Magnificent Kerala with Kanyakumari

Kerala is a paradise known for its panoramic beauty and cultural diversity.God's own creation, it is a perfect destination for rejuvenation and relaxation. Bejeweled with many fascinating elements, extensive seashore, tranquil beaches, serene emerald backwaters, verdant hill stations, and exotic wildlife, Kerala is an exceptionally preferable halt for globetrotters.

The small state of Kerala, which represents just 1% of the land mass, is considered to be one of India`s most beautiful state. It is a very rural state with most of the population living in villages but is culturally and scenically diverse. Kerala has two national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries and two bird sanctuaries. Kerala occupies a long (550km), narrow strip of land in the far south of India. Its coastline is on the Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) and its eastern border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu is the top of the majestic Western Ghat mountains. The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters.

The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a span culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique. 

MUNNAR :

Munnar was the summer resort of the British Government in the south. The town is situated on the confluence of three mountain streams, Muthirappuzha ( Kannimalayar), Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar has some of the biggest tea plantations in the world. This hill station more than 5000 feet above sea level with its mist and flowers, has very good potential to be developed into a tourist spot.

THEKKADY :

With its matchless scenic beauty and the facilities offered by the Periyar lake, Thekkady attracts a large number of tourists. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 673 sq.km and is situated at a height of 900 to 1800 metres above mean sea level. Facilities are available for cruising in this lake. Wild animals seen here include elephants, bisons, sambar, monkeys and wild bear. Fortunate visitors can have a glimpse of the tigers foragaing in this area. However on sunny summer days one can see herds of wild elephants bathing in the lake. Bisons are a wary and hardy lot and usually never allow any intruder to approach them and the sound of the motor boats scare them away. But a keen animal lover can stay in one of the few observation towers for a couple of days and luck will surely come his way.

Some of the famous tea gardens are located around this place. Further Peermede, 43 k.m. below Thekkady, has a golf course and offers excellent facilities for stay.

COCHIN :

Kerala`s major port, Cochin is a city of history and colour. Founded in 1341, it was one of the key stops on the ancient spice route from China to Rome. Straddling both the Arabian Sea and the famous backwaters, its islands and promontories offer a fascinating spectacle. The Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their mark on local architecture and culture, while influxes of Jewish and Arab settlers have added another intriguing dimension. Here you can see India`s first European church - and a 16th century synagogue! A major Kerala gateway, Cochin makes an ideal starting point or finale for your tour: from here you can travel easily into the hills, travel the backwaters or head north to Calicut. The handsome Taj Malabar Hotel on Willingdon Island- between the modern Ernakulum District and historic Fort Cochin/Mattancherry, and with superb harbour views - combines colonial elegance and modern comfort and makes the perfect base from which to explore the city, and also features a Spa with Ayurvedic treatments. Other recommended hotels are the Malabar House Residency, Trident, Bolgatty Palace, Casino, Le Meridien, The Brunton Boatyard and Taj Residency.

KUMARAKOM :

An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom.

KOLLAM :

Located 71 km to the north of Trivandrum, Quilon is the center of the country`s cashew trading and processing industry. One of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast, Kollam was once the port of international spice trade. Thirty per cent of this historic town is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi Lake, making it the gateway to the magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The eight-hour boat trip between Quilon and Alleppey is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. The district also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

TRIVANDRUM :

Located at the southwestern tip of India, Trivandrum district is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the eastern and northeastern borders give Trivandrum some of the most enchanting picnic spots. A long shoreline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage makes this district a much sought after tourist destination. Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala

KOVALAM :

Kovalam is extremely popular as a beach resort. It was known to Europeans since 1930`s, then became very popular among hippies in 70’s. Kovalam has three big adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular of the three - it has hotels, restaurants, decent lodges on the seashore itself. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam. The Northern most crescent is crowded on the weekends, is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. Hawa Beach, is among one of the beaches in India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals, who come on the weekends to admire this view free of charge. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach. There are span currents, so it is wise to follow their instructions. Note, that the average age of tourists in Kovalam is between 40 and 60 years young. Those expecting a replica of Goa will be VERY disappointed. Most places will serve a thali meal during the day.

KANYAKUMARI : "The Land of Three Seas"

Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Earlier known as Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant sea shores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetic elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain. Ever since ancient times, Kanyakumari has been one of the major centres of religion, art and culture. Famous for being the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach, Kanyakumari is a very popular tourist destination, not just because of this unique geographical phenomenon, but also because of its pristine beaches as well as its temples and churches which attract a huge number of tourists to this city all year round.

The Kanyakumari temple, also known as the Bhagvaty Amman Temple or the Kumari Amman temple is one of the major Hindu temples all across India. Built in dedication to Goddess Kumari Amman, the temple finds mention in almost all ancient Hindu scriptures and is frequented by pilgrims looking to pay their respects to the virgin goddess Kanya Devi.

One of the most iconic monuments in the city, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a gigantic structure surrounded on all sides by the Laccadive Sea, so the only way you can reach the monument is by taking a boat/ferry ride. Built by the Ramakrishna Mission, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial is dedicated to the great philosopher Swami Vivekananda who used to meditate here. The memorial comprises of two main structures – the Shripada Mandapam and the Vivekananda Mandapam, with an attached meditation hall for visitors to sit and meditate in. Other historic sights that you can visit in Kanyakumari include the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Vattakottai Fort, and the Gandhi Memorial.

The Kanyakumari Beach is the perfect place where you can spend a lazy afternoon sitting on the white sand and sipping a cool drink. Unlike the beaches in Goa which tend to be a little overpopulated, the Kanyakumari beach is a lot less crowded and is the best place to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Waterfalls in Kanyakumari that you should not miss out on include the Thirparappu falls, the Courtallam Falls, and the Olakaruvi falls.

Kanyakumari has an authentic South Indian cuisine, with seafood and coconuts being an integral part of almost all dishes. Starting from light snacks to full course gourmet menus, Kanyakumari delights tourists with the numerous options it offers for eating out. While Kanyakumari is not a traditional shopping destination, you can buy plenty of souvenirs and curios from the numerous stalls and boutiques dotting the beachfront, with decorative seashell trinkets being a must-buy.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Blessed with a bountiful of greenery, the Kerala standout as a most famous spot for a vacation in India. Rekindle your traveler’s instinct and explore backwater lakes, houseboat, and wildlife, which make a trip to Kerala a complete obligation. Its peaceful shorelines and lavish green slope will compel you to extend your stay in the God’ own country. Kerala is blessed with a pleasing climate throughout the year, but each season is unique that becomes a deciding factor to learn when is an ideal time for a vacation in Kerala.

Summer

Summer season in Kerala brings hot and humid weather. It starts in the month of March and prolongs till the month of May, which is one of the hottest times of the year. The average summer temperature range somewhere between 25°C- 30°C.

Monsoon

Monsoons in Kerala arrive in the month of June and last till August. Under the spell of this season, the state looks more alluring, making it the best season to visit Kerala for experiencing Ayurvedic treatments. Also, it is a good time to enjoy sightseeing at different destinations of Kerala.

Winter

Winter season starts from October and lasts till March, which is the best time to Visit Kerala with family. After the monsoon, the weather starts dripping down and the average winter temperature measured is 10°C -25°C. It is a great time to indulge in adventure activity and explore the breathtaking beauty of the state.

How To Reach Kerala ?

By Air

Kerala is connected to major cities and international destination via 3 international airports located in Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut. All the major domestic and international flights operate in these airports regularly making it easy for travelers to connect globally.

By Train

The small and big cities of Kerala, have about 200 railway stations. By railway route, Kerala is connected to most of the important cities in India, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Calcutta and more.

By Bus

Traveling to the famous tourist destination in India, Kerala, by road is quite convenient as the National Highways 17, 47 and 49 connect it to other cities in the country. Some of the major cities that are linked via road is Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Transportation in Kerala

There is no shortage of local transport in Kerala. You can plan your Kerala tour and find the most reasonable and easily available means of transportation. You can find taxis and cabs all over Kerala. The auto rickshaws are also available, which are very helpful for traveling to places in close proximity. The regular bus service in Kerala is operated by Kerala Transport Corporation. It is the most convenient mean of transport to travel around.