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Located on the southwestern coast of India, stretched along the Arabian Sea, is a state described as "God's Own Country."
As you travel through India you'll find this is the ideal place for a relaxing vacation. Spend some time in Kerala while on your Indian tour and you'll see why this is indeed "God's Own Country."
From golden beaches to green hills, from wildlife to culture, from festivals to adventure, tours to Kerala offers it all to the traveler on a tour of India.
With a pleasant climate, Kerala is cooled by the breeze blowing in from the sea and warmed by the tropical sun. Its sunny days and pleasant climate make Kerala a great tourism destination. Add to this beautiful sandy beaches fringed by swaying coconut palms, where you can relax and get a bronze sun tan, calm backwaters where you can relax and float along the channels and lakes of a green world where peace and quiet reigns. Witness the manifestation of an ancient culture with colorful Kathakali and elegant Mohiniattam dances. See wildlife in its natural state in the national parks of Kerala. Rejuvenate your mind and body in the Ayurveda and spa resorts of Kerala. Tours to Kerala offer you a range of pleasant holiday activities.
Some of the attractions that you can see on tours to Kerala India are:
Thiruvananthapuram: Previously called Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala is known for its mild climate. The sights you must see while in Thiruvanathapuram are the Ananthapadmanabhaswamy temple, the Sri Chitra Art gallery, the palaces of the family of the Maharajas of Travancore, and the beautiful Kovalam beach nearby, which is considered to be among the best beaches in the world.
Kochi: This busy port city, also known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" Kochi (Cochin) is famous for the Chinese fishing nets in its harbor. The Jewish synagogue, the Dutch Palace at Matancherry, Fort Cochin, St Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica are historic sights worth seeing in Kochi. Cochin harbor, one the best natural harbors in India is also a must visit. You can enjoy a sunset cruise in the harbor, and view the last rays of the sun silhouette the Chinese fishing nets against the ochre sky, on tours to Kerala India.
Kovalam Beach: A short drive of 18 km away from Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam beach is considered to be among the best beaches in the world. The unending stretches of sandy beach, lined by palm trees, with the blue waters of the Arabian Sea inviting you to plunge in - Kovalam is a holidaymakers paradise. Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, water skiing catamaran rides and other water sports are also offered here for your enjoyment on Kerala Tours.
Kumarakom: A holiday like no other, Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. A cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake, a bird sanctuary nearby, incredibly beautiful countryside, quiet waterways, green palm trees, Kumarakom is the place to go to refresh your soul on tours to Kerala India.
Alappuzha: This coastal town in Kerala is known for the scenic backwaters nearby. Most houseboat cruises either begin or end in Allapuzha. Allapuzha is also the location for the annual snake boat races held around the Onam festival. Rival teams of rowers, race long swift snake boats, cheered on by capacity crowds, in an atmosphere of tremendous excitement.
Ayurveda in Kerala
Ayurveda, a system of medicine and healing that has been followed in Indian for centuries and passed down by generations of hereditary healers, has gained worldwide popularity today. Ayurvedic massage therapy is offered in resorts and spas across Kerala, where you can experience the beneficial effects of herbal massage treatments and other Ayurvedic remedies for a range of conditions. The natural methods of ayurveda help the body to rejuvenate from within and you're sure to feel like a new person after an ayurveda tour to Kerala India.
Backwaters in Kerala
Living along the coast, people in Kerala have made use of the sea for transportation, for centuries.
The backwaters of Kerala, seen particularly around Alappuzha, are channels connecting lakes and inland rivers to the sea, that were used to transport grain, goods and people in traditional boats of various sizes, including large grain transports called "Kettuvalloms."
Ever since the backwaters have become a popular tourist destination for those seeking peace and quiet, amidst green surroundings, Kettuvalloms have been converted into comfortable houseboats and are used to ferry tourists, who can enjoy a backwaters cruise and stay overnight on these comfortable vessels on tours to Kerala India.
The sounds of birds calling or occasional noises from villages, seen as you pass by on your houseboat and the gentle murmur of rippling water are the only sounds that will interrupt your thoughts as you drift along the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat cruise.
Festivals in Kerala
Different festivals and tourist events are held in Kerala through the year. Onam is the most prominent festival in Kerala, celebrated by all with feasting, new clothes, colorful flower carpets, cultural events and thrilling snake boat races.
The grand Thrissur Pooram temple festival, the celebrations of Vishu, Christmas and Id by various communities in Kerala, and the snake boat races in Allapuzha are all vibrant events in Kerala.
Hill ranges in Kerala
The hills seen in Kerala are the Western Ghats, a chain of mountains that run along the edge of the Deccan plateau in South India. There are several hill stations where you can enjoy a view of the hills in this coastal state. Munnar is the best known of Kerala's hill stations.
Munnar: Famous for its spice plantations and for having some of the highest tea estates in India, Munnar, a picturesque hill-station, is a vision in green. Tea bushes cover curving hillsides with a green carpet. The winding roads and lanes offer many opportunities for a nature walk or trek. Anaimudi, which is the highest peak in South India can be seen in Munnar. Spices such as pepper, cashew nut and vanilla are grown on estates here. You can enjoy walking through the spice plantations, or visit a spice market. If you're more adventurous, opportunities for paragliding and hang gliding also exist in Munnar.
Wildlife in Kerala
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve: Lake Periyar forms the core of this wildlife sanctuary, which is home to a large number of elephants and many animals, including the tiger. The dense undergrowth makes seeing a tiger a rare event; however you can see many other animals including different kinds of deer when you take a boat cruise on Lake Periyar and observe the animals come to the lake's edge to drink and bathe. The sight of elephants bathing and playing with their young ones in the water is truly enchanting.
Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary: You can see the rare Malabar Giant Squirrel in this sanctuary, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, which was created to protect the unique ecosystem of this region. The sanctuary is also home to leopards and elephants.
Silent Valley National Park: Located in Palgat District in Kerala, India, this wildlife sanctuary, provides a home to many rare species of birds and animals. Threatened by the construction of a dam, protests by local people and activists were able to prevent the destruction of what is considered to be the last tropical evergreen forest cover in India.
You can see all this and more on your tours to Kerala India, when you visit "Gods Own Country."
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