Fondly referred as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is one of the most popular states of India. Wit the cool blue Arabian Sea on the west and the marvellous western ghats towering 500 – 2700 mtr
on the east, Kerala offers everything to satisfy the urge of discerning travellers. In fact, Kerala is a very beautiful relaxed place to simply sit back and enjoy the nature at its best. Literally meaning the ‘Land of coconuts’, Kerala is covered all over with palm trees which provide cool shade from the tropical sun. Here in Kerala, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush green hill stations, exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health resorts, interesting art forms, colourful festivals, historic and cultural monuments and delicious cuisines, altogether offers a unique experience to visitors. Due unparalleled charm, diverse geography and overwhelming greenery, National Geographic Traveller has declared Kerala one of the ten ‘Paradises Found.’
on the east, Kerala offers everything to satisfy the urge of discerning travellers. In fact, Kerala is a very beautiful relaxed place to simply sit back and enjoy the nature at its best. Literally meaning the ‘Land of coconuts’, Kerala is covered all over with palm trees which provide cool shade from the tropical sun. Here in Kerala, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush green hill stations, exotic wildlife, ayurvedic health resorts, interesting art forms, colourful festivals, historic and cultural monuments and delicious cuisines, altogether offers a unique experience to visitors. Due unparalleled charm, diverse geography and overwhelming greenery, National Geographic Traveller has declared Kerala one of the ten ‘Paradises Found.’ Popular Destinations in Kerala
Kochi (Cochin) : A city of historic importance, Kochi is called as commercial hub of Kerala. Kochi city is highly influenced by the Portuguese culture and you can sense its Portuguese character during a wander through the city streets. The Spice markets, Chinese Fishing Nets, The Jewish Synagogue, The St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace are prime attraction of Kochi. The Kathakali dance performances is an important feature of Kochi’s cultural life.
Munnar : Situated 130 kms east of Kochi, Munnar is a major centre of Kerala’s tea industry. A famous hill station of South India, Munnar is situated at an altitude of 1800 mts above sea level. Munnar is romantic destination known for its sublime greenery, cool air and pleasant climate throughout the year. Mattupetty lake is another major attraction of Munnar, noted for alpine setting with green fields. Munnar hills are also an ideal treat to those interested in trekking having beautiful valleys around.
Thekkady : One of the largest sanctuaries of south India, Thekkady is located at distance of 200 kms from Kochi. Set at an altitude of around 1828 mts, Thekkady boasts of 300 square miles of lush tropical forest, in result the climate remain cool throughout the year. Thekkady has a vast artificial lake in its centre, providing a natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Take a boat ride at the picturesque Periyar lake and if you looking for some adventure then go for a forest trek.
Kumarakom : Kumarakom lies 90 kms from Kochi on the Vembanad lake in a thick tangle of tropical waterway. The place is known for its tranquil backwaters which draws visitors round the year. Travelling by houseboat along the backwaters is one of the highlights of Kerala. Highlights of Kumarakom include the bird sanctuary, known for migratory birds. In short, Kumarakom is a place to sit back and watch the mirror-still lagoon, to enjoy the rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and a backwater ride over the tranquil waters.
Alleppey : A small town Alleppey is also known as Allapuzzha located 64 kms north of Kochi. Build around an interesting maze of bridges and canals, Alleppey makes an ideal base for backwater boat rides. Fondly referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is more known for Snake boar race held in the month of August.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) : Thiruvananthapuram the capital of Kerala is a coastal city set on seven low hills. Thiruvananthapuram is famous for the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier museum housing the 8th – 18th century South Indian Bronzes from Chola and Nayaka periods. Referred as the commercial capital of Kerala, Trivandrum is home to other attractions namely Shri Chitra Art Gallery, and schools specializing in the martial art Kalarippayat, Kathakali and Kutiyattam dance theatres.
Kovalam : Situated 10 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is a basically a beach destination. Kovalam beach comprise of four main stretches of beaches about 400 mts. Adventure seekers can indulge into the beach activities like snorkelling, surfing and water skiing.
Kozhikode : Also called Calicut, Kozhikode is the city where Vasco-Da Gama first landed on Indian soil about 500 years ago. Kozhikode is famous for shopping fabric clothes, sweets and the typical Keralan chips. Sightseeing in Kozhikode include Pazhassi Raja Museum, Krishnan Menon Museum and the picturesque beach.
Wayanad : Set at a distance of 60 kms from Calicut, Wayanad is rich is coffee and tea plantations. Literally meaning the land of paddy fields, Wayanad is also a paradise for trekkers. You can indulge yourself in adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking and birdwatching. The Chembra Peak, with the height of 2,100 mts is the highest peak in Wayanad and poses a delightful challenge to hikers. Other place of interest in Wayanad are Edakkal caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultan Battery and the Jain Temple.
People and Culture of Kerala
Kerala is known for friendly people and rich culture. One can get a fine glimpse of Keralan culture in festivals of the state. Onam, a harvesting festival is the most important festival of Kerala. During August - September the boat races are also organised in Kerala. Nehru trophy boat festival, is one of the famous boat races of Kerala. The influence of Keralan culture can also be seen dances, dishes and other rituals.
Wildlife in Kerala
A God gifted land, Kerala is covered with lush tropical forests all around. The forest cover in Kerala provides shelter to a wide variety of faunal species including the pachyderm Elephants. In fact, E
lephants are essential part of Keralan people daily life. Besides elephant, you can see other wildanimals like tigers, gaur, wild boars, sambar, deer, wild dogs, lion tailed macaque, bonnet langur etc. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are the important wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala.Beaches of Kerala
Kerala's western coast is flanked by the cool blue Arabian sea and home to beautiful beaches. Dotted with palm grooves, the beaches of Kerala provide a welcome break to vacationers and adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy sun bathing, swimming or go for ayurvedic treatment on Keralan beaches. Popular beaches of Kerala are Kovalam Beach, Bekal Beach, Alappuzha Beach and Varkala Beach.
Ayurveda in Kerala
Kerala is the only destination in India, in fact world, where Ayurveda is practiced properly. The state has a number of resorts offeing 5,000 years old system of treatment to guests. Every year only Ayurveda itself attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to Kerala. Ayurveda resorts in Kerala offer the ayurveda treatment under the guidance of expert doctors. Visit Kerala this vacation to enjoy the ayurveda treatment and get rejuvenated.
Backwater of Kerala
Backwaters are the highlights of Kerala and most of the state is dotted with backwater stretche
s. A journey through Kerala backwaters in traditional house boats is once in a lifetime experience. Equipped with facilities of hotels, the houseboats provide a memorable journey amidst the mother nature. Some of the famous backwaters of Kerala include Alappuzha Backwaters, Kochi Backwaters, Kollam Backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters and Kumarakom Backwaters.
Hill Stations in Kerala
The Western ghat range crossing Kerala is home to couple of beautiful hill stations. Situated about 2,000 mts above sea level,the hill stations of Kerala provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of cities. Munnar Hill Staion and Devikulam hill station, two important hill stations of Kerala attract tourists from far and near.
