KERALA TRAVEL GUIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ON KERALA TOURISM, TRAVEL TO KERALA, TRAVEL DESTINATIONS AND ATTRACIONS IN KERALA

Kerala Travel Guide 

Kerala is a wonderful place to roam about. It has almost everything to offer to an inquisitive tourist. Starting from the bedazzling language to the spectacular landscapes, God’s Own Country has it all. Kerala is one of the top recommends by travel agencies across the globe. This is one of the main reasons why the place has so many international tourists all round the year. As a result, tourism in Kerala is a very busy arena. Tourists are never far from assistance. With travel agencies and proper guides, it is possible to explore Kerala to the fullest. However, there are a few things you should remember while travelling through Kerala.

The Malayalam language is a delight to hear but it can be hard to understand. Either hire a guide or know where you are going in advance. Of course, there are modern technological advancements like the GPS to know where you are positioned but it is always safe to converse with the locals to be completely sure. For the very same reason, you can hire a guide who can help with the language barrier.

A map can come in handy. Each city has its unique set of roadways. Get city-wise maps so as to not miss out on important tourist destinations. Each city in Kerala has its own unique flavor to offer. It would be saddening if you happen to miss what they have in store for you.

Travel light while travelling through Kerala. The benefit of travelling light is two-fold. One, you do not have to worry about tiring sessions of handling heavy baggage. Two, you are sure to buy something, souvenirs at the least. Travelling light might give you extra space in your bags for the items you tend to buy in God’s Own Country.

Planning in advance saves the day. It does not hurt your chances to prepare a schedule duly instructing when and where to go. Make sure it is a flexible schedule so as to accommodate changes, if any. For instance, do not forget to pack your swim wear for the beaches like Kovalam and Varkala. Likewise, pack some woolen clothes for hill stations like Wayand and Ponmudi.

If travelling on your own seems to be tedious and over straining, seek a travel agency’s assistance. You can even book a travel agency schedule before you land in Kerala. All you have to do is stick to their schedule and let them worry about the travel blues. You can sit back and explore Kerala the way it is supposed to be explored.

Kerala Ayurveda
Ayurveda KeralaWith a history of more than 5000 years, Ayurveda is an alternative treatment method with no side effects.

Kerala Backwaters
Backwaters KeralaThe beauty of Kerala lies in its backwaters that are unique in the entire world. Brimming with natural beauty and economically viable, this uniqueness of Kerala, makes it a heavenly delight for its visitors.

Kerala Boat Races
Boat Races - KeralaThe boat races of Kerala are very famous. Kuttanad, which was once renowned as the rice bowl of Kerala and the upper Kuttanad area, are the most famous boat racing spots.

Kerela Climate
Climate - KeralaKerala is a small state in the southwest corner of India with pristine waters of the Arabian Sea washing its shores and an equable climate that varies from season to season.

Dances of Kerala
Dances - KeralaKerala is rich with about 35 different types of tribal people and tribal dances like Elelakkaradi, Paniyarkali and Mankali have managed to withstand the test of the changing times.

Festivals of Kerala
Festivals - KeralaKerala has a number of festivals, mostly related with their religious institutions. A showcase to the traditional lifestyle and performing arts of Kerala.

Forts of Kerala
Forts KeralaIndia has a rich history and Kerala is no exception having a rich treasure of historical forts and palaces that reflects the splendor of the bygone era of kings and queens.

Kerala Hill Stations
Hill Stations - KeralaNature has always been partial to Kerala with all its exotic seashores and lush green hill stations that are a great delight to all the tourists coming to Wonderful Kerala.

Kerala House Boats
House Boats - KeralaThe beautiful backwaters of Kerala make a wonderful home to its traditional houseboats that take visitors on a dreamland journey meandering into the numerous lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries and the deltas of a number of rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea.

Kerala Monuments
Monuments - KeralaThe most prevalent architectural style in the traditional historic and cultural monuments of Kerala is Nalukkettu or Ettukettu.The low sloping roofs and brick walls were designed to match the climatic conditions.

Museums of Kerala
Museums KeralaMuseums are the best place to see a region's history, traditions, arts, crafts and culture all at once and museums of Kerala have stood up to the glory of the region.

Temples of Kerala
Temples - KeralaKerala temples are generally constructed in a mixed medium of stone, brick, laterite and wood as a distinctive architectural style of temple building. The stress is laid on the sanctity, simplicity and a prevailing naturalism, which marked the worship in temples.

Kerala Wildlife
Wildlife - KeralaThe Western Ghats of Kerala is home to as many as fourteen wildlife sanctuaries that are often surrounded some exotic trails in the country. A delight to the adventurous and nature lovers, the air of these habitats has fragrance of spices and other enchantingly aromatic plantations.

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.

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A COMPLETE TRAVEL AND TOURISM GUIDE ABOUT KERALA, KERALA TRAVEL GUIDE,KERALA TOURISM GUIDE

A Complete Travel and Tourism Guide about Kerala

Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful state, to enjoy its scenic beauty, breathtaking views, mists covered mountains and lush green woods. This coastal state is divided into fourteen districts, with Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) serving as its capital. Thiruvananthapuram is also the largest city in the state. Other most visited cities are Ernakulam (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Idukki, Munnar, Palakkad, Wayanad, Trichur, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kollam, Kannur and Kasargod. Every district and city has distinctive features and represents the natural beauty of the state. Kerala has a long and impressive history, which includes trading spices to China, West Asia, Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Travellers weary of India’s daunting metropolises will find Kerala’s cities smaller and more relaxed. The most popular is undoubtedly the great port of Kochi (Cochin), where the state’s long history of peaceful foreign contact is evocatively evident in the atmospheric old quarters of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin. In Kerala’s far south, the capital, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), is gateway to the nearby palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and provides visitors with varied opportunities to sample Kerala’s rich cultural and artistic life.

One of the best aspects of exploring Kerala, though, is the actual travelling – especially by boat, in the spellbinding Kuttanad region, around historic Kollam (Quilon) and Alappuzha (Alleppey). Cruisers and beautiful wooden barges known as kettu vallam (“tied boats”) ply the backwaters, offering tourists a window on village life in India’s most densely populated state. Furthermore, it’s easy to escape the heat of the lowlands by heading for the hills, which rise to 2695m. Roads pass through landscapes dotted with churches and temples, tea, coffee, spice and rubber plantations, and natural forests, en route to wildlife reserves such as Periyar, where herds of mud-caked elephants roam freely in vast tracts of jungle.

Thrissur’s famous Puram festival (April/May) is the most astonishing, but smaller events take place throughout the state – often outdoors, with all welcome to attend. Theatre and dance also abound; not only the region’s own female classical dance form, mohiniyattam (“dance of the enchantress”), but also the martial-art-influenced kathakali dance drama, which has for four centuries brought gods and demons from the Mahabharata and Ramayana to Keralan villages. Its two thousand-year-old predecessor, the Sanskrit drama kudiyattam, is still performed by a handful of artists, while localized rituals known as theyyem, where dancers wearing decorative masks and hats become “possessed” by temple deities, remain a potent ingredient of village life in the north. Few visitors witness these extraordinary all-night performances, but from December through March it is possible to spend weeks hopping between village festivals in northern Kerala, experiencing rituals little altered in centuries.

A word of warning, however, for budget travellers. Kerala ranks among the most expensive regions of India. Accommodation is particularly pricey – and tends to be of a correspondingly high standard. Cheap places to stay are thin on the ground everywhere, but especially in the coastal resorts, hill stations and backwater areas, where it’s not uncommon to pay upwards of Rs2000 for a room in a modest guesthouse in season.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) Travel
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is among the top tourist attractions in Kerala. This beautiful tourist site has a large network of inland canals that give it the name ‘Venice of the East’. The history of the place states that it was founded by the Dewan of Travancore, Raja Kesavadasan in 1762.

Ernakulam Travel
Situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, Ernakulam in Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city has been named among the best natural harbors in the world. Ernakulam has a long ancient history of receiving Arabs, Chinese,

Idukki Travel
The real natural wealth of the state of Kerala lies in Idukki District. The charming district contains the state’s highest mountain peak and also the largest forest cover. Some of the major rivers of Kerala,

Kannur Travel
Kannur is a beautiful district in the northern part of Kerala. Famous for its temple festivals, Kannur is the best place for nature lovers, who want to take a break from hectic life and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Kasaragod Travel
Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala, is home to a number of tourist attractions of the state. Nature has splattered its bountiful beauty throughout Kasargod, with as many as twelve rivers flowing across its terrain and Arabian Sea in the west.

Cochin (Kochi) Travel
Cochin (also known as Kochi) is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city holds the reputation of being one of the finest natural ports in the world. Kochi has an impressive history of subsequent rise and colonization by European forces.

Kollam Travel
Since ancient times, Kollam district has been considered as a major trading port of Kerala. It serves as the trade route for the merchants of Western Ghats. The region is well known for producing pepper, coir, cashews and other agricultural products.

Kottayam Travel
Kottayam, among the state’s more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala’s finest natural scenes, sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.

Kozhikode (Calicut) Travel
Calicut (also known as Kozhikode) is a major city and one of the prime tourist attractions in Kerala. For centuries, Kozhikode remained an important port for trade and commerce in the state. It was a prominent trade centre,

Malappuram Travel
Malappuram (literally, a land a tops hills) is situated 50 kms south-east of Kozhikode, bounded by the Nilgiri Hills in the east, the Arabian sea in the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the south. Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathappuzha.

Munnar Travel
Munnar is a popular hill station in the state of Kerala. Famous for its tea plantation, Munnar served as the summer retreat of British. The hill station is located at a height of 1,600 m above the sea level. Over the years, it has become a major tourist attraction in Kerala.

Palakkad Travel
Also known as the Gateway of Kerala, Palakkad (or Palghat) is located at the base of the vast Western Ghats. The region includes high mountains, green forests and rich valleys with rivers and streams flowing through the district.

Pathanamthitta Travel
Engrossed in the hilly terrain of Kerala, Pathanamthitta can rightly be called the head quarters of Pilgrimage tourism in the State. With more than fifty per cent of the land area covered with thick forests the district has a prominent place in the supply of hill produces in the State.

Thekkady Travel
Thekkady, a very popular tourist attraction in Kerala, is the ideal place to sit back and relax a laid-back holiday, amidst breathtaking scenery and cool climate. Located at a distance of 60 km from Idukki and 114 km from Kottayam,

Trichur Travel
Trichur District (also known as Thrissur) is one of the most populous cities of Kerala. It is also known as the cultural capital of the state due to the presence of a large number of important cultural, spiritual and religious places. The notable ones are Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy,

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Travel
Trivandrum located on the southwest coast of India, Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala. The largest city of the state is also a prime tourist attraction of South India. This ancient city has an impressive history dating back to 1000 BC.

Wayanad Travel
Wayanad lying between the Western Ghats Mountains, Wayanad is a popular hill station and one of districts located in northern part of Kerala. Wayanad mesmerizes its visitors with its stunning beauty that unfold in its mist clad mountain peaks.  Read More...

INFORMATION ABOUT KERALA FOR TRAVELERS WHO PLAN TO VISIT KERALA, KERALA TRAVEL GUIDE

Kerala Travel Guide

Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful state, to enjoy its scenic beauty, breathtaking views, mists covered mountains and lush green woods. This coastal state is divided into fourteen districts, with Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) serving as its capital. Thiruvananthapuram is also the largest city in the state. Other most visited cities are Ernakulam (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Idukki, Munnar, Palakkad, Wayanad, Trichur, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kollam, Kannur and Kasargod. Every district and city has distinctive features and represents the natural beauty of the state. Kerala has a long and impressive history, which includes trading spices to China, West Asia, Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Kerala has been occupied by Portuguese, Dutch and British, during the Colonial Era in India. As a result, many forts, churches and palaces of Kerala exhibit Colonial architectural style. Kerala is also popular for temples and their annual festivals. Known for its natural diversity, the state is home to a large number of sanctuaries and wildlife reserves such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady), Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Trivandrum) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary). These wildlife sanctuaries contain rich variety of flora and fauna. There are several places in Kerala that offer adventurous sporting activities, such as trekking.

Alleppey (Alappuzha) Travel
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is among the top tourist attractions in Kerala. This beautiful tourist site has a large network of inland canals that give it the name ‘Venice of the East’. The history of the place states that it was founded by the Dewan of Travancore, Raja Kesavadasan in 1762.

Ernakulam Travel
Situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, Ernakulam in Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city has been named among the best natural harbors in the world. Ernakulam has a long ancient history of receiving Arabs, Chinese,

Idukki Travel
The real natural wealth of the state of Kerala lies in Idukki District. The charming district contains the state’s highest mountain peak and also the largest forest cover. Some of the major rivers of Kerala,

Kannur Travel
Kannur is a beautiful district in the northern part of Kerala. Famous for its temple festivals, Kannur is the best place for nature lovers, who want to take a break from hectic life and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Kasaragod Travel
Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala, is home to a number of tourist attractions of the state. Nature has splattered its bountiful beauty throughout Kasargod, with as many as twelve rivers flowing across its terrain and Arabian Sea in the west.

Cochin (Kochi) Travel
Cochin (also known as Kochi) is the commercial capital of Kerala. The city holds the reputation of being one of the finest natural ports in the world. Kochi has an impressive history of subsequent rise and colonization by European forces.

Kollam Travel
Since ancient times, Kollam district has been considered as a major trading port of Kerala. It serves as the trade route for the merchants of Western Ghats. The region is well known for producing pepper, coir, cashews and other agricultural products.

Kottayam Travel
Kottayam, among the state’s more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala’s finest natural scenes, sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.

Kozhikode (Calicut) Travel
Calicut (also known as Kozhikode) is a major city and one of the prime tourist attractions in Kerala. For centuries, Kozhikode remained an important port for trade and commerce in the state. It was a prominent trade centre,

Malappuram Travel
Malappuram (literally, a land a tops hills) is situated 50 kms south-east of Kozhikode, bounded by the Nilgiri Hills in the east, the Arabian sea in the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts in the south. Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathappuzha.

Munnar Travel
Munnar is a popular hill station in the state of Kerala. Famous for its tea plantation, Munnar served as the summer retreat of British. The hill station is located at a height of 1,600 m above the sea level. Over the years, it has become a major tourist attraction in Kerala.

Palakkad Travel
Also known as the Gateway of Kerala, Palakkad (or Palghat) is located at the base of the vast Western Ghats. The region includes high mountains, green forests and rich valleys with rivers and streams flowing through the district.

Pathanamthitta Travel
Engrossed in the hilly terrain of Kerala, Pathanamthitta can rightly be called the head quarters of Pilgrimage tourism in the State. With more than fifty per cent of the land area covered with thick forests the district has a prominent place in the supply of hill produces in the State.

Thekkady Travel
Thekkady, a very popular tourist attraction in Kerala, is the ideal place to sit back and relax a laid-back holiday, amidst breathtaking scenery and cool climate. Located at a distance of 60 km from Idukki and 114 km from Kottayam,

Trichur Travel
Trichur District (also known as Thrissur) is one of the most populous cities of Kerala. It is also known as the cultural capital of the state due to the presence of a large number of important cultural, spiritual and religious places. The notable ones are Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy,

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) Travel
Located on the southwest coast of India, Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala. The largest city of the state is also a prime tourist attraction of South India. This ancient city has an impressive history dating back to 1000 BC.

Wayanad Travel
Lying between the Western Ghats Mountains, Wayanad is a popular hill station and one of districts located in northern part of Kerala. Wayanad mesmerizes its visitors with its stunning beauty that unfold in its mist clad mountain peaks

Kerala Travel - Kerala is God's Own Country and Kerala Tourism offers you a wonderful chance to explore the destination that is deemed for its heavenly beauty. The beaches, backwaters, monuments all present a kaleidoscope of nature's beauty during you Kerala Travel. You can also enjoy loads of adventure and leisure options on your Kerala Tourism
 

Kerala Tourism Guide, Kerala Tourist Guides, Kerala Travel guide, ravel to Kerala, Kerala Tour guide for Travelers, Tourist Map of Kerala, Kerala Tourist Place

Kerala Tourism Guide

Kerala, a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of swaying palms and tropical beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory draped along the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation, and reaches to the Arabian sea. Also referred to as “God’s Own Country”, the sheer title presage the magnificence and bounties of nature and gracious hospitality with which Kerala is blessed. Due to its eclectic diversity both in term of geography and heritage, Kerala offers plethora of options when it comes to things to do and places to visit in this nature’s wonderland.

An introduction to tourism in Kerala
The chief appeal of Kerala lies in its meandering network of backwaters, tropical beaches, hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries. Not to mention the architectural and cultural heritage which includes temples, forts, Kathakali and Mohiniattam dance forms. A veritable tourist paradise in India, Kerala is also a favored honeymoon destination owing to its charming countryside, lush surroundings, endearing backwaters and paradisiacal beach escapades.

Another foremost aspect adding to the romantic appeal of Kerala tourism is Ayurveda and yoga. Kerala tourism gives you an opportunity to explore various spectacular destinations in ‘God’s Own Country’ not to mention it’s green tourism initiatives to promote responsible tourism and reduce the carbon footprints of the traveler while at the same time empowering the locals to become a direct beneficiary of the tourism activities.

Important Tourist Destinations in Kerala
Alappuzza
Alappuzza is one of the major tourist attractions in the state. This spectacular place is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” because of the network of lakes, lagoons and water channels, and its verdant natural beauty. Ketuvallams promenading in the serene backwaters and lush rice paddy fields and pastoral environs adding to the mystique of backwater cruise at Alappuzza is one of the most alluring aspects of Kerala tourism. But it’s not just the foray into the backwaters of the famous Nehru Snake Boat Race. A tour to the pastoral countryside of Alleppey is definitely worth stopping for to soak in some tropical village life before making a beeline for the backwaters. Also, when in Alappuzza, make sure that you gorge on that mouth watering seafood and an eclectic variety of authentic South Indian cuisines. But a backwater cruise in the calm coconut fringed water channels on board Ketuvallams is a must. Ketuvallams used to be traditional rice barge and offer an authentic experience of culture of Kerala.

Munnar
Draped along the Western Ghats, Munnar is a welcome respite from the heat and humidity of the lowlands of Kerala. Owing its salubrious climate to rolling hills, scenic hillocks roofed with tea gardens and craggy peaks often isolated yet enticing, Munnar is one of the most fascinating hill stations of South India. The major tourist attractions of this place are Eravikulam National Park, Devikulum, Pothanmedu, Attukal, Nayamakad, etc. But don’t go for the usual in Munnar if you are looking forward to enjoy the real charm of Munnar. Head to the surrounding hills and serene countryside of Munnar, only then will you discover the authentic lure of this bucolic retreat.

Kumarakom
Lying on the shore of largest freshwater lake in India, the Vembanad a part of the Kuttanad, you can actually stop here in Kumarakom to smell the fragrance which impregnates the air. Those who’ve read Roy’s God of Small Thing’s set in a village adjoining Kumarakom must have a general idea of the backdrop. Tourism in Kumarakom normally revolves around Vembanad Lake and backwaters. Backwaters here consist of spectacular lakes, channels, rivers, inlets, lagoons and canals. A ride in Ketuvallams –refurbished traditional thatched rice barges – is a must if you are visiting Kumarakom. Kumarakom is one of the most visited places in Kerala after Alappuzza. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres of land and marshes is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the country and a haven of migratory birds. This sanctuary is a home to birds like Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teal, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Waterfowl, Cuckoo, Wild ducks etc. which are seen here in abundance. Siberian Staorks migrating here every year is another major attraction of this birding paradise in Kerala.

Kovalam
Kovalam name to fame was the discovery of its pristine beaches in early 1970s by hippies. An erstwhile backpacker’s paradise, Kovalam has developed into a world class tropical beach paradise in Kerala. It is a favored destination of honeymooners and those looking forward to a rejuvenating time in sand and sun. Another important factor contributing to tourism in Kovalam is Ayurveda and wellness activities to invigorate your body, mind and soul. Kovalam beach has three semi-circular shaped beaches, which are separated by rocky enclosures. Although the main beaches have become too crowded, thanks to the rapid urbanization of Kovalam, you can still discover the exotic beauty for which Kovalam is romanticized internationally as you wade deeper into the coastline. Shopping for souvenirs and the mouth tingling cuisines served for the platter are two other activities which keep travelers busy in Kovalam.

Wayanad
Wayanad meaning “Land of the Paddy Field” is a verdant hill county draped along the Malabar Coast in Kerala standing testimony to a pre historic culture dating back to Mesolithic ages. Wayanad is known for its cascading waterfalls, picturesque mountains, wildlife sanctuary and responsible tourism initiatives. A medley of green rice fields, frolicking wildlife and surprisingly less visitors makes it an ideal retreat after sun and sand of the low lying planes in Kerala. Wayanad is one of those few destinations in Kerala which has retained its immaculate environment owing to lesser pressure of tourism and responsible tourism endeavors in place which has roped in all the stakeholders involved in tourism. Set at the convergence of history, culture and wildlife abounding in scenic sub-Savannah forest, Wayanad is a fascinating destination set amidst the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau.

Kollam
One of the oldest seaports in the Arabian Sea, Kollam has witnesses the rise and falls of many empires through the trade route of which it was integral part in the days of yore. Be it the Romans, Chinese, Arab, Dutch and the Portuguese who later went on to colonize this part of subcontinent before conceding it to British, Kollam is a very special place in history of India as the commercial hub of ancient sea routes and trade with its ever in demand spices and cashew. Kollam is also a secret gateway to the backwaters of Kerala with most alluring part being its exclusivity and remoteness, thanks to which it still retains a rustic air about it. Pastoral countryside, antiquated character and the street and bazaars suffused with nostalgia, Kollam offers this and much more to those looking for serene outings in Kerala. Get a taste of the unblemished character of Kerala and its culture as you wander through the lush countryside teeming with coconut groves and cashew plantation. There are lakes and calm waterways and then there is serenity which makes for an invigorating getaway in this sleepy little town.

Fort Kochi
History permeates the air and environs of this water bound region south-west of main Kochi. Fort Kochi is suffused with the nostalgia of past, dating back to when Portuguese were granted the city back in 1503 by then Maharaja of Kochi. The eponymous Fort Kochi built by the Portuguese is one of the major attractions till date. The rule of this tiny emerald changed many hands including the Dutch and the British and a stroll in the street or particularly along the beach with Chinese Fishing Nets in the background is reminiscent of its colonial heritage witnessed in its culture and architecture.

When in Fort Kochi, a trip to the Fort, Chinese Fishing Nets and St. Francis Church is a must for the tourists. Other major tourist attractions standing testimony to the rich heritage and colonial legacy of this fascinating coastal county are Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry/Dutch Palace Vasco House believed to be the residence of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama. Besides these major attractions, a variety of cuisines, museums, beachfronts and islands ensure that tourists are on their toes when they visit this charming little town in Kerala.

Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve)
Home to Periyar National Park, Thekkady is known for its scented spice plantations, abundant wildlife blossoming nature and liberal hospitality. The chief attraction of this tiny hill town is the wildlife sanctuary known for its variety of flora and fauna. Spread across the entire district is quaint spice plantations and hill towns which hold captivating prospects for small treks and mountain walks. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park.  This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake.

Getting around in Kerala
By Bus
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs an extensive network of buses between most cities in Kerala. They’re not the fastest or most comfortable things on earth, but are consistent and most of the time punctual. Private buses ply the routes covered by KSRTC and some private buses even ply those not covered by KSRTC. Private buses are comparatively comfortable but there timings are a bit erratic.

By Train
Trains are good for long distance travel within the state. Most trains are long distance trains with stops at many of Kerala's stations. Short distance trains are mainly intercity passenger trains, connecting only major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Palakkad, Alapuzha, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thrissur. For more information on train you may visit the website of Indian Railways click here for information or click here for direct booking from IRCTC Website.

By Taxi
Taxis are a good but expensive way to cover short distances. Negotiate the price before you get into the taxi. Ambassador/Indica Taxis are the big players.

Climate in Kerala
Kerala has three distinct seasons:
Summer from from mid-February to mid-May. It's really hot and temperatures can go up to 35°C in the afternoons.

The monsoon in place from mid-May until early September. Expect heavy showers.
Winter mild and lasts from about mid-October to early February. Heavy rains occur from the last week of September until until early November, due to the retreat of the South-East monsoon. There is no snow in Kerala, although it is quite cold and misty in the mountain regions.

Ayurveda in Kerala
An ancient Indian art of healing and wellness, Ayurveda is a holistic medicinal tradition of natural therapies handed over generation after generations since the Aryan and Vedic period of history. Ayurveda, suffused with the ancient wisdom of longstanding therapies and treatments have still been kept alive here and this makes the holistic journey in Kerala all the more meaningful and invigorating.

The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ayu” which stands for the integrated relation of body, sense, mind & the soul; and “Veda” means Science. Thus, Ayurveda can be translated to “Life science”. Grounded in the principal of five elements and 3 humours, Ayurveda focuses on energy chakras to restore the natural balance and harmonize your body, mind and soul. Kerala’s salubrious atmosphere, bucolic countryside and serene beaches and abundance of natural herbs and medicinal plants – thanks to its richly vegetated forest and location amidst fertile Western Ghats -  makes it a popular Ayurveda tour destination in India.

An array of spa therapies sessions encompassing and inheriting wisdom of Ayurveda and Vedanta to pamper and breathe a new life into your body, mind and soul at various luxury hotels as well as destination spas and Ayurveda centers across major destinations in Kerala will elevate your senses, restore your natural balance, help you find inner peace and let you rediscover your spirit. For Ayurveda holiday packages in Kerala, tourists can either check into some of the luxury five star hotels which are properties of respected names from hospitality industry or they can choose to stay in special spa centers as per their liking and budget.

Eating in Kerala
Kerala cuisine is distinctly different from food elsewhere in India. The major difference that one can easily notice is dominance of rice as staple food and popularity of non-vegetarian dishes which includes beef and pork normally proscribed elsewhere in India. Seafood is an important part of Kerala's cuisine. In regions bordering the backwaters and lakes, traditional cuisine includes fresh-water fish like Karimeen (Black Pearlspot), Prawns, Shrimps, Kanava (Squid) and an array of other mouth watering delicacies.

Food in Kerala tends to include a variety of spices and most of them are extremely fiery. Kerala also has its own fair share of famous vegetarian cuisines and normally only vegetarian foods are taken during festival days, particularly Onam. One of the favorite for any food connoisseur traveling to Kerala is the sadhya, a traditional buffet in Kerala served in particular during Onam on a plantain leaf. It generally has up to 24 items served in it along with various desserts and sweets.

Homestays in Kerala
The new trend in global tourism is the concept of home stays. In India this is still in nascent stage but is gaining acceptance already. The notion of homestays is based on the realization of the “home away from home” concept. The homestays are becoming popular around the globe as it gives a chance to understand the culture and community the host family lives in. Everything is so natural just like home which inculcates respect, engenders understanding and goes a long way in making travel a journey to rediscover oneself along the way.

Tucked away in verdant plantations, serene beaches, amidst coconut fringed backwaters, along the paddy field in a bucolic village or any of the places with a distinct characteristic epitomizing and oozing with local culture, lifestyle and unique flavor of the land and its people, homestays definitely go a long way in bridging the cultural gaps between the host and the guests while offering an authentic local experience of holidays to the travelers.

Hotels in Kerala
Thanks to the growing popularity of Kerala as a global tourist destination owing to its amazing diversity, equitable climate, vast stretches of coconut fringed backwaters and bounties of culture and nature, a number of big names from hospitality industry have come up with exclusive properties in prime tourist destinations in Kerala. With tourism being one of the most important source for the state's coffers, a wide variety and choice of accomodation is available for tourists across the world, suiting individual tastes, cultural preferences and all options that fits everyone's pocket.

This rapid brush with urbanization has ensured that tourists never fall short of accommodation options when holidaying in Kerala. Be it for Ayurveda, yoga, backwaters, beaches or Responsible Tourism, hotels in Kerala offer pampering and comfortable accommodation to guest and there are hotels and resorts in Kerala catering to the different budgets, occasions and discerning of the tourists. Hotels ranging from tourist lodges to 5 star hotels and theme resorts are present in almost all major cities in Kerala. In addition to plush hotels and resorts, there are youth hostels, home-stays, travel dormitories and small lodges catering budget tourists and backpackers.

Kerala Travel Guide, Kerala Tourism, Tourist places in Kerala

Kerala Travel Guide

Kerala is situated on the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats. The country is full of rice fields, mango and cashewnut trees and above all, coconut palms. Kerala is also an important center for spices and this has drawn merchants of spices to stop here. Its wide contact with the outside world has given the Malayalis (the natives of Kerala) their cosmopolitanism. This is also the state with the highest literacy rate.Kerala Dancer

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a relaxed place and has a different culture from Kovalam or Varkala. There is, however, little in the way of 'sights' in the city. Kovalam, on the other hand, is a traditional Kerala village offering fresh fish, toddy and fruit and the ideal place for sun-bathing travelers.

Varkala is an embryonic beach resort 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The town and railway station are two km from the beach which lies beneath towering cliffs and boasts a mineral water spring. The Janardhana Temple is another tourist attraction. In the Western Ghats is the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a nice lake and has opportunities to see wildlife at close quarters. In the Eravikulam National Park you can see the rare, but almost tame Nilgiri tahr.

In northern Kerala, Cochin, St Francis Church is India's oldest European-built church. The remains of Vasco da Gama lies here.

Kerala also gave birth to the dance form, Kathakali. It is a dance exclusively meant for men. It has as subject the battles between the gods and the demons and is dynamic and dramatic in character.

Places to visit:

Sabarimala - in Pathanamthittha is the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala. This holy shrine located high up in the Sahyadri mountains is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and attracts pilgrims from all over India.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Located in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it is dedicated to Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu. According to legend, it was built in stages to house an idol discovered in the forest by a devotee.

Kovalam Beach, KeralaKovalam - is one of the most popular beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promises a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories makes Kovalam a beach paradise.

Allapuzha - Earlier there used to be just one canal between the backwaters and the sea. Pathiramanal, 'the midnight sands', is a beautiful little island in the Vembanad lake, accessible only by boat. Ambalapuzha, the Krishna temple here, 14 km away, is a fine example of the state's architectural style and is famed for it's 'Payasam.'

Bekal beach- Situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. Bekal fort standing between two long, classically beautiful palm fringed beaches, is nearby. Its tall observation towers (huge cannon emplacements belonging to the Kadampa Dynasty), offers a panoramic view of the Lakshadweep Sea. This is one of the largest forts of Kerala and had been under the control of various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British.

Kollam - an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands on the Ashtamudi Lake. With a commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans, it is a typically small Keralan market town. It’s the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Kochi - The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan. Located strategically on the east-west route, it is also Kerala's major port. Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz, the Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue and Bolaghatty Island are some of its landmarks.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - lies 60 km away from Idukki, 190 km from Kochi. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of elephants, deer, bison and wild boar. It is also a tiger reserve. There are opportunities for trekking, elephant rides and boating.

Guruvayoor temple - is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala, 29 kms north-west of Thrissur. Its main attraction is the Krishna Temple or the Guruvayoorappan Temple.

Kozhikode - About 15 minutes drive from the city centre is a place called 'Dolphin's Point' where one can see dolphins playing in the sea, early in the morning. The Beach, is about 2 km from the town center.

Vaikom - 40 km away from Kottayam, is famed for the Siva temple, which according to legend was built by Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. The 12-day Ashtami festival falls in November/December.

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