Tourist places around Kerala include some specific places like Kozhikode or Calicut, Cannanore, Munnar, Kaladi, Cranganore, Trichur and Guruvayoor which are well known for the historical background and legends which are well known in Kerala. Among these Kozhikode also known as Cochin is one of the most important regions of Malabar. Known as the capital of Zamorins, Calicut is known as the major trading centres of western coast. Once discovered by Vasco da Gama as a major trading centre in India, this place continued to be the trading centre which marketed pepper, coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc. Surrounded by some beaches, waterfalls art galleries, bird sanctuaries and temples this is considered to be one of the most important sights in Kerala. Along with Calicut, Cannanore is another sight around Kerala. Located at a distance of 235 kms from Cochin, this place is one of the well known sea ports in Indian west coast. This was the capital of Cheraman Perumal. This place continued to remain an important trading centre which was visited by Vasco da Gama. Surrounded with Portuguese settlements and forts this had been one of the biggest attraction for the tourists of India.
Kerala is surrounded by a number of tea plantation and coffee gardens which decorate the state with overall greenery. Munnar which is 136 kms from Cochin is surrounded with enriched tea gardens. Located at a height if 1525m, this place is surrounded with some tea gardens. Mainly inhabited by the local tribal people this place represents age old lifestyle of Victorian age. This place also entertains its visitors with a well maintained golf club which is located at Kundale. Along with Munnar, Kaladi is also another important place which is located at a distance of 54 kms from Cochin.
This place is mainly known as the birth place of Adi Shankaracharya who is one of the youngest scholars of Indian Philosophy. His birthplace is one of the most revered places of Kerala which attract any number of scholars from India and abroad. Cranganore is another important sight around Cochin which is only 11 kms away from Cochin City. This includes a drowsy city placed at the seashore which was once an important colony of Greek and Roman traders. This city is mainly populated by the Jewish and Christian immigrants who came along with the traders and settled thereafter.
Among other important sights around Cochin is Trichur which is famous for the rich cultural heritage that is reflected through various festivals. Trichur celebrates one of the most popular festivals known as Thrissur Pooram which is one of the ancient festivals that was celebrated by all the dynasties who ruled over Kerala. Alongwith this it is the cultural centre of Kerala Kalamandalam, Kerala Sahitya Academy, and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka academy which are located in this place. Trichur is also known as a major sight for archaeological survey. Surrounded with two rivers of Bharathapuzha and Periyar this is one of the major historical sights that witnessed the growth of a number of civilizations. This place is also marked by the famous temple of Vadakkunathan Temple which associates he centre with cultural heritage. Kerala also includes the pilgrimage to Guruvayur temple which is located 32 kms away from Cochin. This pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Krishna which is known as one of sacred pilgrimages of Kerala. This place is famous for organising maximum number of marriages. While the origin of the temple is not known this is considered to be one of the most popular sights of Kerala.
Thus, the popular sights around Cochin attract a lot of tourist who cannot afford to miss these picturesque sights. Located around Cochin these sights add a lot of glamour, colour and greenery to the state of Kerala.
