Kedah, alongwith neighbouring Perlis, is known as the rice bowl of Malaysia. Alor Setar is the Capital. This town has many old buildings. Balai Besar, a wooden edifice built in 1898, and Zahir mosque, one of the best in the country, are some such buildings. The Royal Museum houses Kedah's cultural heritage. Another attraction of Alor Setar is Pekan Rabu Bazar where one can shop for handicrafts. One can as well taste dodol, a popular Malay sweetmeat. Towards south is Pata Merdeka, a picnic spot. So also Pedu Lake, a worthwhile retreat. Gunung Jerai is a hill resot. Relics pointing to Hindu-Buddhist influence dating to 4th century AD have been discovered from Bujang valley at Gunung Jerai's foothlls.

LANGKAWI: Kedah's most famous , and known worldover, destination is the legendary Langkawi, a group of 99 islands. It is wellknown for its natural scenes and legends. It has a free port and is a good shopping centre. Kuah is the main town. It is also an international venue for conventions. Some of the prominent of the Langkawi islands are Pulau Dayang Bunting or Isle of the Pregnant Maiden, Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary, Pulau Payar, a marine park, and Pulau Bears Basah, Isle of Wet Rice, a popular place for swimming.

Other places of interest are Mahsuri Mausoleum, Air Hangat hotsprings, Galeria Perdana, Eagle's Square, Seven Wells, Underwater World, a crocodile farm, and Tanjung Rhu Beach.

HOW TO REACH: Alor Setar and Langkawi have international airports. There is ferry service to Langkawi from Kuala Perlis (30 km) and Kuala Kedah (51 km). KL to Kuala Kedah by train takes 8 hours. A round trip cruise of the islands takes 4 hours.