Kerala is comfortably seated on the south-west coast of India and nestled between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats. It is a picturesque state having abundance of rice fields, mango and cashewnut trees and coconut palms. Kerala is also popular as a hub of spices. Aromatic spices are good reason for the merchants to stop here. The inhabitants of Kerala are called ‘Malayalis’. They are peace-loving, hard-working and very hospitable by nature. They are proud of their cosmopolitan culture which has everything to do with Kerala’s wider connection with outside world. The state has the highest literacy rate throughout India.

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a serene place and ideal for the visitors to sink into complete relaxation. Its culture is way different from that prevailing in Kovalam or Varkala.  Kovalam is a traditional village having much to offer for the travelers.  The tourists pouring from all over the globe are quite happy with fresh fish, fruit, and toddy and take great pleasure in san-bathing.

Varkala, seated 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, is a bustling beach resort. Varkala is easily accessible due to its proximity to the railway station lying two km. from the beach. It lies beneath lofty cliffs and has a mineral water spring. The Janardhana Temple is another tourist draw. The famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Western Ghats. The sanctuary houses a beautiful lake and is the paradise for the wildlife lovers. The visitors can watch the peaceful activities of the wild animals from a close quarter.  The famous and rare Nilgiri tahr can be spotted in the Eravikulam National Park.

St Francis Church, India’s oldest European-built church is situated in northern Kerala, Cochin. The place is also famous for the remains of Vasco da Gama.

Kathakali – a famous dance form – originated in Kerala. This dance is performed only by the male artists. Through different, dynamic and dramatic postures, the performers portray battles between gods and demons.

Places to visit:

Sabarimala – It is the best known pilgrimage center in Kerala. The holy temple is located high up the Sahyadri mountains in Pathanamthittha. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and receives footfalls of the devotees from every corner of India.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple – This temple is situated in Thiruvananthapuram and dedicated to Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu. According to legend, it took several stages to construct the temple which houses an idol found in the forest by a devotee.

Kovalam Beach – It is one of the most popular and embryonic beaches in India. Literally, Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and the place has earned its name due to plenty of coconut trees lined along the beaches. The palm-fringed bays in quiet coconut groves has lent the place a ravishing look and promises a relaxed and rejuvenating stay for the backpackers. The vast blue expanse of the Arabian Sea and long stretch of white sands are incessantly washed by the wagging waves at the feet of the stalwart palms. Adding to this beautiful scenario is the rocky promontories. All together, these unique signatures make Kovalam the sea-lovers’ paradise.

Allapuzha – Earlier there was only one canal lying between the backwaters and the sea. Pathiramanal – literally meaning ‘the midnight sands’ – is a serene and somber island in the Vembanad Lake. The visitors can get at the island by boats. Ambalapuzha, the Krishna temple, is a brief 14 km away and exemplifies the state’s unique architectural style.  ‘Payasam’ offered in the temple is a divine delight for the devotees.

Bekal Beach – Lying at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is emerging as a beach destination of Kerala. Bekal fort, which is not far away from the beach, is standing tall between two long-stretching and beautiful palm-fringed beaches. Its high-rising observation towers which belong to the great Kadampa Dynasty, offer a majestic view of the Lakshadweep Sea. Bekal fort is one of the largest forts in Kerala and came under the control of various dynasties including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British.

Kollam – It is an old sea port town standing on the Ashtamudi Lake. This small Keralan market town has been enjoying reputation as a center of commercial activities from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans. Kollan serves as the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Kochi – It is the most vibrant commercial hub of Kerala. Cosmopolitan culture reigns supreme throughout Kochi. Its strategic location on the east-west route has made it the busiest port of Kerala. Among the landmarks of Kochi are Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz, the Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue and Bolaghatty, to name a few.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – This sanctuary lies 60 km away from Idukki and 190 km from Kochi. It is a home to elephants, deer, bison and wild boar. This natural habitat of wildlife is also a tiger reserve. The visitors are allowed to enjoy elephant riding, trekking and boating.

Guruvayoor Temple – It is one of the most sanctimonious and must-visit pilgrim destinations of Kerala. Lying 29 kms north-west of Thrissur, its main draw is the Guruvayoorappan Temple or Krishna Temple.

Kozhikode – This beach is lying about 2km from the town. Within 15 minutes driving distance from the city centre, is situated a place called ‘Dolphin’s Point’. Early in the morning, the dolphins can be spotted here playing at large.

Vaikom – Situated 40 km away from Kottayam, Vaikom is famous for the Shiva temple. Myth is that this temple was built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala. The famed 12-day Ashtami festival is celebrated every year in November/December.