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Kerala

Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

Major Airports: There are 3 airports in Kerala - in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.

Cochin – Ernakulum:

How to get there: Cochin is well connected by trains and flights from all major railway stations and airports

This Protestant Church was built originally by the Portuguese in 1510 AD and it is believed to be the first church built by the Europeans in India. Vasco-da -Gama was buried here. Fourteen years later, his mortal remains were taken to Portugal.

Pazhur : Situated 25 kms towards the southeast of Kochi, near Piravom, is the legendary Pazhur. It is believed that the Siva temple here is nearly 1800 Years old. The Muvattupuzha river flowing west ward from the east changes direction on reaching the temple, otherwise the temple would have been washed away. The place is famous for astrologers who are believed to have been blessed with divine powers.

The Hill Palace Museum:13 km from Ernakulam this museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin, including the King`s throne and crown. Also on show are other trappings of royalty like majestic beds, paintings, carvings and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also known for the nearby Chottanikara Temple and the Tripunithura Poornathraessa Temple .

Bolgatty Island: This is the site of the Bolgatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by the KTDC. The grounds have a small golf course and several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour and the sea.

Chennamangalam: Chennamangalam presents a rare geographical combination of rivers, seven inlets, a hillock and a vast expanse of green plains. It is located 5 Kms from north Paravur, north-west of Ernakulam. The place is surrounded by rivers on all 3 sides; Chennamangalam was the abode of the famous Achans of Paliam who were hereditary prime ministers to the Raja of Cochin Kottayil Kovilakam. The hillock presents an unusual sight of a Hindu temple, a church and a Jewish Synagogue all closely located next to each other, there is a seminary built in 1075 by Jesuit Priests, It was here that printing first began in Kerala in 1577. Another attraction of the place is the Malanappara made up of holders lying one over the other resembling an elephant from a distance.

Chinese Fishing Nets: The entrance to the Cochin harbour is dotted by die Chinese Fishing Nets called Cheena Vala in Malayalam. There are large nets which hang from bamboo or teak posts and are still used by local fishermen in Fort Cochin to catch fish attracted by the lights suspended above the net. Silhouetted against the sunset, they present a spectacular sight of Cochin`s waterfront.

Cochin Boat Rides: The highlight of Cochin is a boat ride through the backwaters to all the islands. The most beautiful of all the islands is Bolgatty built by the Dutch. Today it has been converted into a hotel run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

Gundu Island: With an area of 5 acres, Gundu Island is the smallest island around Cochin.

Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry: Built in 1568 AD, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, the copper plates in which the grants of privilege made by the Cochin rulers were recorded and the exquisite Chinese hand-painted tiles arc of interest. Two hundred years old, no two tiles are alike. There are also several finely wrought gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue by various patrons.

Kalady (Pilgrim Centre): Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Another temple known as the International Temple dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna Deva has been built with the hope that it would ultimately become a temple for all religions and an abode of peace.

Kodungalloor: Kodungalloor (Cranganore) 32 km away was formely called Muziris. This was in olden times the premier sea port on India`s West Coast. It was the capital of Cheraman Perumal, King of Kerala whose famous palace Allal Perumkovilakam was situated near the great pagoda at Tiruvanchikulam. St. Thomas is believed to have landed at Muziris in 52 AD. The Cheramanparambu where the King`s palace stood, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple, the Portuguese Fort and the old mosque - very similar in appearannce to a Hindu temple and believed to be the first mosque built in India -are all situated nearby and worth a visit.

Malayattur (Pilgrim Centre): Malayattur, 47 km from Cochin is famous for the Catholic Church on the 609 m high Malayattur Hill dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees undertake a trip to the Shrine to participate in the annual festival - Malayattur Perunnal (March/April).

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) : Built by the Portuguese and presented to the Cochin Raja in 1555 AD, it acquired the present name after 1663, when the Dutch carried out some extensions and repairs in the Palace. In the centre of the building is the coronation Hall where the Cochin Rajas held their coronations. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas. Adjacent rooms contain 17th century murals depicting scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana.

Mulamkuzhi: Mulamkuzhi is a tiny hamlet nearly 15 km from Malayattoor. It is a confluence of the rivers Periyar and the Perumthode. Transportation to the spot is not a problem with a lot of private buses plying on this route. One can also reach here from Perumbavoor via Panankuzhi on a country boat. One can also make a trip to the St. Thomas church a1 malayattoor. The crystal clear medicated water of the Mulamkuzhi River and the tiny waterfalls of Venanbaravady near malayattoor is enchanting scenery believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Munikkal Guhalayam: Located atop a hill at Chengamanad (30 kms north of Kochi), this is a place shrouded in mythology. It is believed that sage Jangaman had lived here around 2000 years ago, and me place was initially known as Jangaman, which later changed to chengamanad. A famous Lord Murugan temple is located on the spot where the sage is said to have meditated which was later consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. The word "Munikkal Guhalayam" literally means "sages rock cave". Another story goes that Lord Murugan also called as "Guhalayam" had made this place as his abode and hence the word "Guhalavam"

The Museum Of Kerala History and Its Makers: Just 8 km from the heart of Ernakulam is the best place for a quick trip down the ancient lanes of Kerala`s history. Greeting die visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama, the mythological sage who is said to have created Kerala. Important historical episodes form the neolithic age to the modern era arc depicted through life-size figures. A one hour recorded commentary ( in English and Malayalam) for each scene offers a sound-and -light show.

The Parikshith Thampuran Museum: The Parikshith Thampuran Museum is an archeological museum adjacent to the Shiva Temple on Darbar Hall Road, Ernakulam. This museum features collections of 19th century oil paintings, pre-historic monuments, old coins in a numismatic gallery, sculptures in stone and plaster of Paris, copies of mural paintings etc and collections from die Cochin royal family.

Willingdon Island : Another of Cochin`s famous islands is Willingdon Island, named after Lord Willingdon, the British Viceroy of India. It is a man-made island created from the material dredged while deepening the Cochin Port. Situated between Ernakulam and Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters, Willingdon Island is an important part of Cochin. It sites some of the city`s best hotels (Casino Hotel, Taj Malabar) as well as the Government of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Head-Quarters, the Cochin Port Trust, the airport and the customs house. Also on the island are the offices of several major trading and industrial houses as well as the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Alleppey:

How to get there: Alleppey is a 02 hour drive from Cochin

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: The most important tourist attraction in Alleppey is the leisurely boatcruise through the stretch of backwaters fringed by coconut palms. Alleppey, one of the exotic sites of backwater tourism in the state of Kerala is better known as the "Venice of the East" for its labyrinth of lakes, lagoons and freshwater rivers crisscrossing it. This tiny town in Kerala attracts tourists especially during the time of the

For tourists Alleppey is the pivotal point for boat cruises into Kerala's famed backwaters and the state's lush rice bowl, Kuttanad. The boat cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey gives one a first hand experience of the simple life style of the people which is a far cry form the bustle and ratrace of people in the cities in India. One of the most popular cruise routes are from Alleppey south to Kollam (Quilon) for about 8 hours including stops for lunch, chai (tea), a temple visit and a kathakali (dance drama) apart from enjoying the most entrancing scenery of palm-lined banks, quiet water-bound villages, Chinese fishing nets, prawn farming and coir manufacture.

There are several tourist attractions in and around Alleppey. Mullackal Bhagavathi Temple in the heart of town dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari gives the feel of a typical KeralaTemple.Alleppey Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach with a lighthouse and a pier jutting out into the sea, a reminder of its age-old maritime importance.

The not-to-be-missed spectacle in Alleppey is, of course, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which began in 1952 on the occasion of the visit of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Alleppey, It is now a major event held in August on Punnamada Lake and features the gigantic snake-boats of Kerala, the chundans, once the battleships of the Malayalee kings of ancient times. Today the Boat Race has grown into Alleppey's single most important tourist event, with each boat being sponsored by a different village. Competition is severe as the boats, with over 100 rowers in each, race to the finish to the accompaniment of rousing music. Alleppey offers glimpses of the coir manufacturing process-from the coconut husk tot the final rope/coir yarn stage. There are also several shops selling coir matting and carpets.

Trivandrum:

How to get there: Direct flights are available from Trivandrum to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Beaches in Thiruvananthapuram
Kovalam, 13 km away is the most popular beach in Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam has been a favourite haunt of foreign tourists since, 1930s. It is also quite popular among locals, who throng the beach on weekends and on holidays. Kovalam has three beaches. The Southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular of all the Kovalam beaches. The other two beaches are Ashok and Samudra

Beachside fun, Ayurvedic massages and fishing are popular pastimes at the Kovalam beach. Shanghumugham beach not too far away is loved by travellers looking for a quiet experience.

Temples in Trivandrum: Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a popular temple and the most well known landmark in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple architecture is a fine blend of Kerala and Dravidian styles. The highlight of the temple is its mural paintings and stone carvings. The 365 granite pillars also make a pretty sight. One may pick a basket of flowers for the lord before entering the temple. The temple has a holy tank, where devotees may take a dip before going to the inner sanctum. Arattu Festival (in November) is the time, when temple is at its full glory. Travellers may enjoy the stunning display of caparisoned elephant that march in a ritual procession

Museums in Trivandrum: The Napier Museum, built in the 19^th century is a well known tourist attraction in Thiruvananthapuram. The museum houses a rare a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, ancient ornaments, bronze idols, a temple chariot and ivory carvings.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is another attraction in Thiruvananthapuram. The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma - the King of Travancore. He was a great musician, poet, social reformer and statesman. The palace museum houses paintings and various priceless collections of the royal family

Kovalam:

How to get there: Kovalam is a half hour drive from Kovalam.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: The crescent-shaped Kovalam Beach is divided into three parts. The southern-most beach, Lighthouse Beach, is by far the most popular one. The middle beach, adjacent to it, is called the Hawa Beach, whiles the northern-most beach, Samudra, is the most laidback and secluded. Vizhinjam Lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach offers superb views across to the Kovalam Jama Masjid. The lighthouse dominates the rocky promontory and is quite a captivating sight during moonlit nights.

Azure waters and pleasant climate make Kovalam a great spot for swimming and sun-bathing. The natural bay offers some safe zones for swimming, kayaking, surfing and skiing. Surf boards and body boards can be hired on the beach. You can also hire a boat from the local fishermen for a bit if angling. The coast at many places is lined with beautiful patches of coral reefs which you can explore by snorkelling.

There are several ayurvedic massage and rejuvenation centres in and around the beach. At the waterfront, you can shop for local handicrafts and jewellery besides gorging upon the delectable seafood at the local restaurants. Fusion, Lonely Planet, Coconut Grove and Rock Cafe on the Lighthouse Beach are good options to try freshly cooked seafood. In the evening, you may watch a Kathakali dance performance right on the beachfront.

Poovar:

How to get there: Poovar is a half hour drive from Kovalam.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Poovar is a small coastal fishing island at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. The village is embraced by a beautiful beach on one side and the backwaters on the other. During high tides, an estuary links it to the sea. It is very close to harbor of Vizhinjam and is a network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, deltas, interspersing forty-four rivers that join the Arabian Sea. Located 38km from the State capital, a fifteen-minute boat ride reaches you at Poovar

Poovar has been a trading centre and port in ancient times where timber, sandalwood, ivory and spices were traded. According to legends the port Ophir where King Solomon's trading ships landed is said to be Poovar. Another legend describes this as the place as where Maharaja Marthanda Varma was given protection from his enemies by the powerful merchant, Moosa Marikkar. It is said that the picturesque sight of red kovala flowers floating in the Neyyar River led the Maharaja to describe the river as pu (flower) ar (river) or the river of flowers.

Thekkady:

How to get there: Thekkady is a 05 hrs drive from Coachin

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: It is unique and abundantly rich with flora, fauna and varied ranges of birds that cannot be seen in any other wildlife sanctuaries. In Thekkady, one can watch wildlife in a close range. Thekkady wildlife sanctuary offers unique opportunity to watch and film the wildlife while they are in action. Thekkady is a paradise with its natural scenic beauty, clear waters and the serene atmosphere literally captivates the visitors.

The man made Thekkady Lake with its partially submerged trucks became the synonym of Thekkady. Thekkady is situated about 4000 ft above sea level. It is a perfect holiday destination with its unique chill weather, endless scenic beauties, aroma of spice plantations and friendly people. Thekkady provides various opportunities for adventurous tourism such as trekking, wildlife train, bamboo rafting, border hiking and rock climbing

Thekkady is well connected by buses from both Kerala and Tamilnadu. There are regular bus services to Thekkady from Madurai, Kumbam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrivanandpuram and various other locations. Government agencies such as TDC, KTDC and TTDC arrange package tours to Thekkady on regular basis. There are number of hotels and lodges located at Kumuli and Thekkady providing good accommodation facilities.

Both local as well continental food varieties are served at many restaurants in Thekkady.

 Munnar:

How to get there: Munnar is a 04 hrs drive from Cochin

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:

Anaimudi Peak: While in Munnar, visit the Anaimudi Peak, which is considered to be the highest peak in southern India. One can set up tents for camping and trekking at an altitude of about 2700 meters and enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere. It is a feast for nature lovers and enthusiasts. This peak provides the ultimate high and holiday experience.

Echo Point: Echo point gets its name from the natural occurrence of echo here. It is a popular place in Munnar and many people come here to listen to their echoes. It is said that if you can hear your echo calling back at you three times, it is a sign of good luck.

Kundala: The charming town of Kundala is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Munnar. This town is famous for the Golf Course, which is owned by the famous Tata Tea Ltd. Company. You can also visit and the Kundala artificial dam, which is a popular picnic spot.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls: An important tourist attraction at Munnar is the Kuthumkal Waterfalls. The scenic waterfalls, falling from spectacular heights and creating a foggy atmosphere is something worth watching out for.

Malankara Reservoir: A popular tourist attraction in Munnar is the Malankara Reservoir. It is situated on the Thodupuzha - Moolavattom road, this reservoir gives plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing.

Observatory Hills: The Observatory Hill is located at Nedumkandam and gets its name from the fact that one can spot many planets, constellations and other celestial matter from this point. The place is blessed with a highly clear sky, which makes it a delight for night sky watchers.

Power House Waterfalls: The Power House Waterfalls are located near Munnar at a distance of about 18 kilometers. The water falls from a height of 2000 meters and has many steep rocks that give it a spectacular look. It is an ideal to unwind and feel at one with nature.

Rajamala: This place is the natural habitat of a rare animal known as the Nilgiri Tahr. The place is located around 2700 meters above sea level and makes an ideal spot to relax and rejuvenate oneself.

Idukki:

How to get there: Idukki is a 03 hrs drive from Cochin

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:

Grampi: Known as Parunthupara (eagle rock), Grampi is famous for its high peaks from where one can get a bird's eye view of the scenery below. Undulating mountains and lush forest cover lend a mystical and picturesque charm to this place

Idukki: Arch Dam The Idukki Arch is India's first and world's second arch dam. It is constructed across the Kurathi and Kuravan hills. It measures a staggering 550 feet in height and is 650 feet wide.

Kumily: Kumily is a plantation town and an important trade center that deals with trade and shopping of spices.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfall in this place, the cascading waterfalls lend the finishing touches to this paradise.

Kuttikanam: This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air

Observatory Hills: This beautiful hill is an observing point for all nature lovers and sky gazers. One can locate many constellations and stars in the night sky from this point

Pandikuzhi: An amalgamation of unique flora, fauna and breath taking locales, this place is a must visit for all and definitely should be visited by photography enthusiasts

Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center: This is a well-known Ayurvedic center and is known for its wonderful Ayurvedic packages and treatments. One can visit this place and indulge in some very relaxing massage therapies.

Calicut:

How to get there: The nearby airports are Cochin, Coimbatore and Mangalore. Direct trains/ coaches are available from Calicut to the major centres in India which include New Delhi, Jammu Tawi, Gorakhpur, Bombay, Calcutta, Gowhatti, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madras, Ahmedabad, Indore, Trichy, Mangalore, Trivandrum and Varanasi.

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:

Dolphin'sPoint: A beautiful place to visit during the early morning hours in Calicut is the Dolphin's Point. This beautiful beach is located around 2 kilometers from the city center and is a popular place for locals and tourists as one can spot dolphins playing in the sea, early in the morning. The beach is an ideal place to take a long walk and get refreshed in the morning.

Ettumanoor Temple: This legendary Hindu Temple has the famous statue of the Nataraja. Lord Shiva is shown in a dancing pose in which, he is standing on one foot, crushing a demon symbolizing ignorance and evil. A circle of fire surrounds him, which symbolizes the ever-changing universe. The carvings and architecture is splendid and is definitely worth a visit

Krishnan Menon Museum: The Krishna Menon Museum is dedicated to the famous Indian leader, V.K. Krishna Menon. His personal belongings and souvenir presented to him by great national leaders and friends have been preserved over here. Krishna Menon was a great orator and was the spokesperson for India in the General Assembly of the UN

Mananchira: Mananchira Square is located in the center of the city and has esteemed establishments like Town Hall, Public Library and the Commonwealth Trust's office. The Commonwealth Trust office is one of the oldest institutions of Kozhikode

Pazhassi Raja Museum: The Pazhassi Raja Museum is located at East Hill and is managed by the State Archaeological Department. One can find exhibits of ancient murals, old coins and antique statues as well as replicas of temples and stone monuments

Pookot Lake: Located in Kozhikode, the Pookot Lake is a natural fresh water lake. It is surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides and is an ideal getaway for all those people who crave for calm and tranquil environs.

Thali Temple: Thali temple is located in Kozhikode city center and is an important temple of the former Zamorin Empire of Kozhikode. A famous annual competition of academic skills is held at the Thali temple, which is known as 'Revathi Pattathanam'.

Kannur:

How to get there: Kannur or Cannanore is a four hour drive from Calicut

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations:

Dharmadam Island: This beautiful island is located near the Muzhappilangad beach and is basically a Buddhist dominated region. This island was previously known as Dharmapattanam.

Jagannatha Festival: The Jagannatha festival is an eight-day long festival held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, around February-March. It is one of the most important festivals of this region. The Jagannatha temple comes alive with festivities during this time

Maday Mosque: Malik Iben Dinar, who was a Muslim preacher, built this mosque in approximately 1124 A.D. It is a beautiful mosque and a popular tourist attraction. The mosque has a slab of white marble that was brought from Mecca by the founder who came here to disseminate the teachings of the Prophet.

Moppila Bay: This bay is a famous fishing harbor that is situated near St. Angelo's fort. The place has the latest fishing harbor, equipped with latest fishing technology. It has been built under the Indo-Norwegian treaty and is a joint collaboration between the two countries

Arakkal Palace: The Arakkal Palace belonged to the only Muslim royal family of Kerala. The palace is of much historical significance and is a popular tourist attraction of Kannur.

Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty.

Wayanad:

How to get there: Wayand is a 07 – 08 hours drive from Bangalore

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Wayanad is a beautiful place and a scenic hill station of Kerala.

Banasura Dam: The largest earth dam in India, Banasura Dam is an ideal picnic spot to laze around and relax. Beautiful lush green hills surround a vast body of crystal clear water, thus enclosing it from most of the sides

Lakkidi: Popularly called as the 'gateway to Wayanad', Lakkidi is located on top of Thamaraserri Ghat pass. Lofty mountains, gushing streams and lush forests add mysticism to the entire trip up the meandering roads

Tusharagiri Water falls: The Tusharagiri waterfalls are located in the lofty regions of the Western Ghats. The word 'Tusharagiri' means snow capped mountains. Though there are no snow-capped mountains here, the pure white waterfalls look like snow that has engulfed the hilly areas of Western Ghats.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1973. It is in the protected network area of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by locals and tourists alike.

 Kumarakom;

How to get there: Kumarakom is a 02 hrs drive from Cochin

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Kumarakom lies 14 kms from Kottayam, a cluster of tiny islands on the Vembanad Lake. The salubrious climate, lush greenery and the all-pervading presence of water everywhere has a mesmerizing effect. Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad, the 'granary of Kerala' in Alleppey, which is described as the 'Venice of the East'. Kumarakom offers excellent facilties like boating, fishing and sightseeing for the adventure seeker.If you want to experience the everyday life in an Indian backwater town,

Then you should take a boat cruise down the Kumarakom Lake or a boat trip to the nearby town of Alleppey. You will see people going about their jobs like paddy farming, fishing, prawn farming, coir manufacture and almost a peep into the homes on the banks where women are mostly engaged in their daily chores. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary will be a delight for the bird watcher and the tourist alike. This 14 - acre Bird Sanctuary is located on the eastern banks of the Vembanad Lake. The common dwellers here are the waterfowl, ducks, cuckoos and wild ducks. If you are lucky you will chance upon a Siberian Crane, a special visitor during the migratory season.

Lakshwadeep:

How to get there: Direct flight from Cochin to Lakshwadeep

List of sightseeing places with brief explanations: Lakshadweep has immense potential for the development of domestic as well as international tourism. The virgin islands, which were inaccessible to the outside world because of their secluded location are now within reach of the modern technology. Now, Lakshadweep has gained the attention of the domestic and international tourism, resulting in the revolution in the tourism facilities here. Though, the administration is being cautious enough to limit the number of tourists permitted here to prevent overcrowding in the islands and any consequent environmental damage, which is a very thoughtful step on its part. Society for promotion of Recreational Tourism and Sports registered under the Societies Act,1860 aims to promote tourism and recreational activities in islands.

The Bangaram Resort, tourist huts and cottages at Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni and Minicoy are some of the good choices to stay while in the islands. Only three inhabited islands have been opened for the foreign tourists including Suheli Cheriyakara, Cheriyam and Tinnakara. Full-fledged water sport Institute at Kadmat offers facilities for wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, yatchting, para sailing, scuba diving and other such thrilling and adventurous water sport activities along with a tourist cafeteria and floating restaurant. The marine life of the sea here is one of the main attractions

Oceanic birds like Tharathasi and Karifetu can be seen in one of the uninhabited islands known as Pitti, which has been declared a bird sanctuary. The economically advantageous molluscs of Lakshadweep include Money Cowrie found in abundance in the shallow lagoons and reefs of the islands. Hermit Crab is common here along with the colorful coral fish such as Parrot Fish, Butterfly fish and Surgeonfish. The state animal of the Lakshadweep Islands is Butterfly fish, locally known as Fakkikadia; state bird is Sooty tern, locally known as Karifettu and state tree is Breadfruit, locally known as Chakka.