Famous cities in Kerala
The verdant land of Kerala has many unique characteristics that truly make it God's Own Country. It is a coastal state nestling on the ebullient shores of the Arabian Sea. The best part with Kerala's towns and cities is that each of them will offer you a different experience. Each of these capitals has a different story to tell, a different maze to explore. Visit Thiruvananthapuram, the political capital of Kerala. A long shoreline fringed with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, religious architectures and a rich culture makes this district a much sought after tourist destination. See the world famous Chinese fishing nets tucked in the pristine sands of Kochi, often praised as the commercial capital of Kerala. Climb the heights of Munnar and meet the evanescent clouds that cross the lush mountains as you take care to enjoy the hair-pin curves of the Western Ghats. Sail through the shimmering backwaters of Alappuzha, be a part of the colourful Elephant Festival at Thrissur, buy an embroidered Kottayam saree or simply, taste the refreshing South Indian tea on the hills of Wayanad. One thing is for sure, Kerala offers a complete fun holiday, and that too a memorable one through its towns and cities.
Trivandrum
Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Trivandrum is the gateway to Kerala stretches along the pristine banks of Arabian Sea with its shimmering backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside - a spacious layout where the old and modern are surrounded by gently swaying coconut palms and majestic, gabled, pagoda-roofed traditional buildings.
Area - 2192 sq.km
Population - 2,938,583 (1991 census)
Air - thiruvananthapuram international airport 6 kms from the city.
Rail - there are direct trains to all the main towns in kerala as well as the major cities in india.
Road - well connected to all towns & cities.
Ernakulam (Cochin)
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 is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
Area : 2408 sq. Km.
Population : 2,797,779
Air - International Airport at Nedumbassery (20 kms from town)
Rail - Ernakulam (Cochin) is a major railhead of the Southern Railway. Main Station : Ernakulam (Cochin) junction. Other station : Ernakulam (Cochin) town,Kochi Harbour Terminus.
Road - An excellent road network links to all major towns and cities in india.
Ferry - There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam (Cochin). The main boat jetty is one km from the junction railway station and the other is near the high court.
Munnar
Munnar is nestled in the undulating mountain ranges of the southern Western Ghats and is unrivalled among the tourist destinations of Kerala. Its inescapable natural beauty lures scores of tourists each and every year from not only India but also from abroad. The major highlights of Munnar are its remarkable ambiance, lush green tea gardens, mesmerizing lakes, dense forests and a cool salubrious climate.
Area 557 sq kms
Altitude 1, 600 meters
Best Time to Visit September to May
Well connected by roads from different cities
Kozhikode (Calicut)
Kozhikode also known as Calicut, is a city in the state of Kerala, India. The city is situated about 410 kilometres (255 mi) north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. Kozhikode has a population of 436,556 as per 2001 census, with an extended metropolitan population of about 0.9 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in Kerala. According to data compiled by economics research firm Indicus Analytics on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode ranked as the second best city in India to reside in.
Kozhikode city continues to be a centre of flourishing domestic and international trade. Its contribution to all round development of the district in trade, commerce and economic development over the years is spectacular. Kozhikode city is the marketing centre for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc.
Air - Karipur Airport connected to Delhi, Cochi, Mumbai.
Rail - Calicut Station connected to Ernakulam and Trivendrum by Netravati, Parashuram Express Trains. Netravati and Parashuram Express connects to Mumbai.
Road - From Kochi - N-H-47 to Kozhikode, N-H-17 to Kozhikode. Connected to Kannur(86 km) Mangalore(224 km) on N- H - 17.
Air - Nearest Airport - Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery. Calicut Airport - 163 km North of Trichur.
Rail - Venad and Amritha Express connects daily from Trivandrum.
Road - Thrissur is on N-H-47 that links from Kanyakumari. Regular Bus Services from Trivandrum. 32 kms off N-H-17 that links Mumbai to Edapally.
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. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the zamorins of kozhikode, tipu sultan of mysore and europeans including the dutch and the british have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja rama varma popularly known as sakthan thampuran was the architect of the present thrissur town.
Area - 3032 sq km
Population - 274,225
Air - nearest international airport nedumbassery (58 kms from town
Rail - Thrissur is an important railhead of the southern railways.
Road - thrissur is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of india.
Wayanad
Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilisation. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of south india like Ooty, Mysore, coorg, Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kannur are around this region.
Area - 2132 sq. Km
Population - 671,195
Air - nearest airport Kozhikode (Calicut) (80 kms)
Rail - nearest railway station : Kozhikode (Calicut).
Road - well connected by road from Kozhikode (Calicut), Kannur, Ooty and Mysore.
