Kerala Tourism Guide in India

Kerala Tourism - Kerala travel agents offering kerala tourism, Kerala Tourism Guide, tourism in kerala, kerala tourism travel, kerala travel tourism, kerala tours, tours to kerala, kerala backwater holiday, kerala beaches, kerala hill stations.

The travelers can plan the Kerala tours with their family or friends at any time of the season. Dotted with natural faculties the vacationers could grasp an opportunity to explore the placid regions of the state by availing the Kerala tour packages. There are many Kerala tour operators located in different parts of the region. These tour operators arrange special Kerala Pilgrimage tours .

There are infinite number of age old temples which could be visited by aspiring vacationers while on a Kerala India tours. The Kerala tours have something unique for every aspiring travel savvy person.

Kovalam Beach, Kumarakom, Munnar, Varkala Papanasam Beach, are some of the locations which could be visited by vacationers while on a Kerala tours.

The kerala backwaters tours are famous amongst honeymoon couples looking for complete seclusion. Dotted with crystal clear lakes, verdant mountains, swaying palm trees, Kerala beach tours have created special space in the heart of vacationers. The travelers who are really interested in wild life photography must prefer to avail the Kerala wildlife tours. Blessed with marvelous beaches, the aspiring travelers could discover the biological diversity of the region. 

Sandwiched between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala is a bustling little green-and-silver, coconuts-and-water state on the west coast of India. It is bounded by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west.
Built on seven hills, Thiruvananthapuram - Capital of Kerala, is known for it's beach- Kovalam, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and various museums and palaces, Alappuzha for it's backwaters, Thrissur, the cultural capital, Kottayam for it's ancient churches, Kozhikode for its old world charm and the entrancing Ponmudi or Golden valley. Kerala tour offers this and much more.

The People: Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. The Malayali majority belong to the Dravidian group (local race) of early Indian people.

There is a small population of descendants of Indo-European migrants from the north. Certain hill tribes exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast Asia. 

Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and Jewish, minorities.

The official language is Malayalam. A long contact with the outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook.

Culture of Kerala: One aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture like ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches.

The land is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form. 

The state has also a rich theatre tradition: the only surviving Sanskrit drama, Koottiyattam, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya-Shastra are evident in their presentations.

Climate in Kerala

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The temperature normally ranges between 27�C and 32� C in the plains but drops to about 21� C in the highlands.

Winter - 32 to 20�C. Kerala is strongly buffeted by both the southwest and northeast monsoons. Rainfall in many parts of the state exceeds 118 inches. Best season: October to March.

Festivals of Kerala

10-days annual festival in January at Sreekandeswaram Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. In February, is the week-long Nishagandhi dance festival; Pooram festival in Thrissur around April-May, flavored food festival, at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram in May.

Onam Week celebrations, the annual harvest festival of Kerala begins in August and lasts for 10 days. Another important festival is the annual Pongala Utsavam, to which only women are allowed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Therayattam festival is held to propitiate the gods and demons recognized by the pantheon of the Malayalis.

General Information:

Area : 38,863 sq. km.

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Language : Malayalam. English is widely spoken.

Religion : Hinduism, Christianity, Islam

Time : GMT + 5:30.

Currency : Indian Rupees.

Climate : Tropical.

Summer : Feb - May (24 - 33�C).

Monsoon : Jun - Sep (22 - 28�C).

Winter : Oct-Jan (22-32�C).

Kerala Beaches: 

Most of India's finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 900km in length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches. Kovalam Varkala Kappad and Bekal are some of the most popular beaches of Kerala.

Wildlife: 


Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady Rolling hills, tea and cardamom plantations welcome you to Thekkady. One of the largest wildlife reserves in India, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is more popluar as a tiger reserve.

A boat ride on the splendid Periyar lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary.  The greatest attraction here is the herds of wild elephants that come down to the lake to frolic in the waters.

Tiger, Sambhar, Bison, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Stripe-necked Mangoose and so on can also be spotted inthe forest.  Kumily, an important spice trade center, lies in the peiphery of the sanctuary. The Eravikulam National Park, Munnar 17kms. from Munnar, this is home to an assortment of wildlife such as the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Sambhar, Gaur and the Lion-tailed Macaque.

Waterfalls : Athirapally Waterfall: At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges, this 80 foot waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Vazhachal Waterfall: Just a short drive from Athirapally, this picturesque spot is adjacent to dense green forest land, and is a part of the Chalakudy river.

Pilgrimage Centres:

Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple (32km from Thrissur)

Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Swamy Temple (134km from Kottayam)

Malayatoor St. Thomas Church (47km from Kochi)

Beemapally (5km from Thiruvananthapuram)

Hill Stations:

Much of Kerala's exotic appeal is centred in the highland area of the Western Ghats. Not to speak of expansive, loamy plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and fragrant cardamom.

Munnar: 1600m above sea level, Munnar is a nature lover's paradise and was the summer resort of the British Government in the South India. Sprawling tea plantation, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular hill station.

Peermade: Situated 915 m above sea level, Peermade is on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Here you will find sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus plantations side by side with natural grasslands and pine forests.

Vythiri: Tucked away at the north eastern tip of Kerala, this quaint little hill station about 1300m above sea level is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations.

Ponmudi: An idyllic hill resort with narrow, winding pathways and cool, green, wooden environs, Ponmudi is located 915 metres above sea level. Well known for its beautiful mountain flowers, exotic butterflies, small rivulets and springs, this hill station also has excellent trekking trails.

Accommodation In Kerala :-

• Harippad Payippad Hotels And Resorts
• Kuttanad Hotels And Resorts
• Nilambur Hotels And Resorts, kerala.
• Ochira Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Palaruvi Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Pandalam Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Pathanamthitta Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Pathiramanal Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Peechi National Park Hotels And Resorts, Kerala

• Ponmudi Hotels And Resorts, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• Ranipuram Hotels, Resorts and Apartments, Kasargode, Kerala
• Tirur Hotels And Resorts, Kerala
• Tirur Puthiyangadi Hotels, Resorts And Apartments, Malappuram,Kerala
• Valiyaparamba Hotels - Kerala

ncredible India, Incredible India Vacations One

There are lots of travel agents and tour operators in India that offer a variety of tour packages at affordable prices. Tour operators in India are well organized offering the best services to the tourists.  

India is an incredible tourist destination. One can find all types of attractions in the country. . India has immense tourism potential. Tourists from different parts of world visit the country.

India is a culturally rich and diverse nation. One can understand this aspect of the country by looking at the diversity of people who live here. The poor and the beggars, middle class, the stinking rich, millionaires all find a home here. Another distinctive feature rarely found elsewhere is the existence of different religious communities. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, etc flourish in the country.

Indians are extremely hospitable. They go out of their way to make their guest feel welcome. Serving is a way of showing their love and respect to their guest. Many people in India offer genuine service to outsiders who come to visit India. Sometimes, they even sacrifice their own comfort for the well-being of others. This is their principle and they stick to it no matter what.

India also has a rich heritage. It is one of the many reasons why it is so popular internationally. Plan your holiday here and acquaint yourself with its colourful festivals. Indians celebrate a large number of festivals, most of them highly spectacular and lively. Below is the list of some prominent festivals and events of the country.

Republic Day - Celebrated on 26th January every year to commemorate the day when the Indian republic and its constitution came into force. It was on this day in the year 1946 that the country became a sovereign, democratic and republic state.

Holi - The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on February end or early March. The colorful festival bridges social gap and renew relationships. Holi celebration begins with lighting of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends and stories are associated with Holi making the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each other’s faces and greet each other saying, "Happy Holi".

Independence Day - India got its independence from the clutches of British on 15th August 1947. It was on this very same day that India’s tricolor flag was unfolded by Pandit Nehru on the barricades of the Red Fort at Delhi. Since then, it has become a day of special significance - celebrated with parades, patriotic speeches and songs. On this day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation after the flag has been unfurled recounting the country's achievements of the year, discussing current major issues and future plans for the progress of the country.

The national flag is hoisted throughout the country fluttering with pride on rooftops and buildings. All government offices host flag hoisting ceremony. Recently, kite-flying has become a tradition on this day and people can be seen flying numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the spirit of freedom.

Krishna Janmashtami - Shri Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the favorite deities of Hindus. He is worshipped for his immense power, captivating appearance, unique charm and playfulness. For some, he is a hero, a lover or the guide; while for others, he is a child. He resides in the heart of every devotee and fulfills everyone's wish, if he is worshipped with in-depth devotion.

The celebrations of Janmashtami are marked by cultural programmes, chanting of bhajans and special pujas. Dance drama is performed by professional artists, or kids, wherein the formative years of Lord Krishna's life are depicted. The dance, which is known as Shri Krishna Rasa leela, is one of the significant parts of the celebrations, as Lord Krishna spent the decisive part of his life amidst the Gopis in Vrindavan.

Ganesh Chaturthi - It is a festival marked on the occasion of Lord Ganesh’s birthday, the god of wisdom and prosperity. It falls on the fourth day of the moons bright fortnight, or period from new moon in the lunar month of Bhadrapada. The celebrations continue for five, seven, or ten days. Some even stretch it to twenty one days. In the tradition of the right hand path the first day is the most important. In the left hand path tradition the final day is most important.

Dussehra & Durga Puja- Dussehra falling on the last day of Navaratri or Durga puja arrives in the month of October. Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins.  This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnath and Kumbhakarna - are set alight.

Diwali- The Festival of Lights is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days but the most important day is the third. It is a festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. On this day, homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. The festival also symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

To know more about the culture and heritage of India, get in touch with any of the travel agents in India and organize a trip to witness the famous festivals, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, etc. With the help of the travel agents in India, you can plan your travel during the festival season.

What others say about Kerala

The National Geographic Magazine lists Kerala in the 'Ten Paradises of the World'

 
Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape.

There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.
 

Overview:

Any mention about Kerala, conjures in one’s mind, an image of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages and greenery in profusion. God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature and so it only seems natural when Kerala is referred to, as God’s own country.

A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year.

Be it the sun-kissed beaches or the misty hill stations; the rhythmic backwaters or the forestlands rich with all varieties of flora and fauna; pilgrim centres or historic monuments; Kerala has everything you might travel far and wide to see. Just one visit and you will know why Kerala has the lovely epithets attached to it. It is one of the top 20 tourist destinations of the world where tourists can soak themselves in serene and scenic natural beauty.