KERALANATURAL &CULTUIRAL

TOURIST CENTERS

SUBMITTED BY

RAHUL MPRASADM.Sc GEOGRAPHY

HMAOMGS004H.M COLLEGE MANJERI

INTRODUCTIONTHE CONCEPT OF TOURISM

Tourism means short term movement of people to destination outside the place where they normally live and work, and their activities during their stay at these destinations. It involves the study of demand for and supply of accommodation and supportive services for the people who are staying away from home and the resultant pattern of expenditure, income creation and employment

TOURISM IN KERALA Natural beauty of Kerala is very

famous in the world. Nature has endowed Kerala with a lavish decoration of all beautiful lagoons, golden beaches, backwaters, blue – green mountain ranges, wild life sanctuaries, historical monuments, temples, churches and mosques. It is the land of Kathakali, Kalariapayattu, Elephant show, boat races, etc. everything full of action and zeal. Tourism in Kerala is going through a significant stage of growth and development. The Department of Tourism has played a vital role in the development tourism in the state. It is working towards long-term goals of establishing tourism as a major development factor in the State.

Better hotels, restaurants and other facilities alone will not develop tourism. Along with the Department of Tourism’s efforts to facilitate adequate infrastructure for the same, it is equally important that steps be taken to create and maintain a collective mind-set among the people of the State with a positive orientation towards tourism and hospitality. Our motto should be to receive a guest and to send back a friend. Tourism and the hospitality industry can develop only with the cooperation and wholehearted patronage of a friendly and hospitable host community.

KERALA - AT A GLANCE With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering

500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedics health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other - a singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala, India's most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is India's cleanest state.

Climate of KeralaLocation Latitude: 8*18’ and 12*48 North Longitude: 74*52’ and 77*22 EastArea : 38863 SQ.Km

Kerala has a tropical climate, experiences heavy rains almost throughout the year.

The temperature averages around:

27°C - 35°C daytime, 23°C - 29°C at night during summer season, mid-February to mid-May

21°C - 27°C daytime, 17°C - 24°C at night for the rest of the year

At hill stations like Munnar, temperatures might go below 10°C during Winter seasons (mid November-mid January).

DISTRICTS For administrative purposes the State is divided into 14 revenue

districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanadu, Kannur and Kasaragod.

On the basis of geographical, historical and cultural similarities, the districts are generally grouped into North Kerala (Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram) , Central Kerala (Palakkad, Thrissur, Eranakulam, Idukki) and South Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam).The districts have the same name as the important town or city in the district, the exception being Wayanad district.

TOURIST MAP OFKERALA

CULTURE Kerala's culture is mainly Hindu in origin, deriving from a greater Tamil-

heritage region known as Tamilakam. Later, Kerala's culture was elaborated on through centuries of contact with overseas cultures.Native performing arts include koodiyattom,kathakali—from katha  and kali and its offshoot Kerala Natanam, koothu (akin to stand-up comedy),mohiniaattam  thullal, padayani, and theyyam.

Other arts are more religion- and tribal-themed. These include chavittu nadakom, oppana , which combines dance, rhythmic hand clapping, and ishalvocalisations. However, many of these art forms largely play to tourists or at youth festivals, and are not as popular among most ordinary Keralites, who look to more contemporary art and performance styles, including those employing mimicry and parody. Additionally, a substantial Malayalam film industry effectively competes against both Bollywood and Hollywood.

GEOGRAPHY With the Arabian Sea in the west, the

Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty-four rivers, Kerala enjoys diverse geographical features.

Kerala is divided into three geographical regions: Highlands, which slope down from the Western Ghats onto the Midlands of undulating hills and valleys into an unbroken coastline with many picturesque backwaters, interconnected with canals and rivers. The Western Ghats are nowhere more than 120 kms from the sea.

FESTIVALS

The major festival in Kerala is Onam. Kerala has a number of religious festivals. Thrissur Pooram and Chettikulangara Bharani are the major temple festivals in Kerala. The Thrissur Pooram is conducted at the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The Chettikulangara Bharani is another major attraction. The festival is conducted at the Chettikulangara temple near Mavelikkara.

The Sivarathri is also an important festival in Kerala. This festival is mainly celebrated in Aluva Temple and Padanilam Parabrahma Temple. Padanilam Temple is situated in Alappuzha district of Kerala, about 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Mavelikkara town.Parumala Perunnal, Manarkadu Perunnal are the major festivals of Christians. Muslims also have many important festivals.

WILDLIFE Most of Kerala, whose native habitat consists of wet

evergreen rainforests at lower elevations and highland deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the east, is subject to a humid tropical climate. However, significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a land whose biodiversity registers as among the world’s most significant. Most of Kerala's significantly biodiverse tracts of wilderness lie in the evergreen forests of its easternmost districts. Kerala also hosts two of the world’s Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands: Lake Sasthamkotta and the Vembanad-Kol wetlands are noted as being wetlands of international importance.

There are also numerous protected conservation areas, including 1455.4 km2 of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. In turn, the forests play host to such majorfauna as Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), and grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura). More remote preserves, including Silent Valley National Park in the Kundali Hills, harbour endangered species such as the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), 

NATURAL TOURIST CENTERS IN

KERALA

BEACHES

Flanked on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a long coastline of 580 km (360 mi); all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches.

Boating at Paravur Lake nearKollam Kovalam beach near Thiruvananthapuram was among

the first beaches in Kerala to attract tourists. Rediscovered by back-packers and tan-seekers in the 1960s and followed by hordes of hippies in the 1970s, Kovalam is today the most visited beach in the state.

Other popularly visited beaches in the state include those at Kappad, Alappuzha, Nattika (Thrissur), Vadanappilly beach (Thrissur), Cherai Beach, Beypore beach, Marari beach, Fort Kochi, and Varkala. The Muzhappilangad Beach beach at Kannur is the only drive-in beach in India.

KOVALAM BEACH Kovalam has three beaches seperated by

rocky outcroppings in its 17km coastlines, the three together from the famous cresent of the kovalam beach

LIGHTHOUSE BEACH The southern most beach, this is the

most frequnted by tourists, There is a lighthouse situated on a 35 meter high on top of the Kurumkal hillok.

HAWAH BEACH Eve’s beach, more commonly known as

Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fisherman setting out for sea.

SAMUDRA BEACH A large promontory separates this

part from the southern side. Samudra beach doesn’t have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

KAPAD BEACH It’s a in pleasure beach

situated Calicut district. Kappad or Kappakadavu , where the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed on 20th may 1498. this beach get the historical importance because of this.

In 2007 R.s 1.5 crore program to beautify the beach Tourism Minister(Kodiyeri Balakrishnan). Now it is completed and Kappad beach has beautiful corniche and park. The park include a rest room,resturent and seating.

CHERAI BEACH Cherai beach offers the less

busier and cleaner beach assessable to the Ernakulum City and always attract the tourists from around and other states as well.

Cherai Beach is just 25 Km from Kochi, 30 Km from Cochin International Airport. The nearest towns are North Paravur and Kodungallur and nearest Railway station is Aluva.

MUZHUPPILANGADI BEACH Muzhuppilangad Drive-In Beach is

the situated in Kannur District. It is located parallel to National Highway66 between Kannur and Thalassery.

This Beach is the longest Drive-In beach in India. Even though Goa has many beautiful beaches, it does not have a Drive-In beach. The beach festival celebrated in the month of April and it is one of the most important tourist attraction in the Kannur Kerala.

BACKWATERS

The backwaters in Kerala are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast). Houseboat or Kettuvallam rides in the backwaters are a major tourist attraction. Backwater tourism is centered mostly around Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam. Boat races held during festival seasons are also a major tourist attraction in the backwater regions.

The backwater network includes large lakes such as the Ashtamudi Lake, the largest among them, linked by 1500 km of canals, both man-made and natural and fed by several rivers, and extending virtually the entire length of Kerala state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range.

•A houseboat is a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a human dwelling.

•The houseboats in Kerala, south India, are huge, slow-moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips.

• They are a reworked model of Kettuvallam. In the Malayalam language, Kettu means "tied with ropes", and vallam means "boat"

HOUSEBOAT

MAJOR BACKWATER REGIONS Thiruvallam Lagoons and

Akkulam- Veli Backwaters  located in  Thiruvananthapuram 

district. Whereas former is a religious destination, latter is famous for its large eco-tourist project, the Akkulam Tourist Village

Alumkadavu Backwaters  located in Kollam district at

Karunagappally, famous for its large house-boat dry docks and boatyards where most of the house-boats are constructed and repaired

Kumbalangi Backwaters which is part of Vembanadu Lake,

located near to Kochi is famous for its village tourism, where small canoes are used to navigate a maze of mangrove forests, which is a unique experience

Canoli canal and Kallai backwaters located in Kozhikode district, are good

for boating while the bird sanctuary at Kadalundi is fast becoming a favorite with bird-watchers and nature lovers. Nearby is Korapuzha, where the Korapuzha Jalotsavam, a water sports festival attracts large tourists

HILL STATIONS

Eastern Kerala consists of land encroached upon by the Western Ghats; the region thus includes high mountains, gorges, and deep-cut valleys. The wildest lands are covered with dense forests, while other regions lie under tea and coffee plantations (established mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries) or other forms of cultivation.

The Western Ghats rise on average to 1500 m elevation above sea level. Some of the popular hill stations in the region are Munnar,Vagamon, Paithalmala, Wayanad,  Nelliyampathi, Elapeedika, Peermade ,Thekkady and Ponmudi.

HILL STATIONS

MUNNAR

CULTURAL TOURISM Cultural Tourism is travel to

experience and, in some cases, participate in a vanishing lifestyle that lies within human memory. Destination activities include meals in rustic inns, costume festival, folk performance, and arts and crafts. Music tourism, which could be described as part of cultural tourism is becoming more prominent and brochures frequently list out the musical attractions of the places they seek to advertise.

Culture and tradition play an important role in the promotion of tourism. Kerala State is so much inclined to cultural and health tourism. Festivals, Ayurveda treatment, Martial Arts, untapped rivers, birds and beautiful beaches make Kerala a favorable tourist destination. The inter-disciplinary character of tourism is universally accepted and thus approaching the problem from different angles can develop new perspectives. For tourism to succeed in an area, the tourists, the businesses, the Government and the host community must have a positive attitude towards the industry. Tourism has its bearing on society, economy, culture, history and development. Besides, travel is the language of peace

EDAKKAL CAVES WAYANADU Edakkal caves are two natural caves at

a remote location at edakkal,25 km from Wayanad district. They lie 1200 meters above sea level on Ambukuthy mala. Inside the caves are pictorial writings believed to date to at 6000BC, From Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone age carvings of Edakkal are rare and the only known example from south India

PALAKAD FORT Palakad Fort also known as Tipu’s

Fort is an old fort situated in the heart of Palakad town. It was built by Haider Ali in 1766 and one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. There is a large ground between the fort and Palakkad town hall, known as Kota Maidanam (Fort Grounds)

KOYIKKAL PALACE The Koyikkal palace situated in

Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram. The palace was built in 16th century for Umayamma Rani of the Venad Royal family. Umayamma Rani was the regent of Venad between 16677 and1684.

The palace is maintained by the Archaeological Department of Kerala. There is a folklore museum and a Numismatic Museum are working this palace.

THALASERY FORT The British East India company

built the fort in 1708 to establish a stronghold on the Malabar coast.

The square fort, with its massive walls, strong flanking bastions, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, is an imposing structure. The fort was once the nucleus of Thlassery’s development. It is now monument preserved by Archaeological Survey Of India

BULGOTTY PALACE Bolgatty Palace is a former palace built

by Dutch in India, located on the island popularly known as Bolghatty Island in Kochi.

One of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, this quaint mansion, built in 1774 by Dutch traders, was later extended and gardens were landscaped around it.

In 1947, when India attained independence, the palace became property of state and later converted into a heritage hotel resort. Bolghatty palace now has a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, Ayurvedics center and daily Kathakali performances and is a holiday destination for Indian and overseas.

CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID The Cheraman Juma Masjid is a

mosque in methala, Kodungallur Taluk, Thrissur District. Built in 629 AD, it is the first mosque in India. It was built by Malik Deenar, an Arab propagator of Islam and follower and contemporary of Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

Cheraman Juma Masjid is located in the Pravur-Kodungalloor Road, NH-17 at, Kodungalloor Taluk, Kerala

PARADESI SYNAGOGUGE The Paradesi Synagogue is the

oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of nation, located in Kochi. Constructed in 1567, it is one of seven synagogue of the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people or Cochin Jewish Community in the Kingdom of Cochin.

The synagogue is open for a free to visitors as a historic attraction . The ticket-seller, Yaheh Hallegua, is the last female Paradesi Jew of child-bearing age. The synagogue is closed on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays and also on Jewish holidays.

HILL PALACE The palace built in 1865 was the former

residence of the Kochi Royal family and is situated close to the city of Kochi on the Kochi- Chottanikkara route.

The palace was taken over by the Department Of Archaeology in 1980 and later converted into a museum. It was opened to the public in 1986.

This elegant looking palace built in the traditional architecture of Kerala comprises 49 units and is on a 52-acre land noted for its terraced landscape dotted with ponds, fountains and lawns. The palace currently houses a full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and also Kerala's first ever heritage museum.

IMPORTANT PILGRIM CENTERS

ST. FRANCIS CHURCH At a distance of 15 kms from Kochi

(Ernakulum Town Railway Station), St.Francis Church is the first European Church built in India. It is located on Parade Road in Fort Kochi, less than 1 Km from Kochi Beach. The Church was originally named as Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. The history of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India, from the 15th to 20th Centuries. The Portuguese Vasco da Gama was the first European to discover the sea route to India. In 1503 Alphonso Alburquerque was given permission by the Rajah of Cochin to build a fort. The original structure was built in wood, which was later rebuilt in stone. Vasco Da Gama has died in Kochi in 1524 and was originally buried in this church cemetery. After 14 years, his remains were moved to Lisbon in Portugal. The gravestone of Vasco Da Gama can still be seen here. The Church became a protected monument in April 1923.

GURUVAYOOR SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE

At a distance of 27 Kms from Thrissur & 81 km from Kochi, Guruvayoor is well known for the most famous Sri Krishna Temple in South India. This is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Kerala & an ideal getaway from Kochi. Lord Sri Krishna can be seen in standing posture with four hands carrying Sankhu, Sudarshana Chakram, Lotus and Mace. A 33 meter tall gold-plated Dwajastambham is a special attraction

The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are adorned with beautiful mural paintings and carvings. The temple is built in a typical Kerala temple architecture. Vishwakarma, the divine architect is said to have built the first temple here. On Malayalam New Year day, the first rays of Sun fall directly at the feet of Lord Krishna. The temple has a collection of 65 elephants, preserved at Anakotta, 3 Kms from the temple. 

SABARIMALA Sabarimala is the most famous Hindu pilgrimage

centre in Kerala and India. At a distance of 70 km from Pathanamthitta, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in the world with an estimated 45 - 50 million devotees every year. At a distance of 158 km from Kochi and 178 km from Trivandrum, this temple is one of the oldest temples in India, with history of more than 5000 years old. The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan here is situated in the midst of 18 hills, at an altitude of about 3000 feet The pilgrimage season begins in the month of November and ends in January (the temple remains closed during rest of the year except for the first five days of each Malayalam month).. Mandalapooja (Nov17th) and Makaravilakku (Jan 14th) are the important events of the temple. Makara Jyothi (a celestial star) appeared on Jan 14th is the most crowded occasion of this temple. Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste and religion.

MISHKAL MOSQUE Mishkal Mosque ( മിശ്കാൽപള്ളി) is a

medieval mosque located in Calicut in the Indian state of Kerala. The mosque, one of the oldest in Malabar, is an important cultural, historical and architectural monument in Kerala.

The mosque was built by a rich Arab merchant, Nakhooda Mishkal, in the 14th century. It is named "Mishkal Mosque" after him. It is located in Kuttichira, a part of Thekkepuram region in Calicut.

In 1510, the mosque was partially burned in a Portuguese attack. The top floors of the mosque still display some of that damage. Mishkal Mosque originally had five stories. It was reconstructed after the fire in 1510 and now has four stories. Typical for similarly aged mosques in Malabar, it has no cupolas and minarets and heavily employs timber

ST .MARY'S ORTHODOX CHURCH At a distance of 39 Kms from Pathanamthitta &

10 kms from Thiruvalla, St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church located in Niranam (popularly known as Niranam Valiyapally) is a parish under the Niranam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Founded by St. Thomas in 54 AD, this is one of the most ancient churches in the world. It also contains the mortal remains of St. Thomas.  The present structure was constructed in 1912, and later strengthened in the year 2000. Huge granite Cross, relics of St. Thomas, remains of the old church and the golden cross are the special attractions of the church. The feast of Assumption of St. Mary celebrated on Aug 15th and the Feast of Nativity of St. Mary celebrated on September 8th are important festival of the church. The Feast of St. Thomas on Dec 21st, the Feast of St. Behanan on Dec 27th and the Feasts of Marthoma II and Marthoma V on May10th are also celebrated in a grand manner here.

MAJOR ART FORMS OF KERALAKATHAKALI

MOHINIYATTAM

KOODIYATTAM&CHAKYAR KOOTH

THEYYAM&THIRA

MARGAMKALI

OPPANA

THRISSUR POORAM

SEASONS

Bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year, Kerala is a tropical land with the coast running down its entire length and the Western Ghats forming a protective barrier against the dry winds from up north.

The monsoons (June-September & October-November) and summer (February-May) are the seasons markedly experienced here, while winter is only a slight drop in temperature from the normal range of 28-32°C.

PEOPLE AND LIFE

Kerala is one of India's most progressive states in terms of social welfare and quality of life. The State boasts of one of India's highest literacy rates, highest life expectancy and lowest child mortality rates.

The literacy rate for women is one of the highest in all of Asia. Enjoying a unique cosmopolitan viewpoint, the people of Kerala, at all levels of society, have greater access to services and opportunities - as well as a greater say in their governance.

MAJOR CITIES AND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Major Cities Thiruvananthapuram

Kollam KochiThrissur Kozhikode

Airports Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Cochin International Airport (CIAL),

Nedumbassery Calicut International Airport

TODAY’S MAJOR PROBLEMRoads…

The damages to the roads this monsoon had been estimated at over Rs 300 crore. The PWD had

also decided to take up full-fledged repairs of the roads across the State that had become un-motorable

immediately after the monsoon.

CONCLUSION Kerala Tourism is famous for Sensuous Backwaters,

Serene Beaches, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Hill stations, Rich Cultures, Ayurvedic treatments and festivals.

There are many famous destinations and attractions in Munnar, Wayanad, Kumarakom, Periyar, Kovalam, Thekkady, Cochin, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram to take a visit. Tourists can visit the beautiful tea gardens, amazing temples and for a change stay in a house boat and also see wonderful sunset scene at beaches. While on Kerala tour, tourists can also indulge in adventure activities like Angling, Boating, Kayaking, Surfing, Para Sailing and Camping.

The weather remains pleasant during winter season so October to March is the best time to visit Kerala.

THANKU