DAYS 1 & 2: EXPLORING THE MALABAR

The northern-most region of Kerala extending from Kasaragod to Palakkad is known

as the Malabar region, known for its ancient spice routes and ports. The remnants of
these ports, which were used extensively for maritime trade and commerce, are still
here. To get in, Kozhikode (or Calicut) is the nearest airport. Trains are also available
from major cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Kappad Beach For beach lovers, this could truly be paradise. This
beautiful sandy beach finds its place in the echelons of history, thanks
to famous Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama who arrived here in
1498. His arrival to the city established a direct sea route between
Europe and India. (Distance: 18km from Calicut city)

Edakkal caves A set of giant boulders resting against

each other to form large caves yes, thats Edakkal for you.
One of the most fascinating and heavily visited tourist spots
with cave drawings and inscriptions dating back almost
7,000 years. You just cannot miss this. (Distance: About
100km from Calicut city)
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary If you want to see
biodiversity in all its form and glory, this is the place.
Also known as Muthanga, it is one of the largest
biosphere reserves in India, and extends across parts of
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, too. Home to wild
elephants, deer, tigers and panthers, this sanctuary will
be an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts.
(Distance: About 110km from Calicut city)
While these are the prominent ones on the recommendation list, use the remaining time
to explore parts of Calicut city, its Mithaitherivu (the road famous for halwa and
sweets) and the Kozhikode beach. Use the remaining part of Day 2 to travel ahead as
we move towards central Kerala.
Must gorge: Sea food and beef from Paragon hotel in Kozhikode

DAYS 3 & 4: CENTRAL KERALA

As you depart the Malabar area, you enter the districts of Thrissur and Ernakulam
places considered the heart of Kerala. Soaked in cultural
extravaganza, Thrissur plays host to the annual Thrissur
pooram (it takes place in the months of April-May,
according to the Malayalam calendar), a Hindu temple
festival famous for its display of 60 elephants at a time. And
while you are in the town, hunt for friends, crash into their homes and hog on some
sumptuous sadya alternatively, there are many restaurants that serve the traditional
sadya fare as well.
Athirapilly At a height of 80ft on the Chalakudy River, Athirapilly is considered
the largest waterfall in the state. Although the river itself is quite peaceful in nature, it
is known to attain a turbulent nature as it reaches the fall. Tourists have the luxury of
watching the water fall, both from above as well as below. The waterfall itself is
surrounded by dense forests, home to a large elephant population and a drive through
at dawn can be an exhilarating experience. (Distance: About 60km from Thrissur town)
Kochi The financial capital, Kochi is a marvel in
itself. Sitting on the coast of the Arabian Sea and with
Chinese fishing nets on its shores, Kochi has plenty
to offer. Tourists would need more than a day to
explore this city that has rich variants of Dutch and
Portuguese cultures from the colonial times. Take
time out to visit the islands of Vypeen and Bolghatty
Palace, both of which can be accessed by ferries a popular mode of transport. The
Cherai beach, a sandy beach bordered by tall coconut trees about 25km from Kochi, is
also a must-visit.
Vagamon Situated about 100km from Kochi,
Vagamon is a hill station full of tea gardens and
alpine forests. Not commercially exploited yet,
its cool weather and scintillating views are a
delight, especially in the summer months.
Tourists, who are avid offroad bikers or car
drivers, will find a lot of interest in Vagamon.
Must gorge: Thattu dosa on MG Road in Kochi.

DAY 5: ALEPPEY
The backwaters of Kerala have drawn in much of the states
tourists, who identify the state quite vividly with the luxury
houseboats. Aleppey, just an hours drive from Kochi, is
filled with backwaters. But one would recommend the
much smaller boats, made of wood (called vallam) that
course quite efficiently through small streams and rivulets
in the backwaters. If you are there in the month of August, you must NOT miss the
snake boat races. If you have time, head out for Mannarassala, the Hindu temple that
worships Naga Rajavu (Serpent King). The temples rituals and offerings are done by
a priestess here.
Must gorge: Coffee and cutlets at Indian Coffee House near Aleppey Beach.

DAYS 6 & 7: KOLLAM AND TRIVANDRUM

We now move towards the southern-most parts of Kerala and the capital city of
Thiruvananthapuram (about 3 hours drive from Aleppey).
Thenmala This is considered to be Indias first planned eco-tourism project and
attracts tourists from across the country. It is a hotspot for Malayali film-makers, thanks
to its gorgeous views. From riverside treks to living in tree-houses, you get a chance to
live quite close to nature.
Kovalam If you havent seen the beaches at Kovalam, you simply havent seen
anything (well, so said a proud Malayali).
Comparisons are often made of the beaches here to
the ones in Europe, and credit must go to the
tourism department for keeping the place neat and
tidy. Bordered by swinging coconut trees, the beach
is regularly visited by foreign tourists. Delectable
sea food accompaniments and numerous Ayurvedic resorts make this beach town
unavoidable. (Distance: 16km from Thiruvananthapuram)
Padmanabhaswamy temple This imposing Hindu temple has always been an
inherent symbol of the city of Thiruvananthapuram (earlier known as Ananthapuri).
Home to Lord Vishnu in a reclining position, the temple is an architectural wonder filled
with murals, sculptures, inscriptions and carvings. It has been in the news recently for
the discovery of a large amount of gold in its cellars, making it the richest temple in the
world.

Ponmudi This hill station, not far from Thiruvananthapuram, is bound to be an

absolute joy for trekkers and mountain lovers. It is part of the
Western Ghats and is filled with tea gardens and plantations,
aided by some pleasant weather round the year. The slopes,
covered in green vegetation, give tourists excellent sunrise
and sunset views. Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest
peaks of Kerala, is also just a short distance away and is a rare biodiversity retreat.
Must gorge: Fish and prawns at Kovalam beach.