Kerala

The Best thing for traveler to Kerala is the lack of any problem in communication, easy commuting thanks to a great public transport system and the hard-hitting beauty of its emerald green fields of rice that stretch ahead and merge with the horizon, and the warm red tiles on the roofs of modest houses.

Green, red and the blue of the ocean with numerous coconut trees slash across the canvas with amazing regularity. The Good things like a highly successful literacy program that has resulted in the empowerment of women, a smoothly running and efficient family planning program and many such socio-economic success stories. These factors goes a long way in making a holiday so much more worthwhile and happy in Kerala.

Kazhikode

North of Kerala lies the land, the legendary traveler Marco Polo described in A.D 1320 as "the great province of Malabar".After the 13th century, Kozhikode grew in importance as a port and as the capital of the Samoothiri kings or Zamorins, as they were called by the Portuguese. In fact some historians say, Calicut derives it's name from the fortified palace ' koyil kotta ' built by a samoothiri ruler.Calicut has also lent it's name to ' Calico ' - a fine hand woven cloth said to have originated in this place. commerce

Kozhikode is an important trading centre for timber, tiles and shopping ground for the famous delicacy - kozhikode Halwa. Beypore, 11 km away is a ship building centre famous for it's country crafts called 'uru'. Telicherry and Sultan Battery, 98 km away are important trading centres. Landmarks

Kochi (Cochin)

Cochin or Kochi, is one of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast of India. Cochin- renamed. Kochi has been a port of call for foreign traders from very early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the many buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas andislands, today it is the commercial hub of Kerala.

Some of the finest of Shekhawati frescoes can be seen here at Nawalgarh. Hotel Roop Niwas, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli and Chokhani Havelis are the main attractions of this place.

Fishermen in the port city of Cochin use large nets to catch shrimp and fish that live in shallow waters. Cochin is located in Kerala, a tropical region in India. For thousands of years, Arabs, Chinese, Europeans and other explorers from around the world have come here for its black pepper, cardamom and other spicy treasures.

Cochin affords an intriguing vision of clusters of islands and towns, including Ernakulam, Mattancheri, Fort Cochin, Willingdon Island, Vypin Island, and Gundu Island.

The palm green commercial town of Kerala has witnessed various cultures. From time to time Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea rout to Cochin and left their impression on the town. A visit to this historic city, which is shaking hands with modern business ethics, is worth the effort.

Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum)

Trivandrum now named Thiruvanathapuram is the gateway to one of the most beautiful States in India- Kerala. Named after Anantha, the thousand-headed serpent of mythology, the city once formed a part of the kingdom of Travancore, which had its capital at Padmanabhapuram (now in Tamil Nadu state). Most of that royal heritage of fine buildings and palaces now house the state secretariat and other offices. Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Devoted to Lord Vishnu is the most dominating feature of the city. The profusely carved seven-story 'Mandapam' is a fine example of South Indian architecture.

Periyar

In Kerala is the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve, 777 square km in area. A rich mixed deciduous forest, interspersed with open areas of tall grass. Periyar has a large reservoir lake dotted with snags of dead wood, which provide a perch for waterbirds. It is one of the finest habitats of the Asiatic elephant. These enormous mammals swim in the waters and streams and possibly Periyar is the place they can be observed best.

Thekkady

One of world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close ranges. The vegetation, the flora and fauna and the birds of Thekkady are uniquely rich, vast and varied that it does not bear resemblance to any other wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Even a casual visitor to this place will not fail to observe the peculiar ecological pattern of Thekkady. Thekkady - The very sound of the name conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hill and spice scented plantations.

Here, in the crisp, cool air of the Western Ghats you will experience the most enchanting holiday. With the animals of the wild and the simple mountain people. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

The Thekkady sanctuary is one of the best in the country for watching and photographing wild life. Thekkadi is almost on the border with state of Tamil Nadu , in fact just 5 kilometers from the border town of Kumily which is very well connected by bus to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.