കൊച്ചി
Kochi
Kochi (Cochin)
Usage
Kerala's largest commercial city and tourist hub
Grammar Note
Kochi (Cochin) is a multicultural port city shaped by Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Fort Kochi is a key tourist area.
ആലപ്പുഴ
Ālappuḻa
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Usage
Hub of Kerala's famous backwaters
Grammar Note
Alappuzha is called the "Venice of the East". Famous for houseboat cruises and the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
മൂന്നാർ
Mūnnār
Munnar
Usage
Hill station and tea plantation resort in Kerala
Grammar Note
Munnar at ~1600m in the Western Ghats features vast tea estates. Developed as a hill station during British colonial times.
തിരുവനന്തപുരം
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Usage
Capital of Kerala state
Grammar Note
"Thiru" (sacred) + "ananta" (eternal serpent) + "puram" (city, Sanskrit). Famous for Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
വർക്കല
Varkala
Varkala
Usage
Cliff beach and Sivagiri pilgrimage site in Kerala
Grammar Note
Varkala is a cliff beach resort with red laterite cliffs, and home to Sivagiri Mutt, an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
കോഴിക്കോട്
Kōḻikōṭu
Kozhikode (Calicut)
Usage
Historic port city where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498
Grammar Note
"Calicut" is the colonial name, giving rise to "calico" cloth. Kozhikode was a spice trade hub. Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498, opening the sea route to India.
വയനാട്
Vayanāṭ
Wayanad (lush highland district)
Usage
Visiting Kerala's green highland district Wayanad
Grammar Note
"Vayal" (paddy fields) + "nāṭu" (land) = land of paddy. Wayanad is known for tea/coffee plantations, Edakkal Caves (prehistoric rock art), and tribal cultural heritage.
തൃശ്ശൂർ
Tṛśśūr
Thrissur (cultural capital of Kerala)
Usage
Referring to Thrissur, the cultural and religious heart of Kerala
Grammar Note
Thrissur comes from "Thiru-Shiva-Perur" (Holy city of Shiva). Famous for Thrissur Pooram — arguably the world's most spectacular temple festival with decorated elephants.
ഏറ്റുമാനൂർ
Ēṟṟumānūr
Ettumanur (famous ancient Shiva temple town)
Usage
Visiting the famous ancient Shiva temple at Ettumanur
Grammar Note
Ettumanur Mahadeva temple is one of Kerala's oldest and most revered Shiva temples. The annual "Ettumanur Pooram" festival draws pilgrims from across India.
കേരളം
Keralam
Kerala
Usage
State at India's southwest tip, capital Thiruvananthapuram; a narrow strip between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, with backwaters, tea estates and beaches
എറണാകുളം
Ernakulam
Ernakulam
Usage
The mainland city centre of Kochi and the name of its district; hotels, railway stations, metro and boat jetties cluster here, and it is where most Fort Kochi visitors actually stay
കൊല്ലം
Kollam
Kollam (Quilon)
Usage
Southern port town on Ashtamudi Lake and the southern end of the all-day backwater boat to Alappuzha. The old name Quilon still shows up on older signs, tickets and the station code QLN
കോട്ടയം
Kottayam
Kottayam
Usage
District capital on the eastern side of the backwaters; the junction for Kumarakom and for Thekkady, and a strongly Christian town with many Syrian churches
പത്തനംതിട്ട
Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta
Usage
Inland district in the south-centre, the gateway district for the Sabarimala pilgrimage; roads and lodgings fill with pilgrims during the November–January season
ഇടുക്കി
Idukki
Idukki
Usage
Mountain district in the east containing Munnar, Thekkady and Vagamon; noticeably cooler than the coast and genuinely cold at night
പാലക്കാട്
Palakkad
Palakkad (Palghat)
Usage
Town at the Palakkad Gap, the break in the Western Ghats; the land gateway to Tamil Nadu, carrying the main railway and highway. The old name Palghat still appears on older tickets and maps
മലപ്പുറം
Malappuram
Malappuram
Usage
Northern district with a large Muslim population, its towns lined with mosques and markets; Kozhikode's Karipur airport lies within it
കണ്ണൂർ
Kannur
Kannur (Cannanore)
Usage
Coastal city in the north known for Theyyam ritual performances and handloom weaving, with its own international airport. The old name Cannanore still appears on older signs and tickets
കാസർകോട്
Kasaragod
Kasaragod
Usage
Kerala's northernmost district on the Karnataka border, where Tulu and Kannada are spoken alongside Malayalam; the base for Bekal Fort
ആലുവ
Aluva
Aluva (Alwaye)
Usage
Town north of Kochi with the railway station closest to Cochin International Airport and the northern terminus of the Kochi Metro; the usual interchange for air travellers
തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ
Tripunithura
Tripunithura
Usage
Former royal seat of the Kingdom of Cochin southeast of Ernakulam, home of the Hill Palace museum and the southern terminus of Kochi Metro Line 1
ഗുരുവായൂർ
Guruvayur
Guruvayur
Usage
Temple town in Thrissur district, crowded year-round with pilgrims to its Krishna temple and a favoured place for weddings; the whole town is vegetarian and dry
കൊടുങ്ങല്ലൂർ
Kodungallur
Kodungallur (Cranganore)
Usage
Old port town in Thrissur district identified with the ancient trading port of Muziris, site of the Cheraman Juma Masjid said to be India's oldest mosque
ചെങ്ങന്നൂർ
Chengannur
Chengannur
Usage
Town in eastern Alappuzha district with the nearest railway station to Sabarimala; buses to Pamba leave from here during the pilgrimage season
തിരുവല്ല
Thiruvalla
Thiruvalla
Usage
Town in Pathanamthitta district on the Pamba river, known for its old churches and temples and used as a rail access point for Sabarimala
ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി
Changanassery
Changanassery
Usage
Town in southern Kottayam district at the edge of the Kuttanad region, with frequent buses towards Alappuzha
കായംകുളം
Kayamkulam
Kayamkulam
Usage
Town in southern Alappuzha district on Kayamkulam Lake, with a rail junction on the Kollam–Alappuzha line
ഷൊർണൂർ
Shoranur
Shoranur
Usage
Railway town in Palakkad district with Kerala's largest junction, where the lines towards Kochi and towards north Malabar diverge
തലശ്ശേരി
Thalassery
Thalassery (Tellicherry)
Usage
Coastal town in Kannur district famous for its biryani and halwa and as a cradle of Indian cricket; formerly Tellicherry
വടകര
Vatakara
Vatakara
Usage
Coastal town between Kozhikode and Kannur, known as a heartland of the martial art Kalaripayattu
കാഞ്ഞങ്ങാട്
Kanhangad
Kanhangad
Usage
Town in Kasaragod district, one of the nearest bases for Bekal Fort, with hotels and a railway station
കൽപ്പറ്റ
Kalpetta
Kalpetta
Usage
District headquarters of Wayanad at about 780 m and the usual base for touring the district; no railway, reached only by road
സുൽത്താൻ ബത്തേരി
Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery
Usage
Town in eastern Wayanad, its name from Tipu Sultan's ammunition battery; the base for the Edakkal Caves and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
മാനന്തവാടി
Mananthavady
Mananthavady
Usage
Town in northern Wayanad on the route towards Coorg in Karnataka, a base for waterfalls and tribal heritage sites
കുമളി
Kumily
Kumily
Usage
Town in Idukki district at the entrance to Thekkady and the Periyar reserve; hotels, the bus stand and spice shops are all on this side, and the Tamil Nadu border is a short walk away
മയ്യഴി
Mayyazhi
Mahé (Mayyazhi)
Usage
Enclave of the Puducherry union territory surrounded by Kerala; a former French possession called Mayyazhi in Malayalam. Being outside Kerala's excise rules, liquor is cheap and shops line the border
ലക്ഷദ്വീപ്
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep
Usage
Union territory of coral atolls in the Arabian Sea off Kerala; administered and reached via Kochi, and entry requires a permit arranged in advance
കവരത്തി
Kavaratti
Kavaratti
Usage
Capital island of Lakshadweep, reached from Kochi by ship or air; snorkelling in the lagoon is the main activity
അഗത്തി
Agatti
Agatti
Usage
The only island in Lakshadweep with an airport (AGX), about 90 minutes by small aircraft from Kochi; onward travel to other islands is by boat
കൊച്ചി അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര വിമാനത്താവളം
Kochi Antharashtra Vimanathavalam
Cochin International Airport
Usage
Kerala's busiest airport (COK) at Nedumbassery, about 25 km northeast of the city. Signage in English still says Cochin. Terminal 3 handles international flights, Terminal 1 domestic
നെടുമ്പാശ്ശേരി
Nedumbassery
Nedumbassery
Usage
The village where Cochin International Airport stands; local buses and auto drivers understand "Nedumbassery" more reliably than "airport"
തിരുവനന്തപുരം അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര വിമാനത്താവളം
Thiruvananthapuram Antharashtra Vimanathavalam
Trivandrum International Airport
Usage
Airport of the state capital (TRV), only about 6 km from the centre and just inland of Shanghumugham beach. Tickets and English signage still use "Trivandrum"
കോഴിക്കോട് അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര വിമാനത്താവളം
Kozhikode Antharashtra Vimanathavalam
Calicut International Airport
Usage
Airport for north Kerala (CCJ) at Karipur, about 25 km southeast of the city, with heavy Gulf traffic; its official English name is still Calicut International Airport
കരിപ്പൂർ
Karipur
Karipur
Usage
The location of Kozhikode's airport, in Malappuram district; locally the airport itself is simply called "Karipur"
കണ്ണൂർ അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര വിമാനത്താവളം
Kannur Antharashtra Vimanathavalam
Kannur International Airport
Usage
North Kerala's newest airport (CNN), opened in 2018 at Mattanur about 25 km east of Kannur town; convenient for Wayanad and Kasaragod
എറണാകുളം ജംഗ്ഷൻ
Ernakulam Junction
Ernakulam Junction
Usage
Kochi's main station (ERS), known locally as Ernakulam South and used by most long-distance trains. It is easily confused with Ernakulam Town — always check the station name and code on the ticket
എറണാകുളം ടൗൺ
Ernakulam Town
Ernakulam Town
Usage
Kochi's second station (ERN), known locally as Ernakulam North. It is about 3 km from Ernakulam Junction — going to the wrong one costs a 15–20 minute auto ride. Many trains towards north Malabar call here
തിരുവനന്തപുരം സെൻട്രൽ
Thiruvananthapuram Central
Thiruvananthapuram Central
Usage
The capital's main station (TVC) in the Thampanoor area, directly opposite the KSRTC long-distance bus terminal. English timetables still sometimes print "Trivandrum Central"
കൊല്ലം ജംഗ്ഷൻ
Kollam Junction
Kollam Junction
Usage
Kollam's station (QLN) where the coastal line and the inland line towards Sengottai divide; about 10 minutes by auto from the backwater boat jetty
ആലപ്പുഴ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Alappuzha Railway Station
Alappuzha Railway Station
Usage
Alappuzha's station (ALLP), about 10–15 minutes by auto from the houseboat jetties; tickets and older signage may still read "Alleppey"
കോട്ടയം റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Kottayam Railway Station
Kottayam Railway Station
Usage
Kottayam's station (KTYM), the starting point for buses and taxis to Kumarakom and Thekkady, on the inland route between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam
ചെങ്ങന്നൂർ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Chengannur Railway Station
Chengannur Railway Station
Usage
The nearest railway station to Sabarimala (CNGR); special buses to Pamba run from outside the station during the pilgrimage season, though it is a quiet small station otherwise
തൃശ്ശൂർ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Thrissur Railway Station
Thrissur Railway Station
Usage
Thrissur's station (TCR), about 1 km from the Vadakkunnathan temple at the centre of town; buses to Guruvayur leave from here. Older material still spells it "Trichur"
ഷൊർണൂർ ജംഗ്ഷൻ
Shoranur Junction
Shoranur Junction
Usage
Kerala's largest railway junction (SRR), where the lines towards Kochi, towards Kozhikode and towards Palakkad and Tamil Nadu meet; a common place to change trains
പാലക്കാട് ജംഗ്ഷൻ
Palakkad Junction
Palakkad Junction
Usage
Palakkad's main station (PGT), located at Olavakkode about 6 km from the town centre; a separate Palakkad Town station sits in the town itself, so check which one your ticket names
കോഴിക്കോട് റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Kozhikode Railway Station
Kozhikode Railway Station
Usage
The largest station in north Kerala (CLT); buses for Wayanad leave from bus stands a short ride away. Tickets and older signage still use "Calicut"
കണ്ണൂർ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Kannur Railway Station
Kannur Railway Station
Usage
Kannur's station (CAN), roughly ten minutes by auto from Payyambalam beach and St Angelo Fort; older timetables print "Cannanore"
കാസർകോട് റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Kasaragod Railway Station
Kasaragod Railway Station
Usage
The northernmost major station in Kerala (KGQ); Bekal Fort is reached from here or from Kanhangad, and trains to Mangaluru in Karnataka are frequent
ആലുവ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Aluva Railway Station
Aluva Railway Station
Usage
The railway station closest to Cochin International Airport (AWY), about 10 km away; the Kochi Metro's Aluva station is within walking distance for the ride into the city
വർക്കല ശിവഗിരി റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station
Usage
Varkala's station (VAK), about 3 km by auto from the cliff beach and roughly 45 minutes by local train from Thiruvananthapuram
കായംകുളം ജംഗ്ഷൻ
Kayamkulam Junction
Kayamkulam Junction
Usage
Junction between Kollam and Alappuzha (KYJ) where the coastal line via Alappuzha and the inland line via Kottayam separate
കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ
Kochi Metro
Kochi Metro
Usage
Elevated urban railway opened in 2017, running north–south from Aluva to Tripunithura; the fastest way to cross traffic-clogged Kochi
ആലുവ മെട്രോ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Aluva Metro Station
Aluva Metro Station
Usage
Northern terminus of Kochi Metro Line 1; airport buses and taxis often drop passengers here, and the centre is about 45 minutes further
എടപ്പള്ളി മെട്രോ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Edappally Metro Station
Edappally Metro Station
Usage
Busy station in northern Kochi at a major highway intersection, next to the city's largest shopping malls
എം.ജി. റോഡ് മെട്രോ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
M.G. Road Metro Station
M.G. Road Metro Station
Usage
Station on Mahatma Gandhi Road, Ernakulam's main shopping street; the stop for shops, money changers and restaurants in the centre
മഹാരാജാസ് കോളേജ് മെട്രോ സ്റ്റേഷൻ
Maharaja's College Metro Station
Maharaja's College Metro Station
Usage
The metro station closest to Ernakulam Junction (South); the boat jetties and Marine Drive are within walking distance, making it a useful base stop
വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്
Vyttila Mobility Hub
Vyttila Mobility Hub
Usage
Kochi's main interchange, bringing long-distance buses, city buses, the metro and the water metro together in one place; most intercity buses start here
കൊച്ചി വാട്ടർ മെട്രോ
Kochi Water Metro
Kochi Water Metro
Usage
Public transport by electric boat launched in 2023, linking the High Court jetty with Vypin and other islands on the same card as the metro; air-conditioned and pleasant for sightseeing too
ഫോർട്ട് കൊച്ചി ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Fort Kochi Boat Jetty
Fort Kochi Boat Jetty
Usage
The ferry landing on the Fort Kochi side, with government ferries to Ernakulam and Vypin for a few rupees; faster than the road and free of traffic
ഹൈക്കോർട്ട് ജെട്ടി
High Court Jetty
High Court Jetty
Usage
The main jetty on the Ernakulam side, beside the Kerala High Court on Marine Drive; hub for Vypin ferries and the water metro
വൈപ്പിൻ ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Vypin Boat Jetty
Vypin Boat Jetty
Usage
The landing on Vypin island; some ferries to Fort Kochi carry vehicles, and it is the starting point for Cherai beach
ആലപ്പുഴ ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Alappuzha Boat Jetty
Alappuzha Boat Jetty
Usage
The centre of backwater travel: houseboats depart here, along with the all-day tourist boat to Kollam and the public ferries locals actually commute on
കൊല്ലം ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Kollam Boat Jetty
Kollam Boat Jetty
Usage
Jetty on Ashtamudi Lake, southern end of the roughly eight-hour tourist boat to Alappuzha and the departure point for houseboats on the lake
കുമരകം ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Kumarakom Boat Jetty
Kumarakom Boat Jetty
Usage
Jetty on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake for shikara boats and houseboats, with a public ferry across to Muhamma on the far shore
വൈക്കം ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി
Vaikom Boat Jetty
Vaikom Boat Jetty
Usage
Ferry landing at Vaikom on the east shore of Vembanad Lake; ferries cross the lake, saving a long detour by road to the western side
തമ്പാനൂർ
Thampanoor
Thampanoor
Usage
The transport heart of Thiruvananthapuram, where the Central railway station faces the KSRTC long-distance bus terminal; budget lodges cluster here
കൊച്ചി തുറമുഖം
Kochi Thuramukham
Cochin Port
Usage
Major port of India's southwest coast on Willingdon Island, with an international cruise terminal and the passenger ships to Lakshadweep
വിഴിഞ്ഞം
Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam
Usage
Fishing harbour just south of Kovalam, recently developed into India's first deep-water transhipment port; local boats can be chartered from here
ഫോർട്ട് കൊച്ചി
Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi
Usage
The old quarter at the heart of Kochi sightseeing, full of Portuguese, Dutch and British-era buildings and easily walked; the ferry from Ernakulam is the quickest way over
മട്ടാഞ്ചേരി
Mattancherry
Mattancherry
Usage
The quarter just south of Fort Kochi, with the spice wholesale bazaar and Jew Town's antique and craft shops; about 30 minutes on foot from Fort Kochi
മട്ടാഞ്ചേരി കൊട്ടാരം
Mattancherry Kottaram
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
Usage
Palace built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and presented to the Raja of Cochin, famous for its Ramayana murals; universally known as the Dutch Palace. Closed Fridays
പരദേശി സിനഗോഗ്
Paradesi Synagogue
Paradesi Synagogue
Usage
Synagogue of 1568 at the end of Jew Town, said to be the oldest still in use in the Commonwealth, floored with hand-painted Chinese tiles. Closed Friday afternoon and Saturday
സെന്റ് ഫ്രാൻസിസ് പള്ളി
St. Francis Palli
St. Francis Church
Usage
Founded in 1503 and the oldest European church in India; Vasco da Gama was first buried here and his gravestone remains. In the middle of Fort Kochi
സാന്താക്രൂസ് ബസിലിക്ക
Santa Cruz Basilica
Santa Cruz Basilica
Usage
Catholic basilica in Fort Kochi, worth entering for its vivid painted ceiling and decorated columns; five minutes' walk from St Francis Church
ചീനവല
Cheenavala
Chinese Fishing Nets
Usage
The giant cantilevered lift nets along the Fort Kochi shore, the emblem of the city and a classic sunset photo spot; operators may invite you to help and then ask for a fee
ചെറായി ബീച്ച്
Cherai Beach
Cherai Beach
Usage
Sandy beach on northern Vypin island about 25 km from Fort Kochi, where the sea and the backwaters run side by side; the easiest beach day-trip from Kochi
ഹിൽ പാലസ്
Hill Palace
Hill Palace
Usage
Former palace of the Cochin royal family at Tripunithura, now Kerala's largest archaeological museum with the royal crown and coin collections. Closed Mondays
ശ്രീ പദ്മനാഭസ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshethram
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Usage
Vishnu temple at the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Entry is for Hindus only and the dress code is strict (men must wear a mundu); the exterior and tank are open to all
കുതിരമാളിക
Kuthiramalika
Kuthiramalika Palace
Usage
Wooden palace museum next to the Padmanabhaswamy temple, named for the 122 carved horses under its eaves; open to visitors of any faith
കോവളം
Kovalam
Kovalam
Usage
Beach resort about 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram, centred on Lighthouse Beach where the hotels and cafés are; the surf can be strong, so take care swimming
ശംഖുമുഖം ബീച്ച്
Shanghumugham Beach
Shanghumugham Beach
Usage
The city's evening beach, immediately west of Thiruvananthapuram airport and close enough for a stop during a layover; not a swimming beach
പൊൻമുടി
Ponmudi
Ponmudi
Usage
Hill station about 55 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram at some 1,100 m, reached by a long series of hairpin bends; the closest cool-air day trip from the capital
ആറ്റുകാൽ ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം
Attukal Bhagavathy Kshethram
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Usage
Goddess temple in Thiruvananthapuram. At the Attukal Pongala in February–March millions of women cook offerings in the streets and the city is effectively closed to traffic for a day
പദ്മനാഭപുരം കൊട്ടാരം
Padmanabhapuram Kottaram
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Usage
One of Asia's largest wooden palaces, seat of the old Travancore kingdom; it lies inside Tamil Nadu but is run by the Kerala government, about 40 km from Kovalam. Closed Mondays
ശബരിമല
Sabarimala
Sabarimala
Usage
Ayyappan temple deep in the Western Ghats, visited by tens of millions during the mid-November to mid-January season; reached by a 5 km walk uphill from Pamba, with black dress and a period of abstinence expected of pilgrims
പമ്പ
Pamba
Pamba
Usage
Riverside base camp for the Sabarimala climb; the road ends here and the rest is on foot. Direct buses run from Chengannur and other railheads in season
അമ്പലപ്പുഴ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Kshethram
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Usage
Krishna temple about 14 km south of Alappuzha, celebrated for its palpayasam milk pudding offering; non-Hindus may not enter the inner shrine
വൈക്കം മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം
Vaikom Mahadeva Kshethram
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Usage
One of Kerala's oldest Shiva temples, also known as the site of the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraha campaign for the right of lower castes to use the temple roads
ചോറ്റാനിക്കര ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Kshethram
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Usage
Goddess temple about 17 km southeast of Ernakulam, known for prayers for mental healing; busiest at the dawn and evening services
വടക്കുന്നാഥ ക്ഷേത്രം
Vadakkunnathan Kshethram
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Usage
Shiva temple on the central hill of Thrissur; the Thrissur Pooram festival of elephants and drums takes place on the surrounding Thekkinkadu ground in April–May. The inner temple is for Hindus only
ഗുരുവായൂർ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം
Guruvayur Sree Krishna Kshethram
Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple
Usage
The most visited Krishna temple in Kerala. Entry is for Hindus only under a strict dress code — men bare-chested in a mundu, women in sari; the temple elephant sanctuary is nearby
ചേരമാൻ ജുമാ മസ്ജിദ്
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Usage
Mosque at Kodungallur said to be the oldest in India, traditionally dated to 629 CE, and notable for a form of architecture closer to a Kerala temple than a typical mosque
മലയാറ്റൂർ
Malayattoor
Malayattoor
Usage
Hilltop St Thomas pilgrimage church in Ernakulam district; hundreds of thousands climb the path during the season after Easter. About 25 km from Aluva
അതിരപ്പിള്ളി വെള്ളച്ചാട്ടം
Athirappilly Vellachattam
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Usage
A 25 m fall on the Chalakudy river, often called India's Niagara; about 70 km from Kochi and at its fullest just after the monsoon
തേക്കടി
Thekkady
Thekkady
Usage
The lakeside area of the Periyar wildlife reserve, where boat safaris on the reservoir offer sightings of elephants and gaur; hotels and shops are in adjoining Kumily
ഇരവികുളം ദേശീയോദ്യാനം
Eravikulam Desheeyodyanam
Eravikulam National Park
Usage
National park at Rajamalai near Munnar, the best place to see the endangered Nilgiri tahr at close range; closed during the calving season around February and March
എടക്കൽ ഗുഹകൾ
Edakkal Guhakal
Edakkal Caves
Usage
Rock cleft on Ambukuthi hill in Wayanad preserving prehistoric petroglyphs; reaching the entrance means a steep climb of about a kilometre
ബാണാസുര സാഗർ അണക്കെട്ട്
Banasura Sagar Anakkettu
Banasura Sagar Dam
Usage
Earth-fill dam in Wayanad, among the largest of its type in India, with a scatter of islands in the reservoir; about 21 km from Kalpetta
ബേക്കൽ കോട്ട
Bekal Kotta
Bekal Fort
Usage
Circular seaside fort in Kasaragod district, the largest in Kerala and built in the 17th century; about 12 km from Kanhangad station
പയ്യാമ്പലം ബീച്ച്
Payyambalam Beach
Payyambalam Beach
Usage
Broad sandy beach about 2 km from Kannur town, mainly a local evening promenade with few tourists
സെന്റ് ആഞ്ജലോ കോട്ട
St. Angelo Kotta
St. Angelo Fort
Usage
Coastal fort at Kannur built by the Portuguese in 1505 and later held by the Dutch and British; the ramparts overlook the fishing harbour and the sea
കാപ്പാട് ബീച്ച്
Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach
Usage
The beach where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498, about 16 km north of Kozhikode, marked by a commemorative pillar; quiet and little visited
മാരാരിക്കുളം
Mararikulam
Mararikulam (Marari Beach)
Usage
Fishing village and beach about 11 km north of Alappuzha, known to visitors as Marari Beach; a quiet stay usually combined with the backwaters
കുമരകം
Kumarakom
Kumarakom
Usage
Backwater village on the east shore of Vembanad Lake about 16 km from Kottayam, with a bird sanctuary and upmarket resorts; quieter than Alappuzha
വേമ്പനാട് കായൽ
Vembanad Kayal
Vembanad Lake
Usage
India's longest lake and the core of the Kerala backwaters, stretching between Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kochi; venue of the Nehru Trophy snake boat race
അഷ്ടമുടിക്കായൽ
Ashtamudi Kayal
Ashtamudi Lake
Usage
Eight-armed lake at Kollam, the southern gateway of the backwaters, from which the tourist boat heads north to Alappuzha
കുട്ടനാട്
Kuttanad
Kuttanad
Usage
Low-lying region between Alappuzha and Kottayam where rice is farmed below sea level, a rarity worldwide; the paddy country the houseboats cruise through
വാഗമൺ
Vagamon
Vagamon
Usage
Hill station on the Idukki–Kottayam border with rolling grassy hills and pine forest, quieter than Munnar; about 65 km from Kottayam
പാലക്കാട് കോട്ട
Palakkad Kotta
Palakkad Fort (Tipu's Fort)
Usage
Stone fort in the middle of Palakkad town, built by Hyder Ali in 1766 and known locally as Tipu's Fort; a useful landmark on arriving in town
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