Travel Kerala Backwaters Tour.
With the arabian sea on the west, the western ghats towering 500 - 2700m on the east and networked by forty four rivers, kerala enjoys unique geographic features that have made it one of the most sought after tourism destinations in asia. An equable climate. A long shorline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildife. Waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine… all of which offer you a unique experience, and what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hours drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala is a land of rivers and backwaters. Fourty-four rivers (41 west-flowing and 3 east-flowing) criss-crossing Kerala along tributaries, but these rivers are comparatively small and being entirely monsson-fed, and will turn into rivulets in summer especially in the upper parts of Kerala.
A hundred percent literate people. Worldclass health care system. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rate. The highest physical quality of life in india. Peaceful and pristine, kerala is also india's cleanest state.

Kerala in General

Climate
Climate is pleasant. No warm clothes are required except on the highranges during winter. Kerala has three major seasons, Summer (February - May) Winter (October -January) and the Monsoon (June - September).

Backwaters of Kerala
The backwaters are an attractive and economically valuable features of kerala. These include lakes and ocean in lets which stretch irregularly along the lengthy coastline of Kerala. The biggest among these Backwaters is the Vembanad Lake, with an area of 200 sq km, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin Port.

Kerala the land of ayurveda
Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants) and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for ayurveda’s curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, kerala is the only state in India which practice this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Arts & crafts of Kerala
Handicrafts made out of Wood, cane, fibre and coconut shell craft, kathakali models in wood, painted in the vibrant colors of the art form are popular souvenirs, as are rosewood elephants, miniature models of snake boats, baskets, trays and furniture made of cane, coconutshell cups, vases. The Arnakulam Kannadi, the unique metal mirror craft of kerala has no parallel in the world.

Plantation Crops and Spices of Kerala
Kerala accounts for 10.60 lakhs tons of rice, 91 % of the rubber produced in india. Kerala is rich in the cultivation of cashewnuts, pepper, coconuts, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, mace nut meg. Cloves, tamarind, turmeric etc. Pepper continues to be the king of kerala spices.

Ernakulam (Cochin)

Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, Portuguese, dutch etc.

Places of interest

Fort kochi - Chinese fishing nets - St. Francis church - Mattancherry palace (Dutch Palace) – Synagogue - Bolghatty island - Willingdon island

Munnar

Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.

Places of interest

Pothamedu – Devikulam – Nyayamakad – Rajamala - Eravikulam national park.

Thekkady (Periyar)

The very sound of the word thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the periyar forest of thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in india, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Places of interest

The periyar wildlife sanctuary – Kumily - Murikkady - Vandanmedu

Alappuzha (Alleppey)

The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762.

With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.

Places of Interest

Kuttanad - Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach - Pathira manal - Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.


Kottayam & Kumarakom

Bordered by the lofty western ghats on the east and the vembanad lake and paddy fields of kuttanad on the west, kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title : the land also boasts the first malayalam printing press which was established by benjamin bailey, a christian missionary, in 1820 A.D.

Places of Interest

Kumarakom - Kumarakom bird sanctuary.


Kollam (Quilon)

Located 71 kms to the north of thiruvananthapuram, kollam is the centre of the country's cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the malabar coast, kollam was one the port of international spice trade. Thirty percent of this historic tour is covered by the renowned asthamudi lake, making it the gateway to magnificent backwaters of kerala. The eight hour boat trip between kollam and allappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Places of interest

Thangasseri - Thirumullavaram beach.


Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivandrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.

Places of Interest

Kovalam Beach - Padmanabha Swamy Temple - Kuthiramalika Palace Museum -The Napier Museum

Thrissur

Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of kerala. From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of south india. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the zamorins of kozhikode, tipu sultan of mysore and europeans including the dutch and the british have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja rama varma popularly known as sakthan thampuran was the architect of the present thrissur town.

Places of Interest

Vadakkumnathan temple - Town hall – Arattupuzha – Guruvayoor

Calicut (Kozhikode)

Once the capital of the powerful zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode (Calicut) was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode (Calicut) a popular destination.

Places of interest

Pazhassiraja museum and art gallery - Krishna menon museum - Kozhikode (Calicut) beach
Velliyamkallu - Thikkoti lighthouse - Planetarium

Palakkad

The district of palakkad known as the granary of kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the western ghats, this is the gateway to kerala from The north. Palakkad derives its name from the malayalam words pala (alsteria scholaris) and kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the pala tree.

Places of Interest

Palakkad fort - Malampuzha garden

Wayanad Travel Information

WAYANAD- Centre for Eco Tourism

Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district that lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean sea level has a predominant place in the tourist map of Kerala. A major centre of hill products the district is noted contributor of foreign exchange to the State. Apart from archaeological and anthropological uniqueness Wayanad has genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism promotion.

Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 1/5 of the total population of the district. It is the seat of Kurichiyas the valiant warriors of late King Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who engaged the mighty British Army in several battles. Their descendants are still expert archers. Tribals can be seen in their natural habitat in Wayanad. Reaping the benefits of modern education and social welfare schemes many of them have developed and became part of the main stream.

Enjoying a climate similar to Udhagamandalam alias Ooty Wayanad has prospects of developing several major hill stations in the district.

Places of Interest

Mananthavady : Valllyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple
Kuruvadweep
The Glass Temple of Kottamunda
Begur Wildlie Sanctuary

Kalpetta : Chembra Peak
Banasura Project, Padinjarathara
Varambetta Mosque
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Sentmal Rock Waterfalls
Jain Temple at Puliyarmala


Sulthan Bathery : Edakkal Caves
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Jain Temple
Wayanad Heritage Museum, Ambalavayal

Vythiri : Lakkidi
Pookot Lake


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