TOURIST DESTINATIONS

TOURIST DESTINATIONS

BEACHES

Kovalam beach:

Kovalam is the most famous beach of Kerala. Kovalam is also one of the best beaches in India and is attracting travelers from all over the world. This natural bay is a safe sea-pool free from high waves and surges - ideal for swimming and surfing. Kovalam is an internationally known holiday destination. Kovalam is also famous for its ayurvedic and naturopathic treatment centers. Kovalam is 18 km from Trivandrum city.

 Distance from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway  To Kovalam:13.7km

FOOD  &  DINING:

Fusion Restaurant
Hawah Beach, Near Sunset View Rocks, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Flora Restaurant & Lodge
Beach Road, Near Co-operative Bank, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Coconut Grove Reataurant
Light House Beach, Near Jeevan Resort, Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

for more:visit site....http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/thiruvananthapuram/yp_list.asp?state=Kerala&city=Thiruvananthapuram&cat_main=Restaurants&pin=695527&loc=Kovalam

TRAVEL DESK:

Alfa Travels
Light House Beach, Near Volga Restaurant, Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Green Touch Holidays
Samatha Tower, Kovalam P O, Vellar Junction, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Elite Tours & Travels
IInd Beach Road, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

for more:visit site....http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/thiruvananthapuram/yp_list.asp?state=Kerala&city=Thiruvananthapuram&cat_main=Tourist+Information&pin=695527&loc=Kovalam

MAKE SHOPPING:

The Curio Palace
Beach Road, Canara Bank Building, Near Canara Bank, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Sinbad Handicraft Shop
NUP Beach Road, Near Hotel Linchu, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527
Reliance Wood Crafts
Sea Rock Beach Road, Opposite Devi Holiday Inn, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527            for more:visit site....http://www.webindia123.com/city/kerala/thiruvananthapuram/yp_list.asp?                                            state=Kerala&city=Thiruvananthapuram&cat_main=Shopping&pin=695527&loc=Kovalam

                                                   TO STAY @ KOVALAM

S T  Bhavan Homestay      Vellar, Kovalam P O, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527 modlz Inn      Near Coconut bay Beach Resort, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527 Sea Rock Restaurant      NUP Beach Road, Near Marine Palace, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695527

Place : Kovalam, 16km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Highlight : A picturesque tropical beach with Ayurvedic massage and treatment facilities  Best time to visit : December to March

Kovalam, a small town located 16km from Thiruvanathapuram is famous for its beautiful beaches. Its sandy beaches are lined with palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves. Kovalam with its unique and wonderful beaches is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty. The Arabian sea coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs. An hours drive from the capital, it is the most famous south Indian beach, popular for sunbathing.

It was during the 1930's, that the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination was discovered by the European guests of the then 'Travancore' kingdom. But the real fame as an ideal beach resort was won later for the Kovalam beach in the early seventies with the arrival of masses of 'Hippys'.

In the seventies Kovalam became a hippy idyll, a fishing village providing fresh fish, fruit and toddy (coconut bear) nestling a picture perfect tropical beach. Later it developed into a laid back tourist hangout with a few basic but comfortable lodges and makeshift restaurants. But today this tiny beach is ferrying thousands of tourists from all around the world and has a wide range of accommodation for the budget as well as luxury tourists. 

Kovalam consists of three adjacent coconut palm fringed crescent beaches separated by rocky promontories. The southern most beach, marked by a prominent red and white striped Light House, known as the Light house beach, is the most popular of the three. It is lined with cafes/restaurants serving delicious seafood especially prawns and lobsters, bars and vendors selling clothes, crafts, carpets, fruits etc. Further south beyond the light house, is the small village of Vizhinjam. Vizhinjam, scarcely visited by tourists is a major centre for fishing. It has a beach of its own. The northernmost beach is the Samudra, dotted with traditional fishing boats and is least affected by the changing times. In between lies the Hawah or the Eve's beach. North of the Eve's beach on a rocky promontory lies the award winning resort, the Ashoka beach resort which divide the beaches into north and south sections. The resort has its own small section of private beach and provides windsurfing and sailing boat facilities. Its a 15min. walk between the Ashoka and the Light house. 

    

The beaches are generally safe and clean. The best season is from December to March. There are life guard patrols on the beach, but you still need to be careful when swimming. It is safest to swim between the flags in the area patrolled by the life guards. Besides swimming and sunbathing, the natural bay is ideal for kayaking, surfing and skiing. Surfboards and boogie boards can be hired on the Kovalam beach. Marine Angling for deep-sea fishing is also available at the beach. The sunrise and sun set cruises in country rafts or on logs of lashed woods on catamarans, provided by local fishermen are quite popular. Beyond the season from between April and October the powerful Arabian Sea can roughen with swells of up to 6m. From May the sea level rises removing the beach completely in places and swimming can become very dangerous. Kovalam is also a centre for the traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Many hotels offer complete health and revitalization packages. Apart from Oil massages, intensive treatments that last up to 21 days including special diet's and daily massages are offered. Yoga schools offering meditation and yoga classes, are also plenty in and around Kovalam beach. Cultural programmes at the beach include performances of the traditional Kerala art form, Kathakali and ethnic martial art, Kalarippayattu.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT

Thiruvananthapuram District is the southernmost district,which is the capital of Kerala.It came into existence in the year 1957

Area	2,192 km2 (846 sq mi)
Population	33,07,284 (Male = 15,84,200 / F = 17,23,084) (2001)
Population density	1,509 /km2 (3,910 /sq mi)

In recent news it become more popular because of THE Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple.

Sree padmanabhaswamy temple

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram city, the headquarters of the Thiruananthapuram district is also the state capital. It is the southern-most district of Kerala and the seat of administration, tourism and trade. Its many beaches, historic monuments and temples are the major tourist attractions. The district is also a great center for commercial trade.

Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital of Kerala. Previously the name of the district was Trivandrum. The district lies in the southern part of the state. The geographical location of the district is between 8^o 17" and 8^o 54" north latitudes and between 76^o 41" and 77^o 17" east longitudes. 

The area of Thiruvananthapuram is 2,192 sq km. The total population of the district is 29,38,533, as per the census of 2001. 

Some of the notable tourist sites of Thiruvananthapuram are

Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta

In 1982 the district of Pathanamthitta was formed and the town of Pathanamthitta was named its headquarters. It is surrounded by the districts of Kottayam, Idukki, Kollam and Alappuzha on all directions. It is an inland district. It is predominantly an agricultural district growing rubber and tea the most. The shrine at Sabaimala is a star attraction and about 10 million pilgrims visit it every year.

Pathanamthitta is the youngest district in Kerala. It was formed in the year of 1982. 

Pathanamthitta occupies an area 2,642 sq. km. The total population of this district according to 2001 census is 12,31,577, out of which 5,88,035 are male and 6,43,542 are female. The density of population in Pathanamthitta is 467 per square kilometers.

Different agricultural crops, vegetables, spices and rubber are grown in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta

Kottayam

Kottayam

Kottayam

Kottayam

Kottayam is a district bound by Eranakulam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. The district headquarters are at Kottayam town. It is the first district in India to achieve 100% literacy. Kottayam is a historic region and its tourist attractions include the many lakes and forts.

The district of Kottayam in Kerala is economically very important. It is located between 9°15' and 10° 21' North Latitudes and between 76° 22' and 77° 25' East Longitudes. The total area of Kottayam is 2,208 sq. km. It has a total population of 19,53,646. The number of male is 9,64,926 compared to 9,88,720, the number of female. The density of population in Kottayam is 885 people per square kilometer. 

The lively hood of the inhabitants of Kottayamdepends mainly on agriculture. Food crops as well as cash crops and fruits are grown in this district. 

The industries of Kottayam are mainly agro-based. The steady growth in the industrial sector in this district has been highly acclaimed

Kollam

Kollam

The Kollam town (erstwhile Quilon) is the headquarters of the Kollam district. It is an old sea port and the district�s highlight is its commercial trade with China and other countries since historical times. The district is bound by Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta on the North and Thiruvananthapuram on the South.

Kollam is located in the the South west coast of kerala. It is an old sea port of the Arabian sea coast. Kollam occupies an area of 2,491 sq. km. According to the census of 2001, the total population of the district is 25,84,118 with the population density of 1037 people per square kilometer. 

Agriculture is the primary source of income in Kollam other than various industries of the region. Paddy, coconut, tapioca, rubber, pepper, mango, banana and cashew are grown here. 

Alappuzha

Alappuzha

 Alappuzha was known as Allepey to the British. It is a low lying district of Kerala and the smallest in terms of area. It has the town of Alappuzha as its headquarters and is famed for its beautiful and calm backwaters. It has an excellent network of canals crisscrossing the region. Bound on the East by Pathanamthitta and South by Kollam, the district has the Arabian Sea on the remaining sides.

Alappuzha lies at the western part of Kreala. It is the smallest district of the state of Kerala. It stretches from 9o05'-9o54' north latitude and 76o17' 30"-76o40' east longitude.

The word Alappuzha is derived from two words, Ala and Puzha meaning a broad river.

The total area of Alappuzha is1,414 sq. km. It comprises a total population of 2,105,349 with a density of population being 1492 persons per sq. km, according to the census of 2001. The literacy rate is 93.66 %. 

Thrissur

Thrissur

 Eranakulam and Idukki to the South, Palakkad to its East and Mallapuram to its North, the district of Thrissur has Thrissur city as its headquarters. To the West is the Arabian Ocean and the district is known for its rich culture and traditions. The famous Pooram festival is celebrated in this city.

The name Thrissur is derived after the name of Lord Shiva Thrissur is rich in cultural heritage and a tourist should not miss the splendor of this district. 

Thrissur is situated in the eastern part of the state of Kerala. It came into existence in the year 1949 as Thrissur as the district head quarter. 

Thrissur comprises of an area of 3032 sq. km. The total population of Thrissur according to the census of 2001, is 29,75,440. The population density is 981 per sq. km. 

Palakkad

Palakkad

The Palakkad district with its headquarters at Palakkadu town is the seat of cultural growth and activities in Kerala. Bound by Tamil Nadu, Mallapuram and Thrissur, the district is very influenced by the Tamil language and culture. The district is rich in Carnatic music exponents and conducts various cultural exchanges with the rest of the country.

Palakkad lies in the eastern part of the state of Kerala. It is a district abundant in natural beauty and thus is a center of attraction for the tourists. 

Palakkad is situated within the latitudes stretching from 10° 21' to11° 14' north and longitudes stretching from 76° 02' to 76° 45' east. 

The total population of the district according to the census of 2001 is 26,17,072. The number of male is 12,65,794 where as the number of female is 13,51,278. The area of Palakkad district is 4,480 sq km. Rice is produced in an abundant quantity in Palakkad. Cotton, ragi, pepper, sugarcane and others are also produced here. 

Palakkad

Palakkad

Idukki

Idukki

The district headquarters of Idukki district lies in the town of Pinavu. Idukki is a central district of Kerala. It shares boundaries with Tamil Nadu in the East, Thrissur in the Noth, Eranakulam and Kottayam in the West and Pathanamthitta in the South. It is a very beautiful region and its main attractions are the wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations.

Idukki is the largest District of Kerala. It has an area of 4476 sq. km. The district occupies about 13% of the total area of the state of Kerala. It lies between 9° 15' and 10° 21' north latitudes and 76° 37' and 77° 25' east longitudes.

The total population of Idukki is 11,29,221, of which 5,66,682 are males and 5,62,539 are females. The density of population per sq. km. is 259 according to the census of 2001.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in Idukki. Mushroom cultivation, dairy farming, floriculture are also practiced here. 

Eranakulam

Eranakulam

With Thrissur to the North and the Arabian Ocean to the West; Iddukki to the East and Alappuzha and Kottayam to the South; the district of Eranakulam has the port of Eranakulam as its district headquarters. This district boasts of a number of islands. Kochi a magnificent natural harbor stands on one such island.

Ernakulam district of Kerala occupies an area of 2407 sq. km. It is located in the 9o57' North latitude and 76 o15' East longitude. This district came into existence in 1958.

Ernakulam has a total population of 31,05,798 according to the census of 2001.

Mallapuram

Mallapuram

Mallapuram is the Southernmost of the northern districts of Kerala. It shares boundaries with Kozhikode and Wayanad in the north and Tamil Nadu in the East. Palakkad forms most of its East and South boundary while the district also shares a short boundary with Thrissur. Lush green forests, the dreamy Nilgiris, a scenic landscape and fertile riverbeds are part of the attraction of this quaint region. This district is noted for its eminent literary and political figures. The land has given birth to many seers. Mallapuram town is its headquarters.

Malappuram, one of the district of Kerala, was formed in 1969. The geographical area of the district is 3,550 sq. km. It is the third largest district of Kerala, as it occupies 9.13 per cent of the total area of the state. 
The total population of Malappuram is 36,29,640 as per the census report of 2001. The number of male in the total population is 17,59,479 where as the number of female in the district is 18,70,161. The population density of Malappuram is 1022 per square kilometer. 
The prospect of Malappuram lies in its tourism. 

Kozhikode

Kozhikode

Bound by Kannur, Wayanad and Mallapuram in the North, East and West respectively, Kozhikode or former Calicut has been the seat of dramatic history, political conspiracy and flourishing trade. The headquarters of the district is the town of Kozhikode which is a major tourist attraction and an active port. He highlight of this district is its wildlife and lush vegetation.

Kozhikode is located in the western coast of Kerala. Historically this district has an immense importance. Kozhikode is situated between North latitudes 11° 08'and11° 50' and East longitudes 75° 30' and 76° 08'. The total area of Kozhikode is 23,444 sq. km. It has a total population of 28,79,131, among that 13,99,358 are male and 14,79,773 are female. 

Wayanad

Wayanad

The district headquarters of Wayanad are at Kalpetta. The district is known as Green Paradise due to the presence of dense forests and foliage. The district has a rich harvest of condiments and spices. Pepper, cardamom, coffee and tea are the major crops of this land. Kannur, Karnataka and Mallapuram are its neighbors in the North, East and South. To the West is the district of Kozhikode.

The district of Wayanad is situated in the north eastern part of the state of Kerala with Kalpetta as the district head quarter. The district came into being on 1980. 

The geographical location of Wayanad is 11. 27' to 15. 58' north latitude and 75. 47' to 70. 27' east longitude. The total area of Wayanad is 2132 sq km. As per the census carried in 2001, the total population of the district is 780,619. The population density being 369 people per km.

Agriculture is the main source of economy in Wayanad. Tea, coffee, rubber are the main plantation crops. Other than these paddy, different vegetables and fruits are also grown.