India is a country of incredible diversity, but the small state at the Southern-most tip of the Indian peninsula is a very special place to visit.

With its beautifully lush landscape, captivating shorelines and variety of intriguing customs, Kerala has so much to offer the visitor. The cultural life and visually exciting costumes, traditions and scenery will live in your memories long after your visit here. From Kasargode in the North to Thiruvananthapuram (meaning 'King Anantha's Palace') in the South – the traditionally white 'lunghi'-clad people of Kerala will give you a warm and sunny welcome among the green palms.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

HILL STATIONS:

Munnar

Munnar is situated 120km from Cochin, at the junction of 3 mountain streams - the Muvatupuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala rivers.

Munnar is placidly good-looking with endlessly green tea plantations, picturesque towns and twisting narrow roads - a really relaxing holiday destination.

Pothamedu:
Pothamedu is located 6km from Munnar. Pothamedu is among the heart of the Munnar plantations, and offers a great views of tea, coffee and cardamom fields. This is an ideal location as a base for trekking.

Devikulam
7km from Munnar, Devikulam is abundant with exotic flora and fauna and good, fresh mountain air. The Sita Devi Lake with its clear waters and pleasing surroundings makes an idyllic picnic spot.

Pallivasal
Pallivasal is around 8km away from Munnar. It is home to the first hydropower project in Kerala .

Yayamakad:
Yayamakad makes an excellent picnic place and trekking base. It is 10km from Munnar. Located between Munnar and Rajamalai, Yayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls.

Rajamala:
Rajamalai is another hill-station, 15km from Munnar and this area, with the Nilgiri Tahr, is a natural habitat of the rare mountain goat.

Eravikulam National Park:
Eravikulam National Park is the home of the Anamudi Peak, situated in the southern region of the park at Echo Point. The park is 15km away from Munnar and here you can come across the 'Natural Echo' phenomenon which is one of the unique attractions of Munnar .

KERALA BACKWATERS:

A Kerala backwaters cruise makes a luxurious retreat and visitors can look forward to a day or even an overnight stay of total relaxation and tranquility. If you are looking for a little more activity, then visits from the houseboat to local attractions can be arranged. You will even have your own local cook to look after all your culinary needs!

Alappuzha
Alappuzha is also known as the "Venice of the East". This is the place where historical traders came to from the Far East - in search of black gold, spices and other treasures.  

Kollam
Kollam is one of the oldest ports on the Malabar Coast. Kollam is the gateway to Kerala's beautiful backwaters and is blessed with many attractive features – a beautiful coastline, inland lakes, emerald green mountains, lush palm forests and the unique network of backwater passages with great variety of interesting birdlife.

BEACHES

Kovalam Beach :
Kovalam beach is a natural bay free from the bigger waves of this coastline and has three consecutive crescent-shaped beaches. This bay is host to a variety of cultural programes which make this place a popular tourist haven for visitors from around the globe. You can also find ayurvedic massage and yoga centres or water sports facilities. Kovalam is 16km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala.

Varkala Beach :
Varkala beach is one of the best spots along this coast for watching the sunset. The beaches around this area are excellent, and you can relax to watch the glow of the setting sun on the ocean after a day in the rolling waves. The 'samadhi' (passing) of Kerala's Saint Sree Narayana Guru taking place here, this town has since become a place of pilgrimage. Varkala Beach is just 55km from Trivandrum Airport.

Marari Beach :
Mararikulam beach is a quiet, perfectly exotic beach and relatively less crowded than some of the other Kerala beaches. It is host to soft sand and clear waves that promise a holiday to help you to relax and unwind. It is 12km from Alleppey.

Alleppey Beach :
Alleppey – or Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kerala . It has the Arabian Sea to the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers nearby.