Kerala – Truly Gods Own Land

Kerala is a state on the southwestern coast of India. The long coastline of Kerala has encouraged global maritime contact, which is evident in the diverse architecture and overseas cultural influences. Kerala has maintained a unique cultural identity with customs, arts and festivals that continue to thrive. A network of backwaters is a special attraction found along the coastline of Kerala, that allows travelers to discover the plantations and villages by navigating these man-made canals.

Some of the highlights of Kerala include the Wayanad and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for elephant spotting, exploring the spice and tea plantations around Munnar or experience the floating life of Kerala’s backwaters. Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital of Kerala with many government offices, organizations and companies. It is also a major academic center housing several premier educational institutions including the Kerala University. The Padmanabha Swamy Temple, the Napier Museum and Zoo, and the Palayam Mosque and Church are among notable heritage sights in the city.

The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters. The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a strong culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique.

Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God’s own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape. There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.

Kerala Tourism – Five Senses and a Million experiences

Kerala tourism is a story of how three magic words – ‘God’s Own Country’ catapulted overnight a heretofore quiescent state into the national and international consciousness. Kerala captured the imagination of millions and the National Geographic Traveler went on to name it one of the 10 paradises in the world. Incidentally, I was confronted by a query that had me stumped – Why is Kerala called ‘God’s Own Country’? This question became the theme for a major rebranding exercise in the tourism firm I work for and the creative directors came up with something amazing- finally, for the love of god, a convincing reason! Without further ado, I present to you:

Kerala – Five Senses and a Million experiences

Ingenious! Kerala- a festive destination for all the five senses and, at the end of it all, for your sixth sense too. Because Kerala is where all your five senses come alive to gift the body and soul a heavenly experience and your sixth sense tells you there’s more to it than meets the eye. Yes, Kerala just gets under your skin. Read on as I try to discern how Kerala treats our five senses – See, Hear, Touch, Feel and Taste and makes a holiday in Kerala an experience of a lifetime!

SEE – Your dreams up close

Sight is considered the most beautiful of our senses. Kerala – the beauty that it is has a visual extravaganza to offer which can be proffered by no other place in the world. The sun-kissed blue waters, charming beaches, spectacular hill stations, tranquil backwaters, abounding wildlife and Colourful festivals of Kerala can make you see your dreams up close!

The Plethora of Options:

Kerala is a destination for all reasons and has something to offer for everyone. Whether it is a visit to the palm-fringed beaches which are some of the most charismatic and finest beaches of the world or the Mist-clad green Hill stations or the tranquil backwaters, fringing paddy fields and picturesque village life, Kerala’s options are as varied as they are irresistible. One of the greatest advantages that Kerala offers to the traveler is that he can move from one theme destination to another in a matter of a few hours. There is no place in the world where beaches, green jungles, rolling hills and magical backwaters all come together in a tiny strip of land. The colorful medley of Kerala fairs and festivals is as varied as the land, is an expression of the spirit of celebration and reflection of the joyous Kerala life. No wonder why Kerala has always fitted the western notion of Eden. Thus the enchanted traveler ends up spending more time in Kerala than in any other destination.

HEAR – the sounds of silence and music

The sense of sound is considered best to inflict the feeling of calmness. The musical tradition of Kerala consists of both vocal and instrumental form with both sharing equal importance in the Keralites psychic. The rhythmic percussion, to purity of wind instruments, the energy of the boat songs and the harmony of carnatic classical music can wake our heightened sense of sound.

The Sounds of Silence and Music:

Close your eyes and listen to mixed sounds of the loud twittering of birds and the gentle murmuring of the backwaters. Kerala lays claim to a wide range of native musical instruments which together boast a host of unique notes and melodies. Characterized by rhythm (taala), Speed (Kaala) and Time (Samaya), there are so many kinds of musical combination or melas of varying depth and acoustics designed to treat your sense of sound. Kerala also claim host to various schools where the style of devotional rendering was customary. Hear the exuberance of boat songs accomplished by a large contingent of artistes and technical resourcefulness involved in building up the tempo is consummate.

TOUCH – life in its fullness and be touched

Kerala is a chance to touch your real inner self and feel life in its fullness. You will be amazed by the culture of contentment living in harmony with nature, its permanence of love and timeless values, the sanctity of family life and the unhurried pace of fruitful living in Gods own country. But Kerala is more than sightseeing destination; it is also a destination for spiritual and intellectual adventure.

Enjoy life in its fullness and be touched:

Let the sanctity, trust and unconditional love of family life touch your heart. Be touched by the tolerance and selflessness of family love. Have nature at its best be touched by the contentment of ethnic living in harmony with nature. Kerala in an intellectual experience offering real hope for the third world with unbelievable religious tolerance, newspaper readership is highest in the world, more women than men and great health systems. Kerala is an epitome of social development, there is truly no place like it.

FEEL- The beauty and meaning of life

Give yourself a chance to feel the enduring value of arts and culture, the warmth of traditional hospitality, the rejuvenation of body and soul through ayurveda and the coziness of a home afloat in unique houseboats and a treat yourself to the experience of a life time! Its culture and tradition along with its varied demography has made Kerala one among the most popular tourism destinations in the world.

Feel the beauty and meaning of life:

It is often the simplest of things in life that bring the most delight and that is why the matchless experience of a backwater cruise is so ideal. The silence is breathtaking. What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible rural Kerala that it offers. The cultural confusion is exactly what makes Kerala so alluring. In Kerala another draw is its unmatched reputation for performing arts. The colorful and elaborate costumes of dancers add to the visual beauty and charm of the performances that are invariably part of all celebrations and festivities in the state. Today Kerala caters to the experience tourist with traditional tharavadu, traditional meals on the plantain leaf eating with fingers, out on sea with fishermen on their catamarans and elephant rides. Beat that! But let’s not forget Ayurveda – Kerala’s perfect art of Rejuvenating, Purifying, Beautifying and Vitalizing the human body. Who is not fascinated by that?

TASTE – The delicacies of an eclectic culture

Kerala has immense potential to tickle your taste buds with its remarkable simplicity, taste and range. The diversity we see in today’s Kerala food evolved from its past of profound historical and social events the influenced the diet of its inhabitants. Its history has left an indelible mark on the cuisine which in the course of time has evolved into one with an identity of its own. Kerala’s spicy food may the best vegetarian cuisine on the planet.

The delicacies of an eclectic culture

Taste the natural tang of spices which make each Kerala dish a veritable symphony of flavours. This spice concerto is what makes the cuisine so unique. Kerala is also renowned for the mouthwatering coastal seafood cuisine. The varied and delicious vegetarian cuisine is mainly represented by the Kerala Sadya which is a cuisine with a cornucopia of influences that emanated from diverse situations and was fashioned into a cohesive masterpiece. The indigenous flavor of tender coconut water and other tropical fruits is mesmerizing. But the best part of Kerala food is that it is steamed food with almost zero which auger well both your tongue and stomach!

Tailpiece:

To be in Kerala is like stepping into a magic looking glass as its magnetizing natural beauty is so tempting and fascinating. Kerala tourism is one of the brands with the highest brand recalls but there is no wonder why. People just feel that discovering Kerala is has got more to do with the soul. Yes that’s why Kerala is God’s own Country – A land where all your five senses come alive to gift the body and soul a heavenly experience and your sixth sense tells you there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Explore the Best of Kerala Tour

Kerala tours are to explore the celestial beauty of backwaters, indulge in the exotic flavours of spices, a colourful performing art scene, rejuvenate with the holistic measures of Ayurveda and to discover angelic beauty of hill stations.Tours to Kerala offer a platter full of enchanting experiences and thus a visitor must first make a pick from the horde of travel options according to one’s preference and personal interest. One of the finest ways of planning a Kerala tour is by selecting the most culturally thriving and geographically blessed regions of the state. To be able to enjoy all these features of the region one must add Alleppey, Kovalam, Munnar and Kottayam to the itinerary.

Alleppey

The crystal clear backwaters shimmers, cool breeze coming from the coconut palms, silvery waves of sea swirling the ambiance at Alleppey is quaint and comforting. Popularly known as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey is one of the most popular backwater destinations and flags most of the houseboat cruises in Kerala . The main attraction of the town is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race held every year in the month of August to celebrate the festival of Onam. Various long and sleek boats participate along with hundreds of rowers in this water carnival.

Kovalam

A beach town located on the shores of Arabian Sea, Kovalam in Kerala is ideal for a laid-back vacation by the sea. Kovalam has three crescent shaped beaches and the shallow waters here are ideal for swimming. The largest of the beaches is known as the Light House Beach as it has a 35 meter high light house towering the Kurumkal hillock. YourKerala tour package must include a visit to the region to enjoy the scenic views of the beach and to enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage on the beach.

Munnar

All Kerala tours are incomplete without a visit to its quaint hill stations. Located in the Idduki district of Kerala, Munnar is a pristine hill station nestled in the south Western Ghats. A popular tourist hub, Munnar is ideally located on the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Thus surrounded by verdant foliage the view atMunnar is covered with emerald hues which adds tranquilizing effect to Kerala tours. The highlights of the region are its sprawling tea plantations, verdant vistas and winding lanes.

Kottayam

The town of Kottayam lies between the pristine Vembanad Lake and the hilly ranges of the state. The land of lakes, letters and latex, Kottayam is also a centre of education and literature. While onKerala tour a visit to Kottayam will bring you closer to the culture and lifestyle of the state for it is here that one can explore its beauteous temples, gorgeous vistas and can meet with some of its frank and cultured individuals. While in the vicinity don’t miss a visit to Kumarakom and its famous bird sanctuary, backwaters and houseboat ride. Other places of interest include Vaikom Temple, Vembanad Lake, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, St. Mary’s Church, Ettumanoor, Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls and more.

Alappuzha (Alleppey)

Affectionately called the Venice of the East, Alapuzha is a land of immense natural beauty. Sandwitched between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea on one side and the foothills of the Western Ghats on the other side, Alapuzha had always been a favoured destination of tourists since time immemorial. Its sun filled beaches, its lagoons, and canals criss-crossing the country side, its immense marine wealth, its snake boat races, its coir factories, and the relics of a glorious past have given Alappuzha a pride of place in the international tourist map.

Alappuzha has much to offer to a discerning tourist. It is to all intends and purposes an ideally tourist destination in God’s own country.

Places of Tourist importance

Kuttanad

Kuttanad is the center of all backwater delights. One can spend endless hours enjoying the beauty of it all. Cruising along the backwaters in the cool confines of an impeccably furnished Houseboat would be an experience of a lifetime. Kuttanad literally is backwater country and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level. The palm fringed paddy fields, a first hand knowledge of the agrarian life of a gentry and the breathtaking natural beauty of the country side are all sure to leave nostalgic memories in the minds of each and every visitor.

Alapuzha beach

Alapuzha beach is considered one of thee finest beaches in the country. The unending flow of tourist traffic to this beach can be explained by the presence of a clean and serene beach. The beach also houses one of the finest amusement parks where people of all ages can spend some pleasant moments. Children would love riding the toy trains, enjoy cycle rides and swimming and boating in the pool. A 140 year old pier in the beach is a relic of the flourishing commercial activities that Alapuzha was home to in bygone days.

Pathiramanal

Literally meaning sands of midnight, this is an island in the Vembanadu lake that is a must for every tourist setting his foot in Alapuzha. The creation of this island has a mythological past and is considered a divine gift. The tourism department, Government of Kerala has constructed a walkway for the convenience of the tourists within the island. The island is home to rare species of migratory birds. Visiting this cool and serene evergreen island should be a must in every tourist itinerary. Pathiramanal is accessible by boat only and lies between Thanneerrmukkam in Alappuzha district and Kumarakom in Kottayam district. Lying on the shores of the vembanad lake East of Alappuzha, Kumarakom, to be sure is a tourist’s delight and is home to one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the country. It is a mere half an hour boat ride from Alappuzha through the Vembanad Lake.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple

Situated at a distance of 15 kms from Alapuzha, this temple is a standing testimony to the architectural brilliance of a bygone era. Majestic paintings adorn its inner walls. The Dasavatharam (10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu), painted on its walls is a highly acclaimed masterpiece. Kunjan Nambiar, the greatest Malayalam satirist staged his first ottam thullal (classical Kerala art form) performance in the precincts of this temple. The temple has also gained a unique fame for the palapayasam (delicious milk porridge) that is given as offering.

Krishnapuram Palace

This palace was built by king Marthanda Varma Raja and is situated at Karthikapally, a distance of 47 kms from Alapuzha. The place houses some of the finest mural paintings seen anywhere in Kerala. Built in the 18th century, the palace, besides, show cases an innumerable number of antique sculptures and bronze relics.

Karumadikkuttan

This is an 11 th century bronze statue of Lord Buddha situated at Kuttanad, 3 kms East of Ambalapuzha. Innumerable number of mythological stories revolves around this statue. Such a statue as this has never been reported to be found anywhere else. It has an attraction that defies logic. This statue is a favorite with a large number of tourists both Indian and foreign.

Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple

This is an internationally acclaimed pilgrim spot and lies at a distance of 32 kms from Alapuzha. It is dedicated to the serpent God Nyagaraja. A Brahmin priestess always remains the head of the temple. The temple is credited with miraculous cures and lies in the midst of dense evergreen vegetation. Barren women make sacrificial offerings to the serpent God in the fervent belief that they will be blessed with an offspring. The turmeric paste given as prasadam here is believed by some to be effective in curing every form of disease including leprosy.Edathua church

Lying on the Thiruvalla –Alapuzha route, this 19 the century church is a favourite with devotees of all religions. The patron saint, St. George is believed o cure every type of disease that the faithful. may be afflicted with. This church, however, is better known for drawing in those with serious mental problems.

Champakkulam church

It is one of the oldest churches in India and is believed to be one of the 7 established by St. Thomas, the Apostle. The annual feast is held on the 3rd Sunday of every year.

Houseboats

Houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges designed for leisure trips. In olden days these were used to ferry rice and other commercial merchandise to Cochin port. With the decline in goods transport through these slow moving barges and an increase in tourism activities, these barges have been turned in to modern day miniature floating hotels termed houseboats.

These eco friendly houseboats in most cases are impeccably furnished and have all the modern days comforts of a premium hotel. These houseboats feature well-furnished bedrooms, modern hygienic toilets, living room, balcony for angling and a well-endowed kitchen. Houseboats offer scope for angling from the balcony. The guests will be presented with a choice of meals. But in most cases the obvious choice will center on Kerala delicacies with the freshly caught delicious Karimeen (pearl spot) curry.

Spending some memorable moments in the confines of these houseboats cruising along the serene backwaters would be an experience of a lifetime.

Nehru Trophy boat race

Alapuzha is the land of water fiestas. The Nehru trophy boat race held on the second Saturday of August every year at the Vembanadu Lake is the most colourful of the lot. The boat race is held in commemoration of the visit of the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to kuttanad. This magnificent spectacle is viewed by an innumerable number of tourists both Indian and foreign. Over 130 oars men row the 100 feet long snake boat in unison to the singing of the Vanchipattu (song of the boat men) and rush headlong to the finishing point. The victor is given a rousing welcome and is accompanied by lavish gifts.

The Champakkulam boat race is another boat race that also draws in large crowds.

Accessibility

Alapuzha is accessible from every part of the country. It lies on the NH 47. It is besides, a major railhead and innumerable trains pass through Alapuzha.It is also the starting point of a large number of trains going to North India. It is also accessible by boat and daily boat services are available from Quilon (Kollam), Kottayam and Ernakulam.

Discover Kerala tours

India a country known for its tradition and culture has enormous number of tourist places. India blessed by nature from Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is full of tourist places. Each part of the country is known for its unique culture & tradition. Whether it is typical Razwaada culture of Rajasthan or western touch of Goa, India is full of variety of cultures.

Now question arise which kind of tour we are looking for, a family tour or adventures tour or a honeymoon tour. Now second thing for place, which place is suitable, especially if it is a honeymoon tour.  As I am talking about India it has many tourist places which cover all the varieties of a tour like a honeymoon tour, wildlife tour, safari tour, pilgrimage tour, beach tour, hill station tour, adventures tour or a backwaters tour. So now I am telling you about a place which covers all the tours.

Kerala, a place known for his culture, tradition and beauty. For tourists, Kerala offers nature in form of the blue lagoons, hill stations, backwaters, green lands, wildlife, high mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, magnificent forts and intricately decorated temples. All of which offer you a unique discover kerala tours.

Let’s check out the beauty of Kerala by its fabulous tours.

Backwaters are an amazing phenomenon of Kerala - a necklace of lagoons lakes, canals and rivers that run through the length of this beautiful land. In fact much of Kerala’s uniqueness lies in its backwaters. Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, a labyrinthine system formed by more than 900 km of waterways, and freshwater from the rivers meets the seawater.

Hill station, this is intersting that Kerala also provides you a hill station tour. The hill stations of Kerala have drawn the attention of tourists for their agreeable climate and proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries. These hill station ranges are also home to most of world's spices and have over the centuries attained a certain mystique.

Wildlife is also one of the exciting tours of Kerala.The elephant is the symbol of Kerala, signifying the deep links that the forests have on the lives of the people of Kerala. A number of excellent Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks have been created to protect the forests and the multitudes of animals therein. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Silent Valley National Park, Eravikulam National Park … are some among the best managed sanctuaries in India!

Adventure, Kerala is uniquely suited for the adventure traveler… the Sea on the West for water sports, the Backwaters suited for canoeing, the fast flowing rivers for rafting and the trails along the Western Ghats mountain ranges which are among the very best found anywhere in India for trekkers.

Beaches, for newly wedded couples Kerala is a perfect place for starting their love journey in Kerala. The memories of honeymoon are never forgettable, so place should be special; a place which arouse your love feeling and Kerala is blessed by nature for this. Kerala have some of the most fabulous beaches of world specifically Alappuzha Beach, Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach. Where you can enjoy sunbathing, boating and swimming in these waters.

Ayurveda, Kerala is the land of Ayurveda. Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative packages. You can experience the healing touch of the Kerala’s ancient medical science. Kerala possess distinct types of rejuvenation therapies, ayurvedic practice in Kerala provides you a chance to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and regain resistance and attain good health, in a natural way.

Culture, Kerala is known for his unique culture. Western and Eastern influences have helped shape it's uniqueness in culture, art forms, music and dance. Art forms of Kerala range from Kathakali, one of the dance forms of Kerala considered being amongst the oldest Indian Dance styles. The vibrant and distinct music of Kerala so closely related to temple festivals and the elegant snake boat races have always been the favorite of tourists visiting Kerala.

Honeymoon In Kerala – A Perfect Destination For Couples

Honeymoon in Kerala is as romantic and memorable as it can get. With world's most romantic destinations in its kitty, Kerala Tours feature exclusive handpicked honeymoon destinations with gorgeous surroundings. From the most luxurious houseboat cruises in Kerala Backwaters to spacious Ayurveda resorts and spas in idyllic settings, Honeymoon Tours in Kerala offers variety of experiences, hassle-free trips and customized itineraries to make your holiday dreams come true.

Romance in the beautiful lagoons, cruise through an intricate network of waterways and fall in love at the world's most dazzling beaches at Kerala. Kerala Beach Tours feature white sandy destinations on the extensive coastline of the state fringed with palm trees. Whether you indulge in water sports or be a child once again by collecting shells on the shores, the sea-sand-sun element never fails to seduce you with its beautiful visuals. There are over 30 premium beach destinations and resorts in the state, including Kovalam Beach, Fort Kochi, Marari Beach Resort, and Varkala Beaches.

No tourism attraction in India and abroad is more emblematic of romance than a houseboat cruise on the waterways of Kerala. Kerala Backwater Tours feature winding narrow channels and canals through dense forests, remote island villages, paddy fields and spice plantations. The hidden gems like Fort Kochi and small-scale industries in the villages like making of coir ropes and Kettuvallams or traditional houseboats attract several international tourists. The charming laid-back rural Kerala with its simple pleasures, soothing sounds of Nature, melodious calls of birds, and the soft rhythmic movement of the houseboats help you to fully relax and focus on the relationship you now share. The romantic meals on deck are other high points of honeymoon in Kerala backwaters.

Long walks at sunrise and sunsets while holding the hand of your loved one in the salubrious environs of the leading hill resorts of Kerala can bring back romance in the lives of the couples who come here for a second honeymoon and to infuse more vigor and energy into their marital lives. The blessed hills of Munnar, Ponmudi, and Wayanad painted green by Mother Nature and adorned by blue Nilakunjini blossoms. Presenting fragrant tea, coffee and spice plantations, these hills are ideal for strolling through flower meadows, rubber plantations and take a plunge in misty waterfalls. The supreme beauty and amiable cozy environs make the hill resorts of Kerala ideal travel destinations for honeymoon couples.

Sow a seed of harmony and balance in marital life with special honeymoon packages offered by Ayurveda resorts and spas of Kerala in the most beautiful panoramic locations. Sometimes, situated on an island, these Ayurvedic resorts offer relaxing and rejuvenating massages, Naturotherapy treatments and herbal therapies to improve your health, immunity and vitality, Yoga and breathing exercise that fights age and tones your muscles, and meditation to help you control your mind and thoughts. Inculcating a discipline in life with Kerala Health Tours and spending time together in activities healthy for both the partners at Ayurveda spa retreats is the best way for long-term happiness and fulfillment in life.