Ernakulam

The Hill Palace Museum , Thripunithura

Open : 0900 - 1230 hrs; 1400 - 1630 hrs. closed on Mondays
10 km from Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family, was built in 1865. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings in the traditional architectural style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a deer park and facilities for horse riding. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala’s first ever heritage museum are the main attractions. Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19 th century paintings, murals, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the royal family.
Parikshith Thampuran Museum
This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.
Madhavan Nayar Foundation
Open : 1000 - 1700 hrs; Closed on Mondays
Just 8 km from Ernakulam, at Edappally, the Foundation houses the Museum of Kerala History and its Makers. The museum showcases historical episodes from the neolithic to the modern era through life size figures. Light ‘n’ sound shows are regularly organized with commentaries in English and Malayalam. There is also a gallery of paintings and sculptures, displaying over 200 original works by contemporary Indian artists. The Centre for Visual Arts has a collection of the authentic reproduction of selected world masters and larger-than-life mural reproductions of Indian art.
Kaladi : (35 km)

The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8 th century, Kaladi is 10 km from Aluva. Temples dedicated to Sri Sankara, Sarada Devi, Sri Krishna and Sri Ramakrishna add to the sanctity of the destination. A place called Crocodile Ghat is where Sri Sankara took his vows of renunciation. According to legends, a crocodile caught hold of him and refused to release him until Sankara’s mother Aryamba permitted him to accept Sanyas (renunciation).
Kodanad

Distance : 30 km from Kottayam town
Situated in the high ranges on the southern bank of the Periyar, Kodanad is one of the largest elephant training centres in south India. Elephants specially trained for safari are provided with saddles for riding. There is also a mini zoo for wild animals here.
Chendamangalam
Distance : 42 km from Ernakulam town
This is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom presents the unusual sight of a temple, a church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all situated next to each other. Also interesting is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seeminary built in the 16 th century by the Portuguese.
Malayatoor
Distance: 47 km from Kochi
Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic church on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill (dedicated to St. Thomas). Thousands of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the shrine to participate in the annual festival - Malayatoor Perunnal (March/April). St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.
Bhoothathankettu
Distance: 50 km north east of Ernakulam town

A picturesque haven situated in a vast virgin forest, this mythologically popular picnic spot lies close to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkadu. Two of the main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project - are also located nearby. Trekking through the enchanting wilderness to the old Bhoothathankettu holds promises of excitement to adventure lovers.
Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary
Distance: 20 km from Kothamangalam on the Kochi - Munnar route

This sanctuary, nestled in evergreen forests, was discovered by the renowned ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali and is named after him. The sanctuary is noted for indigenous birds like the Malabar grey-hornbill, the woodpecker, rose-ringed and blue-winged parakeet etc. Rare birds like the Ceylon frog-moth and the Rose-billed roller are also seen here. Diverse migrant species home in here during season. Wildlife can also be sighted often.

Palakkad

Place To Visit
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.
Malampuzha Garden (10 km from Palakkad):

This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.
Fantasy Park:
(1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
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.
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 a
re 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.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km from Palakkad):

 Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.
Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars. Festivals/Art forms
Kalpathi Ratholsavam: Annual chariot festival at Viswanatha Temple (November )
Vela at Manappulli Kavu: Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple (March)
Kanniyarkali:
 An art form exclusive to the Nair community of the district of Palakkad,
Kanniyarkali is performed in temples as well as Nair centres (March/April)
Nenmara Vallengy Vela: Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple at Nellikkulangara near Nenmara, on the Pooram day of the Malayalam month of Meenam (February/March). Highlight: Fireworks displays
Pavakkoothu:
 This shadow play is performed at the Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad (March/April)
Kaalapoottu:
This exciting ox race is an agrarian sport held in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January).
Konganpada of Chittur: Annual festival of ritual drama at the Chittur Kavu Bhagavathy temple (February /March)
Pattambi Nercha:
The festival is conducted in memory of Aloor Valia Pookkunjikoya Thangal, noted Muslim saint of South Malabar (January - February)

Thrissur

Vadakkumnatha Kshethram:

Vadakkumnatha Kshethram temple sits atop a hill in the centre of Thrissur. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathi, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathi, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna.  The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. Thissur Pooram, the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.



Churches:

There are several significant churches including Lady of  Lourdes Cathedral and Puhanpally Church:



Museums:

State Museum

Archeological Museum, farther along Museum road , has temple models, stone reliefs, Gandharan pieces and reproductions of some of the Mattancherry murals.

The Museum is open from 10am to 5pm and closed on Monday.



Pooram Festival:

The annual Pooram festival held in April/ May , is one of the biggest in the south. It include fireworks, colourful processions and brightly decorated elephants. This festval was first introdused  by Sakthan Thamburan, the maharaja of the former state of Kochi (Cochin).



Guruvayoor Kshethram:

The Hindu-only Sreekrishna Temple at Guruvayoor,33km. north of Trissur, is one of the most famous in Kerala. The temple's 40-plus elephants are kept at nearby Punathur  Kota.


Kerala  Kalamandalam:

This important academy of arts 32km north-east of Trissur at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by the late poet Vallathol Narayana Menon and his associate Manakkulam Mukunda Raja.



Triprayar:

This is famous for the temple of Sri Rama located on the banks of the Triprayar river. Its architecture is similar to that of the Vadakkumnatha Kshathram.


Irinjalakkuda

STD Code 0488

Irinjalakkuda, 20km south of Trissur, is an important site for temples, churches and cultural centres.



Koodal Manikyam Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyal and selfless hero and strong supporter of Rama. The diety at the temple is said to embody the joy rapture experienced by Bharata, when he learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. It's believed that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata  and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health.



St. Thomas Church:

The original St. Thomas Church, a stone and wooden construction, was established in 1845 and dedicated to St. George Foraine.



Natana Kairali Research & Performing Centre:

This another important cultural centre in the Trissur district.



Peechi- Vazhani Wild life Sanctuary:

This  large dam in the Western Ghats, 20km east of Trissur, provides the ares's drinking water while the attached sanctuary offers protection for animals.



Kerala Forest Research Institute:

This institute, estsblished in 1975, undertake research on a range of issues including medical plants, entomology, clonal propagation of plants, disease control and methods for reforestation.

Athirappally - Vazhachal

62 Kms south of Trichur, east of chalakkudy and very near to the entrance of Sholayar forest ranges

are the beautiful water falls namely Athirappally and Vazhachal, which are 5 kms apart.

Malappuram

Malappuram district, with its rich natural beauty and historic past, has its own tourist attractions.
Nilambur(Forest area)

Nilambur is famous for its teak plantations. The oldest teak plantation of the world, the Conolly's Plot is just 2 Kms. from Nilambur town. The plot was named in memory of H.V. Conolly, the then Malabar District Collector, who was instrumental in raising the teak plantation in the entire Nilambur area. Sir Chathu Menon, a forest officer under Conolly, took up the hectic task of planting Teak. Chathu Menon was laid to rest in the Teak garden in Conolly's Plot. The oldest Teak Kannimari in the plot is a rare attraction. This plot of 2.31 Hectares, is beside the Chaliyar river at Aruvakode, where a country boat ferry is ready for visitors.

Teak Museum

Four Kms. away from Nilambur on the side of Nilambur-Gudallur road, is world's first Teak Museum and sub centre of Kerala Forest Research Institute. In the Teak Museum, a visitor can have at hand information on all aspects of teak. The Museum, arranged in a two storied building, exhibits articles and details of historic, aesthetic and scientific value. Eighteen Kms. away from Nilambur is Nedumkayam where the rain forests flourish. From the wooden rest house built by the Britishers, elephants and deers can be viewed .

An elephant taming centre is also there. Half an hour jeep journey through the thick forests from Nedumkayam, leads to Mancherri, the settlement of Chola Naikas, a primitive tribe. Beyond Chaliyar river, 27 Km from Nilambur, is Valamthode, a hill top place where a perennial waterfall attracts people. This too is a tribal settlement. Road accessibility is through Kozhikode district by Areekode-Mukkam Road. Nilambur town is famous for Kovilakams where the Rajas resided and ruled the land. The Kovilakams have beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood. The forest division offices (Nilambur North & Nilambur south) are functioning from here. It is the terminus of Shoranur- Nilambur railway and it is 40Kms. from Malappuram town.

Manjeri
Twelve Kms. north east of Malappuram town, Manjeri is the head quarters of Ernad Taluk. It was a live centre of the National Movement. Manjeri Kovilakam was the seat of the ruling families under the Zamourins. The District Hospital and the District Court are at Manjeri . Some district offices like the District Medical Office, PWD Roads Division, Local Works division etc. are also functioning in this town. Anakkayam 2 Kms. from Manjeri was an important center in the 1921 mass upsurge. Anti British revolts took place from 1790 itself, in and around Manjeri.

Malappuram
Malappuram is the head quarter of the district. It is 26 kms. South east from Calicut Airport and 28 Kms. north east from Tirur railway station. It was a military head quarters from ancient times The Zamorins of Kozhikode had their sway over this place and they stationed a part of their militia here. Para Nambi the chieftain of the Zamorin, ruled with head quarters at Kottappady in Malappuram. Malappuram Nercha, celebrated in summer, is in memory of martyrs who fought the atrocities of the militia.

The Britishers established the Haig Barracks on top of a hill, at the banks of Kadalundi river, to station their forces. main barracks has now been turned into the seat of district administration. Main district offices are functioning here. Malappuram is the headquarters of the Malabar special Police, established in 1921.

Pookottur near Malappuram, has a place in history, where the Mopla warriors faught the British with their traditional weapons and were killed in cold blood, during the Malabar Rebellion. Panakkad, 6 km from Malappuram in Malappuram - Parappanangadi road, is an important spiritual centre for the Muslims of Kerala. 10 km away from Malappuram, between Anakkayam and Mankada, is Poonkudi Mana, famous for the traditional method of treatment of mental illness. Seminars on modern treatment and traditional styles are conducted here. Poonkudi Thalapoli is a Hindu religious festival of this mania.

Kottakkal(Centre of Ayurveda)

Kottakkal is a world renowned centre of Ayurveda. The Arya Vaidya Sala, established by P.S. Warrier the well known physician and social reformer is here. People from different parts of the world come for treatment. Art and culture also flourish in Kottakkal with the patronage of Arya Vaidya Sala.
P.S.V. Natyasanghom has a unique place in Kathakali. A Kathakali school is run by the sanghom. Venkata Theva temple near the Arya Vaidya sala, is noted for Mural paintings. Kottakkal Pooram festival attracts thousands. Connoisseurs of music, art, culture and literature of the country, participate in the cultural mela organized in connection with the pooram.


Annual seminar on Ayurveda and other branches of medicine, conducted as a part of founder's day of Arya Vaidya Sala, are attended by experts from abroad also. A medicinal herbal garden, maintained by the Vaidyasala is the rare treasure. There is an Ayurveda college at Kottakal. The Govt. of Kerala runs the only Ayurveda mental Hospital of the state, here.

Kottakkal is 12 kms. west of Malappuram. National Highway-17 passes through Kottakkal. The distance from here to Calicut airport is 13 kms., and to Tirur Railway station is 16 kms. the famous Kadampuzha Devi Temple is 10 kms. from Kottakkal, where devotees in and out of Kerala, come and pray to remove obstructions in life.

Thirunavaya

The land of ancient Mamankom, Thirunavaya is 7 kms south of Tirur. Situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha, it is a place of historical importance. In olden days, Mamankam was a grand assembly of the rulers. held once in 12 years, in which one among them was selected as the emperor of Kerala. it was an enormous trade fair also. The Mamankam festival was celebrated for 28 days with great pomp and pageantry where traders from outside came in ships and barges to Thirunavaya through Ponnani port. Thus the economical importance of Mamankam was high and hence the right to conduct and control it was important.

At the end of the rule of Perumals, the right of Mamankam was with Vellattiri, the ruler of Valluvanad. Later the Zamorin of Kozhikode, took this right by force and this resulted in dispute and bloodshed between these two Rajas. Valluvanad Raja used to send Chaver warriors to flight until death, to recapture the right from the Zamorin, who would stand poised at Nilapadu thara inThriunavaya, surrounded by a large contingent of soldiers, in every 12th year. The last of such Mamankam, was believed to be held in 1755, when Zamorin had an hair-breath escape from a chaver aged 16.


The Nilapaduthara, now in the premises of Kodakkal Tile Factory, is protected by the Archeological department. A deep well called Manikkinar, believed to be dumped with bodies. The place hashree temples, dedecated to the Trimurtis, the gods of creation, sustenance and annihilation of life, according to the Hindu belief strewn on the banks of the Bharathapuzha. The famous vedic Vidyalaya Othanmar Madom of ancient times, is on the bank of Bharathapuzha, near the Siva Temple. This madom was a centre of Aryanisation through Sanskrit and Vedic education, as Thirunavaya was believed to be the main centre, where Parasurama brought and settled Brahmins.

The Palace (Mana) of Puranic fame Azhvanchery Thamprakkal is 2 kms. north of Thirunnavaya. Navamunkuda Temple, believed to be constructed by Nava yogis on the right bank of Bharathapuzha, is an important Vishnu temple of Kerala. Pitru Tharpanam is a ritual, held here on the day of Amavasi of Karkidaka(July). Balikarma is offered by people in their wet clothes, after a dip in the river, for the salvation of sins and to appease the manes.

A marital art festival of Kalripayattu, is conducted during summer on the sands of dry Bharathapuzha. The famous Changampalli Kalari, is near Thirunavaya. During the second week of February a Sarvodaya Mela is conducted in Thirunavaya where the Gandhians of Kerala, use to assemble. The Santikudeeram established by the national leader K. Kelappan, is the centre place of this mela.