Kerala - God’s Own Country
Enchanting backwaters, ravishing tropical greenery, breathtaking beaches, elegant art forms, colourful festivals, towering coconut trees and time-honoured Ayurvedic treatments – life seems to have found meaning after being here; Welcome to Kerala – God’s own country! Considered among the top ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveller, Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.
Located amidst the Western ghats with Lakshwadeep sea running side by side, Kerala delights in the lap of pristine and mesmerizing nature. By the grace of long-year equatorial climate, season never ends in Kerala. The captivating beauty of this majestic land has attracted numerous nature lovers, composers, poets, writers, etc. who keep returning to it only to get lost in its labyrinth of serene backwaters and inspired by its bewitching beauty. Since most of the destinations are just 2-4 hours drive from other, travelling itself becomes an uninterrupted and enriching experience. Kerala is famous for its beaches, backwaters, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and its colourful celebrations.
Most of the finest beaches of the country are in Kerala. Almost entire coast of Kerala is adjoined with sandy beaches, coconut palms & rocky promontories. Beaches of kovalam, Cherai and Varkala have attracted lakhs of tourists from all over the world. Racing the waves, watching waves crash, soaking in the sun and chasing the crabs or girls (whoever you wish) – all make your holiday truly enjoyable and meaningful. Delectable & mouth-watering sea foods of beaches are very popular among the tourists. A tour of Kerala can’t be over without cruising through its famous backwaters - which together form an entire different world of tranquillity & wonderment. Backwaters have always remained a major attraction for honeymoon couples. Resting in the traditional houseboats (Kettuvallam) and meandering on those lazy waterways make your journey truly unforgettable. Alleppey, also famous as ‘Venice of East’, has largest network of canals and one visit of the same is often recommended to every tourist.
With its lush tropical forests, Kerala attracts exotic flora and fauna that makes your visit worth at least once. Though there are 14 wildlife sanctuaries, most prominent among them to trail are Periyar, Chinnar, Eravikulam and Silent valley national park. Go for trekking, find your own roads, follow jungle trails or spend time observing wildlife; lots of activities are there for adventure lovers. Munnar, Matupetty, Neelimala & Ponmudi are some of the popular and beautiful hill stations of kerala. On a trip through the several forests and hill stations, you will come across many wild & roaring and yet pleasing waterfalls. They infuse freshness and excitement in any dull and tired soul. Summers are the best time to be there as they cascades to lower rocky areas and you can dip your feets in cool and crystalline water. Waterfalls of Athirapally, Tusharagiri and Vazhachal are very well-known. Kerala also hosts two of the world’s Ramsar Convention –listed wetlands: Lake Sasthamkotta & Vembanad-Kol Wetland which hold international importance.
Kerala is also famous for its year-round festivals and other celebrations. Onam is major festival in Kerala. Thrissur pooram and Chettikulangara bharani are considered to be two important temple-festivals of South India. Devotees, followers and tourists turn out in lakhs to witness the events. State has always enjoyed a prominent status in India as far as arts and culture is concerned. Famous art forms like Kathakali & Mohiniattam are originated here which are exhibited in various theatres and auditoriums. Vallam Kali (Snake Boat Race) is a traditional boat race which is held on many occasions (Aug.-Sept.) at different places. Participants form teams, each of over 100 rowers and contest to win the coveted title. Nehru trophy boat race is most important among them that takes place on Punnamada Lake at Alappuzha. Land boasts of its ancient tradition of Ayurveda and it’s highly recommended to seek the rejuvenating benefits of traditional Ayurvedic therapy on every visit to Kerala.
Historically, several dynasties have ruled over Kerala and each of them has left a legacy behind them which is now a part of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. State has several citadels, forts, churches, palaces, etc. which still remain there as silent reminders of the glorious past. Kerala has seen numerous artists, sculptors, educators, philosophers and scientists in its entire journey so far; many of them are lost amongst the pages of history but their works, artefacts and contributions are still preserved and revered in art galleries and museums which speak volumes about the traditions, values, culture and heritage of Kerala.
Kerala is a land of tranquillity, a land of roars; a land of simplicity, a land of grandeur! Explore it yourself to find a different world or, possibly, a different personality within you. And once you have explored, you will find your sojourn as an unforgettable one, as a lifetime & delightful experience. Such is a magic of Kerala !
Kerala – Behold the spectra of south India !
