The fourteen wonders of Kerala

Kerala, a land of vivid and beautiful landscapes. The state is studded with green paddy fields, lush green coconut trees, sandy beaches and has the most enterprising educated people in India. Kerala is the land of rivers and backwaters. Valuable cash crops like tea, rubber, cardamom, coffee and cashew are grown here. Kerala offers one of the best beaches in the country at Kovalam and one of the finest wild life sanctuaries at Thekkady (Periyar wild life sanctuary). Three tiny states - Travancore, Cochin and Malabar - were amalgamated and Kerala state was formed in November 1, 1956. Kerala made history by becoming the first state in India to achieve 100 per cent literacy. With Arabian Sea on the west, the Western ghats on the east Kerala enjoys unique geographic features. The state has 14 districts with each having its own attractions, some of which are listed below.

Alappuzha: The never-ending panorama of glorious greenery intertwined by sapphire backwaters, and a delightful rustic life makes Alappuzha a favourite holiday destination. These intricate networks of canals that snake their way through the vast expanse of paddy fields, through the lanes give Alappuzha the sobriquet of Venice of the East. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The district is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

Calicut (Kozhikode): Kozhikode, once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, was a prominent trade and commerce centre of the Malabar region. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.

Ernakulam: Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north, is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in Ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. This city has the largest number of art galleries in Kerala. The gallery at Durbar Hall is the largest one in South India. As per the corporation records, there are 27 exclusive vegetarian hotels, the largest in the state. With one of the finest natural harbours in the world, this was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch etc.

Idukki: The district of Idukki is one of the most nature rich areas of Kerala with three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar - and their tributaries, gird high ranges and wooded valleys. The river Pamba also has its origin here. As a tourist destination, Idukki offers diverse attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. Idukki has a large population of tribals. The internationally recognised tourist destinations, Munnar and Thekkady, are located in this district.

Kannur: With the Western ghats in the east (Coorg district of Karnataka state), Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadweep in the west and Kasaragod in the north, Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendour, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala. Kannur is steeped in its historical legacy. It was the Zamorin of Calicut who welcomed the first Eurpoean to set foot in India using the sea routs - the Portuguese under Vasco da Gama in 1498. North Malabar's unique, ancient ritualistic folk art known, as Theyyam is a dramatic blend of dance, music, kalaripayattu and religious worship, usually dedicated to specific deities. It is also a reflection of religious harmony in these parts, where some of the deities are Mappila Muslim heroes.

Kasargod: Kasargod, the northernmost district of Kerala, Kasargod is a land with a resonant past, myths and legends. The district is renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasargod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches and so on. Spectacular pageants of Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. enchant visitors. The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the state.

Kollam: There is an adage in Malayalam, One who visits Kollam will desert his own house (Illom). Kollam or Quilon is so powerful and attractive. Kollam, the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry, is one of the oldest ports on the Malabar coast. The district was once the port of international spice trade. The renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala, covers 30 per cent of this historic town. The eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Kottayam: Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, is sandwiched between the lofty Western ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The land of letters, latex and lakes. This land also boasts the first Malayalam printing press, which was established by Benjamin Bailey, a Christian missionary, in 1820 AD.

Malappuram: Situated 50 kms southeast of Kozhikode, Malappuram is bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east, the Arabian Sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south. Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Rich and evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, rivers and brooks, sandy surfs and palm fringed coasts, festive mood of the gayful Onapatt - the district preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days.

Palakkad: The district of Palakkad known as the granary of Kerala is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the Pala tree.

Pathanamthitta: Pathanamthitta, situated near the Western ghats and bordered by the hills, is a pristine district and a popular centre for pilgrim worship in Kerala.Visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and the cultural training centre frequent this land of temples. The district is adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest, paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta, which mean an array of houses on the riverside.

Thrissur: Thrissur, the land of Pooram, is rich in cultural heritage, archeological wealth, and history, and aptly called the cultural capital of Kerala as the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town. Today Thrissur is world famous for its Pooram festival.

Thiruvanathapuram: Thiruvananthapuram, the headquarters of the state, is the southern most part of Kerala. The district has lot of awe-inspiring memories, legendary events, places of historical importance and is a cultural treasure house. Thiruvananthapuram district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The wooded highlands on the Western ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned Kovalam beach, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage makes this district a much sought after tourist destination. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala.

Wayanad: Home to exotic legends, ancient ruins, mysterious mountain caves, aborigine tribes, hidden treasurers, tree houses, jungle trails and exotic wildlife, Kerala's Wayanad district is the perfect setting for a hundred great adventures. Mountains and forests intersperse to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and opportunities for other adventure sports.With vast areas still unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventures cape waiting to be discovered!