Kerala Tourism

Brief Introduction
Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country" is one of the most popular tourism destinations in India. Pleasant climate, beautiful palm-fringed beaches with long golden stretches of sand, the serenity of the backwaters and the clear blue Arabian Sea, makes Kerala one of the most beautiful destinations in India. The rich cultural heritage, the Ayurveda spas and resorts where traditional therapies are practiced and water sports, make Kerala the favored destination to visit. In Kerala you can travel to the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, Varkala,Bekal and many more to the green hills of the Western Ghats.

Main Attractions

Backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala are the most amazing and serene. Cruising on the houseboats amidst the calm waters and greenery is the best way to explore the local life and culture of the populace. The houseboats have all the comforts of a 5 star. The most popular backwaters in Kerala are Cochin, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam.

Beaches
Kerala has one of the best beaches in the country. The long unending stretch of golden sands gleaming under the sun and the blue waters, these attract one and all. You could simply relax at the beachside or indulge in the water sports. Some of the famous beaches are Kovalam, Varkala, Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Marari.

Hills
Kerala has a long chain of lush green mist clad hill stations. All these offer an enchanting experience of nature and the beauty. They make for a relaxing and a delightful treat to the senses. The highlands of Kerala are also apt for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, rock climbing and are also excellent picnic spots. The most famous hill stations are Munnar, Ponmudi, Idukki, Wayanad, Silent valley and so on.

Ayurveda
Ayurveda in Kerala is the mainstream; it is the only state which practices Ayurveda. Its pleasant climate and abundance of forests makes it the perfect place for Ayurveda. The vaidyas here practice it with utmost dedication. Ayurvedic treatments such as oil message, Yoga & meditation, Panchkarma , sweat treatments are practiced in the resorts of Kerala. Some of the best Ayurveda resorts in Kerala are Somatheeram, Kalari Kovilakom, Kairali Ayurvedic resort, Sarovaram health centre and many more.

Wildlife
The Western Ghats region of Kerala is a treasure of forest and mineral resources and with such a favorable topography, it is rich in flora and fauna.

Flora
tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, montane subtropical and temperate forests as well as grasslands.

Fauna
Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Chital, Sambar, Gray Langur and so on.

Avifauna
453 varieties; Oriental Bay Owl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Peafowl, Cormorant, Hill Myna, Oriental Darter, Oriole, Drongo, Bulbul, Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Water Fowl and other migratory birds.

Some of the famous sanctuaries are Periyar national park, Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Idukki sanctuary, Eravikulam national park and so on. 

Hotels in Kerala
Kerala has a variety of options to choose when it comes to accommodation;From 5 star hotels to budget hotels and lounges, houseboats, villas and homestays. Some of the options are listed below:

• The Lalit
• Vivanta by Taj
• Kumarakom lake resort
• Palm tree heritage
• Coconut Lagoon
• Le Meridian Cochin

Connectivity
Air: There are 3 airports in Kerala viz Trivandrum international airport, Cochin international airport and Calicut airport and all are connected to other major airports.
Rail: Direct trains to Kerala can be availed from all the major towns and cities.
Road: Kerala is easily accessible by roads with 2 states- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and through National Highways 17, 47 and 49.