Kerala Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide to God's Own Country

Discover the enchanting beauty of Kerala, India's 'God's Own Country'. Explore lush green valleys, serene backwaters, breathtaking hill stations, pristine beaches, and world-class hospitality. Immerse yourself in Kerala's unique Ayurvedic traditions, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife. From thrilling adventures to relaxing retreats, Kerala offers something for every traveler. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect Kerala vacation.

KERALA TOURISM
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Kerala is one of the top most destinations in India. The state attracts tourist from all over the
world. The lush green valleys, the lazy backwater, the verdant hill station, the beautiful beaches,
world class stay facilities, with warm hospitality, makes it the most popular destination in
India. Situated in the Malabar Coast in the southern part of India, Kerala is bathed by
Arabian Sea, and crisscrossed by 44 rivers, canals, streams, rivulets. The Western Ghats with
its beautiful waterfalls attracts adventurous minds. Whether it is a family vacation or honeymoon
tour, pilgrimage or adventurous trip; Kerala has something for all kind of tourists. The
uniqueness of Kerala lies in its Ayurvedic services, which provide, ayurvedic massages and Spa
to revujinate mind and body.
The Arabaian Sea on the Western part of the state forms many beaches. The beaches most visited
are Kappad, Alappuzha, Marari Beach(Mararikulam,Alappuzha),Nattika (Thrissur),
Vadanappilly beach (Thrissur), Cherai Beach, Beypore beach, Marari beach, Fort Kochi,
and Varkala. The Muzhappilangad Beach at Kannur is the only beach, which allows diving.
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Most tourists are attracted to the backwaters of Kerala. It is formed by the rivers flowing down
from the western Ghats and the waves of the sea. The important rivers are the Valapattanam,
Chaliyar, Kadalundipuzha Bharathappuzha,Chalakudy, Periyar, Pamba,Achanko, and Kalladaya
and are navigable by country crafts.
Just 10 km south of Kozhikode, at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, lays the famous fishing
harbour, port and boatbuilding centre of Beypore. The cheapest transportation in the backwaters
is the ferries, run by The Kerala State Water Transport Department. One must stay in the
houseboats or kettuvallam in the backwaters. There are more than 2000 and are categorised as
platinum, gold and silver by the Kerala Tourist department. Houseboats are floating cottages
with all modern facilities for stay. Tourists prefer to spend time sitting in the deck. The living
and dining room is usually open on at least three sides providing a view of the surroundings
Kerala style food is mostly served in the houseboats and are cooked on the boat.
Meandering through the region of Kuttanad, is a vast network of canals which form the
Vembanad Lake. Covering an area of 2033 km², it is the largest lake and the busiest lake in
Kerala. Shtamudi Lake , locally called Ashtamudi Kayal, in the busiest tourist destination.
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Rising above 1500 m from the sea level, The Western Ghats houses some of the most beautiful
and serene hill stations of India. Munnar being the most beautiful destination is often called the
"Kashmir of South India". The unparallel scenic beauty makes it the favourite destination for
honeymoon
.
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The other popular stations are
Vagamon, Paithalmala, Wayanad, Nelliyampathi, Elapeedika, Peermade, Thekkady and Ponmud
i. Well-knit roads connect all.
Western Ghat also offers breathtaking views of some of the most gorgeous waterfalls. The
largest waterfall is Athirappilly Falls; nicknamed, as "The Niagara of India" stands tall at 80 feet.
A large part of Kerala, is covered both evergreen and deciduous forests. The sanctuaries like
Periyar, Parambikulam and Eravikulam National Park offer jungle safari facility for visitors at
stipulated time of the year. They are home to Asian elephant, Bengal tiger,leopard ,Nilgiri
tahr and grizzled giant squirrel . There are several bird species in these forests which can be cited
,Oriental bay owl Indian grey hornbill, as well as Indian cormorant, myna, Oriental
darter, black-hooded oriole and many more., Alexandrine parakeet, and migratory birds are seen
during the winter. Backwater is a treasure-trove of freshwater fish such as kadu (stinging
catfish) and brackish water species such as Choottachi (orange chromide).
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There are 15 lighthouses in the entire state of Kerala. Tangasseri Lighthouse or Thangassery
Lighthouse is situated at Tangasseri in Kollam still bears remnants of Anglo-Indian culture.
Visits are allowed between 11 am and 5 pm. Remains of the Anchuthengu Fort and Lighthouse
in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is worth visiting too.
One must not miss the "Thirayattam" a vibrant Ethnic performing art; a mixture of dance, drama,
songs, instrumental music, facial and body makeup, satire, martial art and ritualistic function.
Vallum kali, the traditional boat race during Onam festival attracts many foreign tourists.
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Kerala well connected by road (NH22), railways and air. The main International Airports are
Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, Kannur .Southern railways connect Trivandrum to all major cities
of India. It experiences a warm and humid climate throughout the year therefore; tourists can
visit in any season. The romantic monsoon, the peaceful hills, the lazy backwaters, the refreshing
beaches all together with its greenery, indeed makes it “God’s own Country.
The best time to visit kerala is troughout the year humid tropical climate.cochi , Calicut and
Trivandrum airport., kunnur international airport.It is accessed by flight from major cities.The
state is well connected with railways the largest railway station being Thiruvananthapuram
Central.
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Bibliography
tripadvisor.com . Kerala 2018: Best of Kerala Tourism - TripAdvisor. [online]
Available at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297631-Kerala-
Vacations.html [Accessed 2018].
keralatourism.com. Kerala Tourism - Promoting Kerala | Gods own Country. [online]
Available at: http://www.keralatourism.com/ [Accessed 2018].
keralatourism.org. Tourist Destinations of Kerala. Category listing page .... [online]
Available at: https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/ [Accessed 2018].
keralatourism.org. Welcome to Kerala Tourism - Official Website of Department ....
[online] Available at: https://www.keralatourism.org/ [Accessed 2018].
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