Vallam Kali

Vallam Kali or Vallamkali literally means boat race in Malayalam. It is the traditional boat (paddled war canoe) race in Kerala (a state in south India.)

It is mainly conducted during the season of the harvest festival Onam in autumn. Vallam Kali includes races of many kinds of traditional boats (paddled longboat) of Kerala. The race of Chundan Vallam (snake boat) is the major event. Hence Vallam Kali is also known in English as Snake Boat Race and now in recent years has become a major tourist attraction. Other types of boats which do participate in various events in the race are Churulan Vallam, Iruttukuthy Vallam, Odi Vallam, Veppu Vallam (Vaipu Vallam), Vadakkanody Vallam, Kochu Vallam. The Nehru Trophy vallamkali winner for the 2008 is Karichal Chundan (chundan = snake boat.

Tourism in Alappuzha

Also known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its breathtaking backwaters and canals. Situated at the south western tip of the Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha is a small strip of land sandwiched between the Vembanad Lake and the Arabian Sea. The Nehru Trophy snake boat race held on the second Saturday of August (During Onam) every year, at the Punnamada Backwaters is a real feast for the eyes! Alappuzha is also a major centre producing coir products in Kerala. 

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, is a little hamlet with unending stretches of paddy fields, small streams and canals lined by lush green coconut palms. The village was known from as early as the Sangam Age. History says that Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in the B.C years and in the Middle Ages. 

The vast expanse of lakes and canals has made the place a busy inland fishing port. Already one of the major tourism spots of Kerala, the place has greater scope for the lake side tourism which is a thriving business now.

Tourism in Ernakulam

Ernakulam, also referred to as Cochin, is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The commercial hub of Kerala, it is a fast growing city abuzz with industries, shopping malls, cinema houses, hotels and restaurants. Known for its Chinese fishing nets, churches, synagogues and the spectacular backwaters, Cochin is a developed city that has preserved its natural beauty. 

The town has three main parts- Fort Cochin, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Fort Cochin (Fort Kochi) occupies the Southern cape on the seaward side of the Bay. Willingdon Island is a man-made island which was created from the sand dug out from deepening the port. Across the causeway from Willingdon Island is Ernakulam. The Bolghatty Island, a long narrow peninsula, is situated at the opposite side of Ernakulam jetty. The Vypeen Island is situated beyond Bolghatty Island. 

Ernakulam (or Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Allapuzha on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and of Kerala, Ernakulam, is one of the finest natural harbours in the world which is a major centre of trade and commerce.

Tourism in Idukki

Craggy mountains, dense forests, and green hummocks and hillocks make up the landscape of Idukki- the largest district in Kerala, which covers nearly 13% of the state’s total area. The dams on the Periyar River, numerous trekking trails, waterfalls and several viewpoints make Idukki the perfect place for an exciting holiday. 

Much sought after for its wildlife treasures, tea plantations and a repository of rich spices, Idukki mesmerizes you with its beauty and discreet wilderness. Idukki owes its fertile soil to the three main rivers of the region - Periyar, Thalayar, Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries. 

The River Pamba also has it origin here. The wildlife here is similar to that of Thekkady. One can see wildlife in abundance near the Idukki Arch Dam. The Lake on the three sides of the sanctuary offers a panoramic view to the tourists.

Tourism in Kannur

Known for the export of coir, spices, sandalwood and wood to places as far as Sumatra and Arabia, from very early times, Kannur is home to a number of forts, shrines and esteemed institutions. The Venetian traveller Marco Polo has referred to Kannur as ‘a great emporium of spice trade’. 

The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Kannur. 'Kannur' is also said to be a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur Municipality. 

This stretch of land, has been a melting pot of races, religions and cultures in every inch of its history. Relics, right from the Neolothic age through the Aryan invasion, Cheran Conquests, Arab and European inroads, stand testimony to this.

Tourism in Kasargod

Set on the banks of the Payaswini River, Kasargod has well preserved forts and other historic sites that have been witnesses to the region's illustrious past. The district is resplendent with its lush greenery; thanks to the 12 rivers coursing through it. Kasargod is also known for its coir products, hides, and handloom. The streets are dotted with glitzy shops that are mostly owned by Malayalis who have worked for long in the Middle East, that sell electronic goods and perfumes, textiles, snacks and other provisions. 

Lying on the northern most part of Kerala, Kasargod is a place that has several niceties to offer to the tourists. The enduring charm of its beach, the architectural wonder of the pilgrim centres and the unique folk art forms are some of the major attractions. 

The forts and palaces here symbolize the conquests they withstood against the invaders. Chandragiri and Bekal Fort are two forts you cannot afford to miss. The various mosques and temples here are examples of fine architecture.

Kollam

Kollam is where the world famous network of waterways begins. It is from here that a 130 km long chain of interlinked canals and lakes wind along Kerala. Lauded by Marco Polo and Ibn Batuta as the trade capital of the old world, Kollam is home to flourishing cashew processing and fisheries industries. The district, one of the most industrialized of the state, produces and processes products as diverse as coir, chemicals, ceramics, minerals and sea food. 

Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands on the Ashtamudi lake. The district of Kollam is a veritable Kerala in miniature, gifted with unique features such as sea, lakes, plains, mountains, rivers, streams, backwaters, forests, and vast green fields. 

Thirty percent of this district is covered by the renowned Asthamudi Lake. The eight hour boat trip between Kollam and Allappuzha is the best way to explore the backwaters. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.