Kerala travel information | Kerala tourism

Introducing Kerala

Kerala is where India slips down into second gear, stops to smell the roses and always talks to strangers. A strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, its perfect climate flirts unabashedly with the fertile soil, and everything glows. An easy-going and successful socialist state, Kerala has a liberal hospitality that stands out as its most laudable achievement.

Resting on low hills in Southern Kerala, is the capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), used as a gateway to nearby resorts by many but boasting some of its very own attractions and dreadlocked faithfuls. North of the capital is Varkala with its stunning cliffs; but the real emerald jewel in South India’s crown are the backwaters that meander throughout Kerala. Here, spindly networks of rivers, canals and lagoons nourish a seemingly infinite number of rice paddies and coconut groves, while sleek houseboats cruise the water highways from one bucolic village to another – try stopping at Kollam (Quilon). Along the coast, slices of perfect, sandy beach beckon the sun-worshipping crowd, and far inland the mountainous Ghats are covered in vast plantations of spices and tea. Exotic wildlife also thrives in the hills, for those who need more than just the smell of

Places To Visit In Kerala

ALLEPPEY

Since time immemorial, the fascinating city of Alleppey has been a travelers' paradise. Also known as Allapuzha, it is the best gateway to explore the unspoiled countryside. It also invites you to have a memorable time on the backwaters in a country boat.

Other attractions in Alleppey (Allapuzha) include:

1: Ambalapuzha

2: Arthunkal

3: Mannarshala Temple

4: Krishnapuram Palace

Kovalam

Kovalam one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in South India, is the best place for relaxation. It has three different beaches of which the Lighthouse beach is the most famous beach. Ayurvedic treatment especially during monsoon is another attraction of Kovalam.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Trivandrum, which is 16 Kms from Kovalam. The nearest railway station is Trivandrum. Kovalam is easily accessible by road.

Wayanad

One of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for picturesque mist-clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centers of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region.

How to reach

Nearest airport is Calicut (Kozhikode) which is approx. 80kms away. Nearest railway station is Calicut. Waynad is well connected by road.

COCHIN

The beautiful coastal town of Kochi offers a unique fusion of tradition and modernity. Reputed as one of the most scenic natural harbors in the world, the city has been a port of call for many mariners from across the world. Being a city of peninsulas and islands, it has many tourist attractions to offer.

The major tourist destinations in Kochi include:

St.Francis Church

Built in 1503 by the Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it is India's oldest European Church. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 but later the remains were taken to Libson, Portugal.

Chinese Fishing Nets

These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by the traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

Mattancherry Palace

(Dutch Palace) (Open 1000- 1700 hrs daily except on Fridays)

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. Mural Paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and some of the Puranic Hindu Legends are a real attraction. The palace also houses Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former Maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.

Jewish Synagogue

(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs and 1500 - 1700 hrs- closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays)

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. The Dutch rebuilt it in 1664. The main attractions include the hand painted, willow patterned floor tiles from Canton in China, a clock tower, Chandeliers, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura

(Open 0900 - 1200 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs- closed on Mondays)

10 Kms from Kochi, Hill palace was the official residence of the erstwhile Kochi royal family and was built in 1865.
Excursions from Kochi

Kalady

The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Advaita philosopher of the 8th century.

Kodanad

Kodanad is one the largest elephant training centers in South India.

Athirapally Water Falls

The cascading falls are enriched with scenic beauty and is an ideal picnic spot.

MUNNAR

Located on the Western Ghats, Munnar is a charming hill station. It promises travelers a complete holiday experience amidst lakes, reservoirs, forests and tea estates. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Some of the most admired tourist spots in Munnar include:

Mattupetty
Is famous for its highly specialized Diary Farm - the Indo-Swiss live stock project.

Devikulam
This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air offer a unique experience to visitors. The sita devi lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.

Rajamala
2695 mt. above sea level this place is a natural habitat of the rare species - Niligiri Thar.

Top Station

This is the highest Point on the Munnar - Kodaikanal route and one gets good view of the nearby towns from this peak.

How to reach

Nearest airport is Cochin, which is 140 Kms from Munnar. No rail head to Munnar. Roads are well connected.

MARARIKULAM

Oone of the picturesque fishing villages that dot the lovely coastline of Kerala.This private, shallow beach is fringed with unending lines of coconut plams.The Marari Beach Resort is a specially created fishing village with 52 thatched villas builts to the local village style. The 400 sq.ft. villas are all air -Conditioned and best of the comforts of a superior resort. For More Details of Marari Beach
Things to Do: Swimming, Ayurveda Treatments.

KUMARAKOM

Kumarakom is a picturesque clean village that reflects the true natural beauty of Kerala. It has recently been developed as a tourist center and has made s distinct place among the tourists. Boat races, houseboat cruise, canoeing and fishing are the attractions that make it a special place to explore.

Kumarakom offers a variety of tourist attractions that include:

1: Bird Sanctuary

2: Kuttnad

3: House Boats

How to reach

The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 80 kms away and Kottayam, 16 Km away, is the nearest railway head, which is well connected by trains from all major cities in India. It is easily accessible by road also.

THEKKADY

Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants. There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife.

Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be seen.

How to reach
The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 192 kms [5 hrs drive] away. Nearest Rail head is Kottayam which is approx. 120 kms away. Periyar is well connected by road.

Places to see

Periyar National Park

National Park is open from morning 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boating is the only way to view the wildlife in Periyar National Park.

Boating
Timing: From 07:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs

From 14:00 hrs. to 16:00hrs.

Trekking

Trekking is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. It will be good if you can carry your trekking boots and gear. 4 days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight tent camping can also be arranged.

Plantation Tours
Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady.

Silent Valley

The core of the Niligiri Biosphere Reserve, it probably is one of the magnificent gifts of nature to mankind. Silent Valley is a unique reserve of tropical rain forest in all its pristine glory with an almost unbroken ecological history. Above an altitude of 2000 meters with an area of 90 Sq. Km it has a fair representation of rare species of Flora and Fauna.

Visiting time: 6am to 6pm.

Transportation: A mini bus and jeep (subject to availability) .

(From Mukkali to Silent Valley and back).

Accommodation.

1. Rest house at Mukkali - 3 bed suits - 4nos.

2. 7 bed room.

3. Dormitory - 40 bed - 1 no.

4. Hut (2 suited).

5. Tariff - Suit: On request.

Varkala

Varkala, 50 km from Trivandrum, is one of the famous and upcoming beaches in South India. Varkala is famous for its quiet secluded stretch of sand. The Papanasam beach in Varkala is known for its mineral springs and rocky cliffs. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy temple and the Nature care centre are the two main attractions here.

Varkala is also an important Hindu center of pilgrimage. The final resting-place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Trivandrum which is 50 Kms from Varkala. Quilon is the nearest major railway head. Varkala also has rail connection but not all trains stop here. Varakala is easily connected by road.

Maps Of Kerala :

Important landmarks in the history of Kerala

1: 1498 - Vasco De Gama landed on the Malabar Coast

2: 1723 - East India Company signed a strategic treaty with the then King Marthanda Varma

3: 1947 - Kerala became a state of independent India.

Fairs & Festivals in Kerala

1: Onam

2: Kerala Village Fair

3: Nishagandhi Dance Festival

4: Snake Boat Race

5: Arnamula Boat Race