Eastward, the spice-scented Cardamom Hills and wild elephants of Periyar beckon, while a short flight west takes you to the little-known but sublime tropical reefs of the Lakshadweep islands.
A thin strip on the southwest coastline, sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the forested Western Ghats that define its border with Tamil Nadu to the east, Kerala covers a mere 1. It is in fact here that the first seafarers set foot on Indian soil. Contemporary Kerala was created in from the former princely states of Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar.
Largely ruled by benevolent Maharajas who introduced social reforms emphasizing the provision of education and basic services, Kerala remains one of the most progressive, literate, and educated states in post-independence India. In , it became the first place in the world to democratically elect a Communist government, and the first Indian state to successfully introduce a family-planning programme.
Despite its high population density, Keralites have the countrys highest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality rates. Kerala is considered one of the cleanest and most peaceful parts of India, besides being a fully literate state.
The state remains a major source of Indias bananas, rubber, coconuts, cashews, and spices, especially ginger. The traditional Kerala homes characterised by carved wooden ceilings,sloping tiled roofs and central courtyard, are being converted into homestays which are becoming increasingly popular. Kerala Maps. Kerala Tourism at a Glance. Kerala Backwaters. Kerala Houseboats. Kerala Wildlife. Kerala Beaches. Kerala Ayurveda. Kerala Hill Stations. Kerala Cuisine. Kerala Pilgrimages. Kerala Monuments.
Kerala Astrology. Kerala Waterfalls. The main beach is busy, but great for people watching at sunset and dolphin watching at sunrise. Kumarakom A famous Kerala backwater spot which is acres of land reclaimed from Vembanad Lake, and engineered by an English farmer back in Extremely luscious, catch it just after monsoon for a Pantone-like plethora of green. Hardly surprising that it is teeming with birdlife.
Bring binoculars for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kumily Perfect for visiting Periyar National Park, with backdrop of the misty mountains of Kurushumala, there are wonderful homestays with hiking opportunities straight out the front door.
Also known as the Spice Garden of India, it is shopping heaven. And after you go bamboo rafting here, you will wish you could pack one of these in your suitcase too. You can also visit the Mannan tribes from here. Periyar A visual feast. Not only do you have the backdrop of the Western Ghat Mountains it is also home to a tiger reserve and a massive lake where wild elephants come to play and be admired doing so.
Tiger sightings are rare, but there are monkeys, wild pigs, deer, Indian wild dogs, and what feels like a carnival of birds. It is also crawling with that less rare species, the tourist, especially on the cruises. Take a guided eco trail or go bamboo rafting to escape the stampedes.
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary Just 14km from Kothamangalam, this bird sanctuary is 25km 2 so you can spend the whole day hiking through this forest in the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains.
And out here you are in veritable cuckoo land. Thekaddy Along with Kumily, this is a popular place to stay when visiting Periyar National Park, there are wonderful places to stay here, from homestays to plantation resorts, and plenty of hiking on the doorstep. The Red Frog spice shop is a must.
Now a busy business hub, mixed with surfers and shoppers, this marine metropolis is still brimming with history. Varkala It is very unusual to find beaches with cliffs in Kerala, and these ones do the picture postcard trick.
The main beach of Papanasam is 3km from the main town, which is just inland, and accessible by train. The 2, year old Janardana Swami Temple, just close to the beach, is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. Indeed, Varkala is a healing sort of place. Our top Kerala Holiday. Tailor made: This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements.
See all our Kerala Holidays. Travel Team. If you'd like to chat about Kerala or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. The following times give you a rough idea of the driving times between the main attractions in Kerala: Kochi - Munnar: 4 hours by car Kochi to Periyar National Park: 5 hours by car Alleppey to Periyar National Park: 4 hours by car Kochi to Kozhikode: 5 hours by car Alleppey to Kozhikode: 5 hours by train.
More about Kerala. Best time to visit Kerala. Discover the best time to visit Kerala, according to its three specific seasons, which range from cool and dry, to hot and humid, with a monsoon season, too. Kerala travel guide. Things to do in Kerala.
Slow travel is the way to go here, because there are so many culturally exciting things to do in Kerala, you need to time to take it all in.
What is the food like in Kerala? The food in Kerala is as big a highlight as its green hills, coast and wonderful wildlife, and its mellow flavours and nutritious ingredients have seduced many a hungry traveller. Kerala houseboats. In Kerala, visiting the spice and tea plantations that cloak the hills is a highlight of any holiday, while on the coast, the port town of Kochi still bustles with the spice trade.
Walking in Kerala. Ayurveda in Kerala. Ayurveda is an ancient healthcare system that originated in southern India and still thrives in Kerala today.
Kerala with kids. Some families head to Kerala to soak up the winter sun, but there are many ways to see Kerala with kids that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Kerala travel advice. Read lots of advice on travel to Kerala, on everything from visas and packing, to culture and food, from some of our expert travel companies and fellow travellers. Responsible tourism in Kerala. Overdevelopment and its trail of destruction are now the biggest issues when it comes to responsible tourism in Kerala.
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