Kerala Information
About Kerala:
Travel to Kerala, a green paraisde with sizzling backwaters,
ethinic houseboats, and long sensous coastiline. With it’s lush
plantations and its rich, verdant coastline, Kerala forms a prfect
tourist destination in India. Situated on the southwestern tip of
India with the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats
towering on the east.
This mesmerizing entrancing state is enveloped by the sea on one
side and surrounded by the hills on another. It holds a fascinating
voyage of discovery for the traveller. Colourful festivals with
mysterious rituals, open to participation, are held. Richly
caparisoned elephants leading processions can be seen. Exotic
handicrafts and sea food preparations fresh from the Arabian sea can
also be enjoyed
Getting There
By Air
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 7 km from the
campus. It has three airports viz Kozhikode International Airport at
Karipur in Kozhikode (at the northern Kerala), Cochin International
Airport at Nedumbaserry, Kochi (at the central Kerala).
By Road & Rail
About 3 km from Thampanoor where located the Central Bus Station
(KSRTC bus stand) and Railway Central Station.
Get A Room
Kerala is one abode that endorse many tourist destination in India.
For this reasons, it has number of big and small hotels in all its
cities.The hotel may range from the colonial hotels of Thekkady to
the more personalised ones of smaller towns like Alappuzha, and from
deluxe hotels in Kochi to among the finest beach resorts as at
Kovalam. In even the smallest tourist- town, at least basic, clean
accommodation is assured. Besides privately run hotels, there is
also a network of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC)
hotels. The best shopping and medical facilities are to be found in
Trivandrum and Cochin, as are tourist information offices, however,
even the smaller towns would have the rudimentary facilities and
services ex- pected by tourists such as souvenir shops, post
offices, medical assistance and local transport.
Myriad Attractions Of Kerala
The Healing Touch
Through Ayurveda
Ayurveda, Kerala is one of the major attraction of the state. The
exact meaning of the word Ayurveda can be derived by breaking it
into two - Ayur means life and Veda the science or knowledge. Thus
the Science of life teaches individuals to lead a healthy, happy,
comfortable life both physically and mentally. The World Health
Organization recognizes this 3,000-year-old system of medicine as
the safest system of alternative medicine. Kerala is a narrow,
fertile strip of land on the southwest coast of India, immensely
blessed both physically and culturally, and the only state in India
which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication
Monsoon season that falls between June-November are considered the
best period for Ayurvedic treatment massage treatment and rasayana
chikilsa. Massage promotes better circulation of blood and removes
causes of fatigue. Rasayana chikilsa is the Ayurvedic treatment for
preventing and curing senility by purifying and strengthening all
the tissues of the body.
The Wild of Kerala
Wildlife of Kerala is another major attraction. The State boast
number of wildlife Sanctuary depicting the flora and fauna of the
state. Thirty Percent of Kerala land is covered, by forests. The
jungles of Kerala are popular for the Elephants and Tigers besides
other animals. Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, Parimbikulam Wild Life
Scantuary, Eravikulam National Park are the major wild life centers.
Kumarakom, Thattekkad, Myladumpara are the main Bird watching
centers.
Periyar National
Park
The Periyar wildlife sanctuary a perfect tourist spots for wildlife
enthusiasts. Periyar is renowned wildlife sanctuary in India. Travel
to Periyar and have a time of your life in a park that is a haven to
a number of wild and feathered species. Also known as Thekkady
Wildlife Sanctuary, it provides a perfect atmosphere for watching
wild animals in their natural habitat. Spanning over an area of 777
sq. km, the sanctuary occupies a good space on the Cardamom hills of
Western Ghats. Travel on the splendid artificial lake within the
sanctaury to experience the exciting wildlife of the Periyar
wildlife sanctuary. The forest here slopes into the periyar lake,
which serves as the waterhole for the animals where they can be
spotted taking a dip or drinking the water. Boat services are
available to take the visitor around the lake.
Elephant, Guar, Sambhars and Tigers are the major attraction of the
sanctaury.. A variety of other wild species including Bison, Spotted
Deer, Leopards, Malabar Flyings Squirrels, Stripe necked Mongooses
and countless others can also be spotted around the periyar lake.
There are over 260 species of birds here, including Nilgiri Wood
Pigeons, Blue-Winged Parakeets, White Bellied Tree Pies, Laughing
Thrushes and Fly Catchers.
Idduki
Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the wildlife of Kerala in the famous Idukki wildlife
Sanctuary Totally encompassed by land, Idukki is one of the most
nature rich areas of Kerala. Located at an altitude of 450-748 mt
above sea level, Idukki sieze the forest land between the Cheruthoni
river and the Periyar river. This sanctuary spreads over the
Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spanning over
77 sq. km and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki
Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu -
extends to 33 sq km.
There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an
enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and
offers boat rides. Elephants, bisons, bear, wild boars, sambar wild
dogs, jungle cats, tiger, wild boar etc are seen here apart from
various species of snakes including cobra, viper, kraits and
numerous non-poisonous ones. Birds include jungle fowl, myna,
laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.
Eravikulam National Park
Situated15 km from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park houses the
endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (
Hemitragus hylocrious). The National Park stands out for the stark
beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spans over 97 sq km in
the Rajamalai hills.This sanctuary was established specially for the
preservation of Nilgiri Tahr, one of the most endangered animals on
the planet.
Kumarakom
Bird Sanctuary
The popular Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary of Kerala is located on the
banks of the Vembanand Lake. The Sanctaury is famous for its varied
avian population. You can locate local varieties such as waterfowls,
cuckoos and owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be
viewed here. The Kumarakom Tourist Complex, spanning over 101 acres
of exotic wooded land and lake, was built around the 50-year-old
'Baker's Mansion', which was earlier a small hotel run by the Kerala
Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
Other Important Wildlife Sanctuaries to Visit Chinar Wildlife
Santuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park,
Peppara National Park
The Blue Water Adorning the City
Backwaters of
Kerala is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions of
Kerala as well as of India. It is believed the large part of Kerala
lives along these backwaters. They snake over the state physique,
bestowing paddy fields with good harvests, and provide the whole
village with drinking water and other facilities. The backwaters
refer to the large inland lakes of Kerala. Today these backwaters
play an indispensible part in the lives of Keralites as these water
ways act as the transport of people and produce.
Backwater is a body of stagnant water connected to a river. The
backwaters of Kerala- meandering inland lakes networked by canals -
stretch to over 1900km. Boat across these tranquil stretches are an
experience unique to Kerala. Large Kettuvalloms (traditional country
crafts over 60ft. in length) have been converted into luxury
houseboats for these cruises. Local Malayali people call it Kayals.
Trivandrum Backwaters
Trivandrum Backwaters is one of the famous streact of backwaters in
Kerala. The lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up with
dense tropical vegetation on either side. It is a breathtaking bout
to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of
waterways. The backwaters form a specially attractive and
economically valuable feature of Kerala. The largest backwater is
the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area, which opens out
into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The Periyar, Pamba, Manimala,
Achenkovil, Meenachil and Moovattupuzha rivers drain into this lake.
Veli, Kadhinamkulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu), Edava, Nadayara,
Paravoor, Ashtamudi (in Kollam Dist.) Kayamkulam, Kodungallur (in
Trissur Dist) and Chetuva are some of the other places where you may
go for backwater cruising. The backwaters of Kerala stretch over
1900 Kilometers, providing drinking water and irrigation facilities.
Travel to Trivandrum backwaters as they offer an experience that you
will remember all your life.
Kollam Backwaters
Situated 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam
backwaters forms the historic coastline district known for its
marine and cashew industries was one of the oldest ports on the
Malabar coast and a major international trading point in days gone
by.
The district also endorse several historic remnants and a number of
temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style. Around
30% of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake,
making it the gateway to the magnificent Backwaters of Kerala.
Being a scenic town standing on the banks of the Lake Ashtamudi is
the gateway to the exceeding enchanting backwaters of Kerala. The
long 8 hrs boat trip from Kollam to Alleppey is the best and most
comprehensive introduction to the delights of Kerala's backwaters as
one passes through lakes, canals water-bound villages. The famous "Cheenavala"
or Chinese fishing nets can also be seen along the backwaters.
Alappuzha backwaters
Alappuzha backwaters, better known as the Venice of East, is
popular for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine
products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land
is the region called Kuttanad. The Granary of Kerala, Kuttanad is
perhaps the only place in the world were farming is done below sea
level.
The Bedazzling Beaches of Kerala
Travel to Beaches of Kerala in order to explore the traditions and
culture of the people living alongside the coastline. Although
Kerala beaches to take up a backseat because of the backwater
cruises and the Ayurveda holidays, yet it is recommended that if you
are in Kerala and you must pay a visit to the sensous beaches of
Kerala. Plan you tour to Kerala beaches now! and discover the "undiscovered
beach hideaways" of Kerala
Varkala Beach
Varkala beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kerala. It
tends to attracts tourist and make them wonder that there is still
some undiscovered beauty on the land. Varkala, a calm and quiet
hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has
several places of tourist attractions like a enticing beach, a 2000
year old Vishnu temple and the ashramam - 'Sivagiri Mutt' a little
distance from the beach.
At the tranquil Varkala beach is a quiet sea resort rich in mineral
water springs. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to
purge the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Hence the
name 'Papanasam beach'.You can also locate a two thousand year old
shrine the Janardhanaswamy Temple, which stands on the cliffs
overlooking the beach, a short distance away.
Allapuzuha Beach
Alappuzha has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history
of Kerala. Popularly known as the Venice of East , today, it is
famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine
products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a famos tourist and
picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137
years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to
the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby
which is greatly fascinating to visitors. Alappuzha beach is a
popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is
over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach
Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old
lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach is the most famous beach resort of Kerala. Kovalam is
an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent
beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially
Europeans, since the 1930s. A massive rocky promontory on the beach
has created a enchanting bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing.
The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse -
sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural
programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast
that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a
matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and
carries on well into the night.
Other Beaches of Kerala Vizhinjam Beach, Bekal Beach, Beypore
Beach, Thangasserey Beach, Kappad Beach, Ezhimala Beach.
Exotic Cities of Kerala
Trivandrum
The Capital City of Kerala is located on a hilltop at the southern
tip of the state. Thiruvananthapuram for most visitors the capital
is simply a transit point on their way to Kovalam, the popular beach
resort a few miles to the south. However it is worth lingering for a
day in this easy-going city to explore the narrow backstreets, old
gabled houses and parks which break up the modern centre.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, Kerala still an important trading center for timber and
tiles and endorse a number of tourist attractions for its visitors.
The Pazhassi Raja Museum, tourist spot in Kerala, showcases ancient
murals, antique bronzes and old coins, and models of temples and
monuments. Next door is the Art Gallery and its painted treasures,
while the Krishna Menon Museum safeguards the belongings and
souvenirs of the Indian leader V.K. Krishna Menon.
The city center has been transformed into a large park called
Mananchira Square, site of a musical fountain and an open-air
theater. Nearby, the beaches beckon with soft trade breezes, and
dolphins are frequently at play in the harbor.
The small state of Kerala has its own language -- Malayalam -- and
the earliest written record of the language dates to 830 C.E. The
language and its many dialects are very much alive today. As happens
in most port cities, the language has evolved with the city's
visitors and over the years has incorporated parts of speech and
idioms from tongues as diverse as Sanskrit, English, Latin and
Portuguese
Thrissur
Popularly known as the cultural capital of Kerala, the district of
Thrissur lies at the center of Kerala. True to the nature of its
people of Kerala, each geographical lot emphasises to wrestle out
some importance to their respective domain.
Thrissur is covers 3,050 sq kms area from the western ghat in the
east, Arabian sea in the west, Ernakulam district in the south and
Palakkad in the north with a population of approximately 3 lakh. The
cultural heritage, historical importance, archeological acumen etc
make this district a class apart. Thrissur is also noted for her
political decisiveness. Many rulers like The Zamorin of Kozhikode,
Tippu Sultan of Mysore and Europeans contributed their share in
shaping Thrissur.
Kottayam
Kottayam is a significant city for Kerala in terms of rubber
producers, Syrian Christians. the Malayalam Manorama, the second
most widely read paper in India. There are some enticing Syrian
Christian churches in Kottayam. The St. Mary’s Orthodox Church,
Cheriapally, has some old murals that date back to the 1600s.
Another Syrian Christian church is Valiapally. Constructed in 1550
and has a visitor’s book with some interesting entries. One of
its ‘Nestorian’ crosses is thought to be the oldest
Christian artefact in India. The Thirunnakara Temple sometimes holds
performances of traditional Sanskrit drama called Kootiattam.
Kerala Festivals
The festivals of Kerala are vivacious and packed with centuries of
unbroken tradition and culture. They are spectacular, endearing,
colourful, mystical, miraculous display of fireworks, processions of
gold bedecked elephants etc. You'll have to keep coming back for a
lifetime to really witness this myriad range of experiences.
Onam
Onam falls in the month of August. The unique national festival of
Kerala, 'Onam' celebrated with ever growing zest by the entire
people of this state irrespective of religion, caste or creed.
Perhaps the elequant artistic display is a legacy of the cultural
past of Kerala. The major event of 'ONAM' festival is the vegetarian
feast or the Onam Sadya , lavishly served to depict the glorious
period of the rule of King Mahabali, a period free from crime,
corruption. poverty, illness and exploitatory and when all people
were equal.
Vishu
Vishu falls on the first of Medam (March-April), which is the
Malayali New Year's Day. Since it is considered propitious to view
good things on this day for year round good fortune, Vishu morning
is an important time in Kerala
Theyyam Festival
Theyyam is a famous festivals of Kerala. This festival requires
worship of the deity; on the other hand, the dancer is also the
deity. Theyyam celebrates primarily the Mother Goddess. Animals,
serpents and trees also figure in worship.
Other important festivals of Kerala are Eid, Muharram, and other
festivals that are traditionally celebrated all over the country,
Kerala Boat festivals.
