Kerala Tourism

Brief Introduction
Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country", is one of the most popular tourism destinations in India. Its pleasant climate, beautiful palm-fringed beaches with long golden stretches of sand, the serenity of the backwaters, and the clear blue Arabian Sea make Kerala one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. The rich cultural heritage, Ayurveda spas and resorts where traditional therapies are practiced, and numerous water sports make Kerala a favoured destination to visit. In Kerala, you can travel from the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, Varkala, Bekal and many more to the lush green hills of the Western Ghats.

Main Attractions

Backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala are peaceful, enchanting and serene. Cruising on houseboats amidst the calm waters and greenery is the best way to explore the local life and culture. The houseboats offer all the comforts of a 5-star stay. The most popular backwater destinations in Kerala are Cochin, Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kollam.

Beaches
Kerala has some of the best beaches in the country. The long, unending stretch of golden sands gleaming under the sun and the blue waters attract visitors from far and wide. You can either relax by the seaside or indulge in exciting water sports. Some of the famous beaches are Kovalam, Varkala, Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Marari.

Hills
Kerala has a long chain of lush green, mist-clad hill stations. All of these offer an enchanting experience of nature and scenic beauty. They make for a relaxing and delightful treat to the senses. The highlands of Kerala are ideal for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing, and they also serve as excellent picnic spots. Some of the most famous hill stations are Munnar, Ponmudi, Idukki, Wayanad, Silent Valley and more.

Ayurveda
Ayurveda in Kerala is mainstream; it is the only state where Ayurveda is widely practiced as a natural healing science. Its pleasant climate and abundance of forests make it the perfect place for Ayurveda. The vaidyas (Ayurvedic practitioners) here practice with utmost dedication. Ayurvedic treatments such as oil massage, yoga & meditation, Panchkarma, and steam treatments are offered in resorts across Kerala. Some of the best Ayurveda resorts are Somatheeram, Kalari Kovilakom, Kairali Ayurvedic Resort, Sarovaram Health Centre and many more.

Wildlife
The Western Ghats region of Kerala is a treasure trove of forests and natural resources, and its favourable topography makes it rich in flora and fauna.

Flora
Tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, montane subtropical and temperate forests, as well as vast stretches of grassland.

Fauna
Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Chital, Sambar, Gray Langur and more.

Avifauna
453 varieties including Oriental Bay Owl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Peafowl, Cormorant, Hill Myna, Oriental Darter, Oriole, Drongo, Bulbul, Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Water Fowl and other migratory birds.

Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries are Periyar National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Idukki Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and many more. 

Hotels in Kerala
Kerala offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from 5-star hotels to budget stays, lounges, houseboats, villas and homestays. Some of the popular options are listed below:

• The Lalit
• Vivanta by Taj
• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Palm Tree Heritage
• Coconut Lagoon
• Le Meridien Cochin

Connectivity
Air: Kerala has three airports—Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Calicut Airport—all well connected to major Indian and international cities.
Rail: Direct trains to Kerala are available from most major towns and cities across India.
Road: Kerala is easily accessible by road from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and through National Highways 17, 47 and 49.