Kerala in the South-Western region of India in an extra ordinary land with almost all elements of nature is often referred to as God’s own country. This beautiful land is rightly called the paradise, given to its lush green scenic landscapes and crystal clear beaches that will leave you awestruck. Blessed with natural beauty and ecological diversity, Kerala has a lot to offer to tourists and travelers. If you haven’t visited Kerala already, we give you 5 reasons why you must start planning a trip to Kerala, right away!
Kerala is blessed with pristine beaches. Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Payyambalam are some beaches that one must certainly visit. Muzhappilangad, South India’s only drive-in beach should certainly be on the top of your list
Houseboats on the backwaters of Kerala provide the much needed serenity to travelers. The backwaters of Kerala are a maze of lagoons criss-crossed with rivers, shallow pools and canals.
Kerala cuisine is mouth-wateringly yummy and certainly unique. Rice is the staple diet and non-vegetarian food can be found in abundance. Seafood cooked in coconut gravy is something that you must try in Kerala.
Kerala has preserved the ancient art of martial arts, ‘Kalaripayattu.’ In fact, one can witness numerous timeless traditions in Kerala, be it dance forms, sports, ayurveda, herbal spas and much more.
Kerala is home to Periyar National Tiger Park, Eravikulam Reserve, Silent Valley Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Reserve, where one can visit and see the rich flora and fauna. In fact, Kerala has several popular hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi among others, which bring one closer to nature.
Travel to an entirely new place can be exciting, but at the same time puzzling with the diversity of cultures and languages across regions. We, Goearth Tours eliminate the dilemma by directing our customers to the best tourist hotspots of your choice. Apart from the popular tourist attractions, Kerala has a myriad of unexplored tourist destinations as well. We also provide an opportunity to visit such untapped destinations in god’s own country. Exploring these unexplored and picturesque tourist potential destinations would help expanding the horizons of your visit and making every single moment of your holiday a memorable experience. Adithidevo Bhava means guest as god. The company endeavors to deliver a high quality personalized tour packages and travel services.
Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbours, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever.
This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerala has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular; Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.
Poovar is an unspoilt and unexplored island, enveloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.
This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) airport and Veli Tourist Village.
Varkala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old SreeJanardhanaSwamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old.
This lovely beach bordering VypeenIsland is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here.
The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British.
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old
The backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable Kerala backwaters, backwaters of Kerala…..
The largest backwater stretch in Kerala is the Vembanad Lake which flows through three districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi Port. The Astamudilake, literally having eight arms, which covers a major portion of Kollam district in the south, is the second largest and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerala, however, is the kettuvallom (traditionalhouseboat) which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as water bound as Kerala it wouldn’t be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God’s Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerala.
A: Cruise along the palm fringed waterways of Kerala in a Houseboat or Ketuvallom is the most enchanting holiday experience in India today. In this world of simple pleasures, you’ll skim past ancient chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic homes, temples and coconut groves.
Innumerable lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and the deltas of forty four rivers make up the 900 km backwater network of Kerala. The backwaters mainly covers the four districts of the state – Kollam, Alleppey (alappuzha), Kottayam and Kochi (Cochin).
The largest backwater body, the Vembanadlake flows through Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kottayam districts and opens out into the sea at the Kochi (Cochin) Port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second largest backwater stretch, offers the longest ride and is considered the gateway to the backwaters.
Your holiday home in this tranquil world is the comfortably furnished houseboat or ketuvallom.
Kerala has a long chain of lush, mid-clad hill stations that are home to exotic wildlife. All the hill resorts in Kerala offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty the major Hill resorts of Kerala are: Munnar, Ponmudi, Peerumade, Neliyampathy, Peruvannamuzhi, Tusharagiri, Wayanad, Pythal Mala, Ezhimala, Ranipuram, Devikulam, Wagamon etc.
Munnar hills are situated in the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni&Kundala. Situated 1600 metre above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats situated at a distance of 40 km from Thekkady and 75 km from Munnar.
This scenic place gets its name from the natural echo phenomenon here. Echo Point is on the way to Top Station in Munnar.
Rajamala is the natural habitat of the NilgiriTahr (Hemitragashylocres), the Eravikulam – Rajamala region is now home to half the world population – estimated at around 1300 – of this endangered mountain goat. But the Tahr is only one of the reasons to make a visit to Rajamala.
One of the most beautiful places with a chain of three hills – the Thangal hill, the Murugan hill and the Kurisumala, important for Muslims, Hindus and Christians respectively.
Vandanmedu is one of the world’s largest auction centres for cardamom located in Idukki and is also Vandanmedu is the largest producer of cardamom in the world.
This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. The village slopes down to the famous coconut groves of Cumbum in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Agriculture Farm and Flower Garden have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.
A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the NilgiriTahr( Hemitragushylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills. An ideal place for trekking, facilities are provided here and tourists are allowed to go on foot up to Anamudi(the highest peak south of Himalayas)
Nestled in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks. The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries / National Parks in Kerala:
The forests of Western Ghats are punctuated with large and small waterfalls that gurgle and splash down the mountain side. The wooded forests forests of Western Ghats are hidden with cascading showers,the important waterfalls in Kerala are Athirapally, Vazhachal, Palaruvi&Tusharagiri
It is a 800 foot high waterfalls at the entrance of the Sholayar ranges and is a famous picnic spot for backpackers
The falls are very popular with tourists. Athirappally is located 78 kms from Kochi, located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot.
Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80ft. high and located in the forest area
Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet
Vazhachal is a picturesque spot just a short drive from Athirapally and is adjacent to dense green forestland. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River.
Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors
75 Kms away from Kollam on the Kollam-Shenkottai road near Aryankavu, is the Palaruvi waterfalls. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Aryankavu. There you can see ruins of ancient temples. The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said to be a preventive for many diseases
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow-capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor
The best roar of the waterfalls can be enjoyed from September to November. The waterfall with its gentle spray is sure to soothe every eye. The cascading waters of the waterfall slides past with surfy smiles
Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, ‘Thusharagiri’
Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker’s delight
Ayurveda stresses on the prevention of ailments in addition to curing them. Ayurveda was evolved in India around 600 BC and this is a complete natural healing system that depends on the diagnosis of the person’s body humours to achieve the right balance and thus regain immunity and good health. Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life.
Indian Ayurveda relaxation programs – Kerala
General body massage
Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life. Kerala’s natural abundance with its equable climate is best suited for Ayurveda’s curative ad restorative programmes. Kerala is the only place on earth where it is practiced with absolute authenticity and dedication. The word AYUR literally means ‘life‘and VEDA means ‘the science of knowledge ‘. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the dos and don’ts one has to follow, which flavors the wellbeing of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially. Ayurveda Rejuvenation treatments, Ayurveda Rejuvenation therapy
Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India, located around 16 km from the city center. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach
The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a 35 meter high on top of the Kurumkal hillock. The lighthouse is built using stones, is colored in red and white bands and enjoys a height of 118 feet. It’s intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm.
Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.
A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn’t have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.
Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.
Varkala is a coastal town and municipality in Thiruvananthapuram district situated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the suburban town of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum city). It is located 50 kilometres (approx. 32 miles) north-west of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and 37 km south-west of Kollam city.
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs. In 2015, Ministry of Mines, Government of India and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have declared Varkala Cliff as a geo-heritage site.
Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is the administrative headquarters of Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. Alappuzha is considered to be the oldest planned city in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city is the first of its kind along the Arabian Sea coast.
Alappuzha is situated 62 kilometres (39 mi) to the south of Kochi and 155 kilometres (96 mi) north of Trivandrum. A city with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as the “Venice of the East” by Lord Curzon. Hence, it is known as the “Venetian Capital” of Kerala.
Alappuzha is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters can be booked. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Quilon to the South.
Ashtamudi Lake (Ashtamudi Kayal), in the Kollam District of the Indian state of Kerala, is the most visited backwater and lake in the state. It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) water body, second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state. Ashtamudi means ‘eight coned’ (Ashta : ‘eight’; mudi : ‘coned’) in the local Malayalam language. The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches. The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts. Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district on the West coast of the state of Kerala,India.
There are several attractions in the area: the giant keyhole shaped Bekal Fort, the golden expanse of a beautiful beach surrounding the fort, backwaters and hill destinations and the water sport facilities nearby. Kasaragod is a beautiful town poised at the Northern extreme of Kerala 16 km south of the town on the National Highway, is the largest and best preserved fort in the whole of Kerala, bordered by a splendid beach. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the historic Bekal Fort offers a superb view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, which had huge cannons a couple centuries ago. The state of Kerala is reviewing a plan to start seaplane services connecting Bekal with Kollam Ashtamudi, Kumarakom, Punnamada and famous Paravur backwaters.
Kumarakom is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam (16 kilometres (10 mi)), in Kerala, India, famous for its backwater tourism. It is set in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Kerala.
Tourism in Kumarakom largely revolves -around the backwaters of the Vembanad Lake. Several luxury and budget resorts lined up on the shores of the lake provide tourists with facilities for boating, yachting and fishing, with panoramic views of the lake. The other major attraction is the Bird Sanctuary which can be visited by canoes arranged by local fishermen at the entrance to the sanctuary.Best time to visit sanctuary is morning and evening. A two-hour rowing canoe trip is quite cheap, and is best undertaken in the evening or early morning to avoid the afternoon sun. Bird sanctuary open time is from 6AM to 6PM
Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level, in the Western Ghats range of mountains.
The name Munnar is believed to mean “three rivers”, referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq mi). The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road). The Nearest Functioning Railway station is at Udumalaipettai according to Google maps The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away.
Thekkady (Idukki district) is the location of the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India.
Thekkady is located about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai City and Madurai Airport, 145 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. Thekkady is located near to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 (300 sq mi), of which 360 km2 (140 sq mi) is thick evergreen forest. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attractions of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the lake. The sanctuary can be accessed through a trekking, boating or jeep safari.
Thekkady is considered as a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, nutmace, ginger, and clove.
Wayanad District is a district in the north-east of Kerala state, India with headquarters at the town of Kalpetta. The district was formed on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district in Kerala by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The district is 3.79% urbanised, with three municipal towns Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery.
Wayanad district is in the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau. Part of the Western Ghats is in the district. In the centre of the district hills are lower in height while the northern area has high hills. The eastern area is flat and open.
At a height of 2100 metres, the towering Chembra Peak is located near Meppadi in the southern part of Wayanad. It is the tallest of peaks in the region and climbing this peak would test ones physical prowess. The climb up the Chembra Peak is an exhilarating experience, as each stage in the climb unfolds great expanses of Wayanad and the view gets wider as one goes up to its summit. Going up and coming down the peak would take a full day. Those who would like camp at the top are assured of an unforgettable experience.
Those who require camping gear may contact the District Tourism Promotion Council, located at Kalpetta in Wayanad.
Located in the southeastern part of Wayanad, and approachable from Kalpetta as well as Sulthan Bathery, Neelimala is a trekkers delight, with options for different trekking routes. At the top of Neelimala, the sight is a breathtaking one with a view to the Meenmutty falls located near by and the valley in the foreground.
Located close to Neelimala the spectacular Meenmutty falls can be reached through a 2 km trekking route from the main road connecting Ootty and Wayanad. It is the largest of waterfalls in the district of Wayanad, and adds to ones curiosity with its three stage falls dropping from about 300 metres.
Yet another waterfall that attracts visitors to Wayanad is the Chethalayam falls, located close to Sulthan Bathery in the northern part of Wayanad. This waterfall is smaller in size when compared to Meenmutty. The falls and the adjoining areas are ideal locales for trekking and a haunt for bird watchers.
Pakshipathalam is located deep within the forest in the Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 metres. The region predominantly comprises large boulders, some of them really massive. The deep caves found here are home to a wide variety of birds, animals and distinctive species of plants. Pakshipathalam is located near Mananthavady and a visit to the region would require a 7 km trek through the forest, starting from Thirunelli. Visitors to Pakshipathalam are to seek permission from the DFO- North Wayanad.
The dam at Banasura Sagar is reckoned as the largest earth dam in India. The dam is located in the southwestern part of Wayanad district and is close to the Karalad Lake. The project area of the Banasura Sagar Dam also has the start point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.
While you take in the captivating sights, sounds and fragrance of Wayanad, you may also shop for some specialities of Wayanad like spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants.
