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Kasargode

Kasargode, is the only Kerala district that grows tobacco. It is also the largest producer of arecanut. Before the formation of Kerala, a section of the district was with South Canara of Karnataka.
Language and life style of the Kasargode is till considerably influenced by Kannada culture. A dozen rivers give life to the farming community in the district which has 77 km seashore.
Tourist Spots
BAKKEL : Bekkal beach is being groomed as a major tourist hub in the western coast. Bekkal fort is one of the best preserved in Kerala.
Conveyance
Air: The nearest airport at Mangalore, 73 km away.
Rail: Kasargode, a major stop between Mangalore and Kannur.
Road : N H 17 goes through Kasargode. Kasargode-Puthoor( Karnataka) road leads to Madikkery, Mysore and Bangalore. KSRTC operates buses to Mangalore and several parts of Kerala

Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes of people, who are yet untouched by the fast pace of civilization. Wayanad is known for its lovely mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this hill station.
Pakshipathalam: This place can be accessed only be trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.
Chembra Peak: At 2100 m above mean sea level. Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is an ideal area for trekking.
Lakkidi : Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads ti this hill station.
Pookot Lake : This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, a children's park, a handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the tourist facilities available here. The lake is 3 Km south of Vythiri Resorts.
Wild Life Sanctuaries
Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary in Karnataka State extends over an area of 634.39 Sq. Km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. It is about 40 Km from Mananthavady. Visiting hours are 6 am to 8 am and 3 pm to 5.30 pm.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary: 20 Km from Mananthavady has a wide variety of animals.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: 15 km from Sultan Battery. Contiguous with the protected area network of Nagerhole National Park and Bandipur. Tiger Reserve, Karnataka in the northeast and Mudumalai in the southeast, and falls under Project Elephant. The 345 Sq. Km. Muthanga Sanctuary is rich in fauna and flora. It is second largest in the state. Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds and so on are also found here. Trees and plants growing here are typical of the South Indian moist deciduous forests and West Coast semi evergreen forests. Best season to visit is June to October.
Bansura Project, Padinjarathara: A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. A sprawling sanctuary and park with ever flowering trees are major tourist attractions. 25 Km northeast of Kalpetta.
Mananthavady Kuruvadweep: This 950 acre, uninhabited island on the eastward bound Kabani river is an ideal picnic spot. The wooded stretch of land is home to rare species of birds, orchids and herbs.
Thirunelly Temple: Surrounded by Kambamala. Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill adds to the enchantment of the place.
Pazhassi Tomb: Memorial of the Lion of Kerala - Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organized the guerilla pattern of waterfare against the British East India Company.
Sultan Battery Edakkal Caves: The two caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal. The New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are evidence of the civilization that existed in these regions in prehistoric times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1 Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit the caves. Entry is permitted only up to 5:00 pm.

Kannur

Kannur (earlier Canannore), has carved a niche in the socio-political history of the state. The capital of erstwhile Kolathiri Rajas, the ancient town had fallen to European forces in several occasions. In 15th century, the Portuguese were the first to establish a settlement here. St. Angelo’s Fort in the city was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in 1505. The Portuguese factory built by Cabral in 1501 was captured by the Dutch in 1663. In 1708 the British built a fort at Thalassery ( earlier Tellichery), another coastal town in Kannur. The nearby Mahe became a French colony in the 18th century. In 1940's, Kannur became an effervescent political cauldron. Communism was the provocation. The district hamlets witnesses bouts of violence which left indelible impressions on the political landscape of the district.
Many folk art and dance forms have roots in the socio-religious culture of the district. Theyyam and Kavadiyattam were nurtured and nourished by artistes from Kannur. Another stronghold of the district is weaving. As many as hundred weaving units are ticking over here.
Kannur is boarded by Karnataka's Kodagu district.
Tourist Spots
EZHIMALA : Naval academy is coming up here. 55 km from Kannur.
THALASSERY : A trading centre of ancient times. Dr. German Gundert, a German Missionary, brought out the first Malayalam newspaper from Illikkunnu near Thalassery in 1856. He developed the first Malayalam dictionary. The historical city is also known as the cradle of Indian circus. Many a star circus artiste hailed from Thalassery. Leading circus troupes are still owned by people from this region. India's first gymnastic training centre functions here.
Conveyance
Air : The nearest airport at Karipur, Kozhikode 120 km away., Mangalore airport 170 km away.
Rail: Kannur railway station on Mangalore- Shornore Sector. A major station in north Kerala.
Road : N H 17 goes via Kannur, Thalassery- Virajpetta route is another Kerala-Karnataka route from Kannur. Private passenger buses for intra-district services. KSRTC operates buses to all parts of the state and to Mangalore and Bangalore in Karnataka

Calicut

Calicut ( Also known as Kozhikkode) once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce center, Calicut was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Calicut a popular destination.
Tourist Spots
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery (5 km from Calicut): On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the Art Gallery, which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.

Krishna Menon Museum: This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.
Kalipoika (2 km from Calicut): One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats.
Kallai: This was once the second largest timber-trading centre in Asia. A steel bridge built by the British is still intact here.
S M Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Calicut and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls.
Kirtads (7 km from Calicut): This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction.
Beypore (10 km south of Calicut): Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbors of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its shipbuilding industry. The boat-building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.
Kappad (16 km from Calicut): This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.
Calicut Beach: This beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a hundred years old, that run into the sea. Entertainment facilities such as the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions.
ConveyanceAir: Nearest airport: Karipur (23 km from Calicut town): Daily flights to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and the Middle East. The Madras flight also touches Coimbatore and Madurai.
Rail: Links to all the major cities and tourist centers in India.
Road: Well connected to the entire major cities and tourist centers in India.

Palakkad

Palakkad is supposed derived its name from Pala tree (Alsteria Scholaris) and kadu (forest). The whole area is said to have been once covered by 'pala' trees.
Palakkad, due to its geographical position has strategic role in the Kerala life. Before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western coast, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala from the country elsewhere. The 32 to 40 km gap in the 960km Western Ghats functions as an inlet for northeast monsoon and dry winds. N H 47, major artillery of Kerala, passes through this Ghat section.
Palakkad, the largest producer of rice is known as granary of Kerala. As many as eight rivers originates from the Palakkad hills. Among the rivers include Bharathapuzha, the longest river in the state. The hilly district has 136257 hector reserve forest including Silent Valley
The district which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats has only midland and highland areas. Palakkad had witnessed several alien invasions that had left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. The Palakkad Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions and the advent of the Britishers to the region.
Tourist Spots
Palakkad : The Tippu Fort in the city is a major attraction.
Malampuzha : Dam and garden, children's park, aquarium, ropeway and fantasy park
Silent Valley : Thick rain forest, habitat of rare species. Declared national park . 46 km from Mannarkkad.
Mengara : Panoramic lake and aquariums. 32 km from Palakkad.
Nelliyambathi : A perfect hideaway amid orange gardens.
Parambikkulam : Wild Life Sanctuary.
Siruvani : Eerie forest and dam, 25 km from Coimbathore.
Sholayar : The highest peak in the district., coffee, tea plantations.
Conveyance
Air: The nearest airport Coimbatore, 55kms. away. Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away. Calicut airport 180 km away.
Rail: Bus service to all parts of Kerala and major cities in Tamilnadu, more so Coimbathore
Road: Palakkad and Shornoore are major railway stations. Services to Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore sectors.