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| Idukki |
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The largest district in Kerala, Idukki covers nearly 13 per cent of the State's total area, 97 per cent of which is covered in rugged mountains and dense forests. Three large rivers, numerous trekking trails, stunning views and a diverse wildlife make it an outdoor enthusiast's delight. This pristine hideaway has successfully retained its charm - sans tourist hysteria. |
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Idukki has a predominantly tribal population with 200 tribal settlements scattered all over the district in remote hilly areas and dense forests. Base yourself at Cheruthoni or Kulamavu to explore the three great dams on the Periyar and other tourist attractions such as Nadukani Viewpoint, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and the mesmerising Thommankuthu waterfalls. |
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| Essential Information |
Area
Population
Taluks
Villages
Blocks
Telephone Code
Pincode
Vehicle Regn. Code
When To Go |
: 4358 Sq.km.
: 11,28,605
: Devikulam, Udumpanachola, Thodupuzha, Peerumedu
: Thodupuzha, Muttam, Karikkodu, Alakkodu, Kumaramangalam, Mannarkkadu, Karingunnam, Purappuzha, Karimannoor, Udombannoor, Neisseri, Vannappuram, KOdikkulam, Kudaythoor, Velliyamattam, Idukki, Arakkulam, Elappalli, Kanjikkuzhy, Peruvanthanam, Kokkayar, Vagaman, Elappara, Upputhara, Peerumedu, Mlappara, Periyar, Manjimala, Kumali, Mannakandam, Vellathuval, Pallivasal, Kunjithanni, Anaviratti, Kannandevan Hills, Marayoor, Kizhaanthoor, Kanthalloor, Kottakanboor, Vattavada, Mangula, Santhanpara, Chinnakanal, Rajakadu, Konnathadi, Peppara, Rajakumari, Baisenvali, Vathikkudi, Upputhodu, Kalkkoonthal, Parathodu, Udumbanchola, Kanthippara, Thangamani, Chathurangapara, Ayyappan kovil, Chakkupallam, Vandammedu, Pabhadumpara, Kattappana, Karunapuram, Anavilasam, Anakkara,
: Adimali, Devikulam, Nedumkandam, Elamdesam, Edukki, Kattappana, Thodupuzha.
: +91 486
: 685 XXX
: KL-06, KL–37, KL-38
: September to March
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Blossom international Park
This park sprawls over 16 acres and boasts a garden with a profusion of flowers. There are many leisure activities for both adults and children. Boat rides along Munnar's waterways is a must-do. There are also facilities for cycling, roller-skating, campfires and games.
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CSl Church (St George's Church)
This was built in 1867 and is believed to be the first church of the High Ranges. It is situated on a 17-acre land in Pallikkunnu, surrounded by groves of cypress and pine trees. Embellished with decorative arches and carved teakwood beams, it is an architectural marvel.
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Devikulam Lake
The drive along the winding road to Devikulam is a real treat. The lake here is said to be the highest in the region and is ideal for trout fishing. According to local folklore, Sita is believed to have taken a dip in the pond close by. Revered as a holy place, a small temple has been built here in her honour. In the middle of the lake is an island with a fishing lodge.
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Eagle Rock or Parunthumpara
Eagle Rock is actually a large, nearly circular piece of rock spread across half a kilometre. From its height, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside - rocky plains, lush hillsides and verdant forests.
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Idukki Arch Dam
The Periyar River flows through a gorge formed by two huge rocks called kuravan and kurathi. The magnificent parabolic structure of Asia's first arch dam spans the gorge. On one side stretches the placid reservoir, whereas on the other, the dam plunges deep into a forested valley.
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Kalvary Mount
Located 35 km from Thodupuzha, Kalvary Mount offers a stunning view of its scenic surroundings - the vast Idukki reservoir and the forested valleys. A wonderful place for trekking, visitors may, if they are fortunate, spot a herd of elephants. During Lent, pilgrims climb up the hillock in a procession, and on Good Friday, they carry crosses up the hill to the top.
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Kolukkumalai
This is said to be the highest tea plantation in the country. Located in the upper reaches of Tamil Nadu's Theni district, it is close to the Kerala border with an elevation of 2,400 m. Kolukkumalai offers some splendid views of the sweltering plains of Tamil Nadu. The drive to the top along a narrow winding road past sprawling tea plantations is an adventure in itself.
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Kundala
The Sethuparvathipuram Dam and the stunning views around it make Kundala a must-visit. Boating in the lake and a visit to the Kundala Club for a game of golf or a cup of tea is highly recommended. The clubhouse and the sprawling grounds around it are reminiscent of India's colonial past, and the posters adorning the walls of the clubhouse depict significant events from that period.
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Kurisumala Ashram
This Catholic monastery, which strives to combine Indian religiosity with Christian spirituality, has been attracting monks from around the world for close to four decades. Abbot Francis Acharya, a Belgian, and Fr Bede Griffiths, an Englishman, established this Cistercian abbey in 1958
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Kurisumala
Located 5 km from Vagamon, is Kurisumala, an important Christian pilgrim centre, with a church atop a hill. There are 14 crosses along the path leading to the church, which commands stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Malanadu Development Society (MDS)
This is an organisation that works for rural development and environmental sustainability. A guided tour through the 13-acre property takes you through the techniques of bee-keeping and honey processing, sericulture, oil extraction and milk processing. A shop sells MDS products.
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Mampara Grasslands
These sprawling grasslands can be reached only through a treacherous road, but it is well worth the effort for the spectacular views of the Palakkad range - verdant slopes, thick forests and a patchwork of lush paddy fields.
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Mangaladevi Temple
We started off to Mangaladevi, the ancient stone temple hidden in the heart of Thekkady forest. Situated at Kerala - Tamilnadu boarder, this abode of ancient beauty is at the top of a peak, which enjoys the height of about 5000 feet above the sea level. The temple is dedicated to Kannaki, the celebrated heroine of Tamil classic Chilappathikaram. This historic monument is believed to have been built by the Chera king cheran chenguttuvan. Granite slabs with which the temple is built have the inscriptions (vattezhuthu) and the images of elephants, peacocks, dancers etc. According to the believers, an abandoned tunnel which is seen inside the temple leads to Madurai temple. Visitors are allowed here only once in a year and that is on Chitra paurnami day, falls in January every year.
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Marayoor
This fenced patch of dense greenery amid hilly terrain holds the only natural sandal-wood forest in Kerala. Marayoor not only grows the finest sandalwood in the world, but is also a famous archaeological site. The caves found here, home to tribals, are also considered holy as sages are said to have meditated here in the distant past. Hence, the name, 'Muniyaras'.
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Mattupetty
At a height of 1,700 m, it is 13 km from Munnar, and the favourite haunt of weekend picnickers. The Mattupetty Lake (created by the small hydroelectric dam), flanked by steep wooded hills, is a tranquil picnic spot where boating is the big draw. A speedboat cruise to the far end of the lake invariably ensures a glimpse of wild elephants. Other nearby attractions are Echo Point and Kundala Lake.
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Mount Carmel Church
Established in 1898, this was the first Roman Catholic Church in the High Ranges. Like all places of worship, this one is also located at a vantage point. Records reveal that the church sheltered refugees during the 1924 floods that devastated the area. There is a chapel below, dedicated to St Anthony. Legend has it that the floodwaters miraculously receded when they touched the basement of the chapel of the church.
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Munnar
Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India.
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Murugan Para
On the eastern side of Kurisumala is Murugan Para, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan that attracts a large number of worshippers.
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Nelliyampathy
Situated south of the Palakkad Gap, Nelliyampathy has all the attractions of a typical hill station -coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations, a pleasant climate, sublime scenery and an abundance of flora and fauna. Locally called 'poor man's Ooty', it offers the inhabitants of Palakkad an escape from the sweltering summer heat of the plains.
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Orange and Vegetable Farm
Set up by the rulers of the erstwhile State of Cochin in 1943 to provide food for British troops and resolve a crisis that arose in the land during the time, this once thriving farm has now been revived and 237 acres of land re-planted with orange trees. The fruit preservation unit, located at Pulayanpara, where guavas and passion fruit are used to make delicious jams, preserves and squash, is open to visitors.
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Panchalimedu
The ancient granite edicts found on these hills near the Mundakayam Valley link this region to the great epic, the Mahabharata. During their exile, the five Pandava brothers are believed to have spent some time here. The name, 'Panchalimedu' itself is derived from 'Panchali', another name for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas.
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Peermede
Sprawling estates of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus surround this charming hill station, once famous as the summer retreat of the Travancore kings. Peermede's history is also closely linked to that of the Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad, believed to be the first trader of spices in the region.
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Pine Forests
This valley in Kolahalamedu, with its groves of pine trees, is a protected area. There are boards cautioning tourists to keep from littering the forest.
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Pothundy
A picturesque reservoir, it lies on the way to Nelliyampathy, close to the scenic village of Nenmara, and is built across two tributaries of the Ayalar River - the Meenachadypuzha and the Padipuzha
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Rajamalai
As our voyage commenced in the chilly morning we were able to witness the magical change routine to the high ranges in teh mornings, that is., the melting of mist under the gentle warm or rising sun. We cruised along the mountain path to Kattappana and then to Munnar through Nedumkandom. The path amidst forests and plantations was not only enchanting but rejuvenating also.
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Seetharkundu
Located within the Karuna plantations, Seetharkundu attracts visitors as much for the drive from Nelliyampathy as for the place itself. The drive offers a fabulous view of the plains, as far as Palakkad town and its surrounding countryside. Besides the waterfalls, there is a gnarled tree here, a major attraction. Legend has it that Rama, Sita and Lakshman once lived here, hence the name.
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Summer Palace
The huge but now dilapidated palace where the maharajas of Travancore once spent their summers is surrounded by lush greenery. The smoke-stained hearths, endless corridors, underground passages, durbar halls, stables and prison cells recall the grandeur and glory of a bygone era.
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Tea Museum
The Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company houses India's only tea museum in a century-old tea estate. The memorabilia preserved include a burial urn from the second century BC, an original 1905 tea roller, a rotor vane (the old CTC-type tea processing machine), the Pelton
wheel used in the power generation plant of the 1920s, and a rail engine wheel of the Kundala Valley Railway that shuttled between Munnar and Top Station during the first half of the last century. Other exhibits include photographs, curios and century-old relics. The tea tasting, processing and picking demonstrations are really interesting to watch.
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Thekkady
After a brief halt at Erumely to have the breakfast we climbed the zig-zag road to Kuttikkanam on our way to Thekkady, the gateway to the famous Periyar wild life sanctuary. After reaching the heights of Kuttikkanam the road to Kumily is almost plain and the ride was comforatble. In addition to the wild life sanctuar. After reaching the heights of Kuttikkanam the road to Kumily is almost plain and the irde was comfortable. In addition tot eh wild life sanctuary amidst the special ecological pattern, series of hills and spice plantations makes Thekkady a hot place for tourism. Inthis paradise one can literally smell the aroma of spices in the air. We had a boating in the Periyar Lake and had the luck to watch wandering herds of elephants and deers very near to the lake. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary houses some really fascinating species fo birds, animals and plants; we were briefed by the forest officials. As we had spent the night in a tree top hut (called as ‘Erumadom’ in the vernacular language) we could feel the pulse of forest life.
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Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is famous for its waterfall. These falls have been named after Thomban, a tribal leader who was washed away near a waterfall called Thombankuthu'. Later, the name changed to Thommankuthu'. The seven-step fall drops down a rock from a height of 1,500 m and is a popular picnic spot. At each step, there is a cascade with a pool below it. The 12-km trek to the top of the hill is a memorable experience. The less adventurous have the option of enjoying the shallow pools below.
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Thrisangu Hills
Fiery sunsets and superb views beckon nature lovers to these hills, just half a kilometre from Kuttikkanam junction.
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Top Station
Top Station derives its name from a ropeway that once connected it, the highest point, through Middle Station to Lower Station in the valley. It is also the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road and the 34-km drive through verdant tea plantations on the High Ranges, offering panoramic views of the countryside, is truly unforgettable. Inhabitants of a tiny hamlet on the Kerala-Tdmil Nadu border, perched precariously on a ridge, are the only permanent inhabitants of Top Station. From the summit, the plains of Tamil Nadu and the edge of the Western Ghats are clearly visible.
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Vagamon
Pristine forests, exotic flora and fauna and verdant meadows characterise Vagamon, a location straight out of a tourism brochure. Located 1,100 m above sea level on the western fringe of Idukki, and bordering Kottayam, the Vagamon mountain range was cleared by the early planters for the cultivation of tea and coffee.
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Viewpoints
Stunning vistas are a plenty in Munnar. The Lockhart Gap, located on SH 19, offers a bird's eye-view of Bison Valley and the surrounding hills extending up to Thekkady. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing. The view from Pothamedu, 6 km from Munnar, is equally spectacular. It has an exotic ambience with lush mountains and plantations all around. Vehicles on NH 49, creeping up the hills appear like toy cars. From the Nyamakad Gap on the Munnar-Coimbatore Road, there are great views of the Thalayar Valley on one side and the Munnar Valley on the other.
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Waterfalls of Munnar
Munnar and its surrounding environs abound in waterfalls that are especially spectacular just after the rains. Located 18 km from Munnar, on the way to Thekkady, the Power House waterfalls cascade down a steep rock. Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. It is also ideal for trekking. Nyayamakad is another fabulous location. The enchanting surroundings make this an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. The Valara and Cheeyappara falls, located close to the national highway on the Adimali-Munnar route, are also delightfullly scenic.
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Places to Visit |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Aakulam Tourist Complex, Agasthayarkoodam, Anjengo Fort, Ammachiplavu, Ananthapuri, Beemapalli, Kanyakumari, Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, Kovalam Beach, Maruthwamala, Napier Museum, Neyyar, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Puthen Malika, Shankhumugham Beach, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sucheendram temple, The Zoo and Museum Complex, Thriparappu waterfalls, Varkala, Vattakkotta, Veli, Vivekanandappara, Vyloppilly Sanskrithi Bhavan, |
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Pathanamthitta |
Aranmula boat race, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kakki Reservoir, Kaviyoor, Konni, Mannadi, Maramon, Perumthenaruvi Falls, Sabarimala, Thiruvalla, Vastu Vidya Gurukulam, Vijnana Kala vedi Cultural Centre, |
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Alappuzha |
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Bhagavathi Temple, Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple, Chavara Bhavan, Karumadi Kuttan, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Kuttanad, Mannarassala Snake Temple, Pathiramanal Island, R Block,, St George Orthodox Syrian Church, St Mary's Church, Champakulam, Subrahmanya Temple. |
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Idukki |
Blossom international Park, Cheriyapalli, CSl Church (St George's Church), Devikulam Lake, Eagle Rock or Parunthumpara, Idukki Arch Dam, Kalvary Mount, Kolukkumalai, Kundala, Kurisumala Ashram, Kurisumala, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Mampara Grasslands, Mangaladevi Temple, Marayoor, Mattupetty, Mount Carmel Church, Munnar, Murugan Para, Nelliyampathy, Orange and Vegetable Farm,Panchalimedu, Peermede, Pine Forests, Pothundy, Rajamalai, Seetharkundu,Summer Palace, Tea Museum, Thekkady, Thommankuthu, Thrisangu Hills, Top Station, Vagamon, Viewpoints, Waterfalls of Munnar, |
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Kottayam |
Ayyampara hills, Cheriyapalli, Erumely, Ganapathiyar Kovil, Good Shepherd Church, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kanjirapally, Kayyoor Temple, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Pala, Poonjar Palace, Shrine of our Lady of immaculate Conception, St Dominic's Cathedral, St George Church, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Church Bharananganam, St Mary's Forane Church, St Thomas Benedictine Abbey, Thirunakkara Temple, Vagamon, Valiyapalli, Kumarakom, Driftwood Museum, Bird Sanctuary, Midlands. |
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Ernakulam |
Antique Shops in Jew Street, Bhoothathankettu, Bishop's House/indo-Portuguese Museum, Broadway, Cherai Beach, Chottanikkara Temple, Clock tower, Dutch Cemetery, Fort Kochi Beach, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi, Kochi, Kumbalangi, M.G.Road, Marine Drive, Maritime Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Pardesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Shiva Temple, SNC Maritime Museum, Spice Market, St Francis Church, Thirumala Devaswom Temple, Willingdon Island, Chendamangalam. |
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Thrissur |
Athirappally and Vazhachal water falls, Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, Cheruthuruthy, The land of Arts, Guruvayur, Irinjalakkuda, The land of Bharatha, Juma Masjid,Kodungallur, Koodalmanik, Yam Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Lourdes Cathedral,Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church, Palayur Church,Punnathoor Kotta, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Shiva Temple,Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar,The Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam, The State Museum and Zoo,The Swaraj Roudn the heart of Thrissur,Vadakkumnathan Temple, |
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Malappuram |
Kadalundi Nagaram, Kondotty, Kottakkal(Centre of Ayurveda), Kottapadi, Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur(Forest area), Perinthalmanna, Perumpadappu, Ponnani, Tanur, Teak Museum,Tirur,Tirurangadi, |
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Kozhikode |
Beypore and its ‘Urus’, Beach Road, CSI Church, Kallai, Lokanarkavu of Vadakkanpattu, Mananchira Square, Mishkal Mosque, Mother of God Cathedral, Muchundipalli, Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Planetarium and Science Centre, Tali Temple,Valayanadu Devi Kshetram, |
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Wayanad |
Mananthavady, Brahamagiri, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves,Jain Temple, Karalad Lake, Kerala Kalamandalam, Kuruva Dweep, Lakkidi's Chain Tree, Mahe, Meenmutty Falls,Muthanga,The jungle of secrets, Pakshipathalam,Pazhassi Museum,Pookot Lake,River Nila,Soochipara and Kanthampara Falls, The tree of Karimthandan,Thirunelly Temple,Thrissiteri Temple,Wayanad Heritage Museum, |
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Kannur |
Alluring Beaches, Cheruvathur Kota Palli, Delightful Backwaters, Ezhimalai, Fort St Angelo,Kanhirode weaving Co-operative, Kerala Folklore Academy, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Nileswaram, Parassini Kadavu Temple, Payyambalam Beach,Rajarajeshwara Temple,Thalassery,The tree of Karimthandan,Ummichipoyil and Varikulam,Valiyaparamba Backwaters, |
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Kasargode |
Anandashram, Ananthapura Temple, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Kanhangad Hosdurg Fort,Kanwatheertha Beach, Kappil Beach, Kodagu, Kottanchery, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, Possadi Gumpe, Ranipuram. |
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