Kerala Tour
The state of Kerala is located on the Malabar Coast of southern India. It is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers for its tropical greenery, the backwaters, Ayurveda treatments and the large expanse of rubber and spice plantations. The cities of Kerala such as Trivandrum, Cochin, Kollam and Calicut also feature a number of cultural and historical attractions. Backwaters are an integral part of Kerala tourism, contributing steadily to state's economy. This chain of interlocking lakes and canals form the largest backwater body known as the Vembanad Lake. It is a tourist hot spot for its greenery, quaint villages, the houseboats and the day-night cruises. Plan your Kerala tour with Indian Holiday and get exclusive offer on travel packages.
Top Kerala Tourist Attractions : With Indian Holiday, your vacation in Kerala will include wildlife safaris, exploring the cities, backwater tour, trip to the spice gardens and rubber plantations. The top places of interest in Kerala include:
- Cochin - Popular as Kochi and the erstwhile Travancore kingdom is both a commercial and cultural hub with a number of places to visit. The Bolgatty Island, Willingdon Island, Chinese Fishing Nets and the Hill Palace Museum are among the top attractions. The Jewish colony of Mattancherry has a synagogue and was earlier an important center for spice trade. The Dutch Fort built in 1568 by the Portuguese, and later renovated by the Dutch, is another tourist attraction here. Thiruvananthapuram - The capital city that draws crowds of foreign tourists every year, Thiruvananthapuram has the Padmanabhaswamy Temple as its most prominent landmark. Kovalam is a 15 km drive from here and has three beaches that attracts number of visitors. You can also visit the Government Napier Museum and the Kuthiramalika Palace.
- Munnar - A small hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, the eucalyptus plantations, tea gardens and the meadows here offer picturesque views. The Anamuidi is the highest peak here. You can go on an excursion to Devikulam, a drive of 7 km from Munnar, Mattupetty and Rajamalai. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - A sprawling 777 square kilometer, Periyar is an important tiger conservation and eco-tourism zone in Kerala. Situated in Thekkady district, the artificial lake here has boating facilities, trekking and elephant rides. On a park safari, you will come across a variety of plant and animal species such as mongoose, nilgiri kangurs and leopards.
- Thrissur - Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur has immense significance among the Hindu pilgrims visiting the state. The temple festivals here bring tourists and devotees from India and across the world. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is a classic example of Kerala architecture and its interiors are adorned with beautiful wall murals. The Thrissur Pooram (festival) is held in its premises. The Peechi Dam and the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary are other attractions here.
Popular Backwater destinations in Kerala
The 900 km of backwater stretch passes through several locations, towns and villages in the state. Some of the prominent backwater destinations are: Alleppey - Also known as, the Venice of the East, the famous Nehru Boat Race is organized on the backwaters here. The snake boats, the Chundanvallooms, rowed by men are part of this event.
- Kumarakom - Vembanad Lake passes through this town in the Kottayam district. It is among the idyllic destinations thronged mainly by the honeymoon couples. Houseboats are the popular option to stay for the couples. Tourists also love the water cruises.
- Kollam - Kollam is a seaport on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake. You can opt for a long backwater cruise from Kollam to Alleppey taking up to 8 hours.
- Cochin - The natural harbor here is a starting point of backwater cruises. On backwater tour, you will come across the archipelago of islands off the Kochi coast. There are also houseboats similar to that in Kumarakom.
Shopping in Kerala
God's Own Country is not without some interesting shopping locales, malls and handicraft shops. Shopping is a delight in the cities of Cochin and Trivandrum a number of malls and markets. Handicraft items, artifacts made from coir and bamboo are popular buys for tourists. Kochi Broadway and M G Road are shopper's hub. Kerala State Handicraft Emporium has a great collection of handmade fabrics, textile goods and garments.
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