Parts of Kerala, Ponmudi and Kannur

[Alfredjo]

Aptly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is one of the favorite destinations of tourists. It is well known for its greenery, backwaters, hill stations, rich animal and bird habitats etc.

One of the picturesque hill stations in Kerala is Ponmudi, which literally means a golden crown. It is very close to the beaches of Trivandrum and is one of the best hill resorts of India. A trip to Ponmudi is a favorite Kerala honeymoon tour. The foot of Ponmudi hill range is covered by thick tropical forests. A canopy of thickly matted foliage covers the path. The forests then give way to neatly clipped tea bushes. There are also vast plantations of rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea. While trekking to the North, one comes across a mini zoo at the edge of the forest. The forest is covered with various shades of green and many birds such as the Malabar Hornbills, blue-black Malabar, the rare long tailed paradise fly catchers create a cacophony in the forest.

Kannur is another place with a rich history from the Aryan migration. Kannur is a major contributor to the rich cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of Kerala. It is also known to be the cradle of colorful folk art and folk music of Kerala. Theyyam, a stylish dance form is the most famous. Many tourists flock to the famous symbol of Portuguese architecture, St. Angelos Fortin the Kannur Cantonment, which was constructed in 1505. The Thalessery fort is also famous among tourists. Other places of scenic beauty are Kannur beach and Ezhimala. The Payyambalam beach and the Mopilla Bay, a natural fishing harbor are also frequented by tourists.