Let me take you to the state of Kerala (केरल) today. Kerala is a south Indian state on the Malabar coast. It is historically known as Keralam.

Kerala has been a prominent spice exporter since 3000 BCE. The state offers several tourist sites. If you are visiting Kerala some of the popular cities that you must visit are,

State of Kerala

Kochi (कोची)

Kochi which was known as Cochin (कोचीन) is located in south-west coast and a major port city of India. It is surrounded by by the Arabian Sea. Historically, it was a major spice center of spice trade. It was also the one of the first European colonies in India, and was occupied by Portuguese in 1503.

Kochi

Some of the famous tourist spots includes,  Backwaters of Kochi, which are the chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast, Marine Drive which is a picturesque promenade in Kochi. Hundreds of people, both natives and tourists, throng the walkway during the evenings, Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace  (1537–65), the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (1558), Hill Palace is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala, Mattancherry Synagogue (1568), Bolgatty Palace, an quaint mansion built in 1744,  is one of the oldest existing Dutch palaces outside Holland, St.Francis Church, built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and Pallipuram Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in 1503, is the oldest existing European fort in India.

Kozhikode (कोझिकोड)

Kozhikode  which is also known by Calicut (कालीकट), is a city in the state of Kerala in southern India on the Malabar Coast. In classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, Kozhikode was known as the “City of Spices” and has flourishing spice trade with Arabs merchants as early as 7th century. It was city of Kozhikode where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed on 20 May 1498, who was a first European explorer in India. Because of incoming influence from North and South Indians, Europeans, Arabs and Chinese, the city offers a large variety of cuisine.

Some of the famous tourist spots includes Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Beypore Beach, Tali Temple and Tusharagiri Falls.

Thrissur (थ्रिसुर)

Thrissur, previously known by its anglicised form as Trichur (त्रिचूर), is the fourth largest city in Kerala. It is also known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala because of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history. Each year, the city hosts the a very popular Thrissur Pooram festival which is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala.

Some of the famous tourist spots in Thrissur includes Vadakkumnathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu temple, and the Guruvayur temple, the Our Lady of Lourdes Syro-Malabar Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral and the Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica.

Malappuram (मलप्पुरम)

Malappuram means “terraced place atop the hills” or simply “hilltop”, derived from the general geographical characteristics of the city. It is covered with small beautiful mountains of lush greenery, bonded with several fresh water streams flowing through the city bestows a harmony of natural beauty.

Some of the famous tourist spots in Malappuram include Thiruppuranthaka Temple, Mannoor Shiva Temple, Vettakorumakan Temple, Arimbra Hills, Shanthitheeram and Kottakkunnu park to name a few.

Thiruvananthapuram (तिरुवनंतपुरम)

Thiruvananthapuram, previously known as Trivandrum (त्रिवेंद्रम), is the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is an ancient region with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE. The city was the trading post of spices, sandalwood and ivory. The region is known for scenic beauty and was referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the “evergreen city of India”.

There are many tourist destinations in or near the city including Kovalam beach, Sanghumukham Beach, Napier museum and Zoo (it is where Yann Martel wrote his book Life of Pi), Agasthyarkoodam peak, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar Dam, Kuthira Malika palace, Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple, Ponmudi, Poovar, Varkala Cliffs and beaches and many others.