Earlier known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a major city in the South Indian state of Kerala. The coastal city of Kozhikode has served as an important centre in the past for trade of spices like pepper and cardamom with Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese. Kozhikode is the spot where Vasco Da Gama landed along with his associate way back in 1498. The old ship building industry of Kozhikode had also provided the region global recognition. Once called as the City of Spices, Kozhikode is now a commercial centre of God&'s Own Country - Kerala and abounds with natural wonders.

The picturesque region of Kozhikode flanked by the cool blue Arabian Sea on the west and lush green Sahyadri mountain range on the east makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala including South India. Nature has bestowed Kozhikode region with many treasures like a long coastline, clean sandy beaches, tranquil backwaters, gushing rivers, beautiful waterfalls and a soothing climate that amaze all types of visitors. The unmatched beauty of Kozhikode region is complimented by the availability of historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, magnificent temples and religious shrines, and other man-made attractions.

A nature enthusiast's utopia, Wayanad is a district in northern Kerala. It is a breathtaking lush green ecstasy boasting a luxuriant and gorgeous hilly place in the Western Ghats situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. It has thick forests, unfathomable valleys, lofty ridges, rocky cliffs, sparkling lakes, scenic waterfalls, and cloud-covered hills and offers numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, and trekking. The Kabini River and its three main tributaries also flow through Wayanad, and along with rich flora, there are various species of fauna to be found in the region, especially in the Begur and Muthanga wildlife sanctuaries.

With so much to see, sooner or later on your holiday here, you'll surely fall in love with the place. Starting from the verdant Begur Wildlife Sanctuary, to the massive Banasura Dam, the towering Chembra Peak, the mysterious Chain Tree, the prehistoric Edakkal Caves, the mystical Jain Temple at Panamaram, the 30 metre-high Kanthapara Waterfalls, the hill-station of Lakkidi, the breathtaking Meenmutty Waterfalls, the vast Muthanga and Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuaries, the mountain-brimmed Pookote Lake, the famous Soochipara Waterfalls and Chethalayam Waterfalls, the historic Sultan Battery Jain Temple that is also known as Tippu's Fort, the revered Thirunelly Temple, and the scenic Sunrise Valley. Don’t miss any of it. The city with its multi-hued sites, is breathtaking indeed!

Fast Facts
Main Languages: Malayalam and English. Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu are also widely spoken and understood.
When to Go: The climate of the Wayanad district is delightful all year round, salubrious and cool, reaching a maximum of 35 °C in the summer, and a minimum of 10 °C in the winter.
Local Transport: The Wayanad District offers efficient connectivity between and within its townships, with well-scheduled private and public bus services. Visitors can also use auto-rickshaws (primarily within townships) as well as taxis, and hired cars. Walking within the townships is also a good idea.
Location: Western Ghats of northern Kerala
Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore, 290 km away
Altitude: 1400 metres above sea level (ranging from 700 to 2100 metres)
Must Experience:
Wayanad is a hiker's heaven, truly diverse and threaded with trails and paths winding through the mist clad hills that glow with fresh and evergreen flora. There are innumerable treks around Wayanad's hills, with spots where you can simply sit by the riverside or streamside, and hear the water gurgling by, sparkling in the clean sunlit air, make sure you experience it. Camping is also a great idea on your visit here.

Eating
Wayanad, apart from the usual multi-cuisine fare, serves some delightful and authentic Keralite food, and the visitor cannot go wrong with a traditional Sadya (Sadhya) lunch or dinner, a meal served on a plantain leaf, eaten by hand, consisting of rice along with various side dishes (usually including sambar, rasam and buttermilk), usually vegetarian, though some regions have non-vegetarian dishes along with the meal. Pickles and poppadums also accompany the meal. The meal is traditionally ended with payasam, a Keralite sweet dish.
The ever delightful "appam and stew" is combination is available nearly everywhere, usually eaten for dinner. There is also a large variety of traditional Keralite non-vegetarian dishes available, as well as fresh seafood and freshwater food. A variety of Continental and Chinese food is also to be easily found at most hotels in Wayanad.

The land of warriors and home of the famous Coorgi Pork, Coorg (officially called Kodagu) is peppered with coffee plantations, gurgling streams and tumbledown town markets. Once the base of some of the most powerful empires in south India, Coorg will enchant you in more ways than you can imagine!

Madikeri (Mercara) is famously known as the "Scotland of India" for no lesser reasons. Quaint cottages, waterfalls, plantations, serenity and peace are all pervasive here. The warrior clan of Kodavas who have called Coorg their home over centuries, today offer an insight into their unique culture with good cheer and warm nature.

Explore lush wilderness at Nagarhole National Park, picnic by the majestic Iruppu Falls, stroll along Madikeri's enchanting evening market, enjoy rafting on Barapole River, trail into the unknown depths towards the Brahmagiri Peak, and discover Coorg"s rich history with a visit to Raja's Seat, Talacauvery, Madikeri Fort or Bhagamandala. Also tour coffee plantations or gorge on spicy, Coorgi curry at a local restaurant. The hills will soothe your mind beyond compare.

From hockey festivals to traditional archery, the fervent love for eco-tourism and nature, and the oh-so-obvious love of food and wine, Coorg will bowl you over indefinitely.

The former capital of the state of Mysore, and the seat of the Wodeyar Kings, Mysore is Karnataka's Jewel, its cultural capital, a city resplendent with history - both colonial and royal. It is Karnataka's second largest city, and abounds in natural beauty and architectural beauty, with tree lined boulevards and historical buildings.

Mysore is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, so relaxed in fact that it is hard to believe that such a sleepy town could have been the heart of a kingdom. It is also hard to believe that this Overview of the city has yet to mention the Mysore Palace. Famous across India, the Mysore Palace is the picture of gilded opulence! Mysore is also famous for its manufacture of incense sticks, which come in many fragrances, as well as for its sandalwood. Mysore is a pleasant change from the stereotypical image of modernized cities. From the moment you set foot in Mysore, it begins to reveal delicious secrets which make it a must see.

Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is popularly known as the Garden City. It is also called the Silicon City due its flourishing IT industry, thus making it youthful and cosmopolitan. Dotted with lakes and numerous old historical buildings, Bangalore is a melting pot for the old and the new. Buzzing during the night, thanks to the endless number of pubs in the city, Bangalore has gained the title of party capital of the country for no reason.

• With year-round heavenly weather, beautiful buildings and gardens, lovely people and peaceful atmosphere, Bangalore will surely charm you!