 Bhoothathankettu, a scenic damsite with boating facilities is situated in a vast virgin forest. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad. Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience. The two main irrigation projects of Ernakulam district - the Periyar Valley Irrigation Project and the Idamalayar Irrigation Project are also located nearby.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam junction, about 50 km away.
Nearest airport: Kochi international airport about 26 km from Ernakulam town
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Bolghatty Island
 In the historic town of Fort Kochi in Ernakulam district, the commercial capital of Kerala, is the Bolghatty Island. This lush, lovely island is famous for its palace of the same name. The Bolghatty Palace, built in 1744 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British, is today a popular hotel run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam, at about 2km
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport,at about 20 km
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Cherai Beach
Location: Near Vypeen Island accessible by boat (30 minutes journey) from Ernakulam.
 The lovely beach bordering the Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. The sea on the western side and the backwaters on the east give this upcoming tourist destination, a uniqueness which can be found only in Kerala. Thick coconut groves and chinese fishing nets on the waterfront are added attractions.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Junction, about one km from the main boat jetty.
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town.
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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: About 60 km from Munnar, Idukki district.
 A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The last world count of these squirrels was less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking. An extensive sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal
place to watch herds of Bisons march past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 130 km from Munnar.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Munnar.
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Echo point
Location: 15 km from Munnar, Idukki district.
 This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar. This is an ideal place for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 115 kms; Madurai in Tamil Nadu, about 140 kms. Nearest railway station: Theni in Tamil Nadu, about 60 kms; Changanacherry, about 93 kms.
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Eravikulam National Park
Location:15 km from Munnar.Visiting hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
 A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi.
A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are
allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters.
Nearest railway stations: Kottayam, about 142 km from Munnar; Ernakulam, about 130 km from Munnar.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km; Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.
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Fort Kochi
Location: About 13 km from Ernakulam town.
 Welcome to a 60-90 minute walking tour of the old streets of Fort Kochi. This is the ideal way to discover a historic town brimming with tales of myriad seafaring visitors who came here to trade and then stayed on to cease their work on this impressionable land. 'Walking through Fort Cochin' is a tour organised as part of the conservation and development initiatives taken up by the Corporation of Kochi.
The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw open the estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
The Dutch wrested Fort Kochi from the Portuguese in AD 1663 and later in the last phase of the colonial saga, the British took over, the town in 1795. During 1660's, Fort Kochi peaked in stature as a prime commercial centre and its fame spread far and wide - variously as a rich trade centre, a major military base, a vibrant cultural hub, a great ship building centre, a centre for Christianity and so on. Today, centuries later, the city is home to nearly thirteen communities.
A few interesting sites included in the tour are the Chinese fishing nets along the Vasco Da Gama Square, Santa Cruz Basilica, St.Francis Church, VOC Gate, Bastion Bungalow etc. Apart from these architectural splendours, an array of restaurants serving fresh seafood is also popular among tourists.
The Chinese fishing nets erected on teak wood and bamboo poles work on the principle of balance. Records say they were first set up here between AD 1350 and 1450. Vasco Da Gama Square, the narrow promenade that parallels the beach, is the best place to watch the nets being lowered and pulled out of the sea.
The Santa Cruz Basilica, a church built originally by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V in 1558, was spared by the Dutch conquerors who destroyed many Catholic buildings. Later the British demolished the structure and Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887. Consecrated in 1905, Santa Cruz was proclaimed a Basilica by the Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Fort Kochi is also home to one of India's oldest churches - the St.Francis Church. This was a Roman Catholic Church during the Portuguese rule from 1503 to 1663, then a Dutch Reformist Church from 1664 to 1804, and Anglican Church from 1804 to 1947. Today it is governed by the Church of South India (CSI). Another important fact about the church is that Vasco Da Gama, who died in 1524, was buried here before his mortal remains were returned to Portugal 14 years later... Each and every structure, street, door, window and brick in Fort Kochi has several stories to tell.
Getting there: Fort Kochi is accessible by bus or ferry. The bus ride from Ernakulam town, which is nearly 13 km away, takes about an hour and the ferry ride from Main boat jetty at Ernakulam about 20 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 1 1/2 km from the Main boat jetty.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 20 km.
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Gavi
 Gavi Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation has caught the attention of tourists, mostly from European countries. The project is exclusive in many respects and the majority who visited were nature lovers and adventure tourists. Over a short period of time visitors to Gavi gradually increased, especially after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major recently listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must see places in India. Once you reach Gavi the serene eco-lodge 'Green Mansion' awaits you like a fairy to embrace you in its protective fold. From 'Green Mansion', one can savour the spectacular view of the Gavi Lake and the adjoining forests.
Besides the accommodation provided in 'Green Mansion' visitors can also try out the tree houses and also even pitch tents amidst
the wilderness. Here one can have outstanding trekking experiences, which are overseen by trained local people. Those who would love to be left alone can do so in the tranquil environs of Gavi or may even go canoeing in the placid waters of the lake or enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Visitors are usually provided vegetarian food and snacks, which further adds to the eco-friendly ambiance of the place.
The place is rich in flora and fauna. There are hills and valleys, tropical forests, sprawling grasslands, sholas, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. Endangered species including the Nilgiri Thar, Lion-tailed macaque is often sighted at the outskirts of Gavi. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is a haven for birdwatchers. Active involvement of tribals in Gavi makes it a unique venture of its kind in the country. Traditional knowledge of the forest and its way of life helps Gavi to sustain its surroundings in its original state.
Another unique feature of Gavi is, camping in the forests. One can pitch a tent in the camping site, which is a rarity in many Indian forests. As the dusk stretches into the silence of the night, one can feel the presence of wildlife in the middle of nowhere, an experience that cannot be explained in words. There are also tree top houses where one can enjoy the avian life to the fullest.
Getting there: Gavi is located above 28 km from Vandiperiyar, which is 18 km from Thekkady.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai Airport (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Kochi International Airport, about 190 km away.
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Ilaveezhapoonchira
 55 km from Kottayam, 20 km from Thodupuzha, this is another picnic spot located in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Kanjar. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district. laveezhpoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness the sunrise and sunset. It is easily accessible from Palai in Kottayam district.
The beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira are spread across thousands of acres of the district of Kottayam. The place is surrounded by three enchanting hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal and Thonippara, making the place ideal for trekking.
The verdant landscape punctuated by four gigantic hills, each rising to about 3200 feet above sea level is an ideal place to
unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 55 km away.
Nearest airport: Kochi International Airport, about 70 km away.
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Kovalam Beach
Location: Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city,south Kerala.
Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination.
 Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.It has been a favourite haunt of tourists,especially Europeans, since 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, catamaran
cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc
Thiruvananthapuram,the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi hill station etc.
Nearest railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 10 km.
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Kumarakom
Location: 16 km away from Kottayam town, central Kerala.Tourist season: Between June and August.
 The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations
Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience.
Nearest railway Station: Kottayam, about 16 km.
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport, about 95 km.
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Kuttanad
 it is the major rice granaries of Kerala, where vast stretches of verdant paddy fields are interlaced with enchanting backwaters create some of the unforgettable sights. Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is all about an agrarian community, striking a chord of harmony with its physical setting. Noted for its farming below sea level (about 4 to 10 feet) the land of Kuttanad possesses a socio-cultural fabric of its own. Four major rivers in Kerala viz. Pampa, Meenachil, Achankovil and Manimala flow into the region.
Kuttanad can be accessed from places on the National Highway- 47 from Harippad to Alappuzha town in the District of Alappuzha, and from places like Thiruvalla and Changanasserry on the Main Central (MC) Road going through the District of Kottayam.
The Kuttanad area is also rich in avian population, and one can easily find flocks of parrots hovering in the paddy fields, especially those fields with rice stalks in bloom. You may also come across a black blanket sweeping across the sky, which on close look will reveal as yet another flock of birds. And this time its is the darter birds, which haunt the backwaters in and around Kuttanad and the adjoining Vembanad Lake.
For those interested in trying out few local dishes may do so by dropping at the small traditionally built wayside eateries, which are quite famous for backwater fish delicacies and tapioca. A popular naturally extracted beverage is the toddy, which is available in plenty and enjoyed by many for its speciality.
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 85 km from Alappuzha.
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Marayoor
 This is the only place in Kerala that has a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory of the Forest Department, the caves (muniyaras) with murals and relics from the New Stone Age civilization and the children's park spread across a hectare of land under the canopy of a single Banyan tree are of great interest to tourists. Thoovanam Waterfall and Rajiv Gandhi National Park are also nearby.
Marayoor occupies a vast area on the slopes of the Western Ghats in Idukki district and is an important pre-historic site in Kerala.
Apart from the Dolmenoid cists (Dolmenoids were burial chambers made of four stones placed on edges and covered by a fifth one called the cap stone) in Muniyara, Marayoor is famous for its natural sandalwood forests and pre-historic rock paintings.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 130 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport about 110 km.
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Mattupetty
 Situated at a height of 1700 m, Mattupetty is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here. Visitors are allowed into 3 of the 11 cattle sheds at the farm. Visit time: 0900 - 1100 hrs and 1400 - 1530 hrs.The Mattupetty Lake and dam, just a short distance from the farm, is a very beautiful picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake are other attractions in the vicinity.
Nearest railway station: Kochi: 130 km, Kottayam: 147 km, Madurai: 162 km.
Nearest airports: Kochi: 130 km, Madurai: 142 km, Coimbatore: 167 km, Kozhikode: 287 km, Thiruvananthapuram: 302 km.
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Munnar
 Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 130 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport about 110 km.
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Nelliyampathy
 From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 mts to 1572 mts. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy, which itself has plenty of interesting sights to offer.
The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a
geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.
Not far away from Palagapandy is Seethakundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad, about 52 kms from Nelliyampathy.
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore, about 55 kms from Palakkad.
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Ramakalmedu
 Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. Situated at about 16 km from Nedumkandam in Idukki district, it is is a beautiful view spot in Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, giving breathtaking views of Kambamnaadu villages in TamilNadu on one side and the villages around Kattappana in Kerala on the other side. The view and greenery is nothing short of spectacular, and the gushy wind proves that this place is one of most windy places in South India. The giant 40ft statue made by sculptor CB Jinan, depicting Kuravan and Kurathi (tribals) is nothing short of spectacular.
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km; Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km
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Silent Valley National Park
Location : 40 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala.
 Attractions: Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.
The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km and is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south. The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park.
Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent here) echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical forests include rare birds, deer and tiger. The river
Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills, an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, and traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through the deep forest. The river Kunthi never turns brown and is always crystal clear, perennial and wild. The evapo-transpiration from these forests is much higher than from any other surfaces. This cools the atmosphere, helps easy condensation of water vapour and thus causes the summer rains.
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 80 km.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore (in neighbouring Tamilnadu State), about 55 km.
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Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Location: About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district; Thattekkad is in Devikulam taluk, Idukki district, central Kerala.
 Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.
Nearest railway station : Aluva, about 48 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 44 km.
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Location: Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district, central Kerala.
 The pride of Kerala and a testimony to nature's splendour and human innovation, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.
Lake Palace and Aranya Nivas are two idyllic accommodation options set in the sylvan lake side background. The romantic Lake Palace, formerly a summer retreat of the Maharaja of Travancore, is built on a small island accessible only by boat. Aranya Nivas(Jungle Retreat) a stone lodge with rubble masonry and colonial style of architecture at the head of the lake is a premium property of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 114 km.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 140 km; Cochin International Airport, about 190 km.
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Thenmala
 It is India's first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72kms from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Managed by Thenmala Eco-Tourism Promotional Society, which is an undertaking of the Government of Kerala, Thenmala
For those with an overdose of adrenalin and those willing to test their adventure spirit would find the Adventure Zone here quite a thrilling experience. Take the elevated walkway for a journey that winds through the canopy of trees and going over rocky terrains bringing one close to some of Mother Nature's best at varying elevations. And still those who don't mind to give their body
muscles a real work out can go for mountain biking, rock climbing and river crossing. Other less physically demanding adventure options include nature trails, resting spots, lotus pond, etc.
Nearest Railway station:Kollam, about 66 kms away.
Nearest Airport:Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 72 kms away.
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Vagamon
 Have you visited beautiful, green Vagamon? Are you thinking, "In a green country, what's the attraction of yet another verdant spot" Well, the point is Vagamon is not just any other verdant spot. Of course, you can get grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air in many other places but not the Vagamon kind; not just this exciting blend of religious mysticism and European legacy.. It is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects.
Vagamon the final word in your holiday options, provides unlimited holidaying fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. It is engulfed by green tea gardens and hillstations. All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy
climbing this 1100 metres tall hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.
Getting there:
By road : 25 km from Peermede, the famous plantation town.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam which is about 75 km from Peermede.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Peermede.
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Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors 
Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy River after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors