Cities and Towns in Kerala
Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ is divided into 14 districts, each offering its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From coastal cities to hill stations, the cities and towns in Kerala showcase a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
Overview of Kerala’s Districts
Thiruvananthapuram
- Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty. This district includes some of the most important cities and towns in Kerala.
Cities and Towns in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- Key Attractions: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach.
- Cultural Highlights: Onam celebrations, Technopark.
Neyyattinkara
- Key Attractions: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swami Temple festivals.
Kollam
- Kollam, a coastal district, is known for its backwaters, beaches, and historic sites. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Kollam district offer a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Cities and Towns in Kollam
Kollam City
- Key Attractions: Ashtamudi Lake, Thangasseri Lighthouse, Kollam Beach.
- Cultural Highlights: Kollam Pooram, boat races.
Paravur
- Key Attractions: Paravur Lake, Puttingal Devi Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Puttingal Temple festival.
Pathanamthitta
- Pathanamthitta is known for its religious significance and scenic beauty. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district are rich in heritage and natural splendor.
Cities and Towns in Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta Town
- Key Attractions: Sabarimala Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Aranmula Boat Race, Makara Jyothi, Aranmula Vallasadya.
Thiruvalla
- Key Attractions: Paliakkara Church, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, St. George Orthodox Church, Kaviyoor Rock Cut Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Thiruvalla temple festivals.
Alappuzha
- Alappuzha, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East,’ is renowned for its picturesque backwaters and houseboat cruises. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Alappuzha district are hubs of water-based tourism and traditional industries.
Cities and Towns in Alappuzha
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
- Key Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Houseboat cruises.
- Cultural Highlights: Nehru Trophy Boat Race, coir industry.
Chengannur
- Key Attractions: Chengannur Mahadeva Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Chengannur temple festivals.
Cherthala
- Key Attractions: Arthunkal Church, Marari Beach.
- Cultural Highlights: Local festivals, coir craftsmanship.
Kottayam
- Kottayam is known for its rich literary tradition, rubber plantations, and scenic landscapes. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Kottayam district are educational and cultural centers.
Cities and Towns in Kottayam
Kottayam Town
- Key Attractions: Vembanad Lake, Kottayam Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake.
- Cultural Highlights: Kumarakom Boat Race, Kottayam book fairs, rubber plantations.
Pala
- Key Attractions: St. Thomas Cathedral, Bharananganam.
- Cultural Highlights: Pala church festivals, local markets.
Idukki
- Idukki, a land of lush greenery and high ranges, is home to numerous hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Idukki district are renowned for their natural beauty.
Cities and Towns in Idukki
Munnar
- Key Attractions: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park.
- Cultural Highlights: Munnar Flower Show, Tea festivals, local crafts.
Thekkady
- Key Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Cultural Highlights: Thekkady Elephant Rides, Thekkady flower show, wildlife conservation events.
Ernakulam
- Ernakulam, often referred to as Kochi, is the commercial capital of Kerala. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Ernakulam district are a blend of modernity and tradition.
Cities and Towns in Ernakulam
Kochi (Cochin):
- Key Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Marine Drive.
- Cultural Highlights: Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Kathakali performances.
Aluva
- Key Attractions: Aluva Palace, Periyar River.
- Cultural Highlights: Aluva Sivarathri festival, local markets.
Thrissur
- Thrissur, known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is famous for its temples and festivals. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Thrissur district are cultural hubs.
Cities and Towns in Thrissur
Thrissur City
- Key Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo.
- Cultural Highlights: Thrissur Pooram, Pulikali.
Guruvayur
- Key Attractions: Guruvayur Temple, Mammiyoor Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Guruvayur festival, classical dance performances.
Palakkad
- Palakkad is known for its historic forts and serene landscapes. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Palakkad district are gateways to Tamil Nadu and rich in cultural heritage.
Cities and Towns in Palakkad
Palakkad Town
- Key Attractions: Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam.
- Cultural Highlights: Kalpathy Ratholsavam, local folk art.
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Ottapalam
- Key Attractions: Varikkasseri Mana, Chinakkathoor Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Ottapalam Pooram, Kathakali performances.
Malappuram
- Malappuram is known for its rich history and cultural traditions. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Malappuram district are centers of Islamic culture and heritage.
Cities and Towns in Malappuram
Malappuram Town
Key Attractions: Kottakkunnu, Teak Museum.
Cultural Highlights: Malappuram Nercha, Mappila songs.
Manjeri
- Key Attractions: Karimbanakkal Palace, Kunnathidavaka.
- Cultural Highlights: Manjeri Pooram, local markets.
Kozhikode
- Kozhikode, historically known as Calicut, is famous for its role in the spice trade and beautiful beaches. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Kozhikode district are rich in history and natural beauty.
Cities and Towns in Kozhikode
Kozhikode City
- Key Attractions: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, Tali Temple.
- Cultural Highlights: Malabar Mahotsavam, culinary delights.
Vadakara
- Key Attractions: Lokanarkavu Temple, Sand Banks.
- Cultural Highlights: Vadakara Pooram, local martial arts.
Wayanad
- Wayanad is known for its lush forests, wildlife, and tribal heritage. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Wayanad district are ideal for eco-tourism and adventure activities.
Cities and Towns in Wayanad
Kalpetta
- Key Attractions: Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves.
- Cultural Highlights: Wayanad cultural festivals, tribal dances.
Sultan Bathery
- Key Attractions: Jain Temple, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Cultural Highlights: Sultan Bathery festivals, local crafts.
Kannur
- Kannur, known for its theyyam rituals and historic forts, offers a mix of culture and history. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Kannur district are vibrant with traditional art forms.
Cities and Towns in Kannur
Kannur Town
- Key Attractions: St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach.
- Cultural Highlights: Theyyam performances, Kannur District Central Library.
Thalassery
- Key Attractions: Thalassery Fort, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach.
- Cultural Highlights: Thalassery festivals, circus heritage.
Kasaragod
- Kasaragod is known for its historical forts, temples, and scenic backwaters. The cities and towns in Kerala’s Kasaragod district offer a serene escape with cultural richness.
Cities and Towns in Kasaragod
Kasaragod Town
- Key Attractions: Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort.
- Cultural Highlights: Yakshagana performances, Theyyam rituals.
Kanhangad
- Key Attractions: Nithyanandashram Caves, Anandashram.
- Cultural Highlights: Kanhangad festivals, local traditions.