Kerala, the lush green land sits like a pricy emerald on the map of India. The shimmering blue waters skirting 580 km coast with innumerous beaches, lagoons and backwater makes it the most sought after place for beach lovers.
The thick forests covering the Western Ghats hump on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu pumps adrenaline to adventure seeking enthusiast. The wildlife and birding trails add to the pleasure of wild-lifers and nature lovers.
The rich cultural fabric offers various art forms and vibrant temple festivals leaves traveler itching for more. Delectable cuisine is worth immersing your taste buds.
North Kerala
Pulsating beaches, lust green Western Ghats and coastal villages add to the charm of Malabar coast spread from Kozhikode (Calicut) to the Karnataka border.
Explore footprints of spice traders and different colonial settlement influences at Calicut (Kozhikode). The city is known as City of Spice and also as Shilpa Nagaram, city of sculptures. Peep into history at Pazhashi Raja museum, Tali temple, visit the ship construction and repair units at Baypore and then relax at Kappad beach watching the sunset.
Waynad is a refreshing change from the city life. The head smell of spices, coffee and fresh air simply washes over your senses. While visiting the green heaven also visit the invigorating water falls, Edakkal caves, Banasura Dam and many scenic spots ready to steal over your senses.
Jungle safari and visit to Athirappilly Falls
The trip to Kerala is incomplete if you don’t witness the most enigmatic falls of Athirappilly near Thrissur. The falls have been featured in a lot of films made in India.
South Kerala
This region is home to the world famous kerala backwaters and also the state capital, Trivandrum. The city is located on the hills of Western Ghats and overlooks Arabian sea. Its known for intriguing effect on travellers and is most popular among international tourists.
Trivandrum is immersed in historical monuments and is one of the oldest town, dating back to 1000 years. City tour is a must for people visiting the city. While in town visit the Padmanabha temple to witness the outstanding architecture and workmanship, East fort, Ramanayar palace museum, keralan museum, Napier museum, Kuthiralallikka Palace and more as per your preference.
The nature lovers can head towards Alleppey to soak in the most relaxing aura. Enjoy lip-smacking food, swaying palms and placid waters of backwaters. Also witness the artistic tribute to people lost during tsunami by local and outside painters on the Alleppey beach, its truly humbling experience.
Western Ghats in Kerala
Emerging from the southern tip of Kerala Western Ghats form natural border spine between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The thick forest houses a heaven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The spice and tea plantations beautify the Ghats further. The thrill seekers can hike the mountains in the most lush environment.
While in Kerala visit the famous Thattekkad bird sanctuary on the foothills of Western Ghats.
Wildlife Sanctuary in close proximity to Munnar are Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting endangered grizzled giant squirrel and Eravikulam National Parkhome to endangered Nilgiri tahr, a type of mountain goat. While in that area also visit the Tea Museum with a demo model of a working tea factory. A 1905 tea-roller adds to the charm apart from photographs from colonial era. The 160 years old Lockhart Tea factory is working tea factory open to visitors
The two most famous wildlife attractions of kerala are Parambikulam Tiger reserve that enlivens Kipling storybook wildlife and scenery, spread in 285 sq km and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with 1000+ elephants and around 45 tigers is the most frequented sanctuary.
While visiting Periyar Wildlife sanctuary stop over in Kumily to visit the Abraham’s Spice garden. This family owned and run farm is more than 55 years old, one can take a conducted tour of the farm for spice farming. Also visit Connemara Tea factory that is about 80 year old family run business, they conduct Tea tours showing tea making process and tea tasting sessions. In Kumily Highrange Spices grows herbs and spices in 5 hectares land area. It is an ideal setting to witness herb and spice farming.