KERALA - Culture of Bharatam Mahabharatam!

Kerala, a state in southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation, and reaches to the Arabian sea. Kerala tourism is renowned world over for its exotic destinations, cultural heritage and unparalleled hospitality. Tourism in Kerala attracts millions of tourists every year from all parts of the world.

From pristine beaches, scenic hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries to ancient temples, churches and palaces, Kerala tourism offers everything that a tourist can desire on a fulfilling holiday. Kerala tourism isn’t only about imbibing natural beauty but its rich culture that is festooned with dances, festivals, delectable cuisine, literature, Ayurveda therapies, and art & craft. Kerala has it all, and you have to see it, to believe it.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Kerala has three airports located in Tiruvananthpuram, Kochi and Kozhikode two of which are International Airports. The Karipur Airport plays host to domestic airlines while Cochin and Trivandrum Airport operate both domestic and international flights.

BY SEA: Cruise ships are available from Mumbai, Goa, Lakshadweep, Colombo and Male.From Kochi or Cochin, there are regular ships and ferries venturing towards the Lakshadweep Islands.

BY RAIL: Kerala has around 2000 railway stations, which connect places both within and outside Kerala. Many long distance express trains connect all prime cities of Kerala with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Goa.

BY ROAD: An extensive network of roads, state highways connects most of the places in the state. Kerala is directly connected by road to both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KERALA

The best time to visit Kerala is between October and February when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon season between June and September is also a good time to visit and enjoy the natural beauty and Ayurveda therapies. In the summer season, it can be difficult to plan a trip to Kerala because of high temperature and humidity.

HOW TO DO: Village Tour, Coracle Boating, Hiking, Eco Tourism, Keralan Cuisine, Cultural Performances, Water sports, Wildlife Safari & Birdwatching, Houseboat Stay & Cruise, Ayurveda Treatments & Therapies.

FOOD: Kerala’s cuisine is a beautiful amalgamation of Arabian, Malabari & French influences along with a unique touch of the state’s very own culture. You can find a flavoursome and authentic variety of sweet and savoury dishes from Kerala.

STAY: There are many option to stay like Ayurveda centre, homestay, hotel, resort, serviced villa, grihasthali (heritage building), boat house.

ATTRACTION IN KERALA

Aattukal Bhagavathi Temple, Padmanabham Temple, Kerala Backwaters, Bekal Fort, Kovalam beach, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Onam Festival, Chinese fishing Nets, Periyar wildlife sanctuary are some of the major tourist attractions in Kerala. Kerala Travel destinations comprise of Tiruvananthpuram, Kochi, kayamkulam, Kozhikode, Kumarakom, Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad, Thekkady, Kollam, and Varkala.

KERALA TRAVEL GUIDELINES

· Everyone coming to Kerala from other states should register on e-Jagratha portal

· With COVID-19 cases surging in Kerala, the state government has issued fresh guidelines.

· Everyone coming to Kerala from other states should register on e-Jagratha portal and those who have been vaccinated also should carry out an RT-PCR test within 48 hours before arriving in the state.

· People who are not vaccinated should undergo an RT-PCR test as soon as they arrive in Kerala and remain in room isolation at their place of residence till the results of the examination are received.

Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Kerala

ALLEPPEY - The venice of the East

Alappuzha or alleppey is a city on the loccadive sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala.Kerala’s favourite backwater tourist destination, Alleppey is famed for offering an incredible experience of staying and cruising in a traditional houseboat. Alleppey is a picturesque coastal delight, with backwaters, lagoons, canals, beaches festooning.

A very famous holiday destination for honeymoon couple, families and people who want to unwind the city life.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

The very popular boat race at Punamada Lake takes place every year which attracts tourists and natives from various places. Serveral spa and wellness centres are located in and around the city. Banana chips, alleppey fish curry, and kurukku kalan are typical dishes of the city and very delicious.

PLACES TO VISIT IN ALLEPPEY Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Mannarasala Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple, St. Andrew's Forane Church, Pathiramanal, Pandavan Rock, Edathua Church, etc.

HOW TO REACH ALLEPPEY

BY AIR: The Cochine international airport, located around 78km away, is the nearest airport to Alleppey.

BY ROAD: The National Highway 66 passes through the city, connecting it to other major cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kollam and Trivandrum via state run KSRTC buses.

BY RAIL The Alleppey Railway Station is located about 4 km away from the city centre. From the railway station, you can take a bus, hire a taxi or get in an auto-rickshaw to reach the main city.

TIME TO VISIT The best time to visit is winter October to march.

MUNNAR

It is a proper tourist hub with resorts and activities that have attracted in the world. It is overall view, including the tea plantation, beautifully designed towns, race flora and fauna, massive peak and dams, make it the perfect destination for an extended vacation as well. Munnar is without a doubt the best hill station in Kerala. It is a must visit tourist place in Kerala for a relaxing holiday as well as relishing adventure activities. Tourist

PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNNAR Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, TATA Tea Museum, Top Station, Kundala Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Photo Point, Meesapulimala, Lakkom Waterfalls, Echo Point, Anamudi, Devikulam, blossom park and many more.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: Munnar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. From Cochin, you can hire a cab to get to Munnar. The Madurai International Airport is 140 kilometres away from Munnar.

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kilometres from Munnar. The Ernakulam Railway Station is 130 kilometres away while the Madurai Railway Station is at a distance of 135 kilometres. From these points, you can either hire a cab or board the state transport or private buses wherever available.

BY ROAD: State-run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are the best way to get to Munnar by road.

BEST TIME TO VISIT the best time to visit manner can be said to be the throughout the year but November to march considered as a best time to visit.

KOCHI

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most picturesque destinations on the southwest coast line of Kerala. A cosmopolitan city with a bustling port, Kochi is where the modern lifestyle meets the traditional one. The city is the perfect reflection of Kerala and has many experiences up its sleeves.

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, has had ships from Asian and European countries visiting her port. The traders and travelled from across the globe were welcomed with open arms and minds. This greatly helped in its growth into a cosmopolitan city. Kochi’s growth owes a lot to its strategic position on the northern end of the peninsula that has proximity to the Arabian Sea on the west, and the estuaries and the Western Ghats on the east.

MAJOR ATTRACTION This cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Visit elephant training centre, enjoy local delicacies, pamper yourself with spa treatment.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN KOCHI

Chottanikara Bhagavathy Temple, Folkore Museum, Andhakaranazhi Beach, Santa Cruz Basilica, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary Athirapally Falls, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace,Chinese Fishing Nets, Marine Drive And Many More.

HOW TO REACH

BY Air Kochi is conveniently connected to the airports of all major cities of India and to some international destinations.

BY Rail Ernakulam is the nearest railhead, connected with all major cities in India.

BY Road Kochi is well connected by buses and good motorable roads and highways to different cities across India.

BEST TIME TO VISIT october to february winter are by far the best time to visit cochine.

THING TO DO Visit churches, visit temple, unwind at beaches, dine at the famous cafes.

THEKKADY Fringing the popular Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a hill station in Kerala that attracts many nature and wildlife lovers. It is one of the best places to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerala. If you are looking for an idyllic getway featuring natural splendour in all its glory, therevare plenty of places to visit in thekkady.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

A journey to the best places in Thekkady immediately brings to mind pack of majestic elephants and fearsome tigers walking along the pristine rivers in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, bamboo rafting and boating in the Periyar Lake, aromatic spice plantations along with scented gardens of tea, coffee and cardamom, chains of lush green hills, tranquil waterfalls, quaint little hamlets and soft contoured hill slopes. While there are endless breath-taking tourist attractions, we bring to you the list of top seven, saving you from all the stress of listing down the prospective places to visit in Thekkady. Make sure you explore these spectacular places to relax and rejuvenate in a short span of time.

PLACE TO VISIT IN THEKKADY

Kumily, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullaperiyar Dam, Ramakkalmedu, Murikkady, Pandikuzhi

HOW TO REACH

By Air Thekkady does not have an airport of its own and the Madurai airport located at a distance of 136 kilometres from Thekkady is the nearest domestic airport. From Madurai, you can hire a cab to get to Thekkady. The nearest international airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 190 kilometres away.

By Train The nearest railway station to Thekkady is in Kottayam, located 114 kilometres away. The railway station in Kottayam is well-connected to major cities across India.You can hire a cab from Kottayam to get to Thekkady, or even board a government or private run bus.

By Bus The most inexpensive way to get to Thekkady from nearby cities like Cochin, Trivandrum and Kottayam are the government or private run buses.

BEST TIME TO VISIT the winter season is the perfect time to visit the place.Summer can be tiring because of the rise in tempersture.

THINGS TO DO boating, elephant ride, purchase spices, bullock cart ride, magaladevi temple.

THRISSUR

The cultural capital, Thrissur does not need an introduction. From drawing a large crowd on its Temple Festival (Thrissur Pooram) to being an abode to several cultural centres, the city is a must-visit in Kerala.The serene atmosphere of the beautiful place offers a peace of mind.

ATTRACTION IN THRISSUR

Thrissur is from where Kerala gets a fair share of its festive glitter. Thrissur was the capital of the Kingdom of Kochi. The festivals celebrated here are the major attraction for tourists and a visit to Thrissur is incomplete without witnessing these. Other tourist spots in Thrissur include the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram Temple, Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran, Archaeology Museum, Athirapally Falls, Heritage Garden and many more.

PLACES TO VISIT IN THRISSUR

Athirapaly Fall, Charpa Falls, Vadakumnathan Temple, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Vazhachal Falls, Thrissur Zoo and many more.

HOW TO REACH THRISSUR

BY AIR: Nearest airport is the Cochin Airport. The airport is about 58kms from Thrissur.

BY TRAIN: Thrissur has its own railway station which is connected to all the major domestic railheads.

By Road: Thrissur has a good network of roads connecting it with all the neighboring places and other domestic town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to march is the best time to visit Thrissur, one can also visit this place during April and May.

KOVALAM

A small coastal town with some of the best beaches of Kerala, Kovalam is a place where you get to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising.

Kovalam features three spectacular crescent beaches. The most popular and largest beach is lighthouse beach, aptly named for its 30 meter lighthose,which features a stunning site-the vizhinjam mosque.

ATTRACTION IN KOVALAM

Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony outcroppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.

THINGS TO DO

Sightseeingtour, houseboat ride, adventure sport, catamaran ride, german bakery, Sivananda yoga Vedanta ashram, ayurvedic massages,lighthouse beach, karamana river, Jeevan music café.

HOW TO REACH

By Air Located at a distance of about 15 kilometres, the Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam. The airport is connected to all major airports in India and major cities around the world, like Singapore and Colombo. From the airport you can hire a taxis, or even take a bus or auto-rickshaws to take you to Kovalam.

By Train The Trivandrum Central railway station, located about 15 kilometres from Kovalam, is the nearest railway station to Kovalam. The Trivandrum Central railway station is well linked to jor cities in India. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or a cab or board a bus to reach Kovalam.

By Bus Buses are the most economical way to reach Kovalam. Kovalam is well-connected to Trivandrum and other nearby major cities by city bus services. Luxury tourist bus services to Trivandrum are available from many nearby cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai and Nagercoil.

Best time to visit best time to visit kovalam is September – febuary . winter is the best season to visit kovalam kerala.

WAYANAD

Dotted with camping sites, trekking trails and gorgeous waterfalls, Wayanad is a peaceful and picturesque hill station that is perfect for holiday in Kerala. Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, this land is filled with history and culture. Located at a distance of 76 km. from the sea shores of Kozhikode, this verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife.

MAJOR ATTRACTION IN WAYANAD

Wayanad, the green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, forming the border world of the greener part of Kerala. Wayanad is a beautiful hilly region in the Western Ghats that is located in the southern region of the Deccan plateau.

Mountains and forests intersperse to create numerous outback trails, trekking routes and opportunities for other adventure sports. With vast areas still unexplored, Wayanad is truly an adventurescape waiting to be discovered.

TOP PLACE TO VISIT IN WAYANAD

Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Edakkal Caves, Chain Tree, Pookode Lake, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, The Bamboo Factory, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Phantom Rock, Neelimala View Point and many more.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is the nearest airport to Wayanad. You can take a flight to Kozhikode, which is well connected to most cities in the country as well as the Middle East. From Kozhikode you can take a cab.

BY RAIL: Wayanad is not on the railway network. The closest railway station is Kozhikode, 110 km away. Kozhikode is well connected by rail to major towns such as Kochi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. A number of buses ply from Kozhikode bus station to Wayanad. Or you could hire a cab.

BY ROAD: There is a network of good roads that lead to Wayanad from all three states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. You can hire a private car to Wayanad and travel in comfort. Another option is to take the state transport buses that run from Bengaluru, Mysore, Kochi, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, etc. to Kozhikode or Wayanad.

BEST TIME TO VISIT all time is good for the visit but november to march is consided the best time to visit wayanad.

KUMARAKOM

The favourite place for luxury seekers desiring a holiday on the backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is replete with luxury houseboats and resorts promising an experience of a lifetime. One of the most beautiful places in God’s Own Country, Kumarakom is the verdant green village on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala’s backwaters. Kumarakom is surrounded by rich green forests and numerous flowing lakes, canals, and beautiful backwaters. This natural bounty invites several migratory birds that can be spotted in the magnificent Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

MAJOR ATTTRACTION

The place is laced with holy pilgrimage sites like temples, churches, museums, and mosques. This mesmerizing landscape dotted with forests, hills, rivers, Ghats, and the sea draw

PLACES TO VISIT IN KUMARAKOM

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Vagamon, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Jatayu Rock, Pathiramanal Island, Thanneermukkom Bund, Kumarakom Craft Museums hundreds of travellers around the year.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: Located 85 kilometres away, the Cochin International Airport is the closest to Kumarakom. The airport is well connected to major cities in India as well as across the world. You can hire private cabs or taxis from the airport to reach Kumarakom.

BY TRAIN: The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is the Kottayam railway station, located 16 kilometers away. You can hire private cabs or taxis from the railway station to reach Kumarakom.

BY BUS: Travelling by bus is the most inexpensive way to reach Kumarakom from nearby cities within Kerala. There are numerous Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses plying from Kottayam to Kumarakom. Kottayam is well connected to all major cities around Kerala through KSRTC buses. Private air-conditioned buses play a major role in connecting Kottayam to other major cities

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Kummarakom encountrts moderate and wonderful atmosphere all round the year. Winter is best time between November to febuary to visit kumarakom.

KOZHIKODE

Home to serene beaches and historic sites, Kozhikode is where Vasco Da Gama landed when he discovered India. The city is a perfect place to get an authentic experience of Kerala.

Calicut, popularly known as Kozhikode among the locals is a place resplendent with natural beauty, pristine beaches, and historical monuments. This place offers tranquility and the best haven to take a break from a busy life and relax. There are waterfalls like Kakkadampoyil Waterfall and Tusaragiri waterfalls and also some religious places like Tali Temple, Valayanad Devi Temple.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

Beautiful beaches like Kappad, Beypore, and Kozhikode are perfect spots to spend your lazy days. Today Kozhikode is the third- largest city of Kerala and draws tourists throughout the year due to its vast tourist attractions and pleasant weather.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN KOZHIKODE

Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Valayanad Devi Temple, Thalikkunu Shiva Temple, Beypore Beach, Srikanteshwara Temple, Thusharagiri Fall, Kakkayam Dam & many more

HOW TO REACH KOZHIKODE

BY AIR: Karipur airport, also known as Calicut International Airport, located around 23 km away from the main Kozikode town serves the coastal city. Daily flights from cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Delhi. Passengers can avail local vehicles to travel to Kozhikode city from the airport.

BY RAIL: Kozhikode has its own railway station. The railway station connects the city to other important Indian destinations like Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi.

BY ROAD: Kozhikode is well connected to other cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore etc. by road. Though road network is fairly extensive, yet the road trip is quite comfortable. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation as well as a large number of private buses connect Kozhikode to important cities of the south.

BEST TIME TO VISIT October- march is the best time to visit Kozhikode. Summers (April-march) are quite hot.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The capital city, Thiruvananthapuram is where you can find authentic Kerala’s food, intriguing sights and a cluster of Victorian museums; it’s a place of many experiences.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

The city comprises beautiful beaches, long stretches of palm fringed shorelines, windy backwaters and historical structures. Along with its natural and historical significance, the city is also popular for its ancient temples that are renowned for their architecture making Thiruvananthapuram one of the most visited pilgrim centers of India Thiruvananthapuram is also a paradise for beach lovers. Beaches situated outside the city like the Shankhumugham and Kovalam beaches are world famous.

TOP PLACES IN TRIVANDRUM

Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Napier Museum, The Kanakakunnu Palace, Priyadarshini Space Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock-cut Cave, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Magic Planet, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and many more places

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport. The airport is well connected with all the major cities of India and countries as well and is just 6 kilometres far from the railway station. The airport is designed to provide every possible service to tourists.

BY RAILWAYS: There are around 20 railway stations in Thiruvananthapuram district which are well-connected with all the major cities of India. Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is known as the largest and busiest railway station in South India when it comes to passenger moment. Quite a good number of trains are available each hour that connects the city to the entire nation.

BY ROAD: NH-66 connects Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore and many other cities of Kerala. There are regular services from the major cities like Cochin, Bangalore, Madurai, Coimbatore and Chennai. Right from volvos to deluxe buses, many types of buses are running by Kerala tourism.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: winter season between October to February is the best time to visit Trivandrum.