Welcome to Kerala, God's Own Country. You are surfing 'the place to visit' in India, besides the Taj Mahal. Kerala isone of the ten 'Paradises Found' by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. It is a land much acclaimed for the contemporary nature of its cultural ethos, and much appreciated for the soothing, rejuvenating paradise that it is.
With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by forty four 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. Historicand 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.
» Kochi (Cochin) : The port city of Kochi (longknown as Cochin) is located on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas half way up the Goan coast. The majority of tourists stay in the Ernakulam district but the old section of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin is the main focus of interest. All linked by a series of ferries and bridges, these districts are an unlikely blend of medieval Portuguese, Dutch and English architecture. Near the waterfront are St Francis Church (India's oldest), a16th century Portuguese palace and a synagogue dating back 450 years. Setamong all this are spice markets and a village green that could have been transported from rural England. The architecture follows the history of European influence. Kolchi came to prominence in 1405 when the royal familymoved here and the city became an important harbour attracting Christian,Jewish and Arab settlers from the Middle East. The Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and later the English. One of Kochi’s main attractions is the Kathakali dance which can be seen a tone of many special tourist theatres, or, more authentically one performed by a temple-based company. The best way to explore the town is on bicycle,which can be hired from a number of companies.
» Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary : The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is set in the high ranges of the western Ghats in Southern India. Consisting of a National Park and a Tiger reserve, the Periyar wildlife Sanctuary preserves a beautiful lake in the heart of the sanctuary. The lake initially formed as are servoir of a Dam provides drinking water to the wildlife for their sustainance. Along the sides of the lake are marshy tall grass land areas giving it an exquisite look. In the marshy land are sometimes seen the Langurs and the Macaque. The park lies 75 miles southeast of Kochi at an altitude between 900 to 1800m.
» Kerala Backwaters: One of the most memorable experiences for travellers in Kerala is aboat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. The best known is the area known as Kuttanad, situated between the hills in the west and the Arabian Sea,stretching for 50 miles south of Kochi...
» Ayurveda in Kerala: Around 5000 years ago, Indians evolved a unique system of health care called 'Ayurveda'. This took care of all their ailments and diseases. Later with the introduction of Allopathic treatment, ayurveda lost its initialrespect. However, off late, not only Indians, but also people from various other countries...
» Beaches in Kerala: Kerala is endowed with a long 600kms of undulated shoreline, dotted with a landscape laden with ripe yellow mangoes, that taste of Summer.Kerala, is an endless visual feast, with the beaches in unison with the golden sands, palms and the slow life behind the charm and grace of the bluewaters.
