Kerala with its Ayurveda and Backwaters

The southern part of India boasts of having a place like Kerala: Gods' own country: which is famous for back water, ayurveda and spa. Kerala has the best facilities for the Ayurvedic treatments which give a synchronization of mind body and soul. People from all over the world come to Kerala to feel this ultimate pleasure. Similarly another most amazing thing that Kerala boasts of is its backwaters. A house boat cruise in the backwater of Kerala is an unforgettable and fascinating experience. Club these two with the pristine natural beauty and rich culture of the Kerala and you will know why this state has to be visited on your trip to India.

Kerala is located in the south-west corner of the Indian peninsula. It's vibrant culture and rich traditions coupled with its varied landscape has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It has been named as one of the "ten paradises of the world"and "50 must see destinations of a lifetime". Kerala is also the fastest growing destinations in thee world, In 2011 the tourist inflow to Kerala crossed the 10-million mark. Kerala enchants both domestic and international tourists with its famed backwaters, sandy beaches, lofty palm trees, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. Tourists can visit Kerala anytime of the year. And it can be easily reached from the rest of the country. It is rightly said as God’s Own Country.

The most popular tourist attractions in the state are beaches, backwaters and hill stations. Major beaches are at Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Popular hill stations are at Munnar, Wayanad, Wagamon, Peermade, Nelliampathi and Ponmudi. Kerala's ecotourism destinations include 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulam National Park are the most popular among them. The "backwaters" are an extensive network of interlocking rivers (41 west-flowing rivers), lakes, and canals that center around Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam and Punnamada (where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August). Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattancherry Palace are two notable heritage sites. For the foreign tourists, the major attractions of Thrissur Pooram. Nemmara Vela are Elephants, fireworks display and huge crowd that throng the place.

Munnar:Munnar is also known as the Queen Among Hill Stations and is famous for its verdant tea gardens, the main attractions here includes churches, tea estates, waterfalls, dams and the Eravikulam National Park. Tourists are advised not to miss Elephant Safari at the wildlife parks and shopping for tea and spices from the local shops.Cheeyapara Falls, which is on the way to Munnar, Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetti Dam and Rose Garden are some of popular attractions that can be visited in Munnar. Marayoor, at a distance of around 42 km from Munnar is well-known for its Sandalwood forests; with Sandalwood Factory being the prime attraction of the place.

Kovalam:It is well-known for its charming beaches. Kanyakumari is a popular excursion from Kovalam which is renowned for its breathtaking sunset and sunrise views.Enriched with fantastic and attractive appeal of sea shores, Kanyakumari houses many tourist attractions. Popular attractions are Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari Beach, Wax Museum and Mathur Hanging Bridge.

Varkala:It is an important ayurveda treatment centre. It is also famous for its cliffs, Varkala Beach, Sarkara Devi Temple and Janardana Swami Temple.

Alleppey and Kumarakom:Alleppey is famous known for its backwaters. Popular for houseboat cruising, the city also houses Shree Krishna Temple . The best time to visit the city is during the month of August, when the most famous snake boat race is held here. You can spend a beautiful day at the houseboat in order to experience the beautiful backwaters of Alleppey. Kumarakom is located at 40 km away from Alleppey which is one of the alluring destinations of Kerala, that is made from an assemblage of small islands near the Vembanad Lake. Besides fishing, tourists can visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to get a glimpse of various unique migratory birds and Bay Island Driftwood Museum. Boating to the nearest island of Pathiramanal is an also attractive way to explore the area.

Trivandrum:The capital of Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. It is famous for Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is one of the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnavites in India. Other popular attractions in Trivandrum are Napier Museum, Chitra Art Gallery and the Observatory. The city is home to the famous ancient martial art form called Kalarippayattu.

Kochi:It is also known as Cochin is a famous port city of Kerala, popular for its beaches and monumental heritage. One can visit Fort Kochi Beach which is one of the very few places in the country where one can see the traditional Chinese fishing nets. Another place of interest in Kochi is St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches built in India by Europeans. Just 5 km away from Kochi is Mattancherry which includes Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Jew Town & Spice Market.

Thekkady:The world famous Periyar National Park is located here. Enjoy wilderness, ride the Elephant safari and the breathe in the fresh air of Periyar National Park . Besides the famous Periyar National Park, the place has many other attractions like the Tribal Heritage Museum and Mangaladevi Temple.

Guruvayoor:It is the holy Abode of Lord Krishna and is an important pilgrim centre of Kerala, especially known for its Sri Krishna Temple. Also, known as “Bhooloka Vaikuntam”, meaning “Holy abode of Vishnu on Earth”, the Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor attracts thousands of devotees every year. But the temple welcomes only people with Hindu religion.

Kozhikode:Kozhikode, also referred to as Calicut, is a city with serene beaches, historical sites and wildlife sanctuaries. Kozhikode beach, located around a km from the main city is a popular tourist attraction. This charming beach is a favourite place for sunset viewers. Beypore, formerly known as Beypuram, around 10 km from the city is famous for its port. Beypore port is the oldest port in Kerala and has a great historical significance.