Kerala Tourist Attractions

Kerala , known as Gods Own Country,is the land of lagoons and palms ,the land of elephants and tigers,and the land of rich cultures and traditions, and has been one of the most sought after places by travellers from all around the world.It is without doubt one of the most beautiful places on the planet and thats why they call it 'Gods Own Country'.The cultural life of the people of Kerala is equally beautiful and is a major factor in attracting the tourists

• Kochi - The Queen of Arabia

  Formerly known as Cochin and also called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" this seaside town is the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The ride through the lagoons in Kerala style houseboats is an unforgettable experience. The famous Bolgatty Palace and The Thripunithura Palace is one of the biggest of its kind in the whole of Kerala. The Chinese fishing nets in the lagoons are an enchanting sight. Kochi is the only metro in central Kerala, it also gives you great opportunities for shopping.

• Munnar - The Kashmir of the South

  Munnar is without doubt the most beautiful place in Kerala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. The lush green mountains adorned by tea and coffee plantations are a sight to watch. Munnar gives you a heavenly feeling, with the thick mist surrounding you in the middle of the plantations. The nearby mountains present a spectacular view. There are also some waterfalls and trekking paths for the adventurous traveller.

• Thekkady - A showcase of the Wildlife of Kerala

  Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and hence nature. Elephants, deers, boars, bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area. The tourism department offers trekking right into the heart of the forest either on foot or atop elephants. The resort located in an island in the centre of the lake is the ideal place to observe animals. Boating through the lake is a very pleasant experience and you can observe many waterbirds at close range. This place is ideal for wildlife photography. The best time to visit is between September and March.

• Kumarakom- Haven of Serenity

  If you are looking for a place to relax ,to relieve the tension that has builded up from your workload, to just enjoy peace and silence, this is the place to be . Located close to Kuttanad ,known as the Venice of the East,with its mangrove covered lagoons and houseboats made on bamboo, serving you the most delicious Kerala food , this place just amazes any visitor. Sailing through the calm waters of Kumarakom or enjoying an ayurvedic massage, life just slows down for you. Kumarakon is also a bird watchers' paradise.Many different species visit this place all round the year.

• Vagamon - Enchanted Meadows.

  Vagamon is a pilgrimage spot , a picnic spot and at the same time a place for adventure. Situated near the Kerala-Tamilnadu boundary,in the district of Kottayam, the main attraction of this place is the hillocks stretching over a large area,with only grass and a beautiful lake among the hillocks. This is the ideal family picnic spot.During the winter , the hillocks are covered by thick mist,so thick that you cannot see a person standing 5feet away. Being within that mist, in such beautiful landscape is an inexplicable feeling and it must be experienced. The nearby pine forests are an ideal place for romantic couples.

• Anathapuri - The land of the Kings

  Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) is a must have destination for every tourist visiting Kerala , because it offers you a bunch of places of interest. Kovalam, one of the finest beaches in the whole of India,is only a half an hour ride from the city. Another wonderful beach and pilgrimage centre, Varkala is also easily accessible by road. The hillstation Ponmudi,61 Km from the city ,offers you a day full of beautiful sights.The Ananthapuri temple right in the heart of the city is a historic monument and is a magnificent portrait. The city is connected by air, rail and road to all Metros.

• Agastyakoodam- the abode of biodiversity

  Agastyakoodam (Agastya Malai), a towering forested peak of 1868 metres, and adjoining forests in the tail end of Western Ghats form the most diverse and unknown ecosystem in Peninsular India. These forests, falling in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala and the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu habours many endemic species of plants that are unique to peninsular India. The undulating hills of these area, especially those at lower elevations, are also known for their abundance of medicinal plants. A sizable proportion of around 2000 medicinal plants used in the traditional systems of medicine are found here. Trekking to the top of the hill,

• Wayanad - Nature at her most beautiful self

  Wayanad shows you how beautiful nature can be without human interference. The mountains, the winding lanes and the thick forests on either sides give you an ethereal experience. In the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary at the heart of Wayanad.The Edakkal caves give you paintings that are some 4000 years old. The Bamboo forests are an excellent picnic spot.For the adventurer ,trekking in Muthanga,Edakkal and Pakshipathalam can be a lifetime experience.Other places of interest are Jain temple,Meenmutty waterfalls,Kuruva islands and the Soochipara waterfalls.

• Thrissur- The cultural capital of Kerala

  Thrissur or Trichur is famous for the Thrissur Pooram, one of the biggest festivals in the whole of India. The sight of a hundred adorned elephants on either sides of the famous Vadakkunnatha Temple during the festival is a must watch scene for anyone visiting KeralaThe Guruvayur temple located near the city is a famous pilgrimage spot. The two major waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappally and Vazhachal,Anakkayam , 20 Kms from Chalakkudy is on the shore of the famous Chalakkudy river and the place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.