Maradu
Maradu is a municipality that is situated in the district of Ernakulam under the Kanayannur Taluk in the state of Kerala, God’s own country in South India. It shares its borders with the Corporation of Cochin in the north, Tripunithura Municipality in the east and Kumbalam Panchayat in the south. Maradu municipality originated in 1953 May 18 as a Panchayat. It was elevated to the position of Municipality in 2010 November. National highways NH 47, NH 47A and NH 49 pass through Maradu Municipality. It is also rich with beautiful waterways.
History
Earlier the places in and near Maradu were cursed with untouchability. The lower castes had to suffer a lot during those ages. Majority of the land was in the hands of upper castes. They treated the lower castes very badly. To free oneself from the atrociousness of untouchability many of the people of lower caste get converted into Christianity. They were not allowed to study in the schools. About 90% of the land of Maradu was in the hands of few landlords. As a result of modern reforms of the Kerala Government, untouchability was abolished. The social, cultural and economic situation of the lower caste people were finally uplifted due to the reforms of the Kerala government after Independence.
A landmark of the city of Maradu is the Mangayil Government High school. The land for the school was given by the reputed Mangayil family of Maradu and hence the name. The Mangayil family was considered as the quasi chieftains of Maradu and they were conceded the power by the Cochin Royal family. They even maintained a jail house.
The main livelihood of people in the Maradu in the earlier days were paddy farming and prawn rearing. Now it has developed into a bustling city. A few people now take up the age old occupation of farming.
Present day
Two five star luxury hotels which are the best in the state are situated in Maradu. Le Meridian Cochin and Crowne Plaza Cochin are the five star hotels that are situated in Maradu. Lake shore hospital, the super specialty hospital and P S Mission hospital are the high tech hospitals in Maradu. People from all over Kerala come to this hospitals for treatment due to their high class quality. The proposed Kochi metro is passing near Maradu. Abad Nucleus Mall, the meeting place of youngsters and families for shopping is situated here. Maradu is also known for its string of car showrooms.
The main festival of Maradu is the ‘’Thalappoli Maholsavam” also known as the “Maradu Vedikkettu” that is celebrated in the Marattil Kottaram Baghavathy Kshethram.
Anchuruli Calling
Thekkady the word, reminds any tourist who has come here of beautiful sights of elephants and lovely green ambience. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady makes a wonderful stopover. No matter whether you are here for adventure, fun, wild life or nature, it will never leave you unimpressed! 
Idukki Arch Dam is a hydro electric project encompassing 20 Small and Big Dams, 5 Rivers, a handful of Underground Tunnels and an underground power generator. It is one of the most popular attractions in Idukki travel. 
Nadukani, situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, is a charming hill station in Idukki District. It is about 70 km from Thodupuzha and is in close proximity to Kulamavu. 
Painavu is the headquarters of the Idukki District situated at an altitude of 3,900 ft above sea level, is 100 km east away from Kochi. The reservoir formed by the construction of the Idukki Arch Dam and the dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu offers magnificent sight. Painavu bathes in scenic beauty of its evergreen forests and is famous for its trekking opportunities. 
Kulamavu Dam, one of the three dams of Idukki Reservoir Project, is situated at Kulamavu, a famous hill station in Idukki District. It is situated to the west of Idukki Arch Dam, the world’s second arch dam. 
Elaveezha Poonchira near Melakavu Mattom ,60 kms away from Kottayam is luring more and more tourists to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 
Munroe lighthouse put up at Pallom backwaters at the eastern extremity of the Vembanad lake, in 1813 A. D. by the British resident of Travancore, Col. Munroe. This being an engineering marvel, the like of which is very rare. 
Ramakkalmedu is a hill station on the border between Kerala and TamilNadu. It is located about 15 km from Nedumkandom on the Munnar-Thekkady route. It provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns. 
Nedumkandam is about 56 km from Munnar and located on the Munnar- Thekkady road. It is known as the Capital of High-Ranges and city of spices is the major town and head quarters of Udumbanchola taluk of Idukki district. The place is famous for pepper and cardamom cultivation. Another unique aspect of this place is that each household owns at least a cow, and the sale of milk products sustains the family. 
The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite idol of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The idol dates back to 9th or 10th century. The Buddha statue, the founder of Buddhism is in a seating posture is four foot high and is kept enclosed in a pagoda like structure. 
Pothamedu is one of the Major plantation hubs of Munnar and the place is perfect to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations. It is situated 6 kms away from Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks. 
Kalvari Mount is an important tourist place in Idukki District and famous Pilgrims center on the way to Kattappana. It is a popular destination of tourists visiting the hill retreat of Munnar. Basically a steep slope, Kalvari Mount provides a view of Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappankovil on one side and Kamakshy as well as Mariyapuram villages on the other side. It is also an ideal place for mountain climbers and trekkers. Chiristaian devotees go in a procession up the hillock.
Malankara Dam located on the Thodupuzha – Moolavattom road, this artificial lake is accessible by road. The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. It is an artificial lake formed as part of Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project. 
Kappad, 16 kms away from Calicut, known for its historic significance where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed for the first time in India. He came to India along with close to one hundred seventy servants in multiple vessels after a long journey crossing African continent. In Kappad Beach there is a pillar which honors the venture of this great sailor. This event opened a sea route between India and European subcontinent and the coast became the gateway to the east. 