart of the city. The glorious attraction of Kerala, Palakkad Fort woos tourists with its mesmerising architecture. Built by Haider Ali in 1766 AD, the fort campus houses Hanuman (Anjaneya) Temple, which will surely leave you spellbound with its unique interiors. Rising above a tiny hill, historians say that the colossal architecture was built as a purpose of improving communication between Palakkad and Coimbatore. Today this Fort is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India. The sober majesty of the Fort walls reminds one of the old tales of valour and courage. Presently, the fort is serene, filled with art and offers the spectacular view of the surrounding area.

Athirappally

Athirappally - has the most majestic waterfalls in Kerala. These picturesque locations have attracted people for ages with their lush greenery and stunning views. At Athirappally, one can see water crashing into the Chalakkudy river after an 80 ft. journey. A cool spray takes over the terrain and people are left enchanted at this natural wonder that presents a stunning backdrop.

Athirappally has exotic fauna on display that has people forming a beeline to visit throughout the year. Rare bird sightings, including rare species of the hornbill, make it a bird lover’s paradise. We invite you to use this marvellous wonder as the perfect backdrop for an adventurous trip. The natural beauty presents an ideal shooting location that will surely mesmerise any who sees it.

Alleppey

Alappuzha or Alleppey is best known for houseboat cruises. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Alleppey. You can find trains and buses from all major cities. The place is famous for its boat races, beaches, backwater trips, marine products and houseboat stays.

The major tourist attractions are Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha Beach where you can find favorite beach activities like parasailing, surfing, swimming, boat races, etc., The Snake Boat Race, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Pathiramanal which is small island on the backwaters of Alappuzha and Karumadikuttan. Alleppey Backwaters is something you can’t miss if you are a nature lover.

Kovalam

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.

The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres.

Accommodation facilities for tourists at Kovalam range from five star hotels to budget hotels and the choice of food available at restaurants and cafeterias range from Continental varieties to South Indian delicacies.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. The city of Thiruvananthapuram has many interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles. -

Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. It's distinguished by its British colonial architecture and many art galleries. It’s also home to Kuthira Malika (or Puthen Malika) Palace, adorned with carved horses and displaying collections related to the Travancore royal family, whose regional capital was here from the 18th,20th centuries