
Wonderfully
positioned between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the northern
Indian state of Kerala is a destination no one can resist. Not even the most
jaded traveller! Its diversified landscape, overwhelming greenery and the
cultural lures are enough to turn a holiday into worthy moments of your
life. The backwaters of Kerala have enough tourism potential offering
abundant options of vacation. Pilgrimage centres, cool retreats and wildlife
havens make the state desirable for all. Thiruvananthapuram (previously
Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala.
Climate & Best Time to Visit Kerala
Kerala experiences an equable climate. The summer season extends from March
till May while November to February is the winter time. Southwest monsoon
hit the state during mid-July and continue till middle of October. September
to February, however, is the ideal time to visit Kerala.
Major Tourism Attractions in Kerala
» Beaches : Beach lovers can spend some quality time
in Kerala. The state boasts a long sandy coastline offering pristine and
serene beaches for a wonderful vacation. Famous beaches of Kerala include
Kovalam, Poovar, Bekal, Beypore, Fort Kochi, Kappad, Marari and Varkala.
»
Backwaters : Backwaters of Kerala capture the true essence of the
natural beauty of the state. A houseboat cruise in a kettuvallom along these
scenic water bodies is an experience of a lifespan. Popular backwaters of
the state include Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kovalam, Cochin and
Kozhikode.
» Pilgrimage Centres : For pilgrims, Kerala is a
land of spirituality and devotion. The people of Kerala still follow age-old
rites and rituals thus showcasing an essential aspect of their culture.
Tourists and devotees from far and wide flock to important places like
Thiruvananthapuram, Sabarimala, Guruvayoor and Varkala.
» Wildlife Sanctuaries/ Parks : Wildlife fanciers
from the world over arrive here to watch some of the most exotic wildlife
species and to indulge in multiple adventure activities. A number of
wildlife parks and sanctuaries dot the landscape of the state. Some of the
most famous are the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park,
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary.
Air/ Rail/ Road Links
The state of Kerala enjoys well established networks of air, rail and road.
There are three international airports in the state
Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Around 200 railheads of Kerala make
it easily accessible by train from the major cities of the state and the
country. Road route too is excellent. National Highways 47, 17 and 49
provide good links with the rest of the country.