kerala tourism

Vizag has the waves to make it one of the top surfing hotspots in India but is waiting for the big break

Pala, a Kerala constituency known for its Syrian Christian community and rubber plantations, is currently represented by Independent MLA Mani C. Kappan. He secured a significant victory in 2021, building on his 2019 bypoll win. The constituency faces issues like rubber price crashes, youth unemployment, and infrastructure needs, all within a context of faith-agriculture driven politics.

Varkala, a Kerala constituency known for its cliffs and tourism, faces significant challenges including coastal erosion, urban flooding, and youth unemployment. The incumbent MLA, V. Joy of CPI(M), won the 2021 election by a considerable margin. For the upcoming 2026 polls, key candidates include V. Joy CPI(M), Varkala Kahar (INC), and Adv.

Kovalam, a coastal constituency in Thiruvananthapuram, faces challenges like erosion, flooding, and unemployment despite its tourism economy. The UDF's M. Vincent won the 2021 election, highlighting persistent issues such as water scarcity, healthcare strain, and waste management that impact its residents and development.

Nenmara, a CPI(M) stronghold in Kerala's Palakkad district, boasts high voter turnout and a history of LDF dominance. The constituency, nestled near the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, is set for a contest influenced by eco-tourism, agrarian issues, and tribal outreach. As 2026 nears, the CPI(M) faces challenges from UDF and BJP in this key seat.

South India's railway journeys are being transformed by the Vande Bharat Express, connecting major tourist destinations and reducing travel times. These semi-high-speed trains now link key cities across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, offering modern amenities and significantly faster transit.

India faces diverse weather challenges this week, with heavy rains and thunderstorms predicted for hill states and southern regions. Meanwhile, western India, including Gujarat and Rajasthan, is bracing for heat waves. Travellers should monitor updates as unstable weather may disrupt journeys to popular tourist and pilgrimage sites.

Booking.com’s H1 2026 travel data points to Kochi as one of India’s fastest-rising destinations in terms of global discovery and regional demand, driven by consistent growth across search behaviour, traveller segments, and accommodation preferences.

Kottayam Assembly constituency, a UDF stronghold held by KC(J)'s P.K. Jayalakshmi since 2016, faces challenges despite its high literacy and economic strengths. Key issues like rubber farmer distress, youth unemployment, and infrastructure needs shape this competitive central Kerala seat, where church-backed legacy often prevails over LDF and BJP.

Malampuzha, a CPI(M) stronghold in Kerala's Palakkad district, has consistently elected LDF candidates, notably V.S. Achuthanandan. In the 2021 elections, A. Prabhakaran secured a significant victory, continuing the party's dominance. As the 2026 elections approach, the constituency faces challenges from BJP's consolidation and INC's revival efforts, with tourism and dam development shaping the political landscape.

Manalur constituency, a key seat in Kerala's Thrissur district, has seen consistent CPI(M) victories since 2016, driven by coastal and rural development initiatives. The upcoming 2026 elections will see the LDF's consolidation challenged by UDF resurgence and BJP outreach, with fisheries subsidies and temple tourism likely to be key battlegrounds.

A new study reveals that climate change and rapid development, including infrastructure expansion and hill cutting, are major drivers of landslides in the Western Ghats. Researchers found that nearly 72% of landslides occurred near developed areas, highlighting the impact of human activities alongside intense rainfall.

Vypen, a Kerala constituency, is dominated by the CPI(M) since 2011, with K.N. Unnikrishnan currently holding the MLA seat. The region, reliant on fishing and tourism, faces critical issues like coastal erosion, flooding, and infrastructure needs. These challenges solidify the LDF's strong support base among its fisherfolk population.

Kochi Assembly, a vibrant urban seat in Ernakulam, is currently held by CPI(M)'s K.J. Maxy since 2016. This constituency, encompassing parts of Kochi Municipal Corporation and gram panchayats, faces challenges like urban flooding, waste management, and traffic congestion. Fisherfolk welfare and heritage preservation are also key concerns for its diverse electorate.