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Kerala Information
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.
For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.
Backwaters
Kerala’s rainwater surges through the hills and mountain passes to join a network of some 40 rivers resulting in a network of canals, streams, estuaries, lagoons and other water bodies forming the now famous backwaters. The more popular backwater areas are in Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kollam in the south and Calicut in the north. One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning scenery provided by the backwaters is to experience an overnight cruise along them on a luxury houseboat.
Houseboats
Originally built to carry consignments of grain and other produce along the waterways, houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ have been converted or newly built as luxurious houseboats with well appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your decks and cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings, it’s the life along the river banks which makes the experience one of the most spectacular highlights of any trip to Kerala.
Beaches
Kerala has some of the most pristine and stunning beaches anywhere in India. While most of the popular beaches are located in the south in regions like Kovalam and Varkala there are yet undiscovered beach locations as you travel north up the coast. This includes the beautiful Marari, the Cheari beach close to Cochin and the breathtaking Muzhipilangad beach in the north, Kerala’s only drive-in beach.
Tea Hills
The tea hills of Kerala provide some very picturesque settings covering swathes of the Western Ghat Hills. With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar, is recognized to be the most famous tea plantation region in Kerala. Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India, located 1600 meters above sea level, it still manages to retain much of its colonial charm.
Wildlife
The most popular wildlife destination in Kerala is Periyar, an area known for its undulating hills and elephant sightings. One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest. Whilst the wildlife is inhabited by a large number of different species of animals, elephants, bisons and mountain goats are most common. Numerous bird and wildlife sanctuaries can be found across the state and the flora and fauna are any nature lover’s delight. The thick rainforests in Wayanad in the North of Kerala is another relatively undiscovered natural highlight.Ayurveda
A 5000 year old medical science that finds its origins in Kerala, Ayurveda is gaining popularity as an effective alternative medical science across the world. Ayurveda recognises three main energies that combine to form all things in the universe which are recognised as being fundamental to all life and are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance and decay. A large number of ayurveda centres and resorts across Kerala offer authentic ayurveda treatments. The full body rejuvenating ayurveda massage is something every traveller should experience.
Culture and Festivals
A large number of diverse colourful festivals are practiced in the state throughout the year. One of the most popular of them being the Trichur Pooram which is held annually in Trichur and is attended by millions.The performing arts and dances in Kerala are distinctive and very interesting and include the Kathakali &.Theyyam as some of the more popular ones.The Bangaram Islands, Lakshadweep
Teardrop shaped, thick with cool coconut plantations and encircled by a corona of silver sand, the Bangaram islands live up to every ‘desert island’ fantasy you have ever had.