Tourist spots in Kerala
Kasargod
Main tourist attraction:
Bakel
Bakel fort and the adjoining beach selected by the central government to develop into a special tourism area is the best bid of
Kasargod for the promotion of tourism. Twenty six kms South of Kasargod town this magnificent and robust fort, overlooking
the calm seas and the 'snow white beach' is a Perennial source of tourist attraction.
Built by the Ikkeri Naikkanas in the 17th century the fort has seen many a war and seige for
dominance. This exhiberating artifice has stood the test of time and remains a marvel to the eyes.The broad and extensive
beach with a backdrop of fisher folk village life has a scenic beauty and
natural charm.
Ananthapura
Anathapura is the only lake temple in Kerala. Situated at Kumbala 12 Kms North East of Kasargod, it is considered the
moolsthanam,
original seat, of Anantha Padmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram. The annual
festival at this temple is in the
second fortnight of April.
Madhur Sidhi Vinayak Temple
Located eight kms North East of Kasargod the famous Madhur Maha Ganapathi temple is attracting thousands of pilgrims
annually. This imposing structure of three tier architectural marvel is adorned with 
copperplate roofing against the beautiful landscape on the banks of Madhuvahini. The unique architectural style of this temple is noted for its archaeological value.
Malik Dinar Mosque
The Malik Dinar Mosque at Thalankara is one of the first ten mosques built in India after the advent of Malik Mohammad
Dianar to propagate Islam in India.
The mortal remains of Malik Dinar is put to eternal
rest near this mosque. Pilgrims in large numbers gather on the occasion of Uroose, the annual festival of this mosque.
Bela Church
The famous church at Bela 15 kms north of Kasargod is a famous pilgrim centre is in the district. constructed in 1890 this is
the oldest church in this area.
Yakshagana
Yakshagana Bayalatta the famous art form of the region is a colourful cultural treat. The father of Yakshagana Parthysubha
belonged to Kumbala. This colourful dance drama is based on the myths and legends of the old.
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Kannur
The Land of Forts and Beaches
On to the North of Kerala, sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, lies Kannur, anglicised as Cannanore. 
This stretch of land, with every
inch in history, has been a melting pot of races, religions and cultures from time immemorial. Relics, right from the Neolothic age through the Aryan invasion, Cheran
Conquests, Arab and European inroads, stand testimony to this. Apart from greenery and beaches, Kannur invites tourists to these monuments of Time-to feel the grave
quietness and the tranquility of the past and to share the warmth and cordiality of its peaceful and soft spoken people.
Places to visit:
St. Angelo's Fort
This historical fort, built in 1505 AD by Sir Fancisco DeAlmeiyda, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India,, is situated near the sea coast
about 2 KM away from
Kannur town. This fort has a legendary past. Having witnessed several wars for seizing the control of the fort, the British flag flew over it finally in 1790.Now this fort is
under the control of the Archaeological department. It attracts a large number of tourists.
Mopila Bay
Situated near the St.Angelos Fort, the Mopila bay has a historical background. Centuries ago, it was the seat of Kolathiri Kings. 
The Kadalayi Fort and Sree Krishna
Temple were quite famous. The remnants of the fort and the temple are still seen in Mopila Bay. A fishing harbour, built with Indo Norvegian project assistance, is there in
this bay. Boating in the sea, if the weather permits, will be an unforgettable experience.
Ezhimala
A place of historical importance Ezhimala ( Elimala) was the seat of Mooshika kings in the early periods. Ezhimala has found a place in the travelogues of Iban Bathutha
and Marcopolo. Ezhimala is also considered to be a treasure chest of medicinal herbs, situated 286m, above sea level, it is a landmark to mariners, and is blessed with
a long beautiful beach.The place is shortly going to find strategical importance in the Naval map of India. Ezhimala is situated 45 Km. north of Kannur.
Thalassery Fort
Thalassery Fort 20 Kms away from Kannur was built on 20th August 1708, on a small hill called Thiruvallappad kunnu. This fort was a formidable 
stronghold in the
past. There are several important tourist centres in Thalassery. The Church built beneath the Walls of the Fort with funds left by the Master attendant Mr. Edward Brennen
and the large mosque known as Odathil Palli attracts several people. The Thiruvangad temple other wise known as brass Pagode, is dedicated to Sree Rama, Sree
Jaganath Temple is next in importance. This temple dedicated to Siva was consecrated in February 1908 AD by the great religious reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Snake Park
On the way to the Parassinikkadavu Temple, 16 Kms from Kannur, is the Snake Park, the only one of its kind in the state.The snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista
Kendra at Pappinisseri, has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. This Kendra offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost hundred
per cent cure. This is the only place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites.
Valapattanam
Famous for timber trade, Valapattanam, situated about 8 k.m north of Kannur has a pride of place in the world map for its wood based industries.
Valapattanam was once considered third in the world for timber operations. Having to depend only on imports of logs, the place today wear a deserted look with
Western India Plywoods being the only exception.
Azhikkal port, an all weather medium port, is situated very near to Valapattnam.
Muzhappilangad beach
Muzhappilangad beach is situated about 5 k.m. north of Thalassery and 15 k.m. from Kannur. 
There is an unpaved road winding through coconut groves, leading to the
beach. The beach is about 5 k.m. long and curves in a wide area providing a good view of Kannur beach on the north. To the South and about 200 metres away from the
beach there is a beautiful island called the "Green Island" which adds to the allure of the beach. Such a conjunction of beach and island is rare.
Theyyam
Kannur is the centre of 'Theyyam' the famous temple folk art form of Northern Kerala. The word Theyyam is a corrupt form of 'deivam' in Malayalam which means
God.
Theyyam is generally performed in front of the village shrines. Performance of a particular deity according to its significance and hierarchy in the shrine continues for 12 to
24 hours in the intervals. There are a large number of temples in Kannur where Theyyam is performed.
Clad in, colourful traditional costumes, masks, face paintings, head gear, weapons and decorations of tender leaves of coconut the performance of Theyyam is a rare
combination of dance and music which reflects the important features of a tribal culture. Theyyam provides a rare cultural treat in the ritual tradition which no tourist can
afford to miss.
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Calicut(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.
Places to visit :
Pazhassiraja Museum & Art Gallery
5 km from Kozhikode, on display here are copies of ancient murals,
antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like
dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the art gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum
This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late v.k. krishna menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.
Kozhikode (Calicut) Beach
This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old 
world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more
than a hundred years old, that run into the sea. Entertainment facilities such as the lions park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions.
Velliyamkallu
This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage
point for the marakkars to attack the invanding portuguese. An entire crew of a portuguese ship was
killed here. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring.
Thikkoti Lighthouse
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu of 
Moodadi coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the
Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home to migratory birds.
Planetarium
The Kozhikode (Calicut) planetarium at the city's jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe the planets and the
galaxies.
Peruvannamuzhi
The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. 
The reservoirs here provide facilities for speed and slowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile
farm add to the charm of the place.
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Palakkad
Gateway of Kerala
Palakkad is a land of palm trees and paddy fields. It's known to be rich in flora and fauna. 
Etymologically Palakkad is derived
from the words Pala and Kadu. Pala, (Alstonia scholaris) is a tree with sweet scented flowers and Kadu meaning forest.
Palakkad has probably the biggest mountain pass in the world (30-40 Kms) separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on
the border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. It is the chief granary of Kerala, often called the Gateway of Kerala. Palakkad lies at
the foot of the gigantic Western ghats on the border of Kerala. Palakkad is known for its historical background and the
remnants of Tippu Sulthan’s Fort. Palakkad district is situated in the South West Coast of India. This district with mountains,
forests, and fertile valleys, rivers and mountain streams are rich in flora and fauna.
Main tourist spots:
Palakkad Fort
The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala.
It was built by Hyder Ali
of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by the Archaeological
Survey of India.
Ottappalam
(35 km from Palakkad): The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. Durga Temple the
Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.
Thrithala
(75 km from Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins. 
The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud
fort near Thrithala on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist
monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th
century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also the
native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.
Pothundy
(45 km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for
picnics and half-day trips.
Thiruvalathoor
(10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.
Dhoni
(15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its
small, beautiful waterfall.
Kottayi
(15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native place of the late Chembai
Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the
doyen of Carnatic music.
Kollengode
(19 km south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad.
The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and
Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.
Lakkidi
(30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the
birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist
and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the State
Government.
Meenkara
(32 km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri which flows into the Bharathapuzha.
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Kochin(cochin)
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous
state of Kerala, hailed as
'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the
Gateway to Kerala. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the
mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.
Tourist attractions in Cochin
Chinese Fishing Nets
The chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala) are distinctly unique to Cochin. 
It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here.
Oddly, these nets are found only in Kochi, outside China! Many fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing using these massive nets. A whole stretch of the coast along Fort
Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.
Hill Palace, Tripunithura
Built in the 19th century by the Raja of Kochi, this palace served as the seat of the Raja of the Kochi province. The palace has been converted into a museum displaying
a fine collection of articles showing the wealth and splendour of the Rajas of Kochi, including the thone and the crown. The musuem also houses a large collection of
archaeological findings. Hill Palace is located 16km east of Cochin in Tripunithura, a satellite town of Cochin.
Kochi beach
A stroll along the beach, particularly at sunset with the chinese fishing nets and sailing 
ships in the background, is a memorable experience. Many European style
bungalows can be seen along the shoreline. The coastal stretch has loads of small stalls, which make on demand mouth-watering traditional cuisines using freshly caught
fish.
St. Francis Church
It is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who
reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died
in Kochi. He was buried in the St. Francis Church. Later his remains were taken back to Portugal. In spite of that, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked
out.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor
The Nehru stadium in Kaloor, 
has a seating capacity of 60,000 in multiple tiers. It is the fourth largest stadium in India and the largest in Kerala. The ground is lit by a set
of unique convex pylon floodlights that arch over the ground. The stadium is home to both the Kerala Ranji cricket team as well as FC Kochi football team.
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Mangalavanam is a protected bird sanctuary situated right in the heart of Kochi city. It is the home of many exotic and rare varieties of migratory and resident birds.
Mangalavanam is located right next to the High Court of Kerala.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This Rajas of Cochin used to conduct their durbars in this impressive building located within the Durbar Hall grounds.
It was later converted to a museum which has a
treasure trove of archaeological findings and relics including old coins, sculptures, oil paintings and murals. The building has been taken over by the Kerala Lalitha Kala
Academy and now houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art. All the exhibits of the museum have been moved to the Hill Palace museum.
Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town, Mattancherry
The synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated by Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers.
Giant scrolls of the Old Testament can be found here. It is located near
the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry.
Veega Land
Veega Land is South India's largest amusement park situated 14kms from Cochin. The park includes a range of attractions including mini castles, water theme park, ferris
wheel, rides, slides, shows and fountains. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the fun and activities
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Kottayam
Land of lakes
Kottayam is rightly called the land of lakes, letters and latex.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 (a remarkable feat achieved as early as in 1989). The district is 15.35% urbanised.
Tourist spots
Vembanad lake
Kottayam has a vast network of rivers and canals which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake, part of the interconnected Kerala Backwaters
that run virtually the length of the state. Vembanad Lake is 83.72 km in length and 14.48 km in width. Traditional cargo
boats called
Kettuvallams are modified into cruise
boats and house boats. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad Lake in a relaxed pace.
Pathiramanal
In the Vembanad Lake there is a small beautiful island called Pathiramanal (the midnight sands). This island is accessible only by boat.
Kumarakom, located on the coast of Vembanad Lake, is a beautiful village stocked with divine mangroves and coconut groves, lush green paddy fields, gushing waters
snaking through the dense forests. 
Kumarakom bird sanctuary
It is home to migratory birds like the Siberian stork, Egret, Darter, Heron and Teal. Local birds like the Water
Fowl, Cuckoo, Owl and Water Hen and other common varieties like the Woodpecker, Sky Lark, Crane and Parrots can also be spotted here. 91 species of local and 50
species of migratory birds are found here. The best time to watch local birds is June-August and the best time for migratory birds is November-February. House Boats and
motorboats are available on hire for bird watching cruises in the Lake.
Snake boats
In the festive months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival
centres. The serene lakes come alive during Onam with a spectacular water regatta - the snake boat races. Oarsmen, at least a hundred in each boat, slice their way
through the waters to the fast rhythm of their own full throated singing. In the Kumarakom boat race conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers, about 50 types of boats
including veppu, ody and churulan boats participate.
Thekkady Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Thekkady Periyar Tiger Reserve is 104 km away, in the Idukki District. It is also a gateway to the pilgrim centres like Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor,
Thirunakkara, Bharananganam, Erumeli and Manarcaud. Kottayam town is linked by rail to other prominent cities in Kerala and also linked to the waterways for scenic
travel.
Kottayam is the first town in India selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City
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Alappuzha
Alappuzha is one of the exotic backwater sites in the state of Kerala. 
This city of south India is situated close to the Arabian Sea and is interlocked by a number of
canals and bridges. Alappuzha city is also famous for its Nehru Trophy boat race held every year. Alappuzha is not only known for its natural beauty but also its locally
made coir products that are of a very superior quality.
Tourist attractions
Houseboat Backwater
The backwater cruises in the exotic houseboats of Alappuzha serve the best of the cuisines of the state of Kerala.The festivities of the Mullakal temple in Alappuzha
city are highly recommended for the performance of some of India's finest temple musicians. Besides this, the locally made coir and carpets of coconut fibers in
Alappuzha are great attraction among tourists these days.
There are several places 
of tourist interest in and around Alappuzha.
Punnamada Kayal
Punnamada Kayal is the must-visit
place of Alappuzha where the annual Nehru Trophy boat race takes place.
During the month of August-September, the backwaters become crowded with thousands
of spectators and a large number of competitors come to participate in the famous Nehru Trophy boat race.
Temples:
Krishnapuram Temple
Krishnapuram Temple in south India is a two-storied building in Alappuzha, which displays the typical Keralan style of architecture. The largest mural painting,
Gajendra Miksham, has been displayed in a museum here.
Ambalapuzha Temple
Ambalapuzha Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped, is also an important place to visit in Alappuzha.
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Surrounded by thick-green forests, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple of Alappuzha is a holy place where the king of serpents is worshiped. Number of devotees from
all over India and abroad visit this place every year.
Other Temples
The Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple of Alappuzha is believed to have miraculous powers and hence many people
who visit Kerala take a tour to Alappuzha. Kottamkulangara Mahavishnu Temple and Devi Temple are the oldest temples of Alappuzha city and are sites worth visiting,
especially during the time of festivals.
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Kollam (Quilon)
The city of Cashew
Kollam is the second district from southern end of Kerala with a very old history spanning centuries. Ibn Batuta the famous travelogue writer of the fourteenth century has
described Kollam as one of the five ports he has seen in his twenty four year journey.
Kollam has a lot of destination to the interest of a tourist. The vast back waters dotted with house-boats offer affordable luxury .Centuries old chain bridge at Punalur, the
light house at Thankassery , the ashramam (monastery) at Shivagiri ,Varkala beach and Amritapuri near Kayamkulam –the abode of Mata Amritananda mayi who is
considered as a divine lady and has admirers all around the world. These are only some of the specialties of this district. The Ashramam at Shivagiri merits special mention
It is here the great social reformer of Kerala Sri.Narayana guru was laid to rest. People of Kerala consider this place as sacred and they conduct yearly pilgrimage to this
place clad in yellow dress. Sri.Narayana guru was no ordinary monk ,he fought ideologically against the social evils existed in kerala at that time and did much to the
upliftment of the down-trodden.
Places to visit in Kollam
Achencoil
Situated about 80 kms from Punalur is an important pilgrim center. The Sastha temple here, situated amidst dense forest. The idol of Sastha is supposed to have been
installed several centuries before the Christian Era. The two important festivals of this temple are Mandala Pooja (December-January) and the festival held at 'Revathi'
(January-February). The two notable features of the festival are the Therotam (chariot festival) and Pushpabhishekam (offering of flowers). In no other temple of the South
India are flowers offered to the deity so lavishly as at Achencoil.
Amritapuri
Amritapuri located at 110 kms from capital of Kerala. Amritapuri is the realisation of the ancient Indian ideal
"the whole world is one family" (vasudhaiva kutumbakam). By
bus or train: Kayamkulam (12 km north of Amritapuri) and Karunagappally (10 km south) are the major cities to reach. By air and taxi: The two closest airports are in
Trivandrum (110 km south of Amritapuri) and in Cochin (140 km north).
Aryankavu
Situated about 73 kms east of Kollam is one of the important pilgrim centers of the district. From very early days, it was an important trade route for merchants from
either sides of western Ghats. The chief attraction of Aryankavu is the shrine dedication of Lord Sastha. The temple has some fine sculptures and mural paintings.
Thousands of pilgrims flocks of this temple during the Mandala Pooja in December. All trains towards Shencottah have a stop at Aryankavu. About 5 kms away from
Aryankavu there is a big waterfall known as Palaravi meaning river of milk. It is one of the well-known waterfalls in the south India, falling from a height of 300 feet. It is
situated 66kms from Kollam on Kollam-Shencottah road.
Jetayu Para
Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. This huge rock is in the Chadayamangalam village on the M.C road. The name comes from the epic
Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell 
after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from taking sita away. The rock is ideal for trekking by the
lovers of adventure. The rock can be seen from the Chadayamangalam junction. itself.
Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara is the headquarters of Kottarakkara Taluk. It is linked by both rail and road, a distance of 27 kms. It was once the capital of Elayadathu Swarupam, a
principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family. The internationally famous dance drama-Kath kali had its small beginning in this town and it flourished
under the patronage of Raja of Kottarakkara.
Kulathupuzha
Kulathupuzha is situated on the Thiruvannathapuram - Sencottah road and is 10 kms south of Tenmala railway station. It is and important forest range, well known for its
elephants. Reed, an essential raw materials for paper manufacture at Punalur Paper mill, is partly supplied from Kulathupuzha valley.
Mayyanad
Mayyanadu,10 kms south of Kollam is noted for its shrines and temples.
The most important temple is the one at Umayanallor, dedicated to Lord Subramanian. The shrine
is said to have been consecrated by Shri. Sankaracharya of Kaladi. Besides the temples, there are three churches and a Mosque. Cotton weaving and oil pressing are the
main occupation in the village.
Neendakara
Situated about 8 kms north of Kollam , Neendakara is the Headquarters of the Indo-Norwegian Fisheries Community project, which was established in 1953.The important
institutions under this project are the boat building yard at Sakthikulangara the Fisherman's Training Institute, the ice factory and the refrigeration Plant. Neendakara Port,
the hub of fishing activities is here.
Oachira
Situated ,32 kms north of Kollam on the Kollam Alappuzha National Highway and on the boundary of Kollam district, Oachira is a unique pilgrim center. The peculiarity of
the temple here is that there is no temple building as such nor is there any idol. All classes of people workship the presiding deity the parabrahmam. Oachira draws
thousands of Pilgrims for Oachirakkali, a festival held annually in June. It is also an important handicraft center where fancy articles of screw pine mats are manufactured.
Palaruvi Water Falls
The famous waterfall in Kollam District is situated at Palaruvi near Aryankavu,
Kollam - Sencottah NH 208. Season to visit the places is from June to January.
Pathanapuram
An important trading center on the banks of the Kallada river, Pathanapuram is 13 kms away from Punalur. The Chandanakkudam mahotsavam of the mosque there,
celebrated every year in February-March atrtacts thousands of devotees.
Punalur
Punalur is one of the important industrial centers of kerala. It is 45 kms from Kollam on the Kollam-Shencotta railway line and is also linked with Kollam by road. The
Suspension bridge accross the Kallada river erected in 1877,is the only one of its kind in south India and it is 400 ft long. A concrete bridge has been constructed near by
and now the suspension bridge is only of archaeological interest.
Punalur is the head Quarters of Pathanapuram Taluk.
Sasthamcotta
Sasthamcottah is an attractive village situated about 19 kms. from Kollam Town. It is a beauty spot, a health resort and a centre of pilgrimage. The extensive freshwater
lake here, is said to be the biggest of its kind in Kerala. Water supply to the Kollam town is met by purifying the water from this lake. Buses are frequently operated to
Sasthamcottah, which can truly be called as Queen of Lakes.
Thangassery
Thangassery is a place of historical importance situated 5 kms. away from Kollam town. 
The churches here are pretty old, having been established in the 18th century.
The chief attraction of the place is the light house, built in 1902. The 144 ft. light house stands as a sentinel, warning seamen of the treacherous reefs of Thangassery.
The construction of a fishing harbour is in progress. Thangassery was an enclave of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in succession. The remnants of the Portuguese
and Dutch forts still exits.
Thenmala
Thenmala is the meeting point of Kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of Kollam. There are a large number
of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists
center is situated at Thenmala. All buses passing through Kollam-Shencottah road stop at Tenmala. There is also a Railway Station here.
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Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the city of the snake god , is the capital of Kerala State and is situated at south India. 
The city is a blend of modern and traditional architecture.
Named after the fabled Serpent God 'Anantha' on whom Sri Anantha Padmanabhan (Lord Vishnu) reclines, the city is built on seven hills. Caressed by the Arabian Sea
at the west, Thiruvananthapuram is a popular transit destination for Indians and foreigners alike who like to visit south India.
Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city that had trading links with the other parts of the world. Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, a landmark of Thiruvananthapuram, is
2000 years old. King Marthandavarma, the erstwhile founder of Travancore made Thiruvananthapuram his capital. After Marthandavarma, it remained the capital of
Travancore and after independence, became the capital of State of Travancore-Cochin. In 1956, when Kerala state was formed, Thiruvananthapuram was again chosen
as the capital of Kerala.
Tourist Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram:
Sri. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted
reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to
Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.
Public Park
Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions,
like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open
from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.
Sankumukham Beach
The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.
Veli Tourist Village
A large recreational 
centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot.
Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.
Kovalam
Kovalam beach is only 16 km away from the city. 
This unique wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and
is endowed with unusual natural beauty.
Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot.
On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A
Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.
Ponmudi
61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.
Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as
a modern fishing harbour.
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the land's end of India is only 87kms from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, 
this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state.
Varkala
Varkala is a pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was "One God, One Religion, One Caste". It is only
51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.
Veli lagoon
Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.
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