KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
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| Kerala Ayurveda |
Though every region of KERALA is full with attractions and beautiful scenery and all the places are counted as must to visit, The entire state of Kerala is a tourist destination and at every corner of this state, one can experience something new. It is not without any reason that the Keralites call their state the 'God's Own Country'. Backwaters, historical structures, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty, the state has all these and more.
The major tourist destinations in the state include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai etc.
The state has given great emphasis on eco tourism and new experiments are being done to take tourism nearer to the general public. In this way too, the state is a pioneer in the state.
Kerala Ayurveda
Ayurveda, “the wisdom of life” or “the knowledge of longevity”, is one the oldest and powerful holistic treatment followed in India since many centuries. Ayurveda is not just a treatment, it is a science which helps an individual to enjoy his life in perfect harmony with his environment. The Ayurveda treatment detoxifies and rejuvenates your body. This unique health treatment helps to maintain equilibrium of body, mind and spirit. The main aim of Ayurveda treatment is to detoxify and balance the three doshas, vata (air and space) , Pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and Earth). Doshas are the biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. These doshas are responsible for the mental and physical balance of the human body. Ever since Ayurveda was globally recognized, Kerala became the famous destination for tourists who wanted to undergo Ayurveda health treatment with the Kerala Ayurveda Package. This approach is also medical tourism , where people from across the world come to Kerala for natural treatments.
Backwaters
The backwaters - a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and lagoons that connect villages and support a rich eco-system- are unique to Kerala. Since ancient times, they have been vital channels of transport. Houseboats offer travellers a unique experience of exploring the beauty of the backwaters and life around them. The backwaters skirt Alleyppey, Kumarakom, Kollam and Punnamada. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat race is held on the Second Sat in August at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.
Beaches
Kerala's 550 kms long coastline along the Arabian Sea is lined with beautiful beaches and coconut groves. Adding to allure of beaches are lighthouses and forts built on headlands. The sight of fishermen returning with their catch of the day adds another facet to the charm of the coast. Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal are most famous for their beaches.
Kochi
Kochi, formerly Cochin, seamlessly blends history and modernity. As a trading port since ancient times it has witnessed the arrival of traders and colonists, who have left their mark in the city's monuments and cosmopolitan culture. The charming Chinese fishing nets seen by the beach at Fort Kochi are not chanced upon elsewhere in India! St. Francis Church is an important landmark; its origins are traced to 1503 and it is the oldest European church in India. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi, built in 1568, is the oldest existing synagogue in the country. The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a worth a visit for its interesting artefacts and architectural design.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, formerly Calicut, was an important centre of spice trade over the centuries. The 'City of Spices' remains a popular tourist destination for its beaches, monuments, museum and backwaters. Portuguese navigator and adventurer Vasco da Gama landed in Kappad, a short distance from the city, in 1498. Kozhikode retains the charm of a bygone era.
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, Mattancherry, is a charming double storied place with a central courtyard and a temple in the courtyard. Built in the mid-sixteenth century and renovated subsequently, it is also called Dutch Palace as the Dutch carried out renovations and extended it. It is idyllically located by the picturesque Kochi backwaters. The palace is famous for its exquisite wall murals that depict themes from mythology, religion and the two great Indian epics -the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Palakkad, formerly Palghat, is called the land of palm trees and paddy fields for its lush landscape. It is also called the Gateway to Kerala as it is located near a pass that connects the state to the plains of Tamil Nadu. Among the attractions in the area are scenic dams, the Palakkad Fort, Nelliyampathy hill station and Silent Valley National Park. The national park is blessed with dense forests and is home to a variety of natural life including the endangered lion tailed macaque.
Periyar National Park
The scenic Periyar National Park, set in the ranges of the Western Ghats, is well forested and with a beautiful lake in the centre. The park has a rich variety of natural life from trees to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It has the unique distinction of being a tiger and elephant reserve. Watching elephants by the lake is a fascinating experience.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, traces its origins to ancient times and is one of the most revered temples in Kerala. In the 18th century, the then kingdom of Travancore was ceded to Lord Padmanabha, after which the rulers ruled the kingdom in deity's name.
Tea, Coffee Gardens; Spice Plantations
Munnar- blessed with natural beauty and bracing climate- is a treat for the eyes with miles of tea plantations carpeting its gentle hills. The small and beautiful Christ Church, a stone structure with beautiful stained glass windows, built in 1910, is full of history. Visits to tea factories offer an insight into tea production.
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is a magnificent, grand and colourful temple festival. The festival celebrates the grand assembly of deities who visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple premises on caparisoned elephants. The spectacular sight of richly decorated elephants, the changing of decorative parasols, mesmeric music performances and dazzling fireworks is breathtaking. The festival falls in April-May.
The major tourist destinations in the state include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimalai etc.
The state has given great emphasis on eco tourism and new experiments are being done to take tourism nearer to the general public. In this way too, the state is a pioneer in the state.
Kerala Ayurveda
Ayurveda, “the wisdom of life” or “the knowledge of longevity”, is one the oldest and powerful holistic treatment followed in India since many centuries. Ayurveda is not just a treatment, it is a science which helps an individual to enjoy his life in perfect harmony with his environment. The Ayurveda treatment detoxifies and rejuvenates your body. This unique health treatment helps to maintain equilibrium of body, mind and spirit. The main aim of Ayurveda treatment is to detoxify and balance the three doshas, vata (air and space) , Pitta (fire and water) and kapha (water and Earth). Doshas are the biological energies found throughout the human body and mind. These doshas are responsible for the mental and physical balance of the human body. Ever since Ayurveda was globally recognized, Kerala became the famous destination for tourists who wanted to undergo Ayurveda health treatment with the Kerala Ayurveda Package. This approach is also medical tourism , where people from across the world come to Kerala for natural treatments.
Backwaters
The backwaters - a network of lakes, canals, estuaries and lagoons that connect villages and support a rich eco-system- are unique to Kerala. Since ancient times, they have been vital channels of transport. Houseboats offer travellers a unique experience of exploring the beauty of the backwaters and life around them. The backwaters skirt Alleyppey, Kumarakom, Kollam and Punnamada. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat race is held on the Second Sat in August at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey.
Beaches
Kerala's 550 kms long coastline along the Arabian Sea is lined with beautiful beaches and coconut groves. Adding to allure of beaches are lighthouses and forts built on headlands. The sight of fishermen returning with their catch of the day adds another facet to the charm of the coast. Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal are most famous for their beaches.
Kochi
Kochi, formerly Cochin, seamlessly blends history and modernity. As a trading port since ancient times it has witnessed the arrival of traders and colonists, who have left their mark in the city's monuments and cosmopolitan culture. The charming Chinese fishing nets seen by the beach at Fort Kochi are not chanced upon elsewhere in India! St. Francis Church is an important landmark; its origins are traced to 1503 and it is the oldest European church in India. The Jewish Synagogue in Kochi, built in 1568, is the oldest existing synagogue in the country. The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a worth a visit for its interesting artefacts and architectural design.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, formerly Calicut, was an important centre of spice trade over the centuries. The 'City of Spices' remains a popular tourist destination for its beaches, monuments, museum and backwaters. Portuguese navigator and adventurer Vasco da Gama landed in Kappad, a short distance from the city, in 1498. Kozhikode retains the charm of a bygone era.
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, Mattancherry, is a charming double storied place with a central courtyard and a temple in the courtyard. Built in the mid-sixteenth century and renovated subsequently, it is also called Dutch Palace as the Dutch carried out renovations and extended it. It is idyllically located by the picturesque Kochi backwaters. The palace is famous for its exquisite wall murals that depict themes from mythology, religion and the two great Indian epics -the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Palakkad, formerly Palghat, is called the land of palm trees and paddy fields for its lush landscape. It is also called the Gateway to Kerala as it is located near a pass that connects the state to the plains of Tamil Nadu. Among the attractions in the area are scenic dams, the Palakkad Fort, Nelliyampathy hill station and Silent Valley National Park. The national park is blessed with dense forests and is home to a variety of natural life including the endangered lion tailed macaque.
Periyar National Park
The scenic Periyar National Park, set in the ranges of the Western Ghats, is well forested and with a beautiful lake in the centre. The park has a rich variety of natural life from trees to insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It has the unique distinction of being a tiger and elephant reserve. Watching elephants by the lake is a fascinating experience.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, traces its origins to ancient times and is one of the most revered temples in Kerala. In the 18th century, the then kingdom of Travancore was ceded to Lord Padmanabha, after which the rulers ruled the kingdom in deity's name.
Tea, Coffee Gardens; Spice Plantations
Munnar- blessed with natural beauty and bracing climate- is a treat for the eyes with miles of tea plantations carpeting its gentle hills. The small and beautiful Christ Church, a stone structure with beautiful stained glass windows, built in 1910, is full of history. Visits to tea factories offer an insight into tea production.
Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is a magnificent, grand and colourful temple festival. The festival celebrates the grand assembly of deities who visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple premises on caparisoned elephants. The spectacular sight of richly decorated elephants, the changing of decorative parasols, mesmeric music performances and dazzling fireworks is breathtaking. The festival falls in April-May.
Festivals
Onam, a harvest festival and Kerala's biggest festival, is held to commemorate the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. It falls in August-September. Onam is celebrated over ten days with feasts, colourful floral decorations outside home, thrilling snake boat races and cultural programs.
Kerala requires half a lifetime to be fully explored. Each place is a scenic beauty. Beaches, valleys, forests, parks, zoos, museums, the list keeps going on. The backwaters need a special mention as they are the prime attraction for tourists. True to the sobriquet, Kerala indeed looks like God’s Own Country. As a matter of fact, much of Kerala is still a paradise waiting to be explored.
Tags: Kerala Travel Guide Detailed information on Kerala tourism, Travel to Kerala, travel destinations, hotels, transport, tourist map, how to reach Kerala, Kerala Tourism Map, Kerala Tourist Map, Map of Kerala, Kerala Map, Kerala State Map, Kerala Location Map, Kerala Tourist Destination Map, Kerala Travel, Kerala Tourist Guide,Kerala Tourist Attractions, Tourist Destinations of Kerala, Places to Visit in Kerala, Tourism in Kerala, Best Places to Visit in Kerala, Tourist Places Kerala
Onam, a harvest festival and Kerala's biggest festival, is held to commemorate the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. It falls in August-September. Onam is celebrated over ten days with feasts, colourful floral decorations outside home, thrilling snake boat races and cultural programs.
Kerala requires half a lifetime to be fully explored. Each place is a scenic beauty. Beaches, valleys, forests, parks, zoos, museums, the list keeps going on. The backwaters need a special mention as they are the prime attraction for tourists. True to the sobriquet, Kerala indeed looks like God’s Own Country. As a matter of fact, much of Kerala is still a paradise waiting to be explored.
Tags: Kerala Travel Guide Detailed information on Kerala tourism, Travel to Kerala, travel destinations, hotels, transport, tourist map, how to reach Kerala, Kerala Tourism Map, Kerala Tourist Map, Map of Kerala, Kerala Map, Kerala State Map, Kerala Location Map, Kerala Tourist Destination Map, Kerala Travel, Kerala Tourist Guide,Kerala Tourist Attractions, Tourist Destinations of Kerala, Places to Visit in Kerala, Tourism in Kerala, Best Places to Visit in Kerala, Tourist Places Kerala
