KERALA
Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India. Nicknamed as one of the "10 paradises of the world" by the National Geographic traveller, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India Popularly visited attractions in Kerala include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala, the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, and Ponmudi, and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region - an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that center on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada - also see heavy tourist traffic.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS OF KERALA
Kochi
Popularly known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is located in Kerala, on the south west coast of India. Regarded as the industrial capital of Kerala, Cochin is the commercial hub of this thriving state. Traveling to Kochi is a great experience and there are many tourist attractions that can be visited. Read on further to know more about what to expect in your travel to Cochin.
Cochin is popularly referred to as the Gateway of South India. It is an important trade center and many countries prefer this place to export and import their materials. Despite being ruled by so many different domains, Cochin still maintains its cultural identity and is fiercely proud of it. The Dutch, British and also the Portuguese have ruled Cochin for many years. This resulted in a unique mix and match of traditional as well Western architecture and lifestyle.
Alappuzha
Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea, Alappuzha, the Venice of the East welcomes you to the backwaters of kerala. The Palm fringed canals and shores bustling with glimpses from the day to day life in the country side, the mirror still lagoons, picture book lakesides and its long sandy beach has blessed Alappuzha, the water locked district, to become one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country.
The large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Water carnivals using the gigantic snake boats and the country canoes of varying sizes have an important role in the community life of the people of the district.
Periyaar
Periyar tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature's bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction.Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary.
This reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.Apart from Elephants and Tiger, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, previously known as Calicut, is an important and scenic town in North Kerala. The name Kozhikode is derived from the Malayalam word for the crowing of a cock. The area around Kozhikode was ruled by local rulers called Zamorins who traded with merchants from Arabia. In 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad Beach, near Kozhikode. After the British grew to become the dominant trading power, Kozhikode, renamed Calicut, became an important British trading outpost. A locally made variety of checked cloth called Calico (from Calicut) was a popular item of export. You can tour the attractions of Kozhikode on Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Kozhikode is known for its historic buildings, beautiful green countryside, beautiful beach, hospitality and cosmopolitan culture. Kozhikode has several institutions of higher learning including a National Institute of Technology and an Indian Institute of Management.
Kollam
Kollam or Quilon, an old sea port town on the Arabian coast , stands on the Ashtamudi lake. Kollam, the erstwhile Desinganadu, had a sustained commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was regarded by Ibn Batuta, as one of the five ports , which he had seen in the course of his travels during a period of twenty four years, in the 14th century.
This reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife.Apart from Elephants and Tiger, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog.
Munnar
Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala. Nature blossoms and thrives in full form in Munnar. Munnar is located at the converging point of three mountain tributaries namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Nestled between beautiful hills and lush green valleys is the scenic locale of Munnar. Your Munnar travel will be definitely worth the time and efforts you are devoting. Anyone visiting India must travel to Munnar, Kerala. This place was a favorite among the British when they ruled India. In fact, the bungalows they lived in so many years back are still maintained properly and people still live in them.
Munnar is famous for its tea gardens and plantations. So much that it has an entire tea museum dedicated just to the refreshing beverage, tea. This museum houses some fascinating antiques and artifacts related to the growth and evolution of the tea plantations in Munnar. The highest peak of south India lies in Munnar and is called Anaimudi. It goes upto a height of approximately 2700 meters. This lovely peak is a favorite place of those interested in trekking and rock climbing. Also, one can go for long walks on the undulating pathways of the hills.
Thrissur
Trichur with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is the cultural capital of Kerala. Trichur is famed for and wide for its pooram festival. This festival district has witnessed many rulers and dynasties starting with the Zamorins, Tipu Sultan to the Dutch and the British. A cultural center, the Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy are located here
From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south india. The town is built around a hillock top. Its most prominent feature is the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as its presiding deity.Near Thrissur, just 30 km away is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the state, Guruvayoor. The historic Sree Krishna Temple is the main attraction.
Ayurveda
The science of Ayurveda aims at complete treatment of the body in the most natural way possible. It is an indispensable part of medicine today and many people are resorting to Ayurveda to regain vigor and vitality and lead a stress-free life. In Kerala, Ayurveda is almost synonymous with healthy living. While in Kerala, Ayurvedic treatment for oneself is a great way to unwind and relax in the lap of nature.
The ideal time to go for an ayurvedic treatment is during the monsoons. This is because during monsoons, our body has less heat and the pores are open to the maximum level. Thus, the body is most receptive to Ayurvedic treatment during this time. The main aim of Ayurveda is to promote healthy living among humans. They say nature is the best healer and that is what the ayurvedic resorts in Kerala try to do. They provide treatments derived from nature itself. Kerala's ayurvedic resorts provide treatment for ailments like paralysis, cataract, arthritis, stress, injuries, etc.
