Kerala located in south west coast of Indian sub continent. Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Blessed by all natural diversities, Kerala is one of the well-loved tourist destinations of the world especially to the nationals from Gulf countries during their summer vacation period. Kerala beckons the visitors with monsoon rains and the charming nature of waterfalls, gardens, tea spice plantations, parks Misty hill stations, silver sand beaches, rhythmic backwaters and many spectacular sights.
Major destinations and attractions
Munnar
The best hill station in South India situated at a height of 1600 M above sea level. Munnar was erstwhile summer capital of British administrators in South India. This spectacular hill station situated at the confluence of 3 rivers hence the name ‘Munnar’ (3 rivers in Malayalam language) established. Sprawling tea plantations, fruit-vegetable-spice plantations, laughing waterfalls, plenty of viewpoints together with lakes & dams and throughout the year lasting cool weather attracts millions of visitors in every year.
Major tourism spots
Waterfalls- Cheeyappara, Valara, Nyayamakad, Lukkam waterfalls, View Points- Pallivasal,Pothamedu,Break-heart gap, Echo point, Shooting Point, Top Station. Dams & Lakes- Chengulam, Mattupetty, Kundala, Ponmudi.Wildlife Sanctuary & Forests: Chinnar, Marayoor. Others- Tea Museum, Flower Garden.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Boating in Sengulam Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake. Rides in Dream Land Spice Park, Wonder Valley Adventure Park, Blossom Hydel Park. Jeep Safari, Elephant Ride, Horse Ride. Trekking in Rajamala/ Eravikulam National Park. Hiking in Meesapulimala, Chokramudi etc.
Thekkady
Periyar wild life sanctuary (national park & tiger reserve) and abundant spice plantations are attracting the tourists to this forest-mountain city. Boating through the Periyar lake will give opportunity to view flocks of elephants, deers, lion-tailed macaque, nilgiri langurs in shores of the lake. A safari to deep forest may rewarded by spotting other wild animals including tigers, leopards etc.Sprawling gardens of cardamom, pepper, coffee and other spices offer the visitor an experience of soothing atmosphere.
Major tourism spots
Periyar national park, Kumily spice markets, various spice plantations, Chellar Kovil etc.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Boating through Periyar lake, Jeep safari to Kambam grape yards, Jeep safari to Satram, Elephant ride, Kalaripayatu (Martial art) show, Magic show, Classical dance show, Body massaging etc..
Kumarakom
A popular tourism destination of worldwide celebrities and law makers including Kings, Princes, Presidents, Business magnets and political leaders who intend to relax few days by breathing the breeze from the backwaters and staying away from hassle bustle city life.
Major tourism spots
Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Driftwood museum, Thanneermukkam bund etc.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Houseboat cruise, Shikara/Country boat/ Motor boat cruise, Fishing, Body massaging etc.
Alleppey
(Alappuzha in local Malayalam language) is known as ‘Venice of the East’. Vembanadlake and interconnected cluster of canals bordered with array of coconut trees in tiny islands, emerald green paddy fields and vibrant shore of Arabian sea are made this place as one of the famous tourism destination in Kerala.
Major tourism spots
Kuttanad rice fields, Alleppey Beach, Alleppey town & canals, Coir museum at Cherthala, Thottapally spillway, Marari Beach etc.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Houseboat cruise, Shikara/Country boat/ Motor boat cruise, Fishing, Body massaging etc.
COCHIN
(Kochi in local Malayalam language) was an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward, and maintained a trade network with Arab merchants from the pre-Islamic era. This city is known as ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ as well as ‘Commercial Capital’ of Kerala.
Besides that this city is going to be ‘IT capital of Kerala’ after full functioning of Cochin Smart City under Dubai Internet City. Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala. The city was ranked the sixth best tourist destination in India according to a survey of the Outlook Traveller magazine.
Major tourism spots
Fort Cochin Beach, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattanchery Palace, Jews Street & Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Willingdon Island, Vypin Island, Cherai Beach, Mangalamvanam Bird Sanctuary, Hill Palace & Museum, Kerala Folklore Museum, Marine Drive, Subhash Park etc.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Boating in Marine Drive & in Nettoor. Rides in Wonder-la amusement Park, Shopping in Broadway and other shopping streets, Shopping in Lulu Mall and other malls. Body massaging etc…
ATHIRAPALLY
The gigantic waterfalls in Kerala located in Chalakudi Taluk of Thrissur district. It is the largest (80 feet) waterfall in Kerala and hence nicknamed as ‘Niagra of Kerala. There are some other small falls in the proximity of this fall. Important among them are Vazhachal, Charpa & Thumboormuzhi.
This site is located 60 km away from Cochin Airport and 90 km from Cochin city. The road through the forest to this site itself an attractions to tourists. Tourist may view wild animals in journey. Besides that 2 amusement parks – Dream World water theme park and Silver Storm Amusement Park – are located close to this destination.
kovalam
Kovalam is the 2nd most beautiful and internationally recognized beach tourism centre in India. Three adjacent tranquil beaches separated by rocky outcroppings collectively known as Kovalam beaches. Largest beach among them is Light House Beach which is situated in Southern most part, Hawa Beach is located in middle and Samudra Beach is bordered to Hawa beach. Hotels and resorts with international standard facilities and various Ayurvedic Spa resorts have the lead role to spread the fame of Kovalam globally.
Major tourism spots
Light House Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Shangumukham Beach, Vizhinjam Beach, Poovar Estuary, Neyyar Dam, Trivandrum Zoo, Napier Museum, East Fort, AnandaPadmanabha Swami Temple, Veli Tourist Village, Akkulam Tourist village etc.
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Boating in Poovar Estuary, Veli Tourist Village, Akkulam Tourist Village. Horse ride Veli Tourist Village, Body massage in Ayurvedic Spa.
Wayanad
The emerald jewel in the crown of Kerala, is situated 700-2100 metres above sea level at the confluence of the three south Indian states of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Verdant hills, mist-clad mountain peaks, waterfalls followed by gurgling cool springs, lakes, virgin forests with wild life, islands, Tea, Coffee, Spice plantations, exotic flora and fauna offering the thrilling experience to every visitor.
Major tourism spots
Lakkidi View Point, Pookot Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Karlad Lake, Neelimala View Point, Vellarimala View Point, Jain Temple, Pazhassi Tomb, Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Islands, Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Soojipara/Kanthanpara/Meenmutty Waterfalls etc
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Jeep Safari to Muthanga/Tholpetty Wildlife sanctuaries, Boating in various lakes, Bamboo rafting in lakes and in Kuruva Islands, Zip Line, E3 Theme Park etc.
Calicut
(local name- Kozhikode) have the glory as granary of spices from the time immemorial. Traders from all over the world landed in this coastal city to collect these precious spices. Arab traders were leaders among them and they enjoyed the monopoly in spice trade till formation of British East India Company and the region came in British rule. Many Arabs settled in this region and mingled with the local community by marrying girls from here or bring spouse and kin from their own home country.
Major tourism spots
Kappad Beach, North Beach, South Beach, Beypore Beach, Mananchira Square, S.M. Street, Spice Market, Tusharagiri waterfalls etc..
Major adventure/ entertainment activities
Boating through Chaliyar river, country boat cruise through Korapuzha river, Body massage in Ayurvedic spa, Shopping in streets & malls etc..
House Boat
Houseboats are huge, slow-moving barges used for leisure trips, floating meetings and night stay. A Cruise along the palm fringed waterways of Kerala in a luxury houseboat (ketuvallom in Malayalam language) is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. Without experiencing and enjoying a houseboat cruise, the trip to Kerala will not be a complete one.
Backwaters of Alleppey, Kumarakom, Ashtamudi (Kollam) are the major centres of houseboat cruising. Houseboat cruising facilities are available at Chaliyar river, Chandragiri river in north of the state.
Amusement Parks
In Kerala many amusement/ water theme/ adventure parks are operating successfully and attracting thousands of local and international visitors daily. Abundance of natural springs and sources of water helps these parks works throughout the year.
Major amusement/water theme/ adventure parks are Wonder-La at Cochin, Silver Storm & Dream World at Chalakkudi near to Athirapally, Dream Land Spice Park, Wonder World Adventure Park, Fun Forest Adventure Park & Blossom Hydel Park at Munnar, Fantasy Park at Malampuzha, Vismaya Water Theme Park &Sadhoo Merry Kingdom Park at Kannur.
E3 Theme Park at Wayanad, Magic Planet Theme Park at Trivandrum, Flora Fantasia at Valanchery (Malappuram), Pee VeeaaRThe nature tourism village Park at Kakkadampoil (Kozhikode).
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is Science of Life, which treats body and mind. Ayurveda evolved in pre-historic period in India and since it is the traditional treatment method in India and now globalized through modernization and adoption of new techniques in manufacturing and marketing.In Ayurveda, treatment not applied to the affected part only; instead the whole body.
Ayurveda explains the knowledge of do’s and don’ts one has to follow for perfect health and harmony of life. In Kerala, Ayurveda practices with authenticity and dedication by using the genuine natural ingredients. Because most of the shrubs, plants and other ingredients using for production of Ayurvedic medicines are abundant in Kerala.
