Kerala: A Paradise of Rich Culture, Breathtaking Landscapes, and Unique Experiences

Welcome to Kerala, a magical land tucked away in the southwestern corner of India. Known as "God's Own Country," Kerala is a mesmerizing destination that captivates travelers with its diverse culture, lush landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From serene backwaters and pristine beaches to lush hill stations and vibrant festivals, this state offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.

A Tapestry of Culture and Traditions:

Kerala is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, where ancient rituals and customs coexist with modernity. The state's rich history is evident in its impressive architecture, religious festivals, and art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Visitors can delve into the local way of life by exploring the bustling markets, savoring traditional cuisine, and experiencing the warmth of Keralites' hospitality.

Backwaters: Nature's Serenade

No trip to Kerala is complete without a serene cruise along its famous backwaters. The intricate network of canals, lagoons, and rivers offers a unique and tranquil experience. A houseboat ride through the backwaters presents a chance to witness the rural charm, picturesque landscapes, and observe traditional fishing and farming practices.

Breathtaking Hill Stations:

Escape the heat and venture into Kerala's cool hill stations, nestled amid lush greenery and misty clouds. Places like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady provide an idyllic setting for trekking, wildlife spotting, and rejuvenating amidst nature's bounty. The aroma of tea and spice plantations further enhances the charm of these hill retreats.

Pristine Beaches:

Kerala boasts a coastline that stretches for miles, offering some of the most pristine and scenic beaches in India. Whether it's the bustling Kovalam Beach or the tranquil Varkala Beach with its cliffside views, each beach offers a unique experience. From sunbathing and water sports to mesmerizing sunsets, the beaches of Kerala cater to every traveler's taste.

Ayurveda: Healing for the Mind and Body:

Kerala is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic practices, which offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. Many visitors come here seeking rejuvenation through Ayurvedic massages, therapies, and yoga sessions. The state's abundance of Ayurvedic centers and resorts ensures that travelers can find solace and relaxation during their stay.

Kerala is a treasure trove of experiences that leave an indelible mark on every traveler's heart. From its vibrant festivals and cultural heritage to its scenic landscapes and serene backwaters, Kerala promises a truly unique and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, this remarkable destination has something special to offer to all who set foot on its enchanting soil. So, pack your bags and embark on an incredible journey to Kerala, where the colors of tradition, nature, and warmth blend to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Planning to holiday in Kerala? It's almost houseful

Tourists hoping to usher in the New Year amid Kerala's laidback charms would do well to have a plan B ready - if they haven't booked already. Most hotels, resorts and even houseboats are sold out for Christmas, and only divine intervention can get you a place in 'god's own country'.

As a result of the holiday rush, tariffs have touched stratospheric levels. Plush resorts in the backwater havens of Alappuzha and Kumarakom are charging upwards of Rs.75,000 a night for the New Year eve.

Likewise, travel agents too are running from pillar to post to get reservations for their clients at premier destinations like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Thekkady and Munnar.

Tomy Pulikattil, who owns a dozen houseboats in Alappuzha, said anyone who manages to book a houseboat now should consider himself extremely lucky.

"We are finding it hard to accommodate people who have not made a booking. The peak season would begin from Dec 20 and continue till the first week of January. We are fully booked and now people are calling us daily to see if there have been any cancellations," Pulikattil told IANS.

Alappuzha, popularly known as the Venice of the East, has the largest concentration of houseboats, numbering more than 400.

Tariff for the peak season has gone up by 25 percent. A two bedroom houseboat would cost you about Rs.20,000 a day.

Tourism has become one of the biggest money spinners in industry-starved Kerala. The tourism department says both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals for the first half of this year have shown a rise.

Around 335,000 overseas tourists arrived here till June 2010, a rise of 13.9 percent over the corresponding period last year. Domestic tourist arrivals too grew by 5.59 percent to reach 4.1 million.

No wonder hotel and resort owners are in a festive mood.

"All our rooms have been fully booked for the second half of this month and so is the case with resorts in and around Kovalam. Unlike in the previous season, this time we feel that there are more domestic tourists," said K. Sudish Kumar, who owns a premier resort at Kovalam beach.

"Moreover, we hope the rains lashing the state halt briefly so that tourists can enjoy the beaches."

However, tour guide Koshy John sounded a word of caution, saying the lingering effects of economic slowdown were still visible.

"The free flow of foreign tourists that was visible from the end of November last year has not happened this time. But I am told that foreign tourists' January bookings look healthy," he said.

"On its part, the state government also should promote newer destinations because the premier destinations are choked during the holiday season."

Kerala - Paradise found

Kerala, God’s Own Country, has been voted by National Geographic as one of its top ten ‘paradise found’ places on the planet. Situated in the south western corner of India, it is a green and fertile state thanks to the annual south west monsoon. Traders have been sailing to Kerala for 3,000 years, riding the directional monsoon and trade winds. The Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese have all traded here and the coastal city of Kochi (formerly Cochin) reflects the diversity of these influences: Chinese fishing nets, St Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace.



From Kochi/Cochin you can explore the fertile hinterland:

Travel inland through palm, rubber, tea and spice plantations before arriving at Lake Periyar National Park, a tiger reserve surrounding an artificial lake constructed by the British in the 19th century. This reserve is also home to bison and elephant.

Sail along the Backwaters, an extensive fresh-waterway of rivers, lakes, lagoons and canals with small settlements, palm groves and fishing nets adorning the banks.

Allow yourself to be transported along these waterways on a Kettuvallam, a houseboat in the style of the traditional rice boats. Enjoy the views in style while your meals are being prepared!

And for the ultimate paradise experience, why not sleep 40 metres up in the canopy in a Tree House?

Kerala Tourism: Sojourn through God’s own country

Kerala Tours have for you just what you are looking for- a perfect and memorable trip to Kerala. There are many hotels in Kerala ranging from the backwater resorts to forest lodges to spa/boutique hotels and so on.

There are many top-notch hotels in Kerala like the Taj Residency Hotel, White Fort Hotel, The Le Meridien Hotel and so on. Hotels in Kerala have all the facilities and amenities that ensure a comfortable stay in the heaven-like backwaters of Kerala. Iron and Ironing Board, Laundry Service, Minibar, Refrigerator, Remote-Controlled Cable Television, Safety Deposit Box/ In-Room Safe Satellite Television, Smoke Detectors, Sprinkler System, Stereo/Hi-Fi/CD Player, Tea and Coffee Making Facilities, Turndown Service, Umbrellas, Voicemail, Voltage 110/120 Wake Up Call, etc.

There are several beach resorts in Kerala that that offer a traditional ambience and cultural heritage along with most of them giving the tourist, a magnificent view of the sea waters. Room service, Hot water, Laundry, Beach, umbrellas, Beach decks, Cultural shows, Indoor and Outdoor games, Boating, Ayurveda treatment and Massage, Yoga and Meditation.

Hotels in Kerala also include accommodations that include hill resorts and houseboats in the backwaters of Kerala. There are 5 star hill resorts as well as two star resorts. There are several facilities like Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Roof Top Garden, Conference Hall, Swimming Pool, Trekking Bar, Badminton or Indoor Games, Health Club, Garden Restaurant.

Kerala backwaters are also a popular destination in Kerala. Apart from the regular and standard hotels in Kerala, there are several houseboats in the middle of the backwaters. This has been a stupendous success in the Kerala tourism. Backwaters give Kerala its distinct identity.

Kerala Tours has amazing packages for the leisurely and business travelers for a fascinating Kerala experience. India Tours deals with Kerala tours, Kerala packages, Kerala tour packages, Kerala tour, Kerala honeymoon, Kerala honeymoon holidays, Kerala houseboats, vacation packages for Kerala. India Tours offers some irresistible travel itineraries for a memorable trip to Kerala. One can also make reservations for hotels in various parts of Kerala like Munnar, hotels in Thekkady, hotels in Alleppey,Hotels in Kumarakom, Hotels in Cochin, Hotels in Kovalam, Hotels in Varkala, Hotels in Trivandrum at attractive discounted rates.

Hotels in Kerala serve absolutely mouth-watering cuisine. The traditional Kerala fares comprise both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties. Sadya is the traditional food of Kerala which contain par boiled pink rice, side dishes, savories, pickles and desserts spread out on a plantain leaf. Avial is another indispensable part of the Kerala fare. Other local fare includes Olan and Thoran and many more.

So what are you waiting for? Reserve a place now and enjoy your stay at the mesmerizing Kerala.