ATTRACTIONS IN KERALA

Kerala Backwaters

The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets,

estuaries,lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns.This interlinked
body of waterways is known as the backwaters in Kerala,over 900 km of
which is navigable.Travelling in traditional houseboats along these
backwaters to enjoy the scenic landscape is a wonderful experience and
extremely popular among foreign visitors.

The leisurely cruise along the famous backwaters of Kerala gives one a first
hand experience of the village life style in the state and its rustic activities
like coir-making and prawn farming. You cannot miss the breathtaking view of the water,
land, birds and human habitation on the water side, coexisting peacefully.

The hub of backwater tourism in Kerala, Alleppey or Alappuzha means land between the
sea where a network of rivers flows into it. If you are in Alleppey, perhaps your main
reason to be there is to cruise through the backwaters in Kerala.Backwater by definition
means “a part of a river not reached by the current, where the water is stagnant”, and
Kerala showcases a great deal of its picturesque backwaters in Alleppey. The houseboat
rides along these backwaters can prove exhilarating to the tourists as they take you
through Kottayam, Alleppey,Quilon, Kumarakom and Kuttanad area.

Kerala Beaches

Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the

finest,internationally known, most charming beachesof the world,
coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered
coves.The beaches and shorelines of Kerala, washed by the
pleasant tropical sun, are peaceful and pristine as ever and contribute
to the attraction of domestic and international tourists.

Beaches of Kerala are at their best in Kovalam. Situated on the

Malabar Coast, Kovalam Beach is full of swaying coconut trees and has gained fame with
the sea surfers all over the world.Kerala is known throughout the world as one of the
worlds best beach destinations. The beaches of Kerala are beautiful stretches of
clean sand, fringed by swaying palm trees on one side and rippling waves on the other.
You can have a memorable beach holiday on the beaches of Kerala.

Visitors to Kerala beaches get to relax on the golden sands of the beaches of Kerala,
or stretch out in the shade of the rows of palm trees along the beaches, drinking the
refreshing juice of tender coconuts and maybe undergoing an ayurvedic
massage.Kovalam,Varkala,Marari,Alappuzha,Kappad and Bekkal are some of the
popular beaches of Kerala.

Kerala Wildlife
 Kerala, the land of mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and backwaters,
has numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The enchanting
green forests with elephants, tigers, wild dogs, sambars, gaurs,
leopards, as well as many exotic species of reptiles,land and water
birds offers a wonderful sight to the tourists.Some of the reputed forest
zones such as Silent Valley are located in Kerala.

Kerala, the naturally green state in India, with a plethora of greens with thick
undergrowths and verdant forests, a temperate climate and so many natural sources of
water, provide the perfect habitat for the growth of wildlife. Naturally there are many
wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala that have been developed to look after and preserve the wide
variety of birds and animals in the wilderness of Kerala. The Kerala Wildlife sanctuaries are
major tourist attractions where people from all over the world come to catch a glimpse of
some rare species of animal or bird and some stunningly beautiful nature spots.

There are treks that can be taken along with nature trails and nature walks along the
green pastures of the sanctuaries. The visitors can also go on wildlife safaris, on jeeps or
elephants, and watch the wild animals in their natural habitats in the interior of the wildlife
sanctuaries in Kerala. There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries in
Kerala, which constitute a repertoire of natural wealth for the state.

Kerala Hill Stations

The mountain ranges in Kerala consisting of the highland area of the Western Ghats,
exude an exotic charm. Rising to an average height of 1520 m, the tropical forests of
the ghats house rich and unique flora and fauna. The high ranges and hill stations are
the favourite spots of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.Expansive
plantations of tea,coffee,rubber and fragrant cardamom and other spices for
which Keralais famous for,are cultivated on the slopes of these hill stations.

Much of Keralas exotic appeal is centered in these highland areas of the Western
Ghats. Ideal places for adventure tourism and trekking,the fresh mountain air, the mist
clad hills and a panoramic view make them worthy of a visit.Places like Munnar in Kerala produce an exotic
species of flowers that bloom once in twelve years.

Hill stations in Kerala offer tourists an opportunity to spend their vacations amidst clean and fresh air of the hills.
Some of the more popular hill stations in Kerala are those of Mattupetty, Munnar, Nelliyampathy, Palakkad,
Ponmudi, Wayanad, Idduki, Kannur, Kasargod and Kozhikode. Here you can see the milky waterfalls, mighty
rocks, lakes, and hill-plantations. The scenic beauty of these Kerala hillstations cannot be defined in words, it is
best experienced in person.

Kerala Waterfalls

Kerala,the land of coconuts is famous the world over for its

breathtaking scenery, beautiful lagoons, superb lush mountain
regions,carpets of spice and tea plantations, excellent sandy beaches
and the irresistible charm of its cascading, gorgeous waterfalls.No
wonder the National Geographic Traveller recommends Kerala as one
of the 50 greatest must see top tourist destinations in the world. It is
also one of the top 10 tourist destinations listed in the Paradise Found
category.

The forests of Western ghats are punctuated with large and small waterfalls that gurgle
and splash down the mountain side.The wooded forests of the Western ghats are hidden
with cascading showers that enchant the visitors.The important waterfalls in Kerala are
Athirapally, Vazhachal, Palaruvi & Tusharagiri.The picturesque places around the
falls are popular trekking and picnic spots, with the greenery and landscape infusing
freshness into any tired soul.

Some of them especially the ones at Athirappilly and Vazhachal are scintillatingly beautiful
and offer a bewitching sight.Others like the Palaruvi fall is said to contain medicinal
properties.There are also others ranging from small gurgling streams to roaring rushing
falls that provide a scintillating attraction to visitors.

Kerala Adventure Tourism

Kerala is a hot and happening destination amongst nature lovers

and adventure seekers. Kerala is gifted with nature at its beautiful
best.As an adventure destination, Kerala offers its visitors umpteen
opportunities to unleash their enthusiastic selves.

The high mountains, gushing rivers, dense forests and the vast stretches of
ocean water present just the rightdestinations to let loose
the adventurous spirit and indulge in some really exciting activities. From water sports to
wildlife tours to trekking trips, adventurous travellers have plenty of choices to rejoice
about in Kerala.

The adventure seekers in Kerala can opt for backwater biking, bird tours,camping,jungle
safaris, canoeing, hiking and biking, trekking,water sports,wildlife tours and much
more. Kerala is a paradise for the bird watcher with hundreds of species of birds. Kerala,
being the land of rivers, lagoons and lakes in the interiors and the sea on the west, also
makes it an ideal destination for those inclined to indulge in water sports for relaxation
and adventure. For the wildlife enthusiasts, Kerala offers its diversity in the wildlife
parks.The tropical evergreen rain forests in Kerala like the famous Silent Valley National
Park offer scope for a variety of exciting adventurous activities for travel enthusiasts.

Kerala Shopping

Shopping in Kerala makes for a delightful experience. The land is traditionally

rich in handicrafts. The skilled hands of the artisans of Kerala have crafted out
a wide variety of objects dart that find a buy among the tourists,especially
foreigners.

Owing to the abundance of forests and coconut groves in Kerala, wood,

jute,coir and coconut shells traditionally remain the base of such handicrafts. A
whole range of souvenirs,curios and trinkets are made from these. Artifacts made of teak,
deep-wine rosewood and fragrant sandalwood may arrest your eyes while shopping in
Kerala. Buffalo horn is also popular with Kerala artisans as a raw material for the
handicrafts.

The sea-fringed state of Kerala is also the land of spices. Since long past, Kerala has
carved a niche of its own in the global spice market for its rich flavored spices. Spices are
used in medicines, preservatives, perfumes and above all in cooking. They serve as
exquisite shopping products that enjoy international value.

Kathakali-masks made of wood or papier-mâché are also favourite buys with the
tourists.There are a large number of private shops and government emporia, which are
scattered all across the state.Nevertheless Kochi and Trivandrum are the best places for
shopping in Kerala. You can also check out the street side vendors or the artisans directly.
 Some of the popular tourist shopping products in Kerala are coconut shell craft,coir
items,woodcarvings,metalware,tea, coffee and spices like black pepper, cardamom,
vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, etc,metal inlaid wood craft,horn carvings,bamboo/jute mat
paintings and kathakali masks.

Kerala Handicrafts

The art and craft of any country or state is a living example of the regions rich past and
heritage.
Kerala is a treasure trove of the finest crafts that one has ever seen- it
touches a nerve chord that arouses your artistic sensibilities. Rosewood
carving which is a special craft form in Kerala that highlights the
indigenous method and skill of the traditional craftsmen in carving and
chiselling figures out of rosewood.

These craftsmen haven’t visited the house of Swarovski or Dior but they can teach a
thing or two about fineness andartistry.Carvings of elephants,curios,figurines,coir
mats,bags,handloom products,jewellery boxes and a host of other items including wooden
furniture, used for decoration and utility are produced in Kerala with meticulous
precision.These craft specimens of Kerala feature in the homes and buildings of many
people and offices all over the world.The craftsmen of the state also come out with
unique indigenous products such as the popular coconut shell products of Kerala. It is
amazing what specimens of craft can be created from something as trivial as coconut
shell or wood.

Significantly, Kerala handicraft serves a twofold motive. Firstly it showcases

the handicrafts of Kerala to the world forum and secondly it forms a source of bread and
butter to the many poor traditional craftsmen of the state. The handicraft industry
in Kerala acts as a source of income to these people, to the government, and to many
other industries associated directly or indirectly with Kerala art and craft.