Since there is no thread for information about an Amazing Race destination, I am coopting this thread for that purpose.
COCHIN (or Kochi)
Cochin, is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The commercial hub of Kerala, it is a fast growing city abuzz with industries, shopping malls, cinema houses, hotels and restaurants. Known for its Chinese fishing nets, churches, synagogues and the spectacular backwaters, Cochin is a developed city that has preserved its natural beauty.
The town has three main parts- Fort Cochin, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam. Fort Cochin (Fort Kochi) occupies the Southern cape on the seaward side of the Bay. Willingdon Island is a man-made island which was created from the sand dug out from deepening the port. Across the causeway from Willingdon Island is Cohin. The Bolghatty Island, a long narrow peninsula, is situated at the opposite side of Ernakulam jetty. The Vypeen Island is situated beyond Bolghatty Island.
Cochin is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Allapuzha on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. This commercial capital and of Kerala is one of the finest natural harbours in the world which is a major centre of trade and commerce.
A major tourist attraction nearby is the Kohanad elephant taming center. Others are Bolgatty Palace (pit stop for Amazing Race Asia 3, ep.
, Willington Island, Jew Street the Spice Market and Kumbalangi.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram also known as Trivandrum is known for its rolling low coastal hills and busy business alleys. The political nerve centre of Kerala it has several Central and State Government offices. It is also home to several prestigious educational, science, technology and research institutions such as Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Technopark and the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER).
The city built on seven hills is named after the fabled serpent God 'Anantha' on whom Sri Anantha Padmanabhan (Lord Vishnu) reclines. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple here is 2000 years old. Thiruvananthapuram had trading links with the rest of the world from as early as 1000 BC.
Tourist attractions include Aravikara with its Kumbalangi Temple and the ancient port of Vizhinjam.
Thiruvananthapuram continues to be an important trading centre with several communication links to Maldives, Sri Lanka and countries to the West of the Arabian Sea. The city has numerous places of interest and offers all that a tourist seeks.
KOZHIKODE
Kozhikode found its place in the world map when in 1498, Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed here on the Kappad Beach. Also known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a place that has historical sites galore. The ‘Jewel of the Malabar’ has Hindus, Muslims and Christians living in harmony, keeping their beliefs and traditions alive.
A lush green countryside with serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination. The district has three distinct regions - the sandy, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and the Lateritic midlands.