Bekal Fort, the largest
and the best-preserved fort in Kerala is the most important
monument of the region. Situated on the National Highway,
the fort was built in 1650. On moving towards Guruvayoor,
one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres
of Kerala where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated
provides a pious relief to the devotees.
Pay a visit to Kappad,
the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the
27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels, thus
discovering a sea route to India. Periyar sanctuary
attracts a large number of nature lovers every year.
Also called the Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, this place
is ideal for watching the animals in their natural habitat.
Spread over 777 sq.km of the Cardamom Hills of Western
Ghats, the Periyar Sanctuary is located 137 km from
Madurai.
The salubrious ambience
of Ponmudi hill station is worth experiencing. It is
at a distance of 61 kms from the capital. The enchanting
bounty of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet
surroundings. Trekking is a passion with the visitors
to Ponmudi, lying within easy driving distance from
Thiruvananthapuram.Kerala is famous not only for its
beauty but for its enticing festivals also which fill
the inhabitants with life and vigour whole year through.
Starting from 10-day annual festival in January at Sreekandeswaram
Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, there is week-long Nishagandhi
Dance festival in the month of February. Pooram festival
in Thrissuraround April-May and Flavor Food Festival,
at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram
is celebrated in May.
OnamWeek celebrations,
the annual harvest festival of Kerala begins in August
and lasts for 10 days. Another important festival is
the annual Pongala Utsavam, to which only women are
allowed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Therayattam festival is held to propitiate the gods
and demons recognized by the pantheon of the Malayalis.
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