Kerala at a glance
Kerala is a state situated on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. Kerala is famous for its natural beauty with pristine beaches, serene backwaters, and luscious greenery all around. The state has fastidiously preserved its traditional culture and art. There are several famous and popular dance & art forms of Kerala which you can't miss during your Kerala tour. A few of them include Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Kalaripayattu, Kodiyattam, Chakyarkoothu, Nangiarkoothu, Pulikali, etc.
The most famous among Kerala’s beach destinations. Kovalam beach has still not lost its charm in spite of having been one of the most visited beaches in the country. You could go and visit the lighthouse on the headland or see the sunset from a vantage point giving you a most serene feeling.
The ever-alluring Alappuzha is home to the famous backwaters of Kerala. Alappuzha or Alleppey, was originally a small fishing village that has now become one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Being balanced on an intricate network of inland canals and backwaters, it is called The Venice of the East. Life in Alleppey is languid, best experienced on a houseboat, or by taking a walk on Alleppey Beach.
Munnar is famous for gardens, lakes and pretty hill stations, The hills of Munnar have some of the largest tea plantations in South India. An most visited location is the tea museum, 1.5 kilometers out of town amid serene tea estates. Munnar is considered one of the best honeymoon destinations in Kerala due to the astonishing terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Munnar has also many protected areas that are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Kochi has many interesting sites that welcome you. The port town of Kochi or Cochin was once the main centres of India’s spice trade. A walk down the rambling alleys of Kochi’s historic Jewish Colony, lined with brightly-painted houses, to see the Mattancherry Synagogue, one of the oldest existing synagogues in the Commonwealth is a must-try on your visit to Kerala. There are Chinese Fishing Nets in the Fort Cochin area which have been preserved and maintained to date, depicting the age old tradition. Unlike usual nets that are found in local places of Kerala, these are fixed land installations and can only be found at Kochi, outside of China. This is a lasting testimony to the good relations between ancient Chinese emperors and the rulers of Kochi.
Kochi has many stories regarding the trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Popularly called the " Queen of the Arabian Sea" , the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala.
The city has influences of Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese and the British as well as that of the Indian rule of the Chera Dynasty followed by the rule of the Feudal Lords. With a sight of islands interconnected by ferries, this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations. It is indeed a true vintage-meets-future fashion destination. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, shopping hubs and futuristic stores that crowd Ernakulam, The Jew Town, and Fort Kochi. Kochi is also an important place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performances and the annual Biennale Festival. For those inclined to visit shopping malls , Kochi boasts of one of the largest in the country, Lulu Shopping Mall at Edapally.
