| Destinations/ Circuits / Regions | Experiences | Introduction |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Beaches, heritage and culture, Ayurveda | The capital of 'God's own country' Thiruvananthapuram is a very apt introduction to the Keralan culture and the modern developments that the state has undergone to keep itself abreast with the rest of the world. The rich tradition of the town dates back to almost 1000 B.C. Thiruvananthapuram is popularly known as the 'City of Sacred Serpent' as it derives its name from Anantha, the five headed serpent upon which Lord Vishnu reclines.
Trivandrum as Thiruvananthapuram was earlier known sprawls over seven hills and is thus like Rome an undulating city - one moment you are up, the next, down. Once a pleasant sleepy town has now emerged as a major tourist destination and scores a perfect 10 for all the three A's of tourism viz. attraction, accessibility and amenities. Visit the museums and palaces, get rejuvenated at an authentic Ayurveda centre, watch a Kalaripayattu performance or observe the spectacular sunset at the Shanghumugham beach. The environs of the city also have a lot to offer. |
| Alappuzha | Backwaters, houseboats, and boat races | The feature that puts Kerala so strongly on the world tourism map is its backwaters- the USP of this God's own country. The total expanse of backwater stretches over 1500 kms, with a network of 44 rivers, lagoons and lakes from north to south. Alappuzha, which forms the main part of this network, has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the countryside life on shore while on a backwater ride in a luxurious houseboat and probably this is the most fashionable way to taste the true flavours of Kerala's rustic life.
Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty, and is very aptly known as the Venice of the East. During the boat race competitions the town becomes especially active. |
| Kumarakom | Backwaters, bird life, culinary, Ayurveda | Jutting out in the Vembanad lake, it is a sleepy town where the passing of time has little meaning. The place bears a strong resemblance to Alappuzha in its milieu. To put it straight it is also essentially a backwater destination - a perfect place for a lazy and a laid back holiday. There is cornucopia of green color. It seems to swathe the whole area. Kumarkom, crisscrossed with canals all over, is strewn with plethora of top notch luxury resorts - all testifying the popularity of this destination.
While Kumarakom is a part of Kuttanad, the 'granary or the rice bowl of Kerala', lake Vembanad is world famous for its aquatic treasure of Karimeen (pearl spotted fish), shrimps and prawn. The cooks here have capitalized over this treasure. Their fish preparations are a tempatation to one and all. Kumarkom's marshy mangrove is a resort for medley of migratory birds such as Siberian stork, egret and others making it a bird watcher's paradise. |
| Thekkady | Wild life, spice plantations, hill station, Ayurveda | Located among the low-lying hills in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekkady is an idyllic tourist destination. The major tourist attractions here are Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is the only one of its kind in India or perhaps in the whole world and the large-scale spice and tea-coffee plantations that are open for visitors. Visiting Thekkady is quite a learning experience.
The crisp, cool air and the pleasant diversity in the flora and fauna of this place makes it quite a riveting destination for those who hold nature close to their heart. |
| Munnar | Hill Station, wild life, immense scenic beauty | Swathed in the velvety green carpet of tea plantations, it is one of the most romantic landscapes of the world. Just give wings to your imagination and see if the tea plantations over the undulating hills appear to you as a tortoise back or a carpet rolled out in the honor of the several guests that flock every year from several parts of the world.
Munnar has many things up its sleeves to sweep the tourists off their feet. The Neelakurunji (a blue colour flower) that springs once in 12 years to blanket the entire region and the highly endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat) are the main draws of this very touristy place. So, beware!! You can avoid a trip to Munnar only till you are ignorant of it or you have not had a glimpse of it while surfing through the television channels or internet or simply leafing through a magazine. |
| Kochi | Tropical beaches & backwaters, music & dance, temples & churches, Ayurveda | Referred to as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea', Kochi is the most cosmopolitan and modern city of Kerala. Kochi was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of the same name. It was also dominated by the Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and the British at some point of time, all of whom have left indelible marks. The existence of Jewish Synagogue, Christian and Portuguese churches, temples and mosques, Chinese fishing nets all at one place portray Kochi as the melting pot of various cultures. Besides the monuments, the tourists can enjoy thrilling boat races, spellbinding Kathakali dance performances, apart from surfing the beaches and going on lively cruises. Kochi is a hot spot for tourists round the year with a wide variety of dining options to suit your pocket and palate and also comfortable hotels to help you unwind and relax in tranquil environment near amazing sea coasts.
So, if you are in Kochi you can muse in museums, munch on crispy snacks, marvel at the Chinese fishing nets, choose your pick from fishermen's net, cheer boat races, see Kathakali performances and shop for souvenirs to make your visit memorable. |
| Wayanad | Hill station, plantations, wildlife, caves, Ayurveda | If balmy breezes, surreal surroundings and tranquility are your cup of tea, then for you, Wayanad is undoubtedly the destination to be. It is acclaimed by the Keralans as having the most beautiful landscape in the state. A good part of the rolling hills are covered with deciduous rain forests. With 26% forest cover, far greater than any other district in Kerala, Wayanad is home to two major wildlife reserves. Patches of water bodies in the form of lakes and waterfalls accentuate its appeal.
The name Wayanad has been derived from the expression 'Vayal nadu' - the village of paddy fields. But the district is rife with plantations of many spices, as well as Tea, Coffee and Cocoa. The three major towns of Wayanad are Vythiri, Sultan Bathery and Kalpetta (district Head Quarter). Earlier known as Ganapativattam (meaning circle of Lord Ganapati), Sultan Bathery acquired its present name after Tipu Sultan marched in with his army and used the 13th century temple here to store his arms. Very photogenic, Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad and is one of the highest points in the district. While moving from Vythiri to lakkidi a giant but chained ficus tree is sure to catch attention. It is said that a guide helped a British to discover the place but in order to take the credit of discovery he killed the guide. The latter's spirit started haunting the subsequent travelers. In order to arrest the menace, a priest chained the troublesome spirit to this tree.
The district has the largest population of aborigine people in Kerala. And you won't find many traveler's around. But it makes a wonderful break in journey between Kochi and Mysore/Bangalore. The destination, however, beckons especially those who are adventurous and have an inclination to choose the offbeat trails. |
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With numerous tourism awards tucked under its belt, the riveting state of Kerala is also among the top 50 destinations that National Geographic Channel recommends one must visit during his lifetime. 
