Kerala has fourteen districts that are spread across the
length and breadth of the region. The districts are actually the major
cities of Kerala. All the cities have been lavishly blessed by Mother Nature
and have immense tourist potential. The Cities of Tourist Attraction
includes Alappuzha - The Backwater Country, Ernakulam - The Commercial
Capital, Pathanamthitta - The Great Pilgrimage Centre, Idukki - The Green
Country, Thiruvananthapuram - The Capital of the State and Thrissur - The
Cultural Capital of Kerala.
Ernakulam :
Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom
and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the
North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala,
Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Kochi (Cochin) : Kochi (earlier known as Cochin)
is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with true cosmopolitan character. With
one of the finest natural harbors of the world, breath taking blue lagoons
and lush green islands It is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is the
biggest and most active port in Kerala and from here, ships set sail for
foreign ports with spices, rubber, coir and fish.
Kasargod : The northern-most district of
Kerala, Kasargod is known for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a
prime source of livelihood. The district has water, forest, and mineral
resources.
Alappuzha : Alleppey (Alappuzha) is situated
on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the town's commercial centre lives in a maze
of canals. Set in the labyrinth of backwater channels, the town is one of
the best gateways to explore the unspoilt countryside.
Palakkad
: Palakkad derives its name from the Pala (Alsteria Scholaris) tree and kadu
(forest). Its geographical position, historical background, rural nature,
educational status, tourist attractions and above all developmental
activities are vivid and varied.
KozhiKode : Once the capital of the powerful
zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode (Calicut) was
the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green
countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers,
hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode
(Calicut) a popular destination.
Kottayam : The word Kottayam is a
composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). It
is an important commercial centre of Kerala, as it is a producer of cash
crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept
plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, one of the country's
primary commodities board.
Idukki : The name 'Idukki' is derived from the
Malayalam word 'idukku', which means a narrow gorge. Idukki district was
formed on January 26, 1972 carving out Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola
taluks from the erstwhile Kottayam district and Thodupuzha taluk from the
erstwhile Ernakulam district. Situated in the southern part of Kerala.
Munnar : Idukki district is at an altitude of
5000 to 8000 ft above sea level. Munnar is one of the prominent hill
stations in India, situated at the confluence of three mountain streams
namely Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Thrissur : Thrissur, with its rich history,
cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of
kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in
the political history of south india.
Trivandrum : The city has recently grown as a
tourist and commercial centre, with the Trivandrum International Airport
becoming the main gateway into Kerala for a substantial number of visitors
and tourists.
Thekkady : Thekkady, located in central Kerala,
is a popular hill station and a wildlife centre. This town, which is an
important plantation centre, conjures up images of elephants, unending
chains of hills and spice scented plantations.
Kannur : Formerly a major port area, this is now
a city known for its handloom and beedi industries. Some of the finest
weavers of Kerala come from this district. Kannur is also the headquarters
of the country’s largest and best-run beedi cooperative which produces
the famous brand, Kerala Dinesh Beedi.
Wayanad : Wayanad, one of the fourteen
districts in Kerala and is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous
plateau in Western Ghats.
Kollam
: Kollam (Quilon) is a charming old port city on the banks of the
picturesque Ashtamudi Lake. Famous for its cashew industry and the historic
remnants and ruins of Portuguese forts and churches that were constructed
here in the 18th century, it is the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of
Kerala.
Malappuram : Malappuram (literally, a land
atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the
nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and
Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great
rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the
Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history.
