Kerala Tourist Destinations - Most Beautiful Natural Places to Visit

Kerala Tourist Destinations  - Most Beautiful Natural Places to Visit 

Kerala, the south Indian state between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is one of the most popular tourist destinations all around the world. Blessed with timeless natural wonders like wildlife, mountains, rivers, backwaters, lakes, hill stations, plains, plantations- it charms both local as well as international tourists. The state boasts of several destinations, each with its own unique features, that makes them all perfect places to explore. These Kerala destinations are explored by tourists throughout the year.

An Overview
Kerala is a beautiful state that conjures up the image of pristine green foliage, interlinked channels of canals, backwater and rivers, fishing boats returning at sunset, rich temples with its traditional practices and one of the most friendly, jovial and laid back people in India. These are just a few reasons which make the state a popular tourist destination of India and World. This socialist state is a successful model of socialism in India and its proper implementation sees the highest literacy rate in India. The geographical diversity is vast as the state is blessed with sheer cliffs of Western Ghats in the Northern Malabar and the eastern portion is covered by Nilgiri and Palni Hills. The southern region is full of green foliage and a channel of interlinked canals, rivers and lakes all separated from the Arabian Sea by narrow strip of land and some of the most pristine white sand beaches of World are present here.


Some of the best Kerala Tourism destinations are:

Thiruvananthapuram
Previously known as Trivandrum, this laid-back capital of Kerala has an easy-going old world charm. Places worth seeing while in Thiruvananthapuram, are the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Puttan Malika Palace where the maharajas of Travancore held court. The museum at the palace displays historical artifacts and exquisite paintings by Raja Ravi Verma. Many buildings in Thiruvananthapuram display the traditional architecture of Kerala, with tiled roofs, carved wooden pillars and large verandahs overlooking green lawns. English is commonly spoken across Kerala and the pleasant climate of this city makes a tour of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Kovalam
This group of three crescent shaped beaches is known as one of the best beach resorts in India. With clean sandy stretches, opportunities for water sports and Ayurvedic masseurs offering their services to visitors alongside the beach, you're sure to enjoy a relaxing vacation in this idyllic beach paradise.

Kochi
Previously known as Cochin, this important port city is known for the Chinese Fishing nets seen in its harbor and for its legendary spices including pepper, which were exported from Cochin to the West. With many foreign powers setting up trading houses in this city, the architecture of Kochi reflects this international influence. Fort Cochin, the St. Francis Church, the spice market and the Jewish Synagogue are places to see on your tour of Kochi. A sunset cruise in Kochi harbor where you see the sun dip below the sea and the last rays of light silhouette the Chinese fishing nets is an experience that's not to be missed when you travel to Kochi.

Kerala Backwaters
Traveling on a houseboat, through a quiet world of wind and water, with no noises but the swaying of the palm trees, the birds calling to each other and the sound of water splashing against the hull of your boat. Before you sleep at night, you can try to count the myriad stars in the clear sky above you, on the backwaters of Kerala. The waterways that connect the villages along the backwaters, reveal fascinating glimpses of village life in Kerala - you can see children running alongside, fields being ploughed and fishing eagles and cormorants diving for fish, as you drift along on a backwater cruise in Kerala. Most cruises are organized around Alleppey, Kuttanad and Kochi in Kerala.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary in the Idukki district of Kerala, is set around the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake created by a dam on the Periyar River. Originally the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Travancore, Periyar is now a protected national park. A boat cruise on the lake lets tourists observe the animals from nearby, as they come to the waters edge to drink. Herds of elephants come together and can be seen drinking, bathing and playing nears the water. Other wildlife that can be seen in Periyar include tigers, leopards, monkeys, nilgai, sloth bear, porcupine, the Malabar Flying Squirrel and many birds including the Great Indian Hornbill. The best time to visit Periyar is between December and April.

Allappuzha
Known for the annual snake boat races, hld in this sea saide town around the fetival of Onam, in Kerala, Allappuzha or Alleppey is transformed into a hub of excitement as tams of rowers power the swift snake boats called Chundanvalloms through the waters, competing for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

Thrissur
The temple festival at Thrissur is a grand event where two rows of magnificently decorated tuskers, stand facing each other while drummers beat out a traditional rhythm and representatives of the temple raise colored parasols over the elephants bearing the images of the deities of neighboring temples, is both an intense religious event and a colorful tourist attraction in Kerala.

Munnar
Located in the hill ranges of Kerala, Munnar is a vision in green. Some of the highest tea estates in Kerala can be seen in Munnar, as the hills surrounding this scenic town are carpeted with tea bushes, spice plantations and greenery. There are also opportunities for nature walks, trekking and bird watching tours in Munnar.

Ponmudi
This hillstation in the Western Ghats, located around 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a picturesque getaway. The green hills, with winding roads, pretty cottages, and an abundance of birds and butterflies flying through the spice plantations and tea estates, make it an idyllic Kerala tourism destination. These are some of the well-known tourism destinations of Kerala. There are many more beaches, hill stations, and quiet getaways in Kerala where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday on tours of Kerala, India.

Thekkady
Thickly forested Thekkady is just the place for wildlife enthusiasts. Famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located around the serene Periyar Lake, Thekkady enchants you with picturesque vistas and abundant wildlife. Tour spice plantations and see the attractions of spice plantations that envelop entire Thekkady in a delightfully aromatic mist. Tour Pullumedu , Ottakathalamedu and Kurusimala as you discover magical Thekkady and its myriad charms.

KOTTAYAM - An important tourist place in Kerala

 KOTTAYAM - An important tourist place in Kerala

Kottayam is located in central Kerala in India. It is believed that the name Kottayam originated from the Malayalam words 'Kotta' meaning fort and 'akam' meaning 'inside', giving the word meaning 'interior of the fort'. The town is an important trading center of spices and predominantly known for its commercial crop rubber. Rubber trees are extensively cultivated in central Kerala, especially in vast areas of Kottayam District, in plantations, both large and small. Interspersed with a network of canals and lakes, Kottayam is also known for its toddy tappers. This is one place where you will find that even one person is not illiterate. The beautiful Vembanand Lake and its associated backwaters border Kottayam district on the West. There are many famous churches in Kottayam including the St Mary's church and the St Joseph's monastery. Some of the famous temples in Kottayam are the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple known for its paintings and sculptures and the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. You can see the historic churches and temples of Kottayam on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.

The temples of Kottayam like thes Thirunakkara Mahadevar Shiva Temple boast of a magnificent architecture along with a rich historical past. There are more than 50 temple shrines located in Kottayam each one unique in its architectural style. Some of the other tourist places of Kottayam like Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid, are located near Kottayam, while others such as Pallipurathu Kavu temple are situated within the geographical premises of this district of Kerala. Apart from religious places, Kottayam is also popular for many cultural events like boat racing. Boat racing has become one of the annual events of Kottayam which is attended by many tourists from different parts of India and even from other countries. The bird sanctuaries, enchanting backwaters and the lush green plantations offer an ideal framework for eco tourism and features as one of the prominent tourist attractions of Kottayam. Blessed with a natural splendor and religious bliss, Kottayam tourist attractions captivate the imagination.

What to See in Kottayam

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - It is the place to go if one wants to have a look at the natural habitat of elephants, the tiger and the bison.

The Thirunakkara Shiva Temple - It is also a famous must-see spot in Kottayam. The temple is a storehouse of the typical Kerala temple culture. The walls of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings. Phalguna Utsav is celebrated here every March. The Kootiattam or the Sanskrit dramas are also an event of attraction in Kottayam.

Vembanad Lake: It is a great water-body which is part of Kerala's famous interconnected Kerala Backwaters that run virtually the length of the state. Vembanad Lake is 52 miles (84 km) in length and 9 miles (14 km) in width. Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvallams have been modified into luxurious cruise boats and house boats for the convenience of the tourists. These boats gracefully move around the back waters, enabling its passengers to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad Lake in a relaxed pace.

Pathiramanal: Translated as the midnight sands, Pathiramanal is a small yet beautiful island located within the Vembanad Lake that is accessible only by boat.

Kumarakom bird sanctuary: Kumarakom bird sanctuary is home to migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter, heron and teal. Local birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl and water hen and other common varieties like the woodpecker, sky lark, crane and parrot can also be spotted here. Approximately 91 species of local and 50 species of migratory birds are found here making it a bird watchers paradise.

Vagamon: is a hill station in the Kottayam-Idukki district.

How to reach Kottayam
By Air - The nearest international airport is at Cochin, located at a distance of around 80 kilometers.

By Rail - The railway station of Kottayam is located at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the bus station. There are regular trains from major cities of Kerala that come to Kottayam.

By Road - Kottayam is well connected to the rest of Kerala and India by a wide network of motorable roads.

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY WILDLIFE DESTINATION OF INDIA

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY WILDLIFE DESTINATION  OF INDIA 

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though it’s a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar Lake. Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger.

In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Climate & Rainfall
The temperatures vary depending upon the altitude and it ranges between 15° Celsius in December and January and 31° Celsius in April and May. The annual amount of precipitation lies between 2000 and 3000 mm. About two thirds of the rainfall occurs during the southwest monsoon between June to September. A smaller amount of precipitation occurs during the northeast monsoon between October and December.

Flora
Around three fourth of the sanctuary area is covered with evergreen and semi evergreen rain forests while a part of the remaining area is covered by damp leaves forest Eukalyptus plantation and grassland. The rest of the area is covered by Periyar River and Pamba River. The floral attractions of the park are approximately 2000 species of flowering plants, 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids. The tall trees of the forest rise upto a height of 130 to 140 feet!

Fauna
Mammals
Approximately 62 species of mammals await to welcome visitors on their trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The most ferocious of these, undoubtedly is the Tiger. Many tourists visit Periyar just in order to get a glimpse of the Tiger that according to estimates number between 35 and 50. However, there is still a larger number of tourists who come here because of the Indian Elephants. The huge mammal is found in pretty large number in Periyar Sanctuary - around 1000.

Other mammals that manage to make their presence felt quiet decently amidst these two are Leopards, Otters, Nilgiri Langurs, Common Langurs, Bonnet Macaques, Lion Tailed Macaque, Malabar Squirrel, Wild Boar, Sambar deer, Barking deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgiri Tahr, Dhole (Indian wild dogs), porcupines, Gaur and Sloth Bears.

Birds
The birds of the park include around 180 species. Prominent among these are Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. Tourists interested in spotting a large number of birds need to carry along their binoculars.

Reptiles
Reptile population of the park is also commendable with around 45 species found. Out of these, a majority (30) of them are snakes. The rest of them comprise of 2 turtle species and 13 lizard species. Frequent sighting of King Cobras and Python, two extremely poisonous snakes is also an attraction for the visitors to the park.

Fishes
There are 38 different fish types live in the water of protected area, out of which four are endemic to the Western Ghats. Salmon and Trout are some of the fish found here.

How to Reach
Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in Thekkady, about 4 km from Kumili in Idukki district of central Kerala and is well connected by road transport from all the major towns of Kerala.

By Air
Nearest airports are Madurai (140 Kms.), Cochin International Airport (190 Kms.) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (267 Kms.)

BY RAIL
Kottayam is the nearest railway station from Periyar National Park which is only 114 Kms. away. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way to Periyar that includes tea estates and spice gardens. Other nearest railway stations are Changanassery (120 Kms.), Madurai: (135 Kms.) and Ernakulam (190 Kms ) etc.

BY ROAD
Direct buses are available from Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Kottayam, Munnar & Madurai.

Travel Tips
Visitors are advised to reach the gate half an hour in advance to complete the formalities for entry into the park.

Best Time to Visit
March and April are the driest months of year, because of which the animals spend a lot of time near the lake. Even the tiger may be spotted near the waters in the Reserve during this period. June, July and August is the rainy season, during this period you can enjoy the greenery of the park at its best under the showers of monsoon.

PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE THEKKADY, PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE, PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK, PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE THEKKADY

Thekkady is a part of the Idukki district of Kerala. It is where the Periyar Tiger Reserve is located. Tiger Reserve lies in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu border and is famous for the reserve and its spices such cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom and clove. The sanctuary is famous for the moist deciduous forest and savanna grass lands. It spreads across 777km and about 360 Km of it is forest. You would find elephants, Sambars, tigers, Nilgiri Langurs and lion-tailed Macaques in the sanctuary.

The best part about this sanctuary is the artificial lake created by Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar river.  It is not uncommon to see elephants, bisons and deers come down from the forest to drink water from the lake. There are also boat rides available for tourists who can enjoy the beauty of the tranquil lake and the surrounding hills that seem to engulf the place. I happened to visit this place during the monsoon season and while the boat went mid way tender showers of rain fell and the passing gale threw the drops into the boat. It was an amazing feeling to be amidst the lake with the cold breeze and rain drops on my face and when I opened my eyes the surrounding greenery made me over whelm with happiness. I was also fortunate to see otters playing with each other or may be trying to catch their meal in the lake during the boat ride.

The sanctuary also has the options of forest trekking for which permission needs to be taken from the forest department. But it is an exciting expedition because before you tread the forest you are equipped with leach socks that are ankle length which makes you feel adventurous and the real adventure begins when you cross the lake to reach the forest. There are rafts made of bamboo that lead you to the other end. The thought of crossing 50 to 100 meter deep lake standing on a bamboo raft did send cold shivers across my body but trekking the forest was an experience it was all worth for. Once you start walking in the forest with an armed forest guard you notice a variety of trees that are only found here and there are various kinds of mushrooms and lichens on most trees. I also got an opportunity to sight a flock of hornbills rush right above me. Their large wings flapping amidst the canopy of trees made it sound like that of a brewing storm.

The forest has over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids and 265 varieties of birds. The sanctuary is also a home for cobra, viper, krait and numerous non-venomous snakes. There are also a few watch towers in the Periyar forest reserve that are the best for viewing wild animals. So if you are a nature lover then this is an apt place for you to feel and be amidst Mother Nature. It is also one of the best places for clicking beautiful pictures and also sight wild animals.

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Thekkady Kerala India

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Thekkady Kerala India 

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, south India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 350 km2 (140 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982.

The park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. It is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. It is 4 km (2.5 mi) from Kumily, approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of Kottayam, 110 km (68 mi) west of Madurai and 120 km (75 mi) southeast of Kochi.

Periyar National Park lies in the middle of a mountainous area of the Cardamom Hills. In the north and the east it is bounded by mountain ridges of over 1,700 m (5,600 ft) altitude and toward the west it expands into a 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high plateau. From this level the altitude drops steeply to the deepest point of the reserve, the 100 metre valley of the Pamba River. The highest peak is the 2,019 m (6,624 ft) high Kottamalai. The Periyar and Pamba Rivers originate in the forests of the reserve.

The sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake, a reservoir measuring 26 km2 (10 sq mi) which was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. The reservoir and the Periyar River meander around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.

The temperature varies depending upon the altitude and it ranges between 15°Celsius in December and January and 31°Celsius in April and May. Annual precipitation is between 2000 and 3000 mm, about two thirds occurring during the southwest monsoon between June to September. Much of the rest occurs during the northeast monsoon between October and December.

Flora
The park is made up of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, stands of eucalyptus, and lake and river ecosystems. There are many hundreds of flowering plant taxa, including about 171 species of grass and 140 species of orchids.

The forests contain teak, rosewoods, terminalias, sandalwoods, jacarandas, mangoes, jamun, tamarind, banyans, sacred fig, plumerias, royal poinciana, kino tree, bamboos, and the only South Indian conifer, Nageia wallichiana. The medicinal gloriosa lily grows in the park. The endemic flora includes Habenaria periyarensis and Syzygium periyarensis.

The park is surrounded by agricultural regions, especially plantations of such crops as tea, cardamom, and coffee.

Fauna

Mammals
There are 35 species of mammals recorded in the park, including many threatened species. It is an important tiger and elephant reserve. A total of 24 Bengal tigers were counted across 640 square kilometers of the park in 2008. It is valuable Indian elephant habitat. Other mammals include the gaur, sambar, wild pig, Indian giant squirrel, Travancore flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Salim Ali’s fruit bat, stripe-necked mongoose, and Nilgiri marten.

Birds
About 265 species of birds can be seen in the park, including migrants. Endemic birds include the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Crimson-backed Sunbird, and White-bellied Blue Flycatcher. Other birds include the Black Baza, Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Nilgiri Thrush, Little Spiderhunter, Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Great Hornbill, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Oriental Darter, and Black-necked Stork.

Reptiles
There are 45 species of reptiles: 30 snakes, 13 lizards, and two turtles. Snakes include the king cobra, Malabar pit viper, and striped coral snake.

Amphibians in the park include caecilians, frogs, and toads. Species include the Malabar gliding frog, Asian toad, fungoid frog, and bicolored frog.

Fish
The 40 species of fish in the local lakes and rivers include the Periyar trout, Periyar latia, Periyar barb, channa barb, and Travancore loach.

Insects
There are about 160 butterfly taxa, including the lime butterfly, Malabar tree nymph, and Travancore evening brown, and many kinds of moths, such as the Atlas moth

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar, Periyar National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala

About Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Other Attractions in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumily :
Situated just 4-kms from Periyar, Kumily is a growing town where tourism is fastly catching up just like the spice trade, the major occupation of this small town. The town is also well equipped with the excellent hotels and resorts for accommodation.

Cradomom Hills :
Periyar and Kumily are the most convenient points from which visitors can easily explore Kerala's beautiful Cardamom hills. Guide will approach you at offers of trips via jeep or taxi to the hills and if you can get a group together, these trips work out as a good travel value.

Boat Cruises :
Boat cruises make the best option to check out the wilds of Periyar Sanctuary.Today the Periyar lake presents an excellent boating spot for tourists. Although it is unusual to see many animals from the boats, still you spot a family of Elephants, Wild Boar, and Sambar Deer by the water's edge. The upper deck is best for wildlife viewing when taking a boat cruise, but better turn up half an hour early to get the best seat. To maximise you chances, take the 7.00 am boat. You can also consider renting your own boat.

Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October and June.

How to Get there
Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar.
Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.
Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

General Info / Tips
Note : After heavy rains, chances of good wildlife sightings are very slim as the animals only come to the lake, when water sources inside the forest have dried up.

Kerala the land of many varieties, land with ample Heritage and cultural background and much to offer to the tourists is having many interesting places spread through out the region. A few of the places to visit in Kerala are

Alleppey

Alleppey previously called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a bunch of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Because of its large network of canals many times it is referred as the ‘Venice of the East’ by worldwide tourists.  This backwater region is also home to diverse range of animals and birds.  Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir. It holds a special place in the maritime industry of Kerala because of its location in the vicinity of Arabian Sea.

In recent days Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year during August-September, Alleppey is eagerly waiting for the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race a water sport unique to Kerala.

Cochin

Cochin or Kochi being an important port city is strategically located, well connected by aerial routes, railways and road. Travelers who want to arrive by air can alight at Cochin International Airport at Nedumbessary. If you prefer rail journey you have two stations to alight Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction. Many express trains from cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are plying to Kochi. This city is well connected by road to many major cities of other states.

The city is filled with glamorous shopping centers and Jewellery shops. The Hotels and Restaurants are very attractive and serve appetizing food. Among the busy roads and business centers the city also caters to some very beautiful parks, children's playgrounds and beach side pavements. The Naval base and the Cochin shipyard make it a place of importance. Marine drive is also another business area in Cochin which has a beautiful view of the sea and the islands. You can also see the merchant ships and the cruise liner halting for fueling.

Places of tourist interest being Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. It is an eclectic blend of the Arab, British, Portuguese and Dutch legacy. To get a taste of the Portuguese architecture, you can head towards The Santa Cruz Basilica. The St. Francis Church, another specimen from the Portuguese era, boasts of having being the burial site of the famous Vasco da Gama. The Chinese fishing nets, a remnant from the rule of the majestic Kublai Khan, is another major tourist attraction. After a day of wander lust, you can unwind at the Fort Kochi Beach, which also houses a pretty lighthouse. The Jew Street, the Dutch Cemetery and the Princess Street are some of other coveted tourist hot spots.

Kovalam

Well known as the ‘Paradise of Southern India’ is sixteen kms away from Trivandrum city. The word ‘Kovalam’ means a grove of coconut trees. The coconut trees at the Kovalam villages symbolize natural beauty and economic value. A characteristic feature of the sands in theKovalam beaches is that they are black in color. This is attributed to the presence of thorazite and ilmenite. It is having three famous beaches, the most preferred of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach. The northern Samudra beach has a couple of primitive wooden vessels for fishing. Hawah beach is located in between the other two beaches.

Kumarkom

Kumarakom, located about twelve kms from Kottayam is a famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala. This place can be reached from Alappuzha. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad Lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms scattered everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties is fascinating the tourists. On the scenic Vembanad Lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a cluster of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life.

Munnar

Munnar with its impeccable beauty is the most famous holiday destination in South India. In the green and serene Kamman Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar. Munnar is located at a height of 6000 feet above sea level in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations pristine valleys and mountains exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests with aroma of spice scented cool air is how it can be described in brief. Munnar has all these and more.

Periyar

The central attraction of Periyar, is thePeriyar National Parklocated in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The main attraction of the Periyar National Park is the Periyar lake on a huge 5500 Hectares. This lake is formed by the construction of dam on the river Periyar. Along the perimeter of the lake are the marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals like elephants, as it provides a natural protection and nourishment to them. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is having a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The other major attraction being Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing real visitor satisfaction. Spread over an area of around 750 Sq km., Periyar is one of the twenty seven tiger reserves in India. The great thing about the locals of Periyar is they provide people oriented community based ecotourism and help preserving the forests.

Thiruvanantapuram

Thiruvananthapuram district lies at the southern tip of Indian peninsula. The very clean and green Thiruvananthapuram city is the capital of kerala and the headquarters of Thiruvananthapuram district. The name Thiruvananthapuram in local language means ‘the abode of Lord Anantha’, where Anantha is the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu reclines. Lord Vishnu or Padmanabhais the presiding deity of Shree Padmanabhasami temple here. Having arabian sea and the wooded Western Ghats on the boundary, Thiruvananthapuram offers the most enchanting tourist spots, with beautiful beaches, historic spots and palaces, famous shrines and mystic backwaters and also the very rich history that dates back to 1000 BC. It is the major center of Medical tourism in India. The city was officially called as Trivandrum in English until 1991. The city is built on seven low hills. Raja Marthanda Varma is considered as the Father of modern Thiruvananthapuram. 

Varkala

The landscape of Varkala makes it exceptional amongst the beaches of Kerala. The beach is backed by Towering cliffs that guard the sparkling waters. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply mesmerize the visitors. You will observe a composite picture of the beauty and awesomeness of nature with Shining white sands, cloudless skies touching the blue water and the red soil of the hilltop, coupled with yellow-green paddy fields, and green coconut trees. Here nature in its pristine glory remains so untouched that to get to the secluded part of the beach, one has to either scramble over rocks during high tide or climb down the cliff.

Wayanad

Located in the Nilgiri Biosphere, Wayanad district in Kerala is a land of mysterious jungle trails, mountain caves, ancient ruins, thundering waterfalls, exotic wild life and a number of aboriginal tribes. The district's hilly terrain with numerous trails and trekking routes makes it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. With twenty six percent forest cover, much of the district still remains unexplored, and constitutes the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. Wayanad has two major wildlife reserves Muthanga and Tholpetty which are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Nestled at an altitude between 700 - 2100 meters above the sea level, Wayanad Kerala comprises explicit flora and fauna.

The district also has its share of historical and religious monuments. But it's for its natural beauty that Wayanad is best known. This district of Kerala is rich in cardamom and pepper. This region is always filled with the aroma of spices and coffee.