KERALA

Capital: Trivandrum

Official Language: Malayalam

• Kerala, situated at the south-western tip of India, sandwiched between Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains, the state of Kerala occupies an area approximately 38,864sq.km. This Land of Green Magic with its high mountains has sheltered Kerala from invaders from rest of India, but at the same time Kerala shares a very long history of contact with the outside world. It has a captivating tropical greenness with 41 rivers sweeping through it and countless waterways fed by annual monsoon, intoxicating the visitors. The mysterious rituals and the spectacular festivals stimulate the travellers.



View Larger Map
• Keralas cities are small-scale, relaxed and less expensive than elsewhere. Keralas extensive piece of history of a peaceable foreign contact could be traced in Cochin. Mattancherry and Fort Cochin are the hubs of tea and spice trade.


• The capital, Trivandrum hosts beautiful palm-fringed beaches at Kovalam. It is decidedly easy going city with an attractive narrow backwater, traditional red- tiled houses and acres of palm trees. The oldest and the interesting is the Fort area with Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. In addition Schools specializing martial arts Kalariappayat and the dance/ theatre form of Kathakali and Katiyattam, showcase the Keralean obsession with the physical training abilities.


• Varkda, the place of pilgrimage is 54km northwest of the capital and 20km southeast of Kollam. It draws more visitors every year due to its splendid beach and cliffs, which is an unspoiled alternative to Kovalam.


• Kollam is one of the oldest posts on the Malabar Coast. It is 74km northwest of Trivandrum and 85km southeast of Alleppey. Kollam was known to be a center for international spice trade but now it is chiefly of interest as one of the entry and exit ports to the backwaters of Kerala.


• Alleppey lies between Kollam and Kochi. It boasts to be Keralas historical ports. It was the best-known ports along Malabar Coast and was often referred as the Venice of the East. It is a bustling city chiefly significant for the coir industry, Alleppey comes alive on the second Saturday when it serves the venue for one of the Keralas major spectacles- The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.


• The busy commercial center of Kottayam is located between the backwaters to the west and the tea, spice and Rubber plantation, forests and mountains of Western Ghats to the east of Kottayam. Its history of Syrian Christian Settlement is reflected by the pressure of the two 13th-century churches on a hill.


• Kumarakom, 16km west of Kottayam is technically an island of Vembanad lake.


• Munnar, 130km east of Kochi is Keralas principal tea growing areas. The town still renders colonial look with British Bungalow clinging to the valleys sides. Its greenery and cool air have attracted increasing numbers of well-heeled honeymooners.


• Ernakulum presents the modern face of Kerala, with more of a city feel. An 8-day annual festival at Shiva temple features drum and trumpet groups out in the streets. As part of festival, there are usually night-time performers of Kathakali and the temple dazzles with glowing electric lights.


• Guruvayur; Keralas most important shrine dedicated to the Lord Krishna, the high walled temple of Guruvayur lies 29km north-west of Tirchur and attracts an immutable cascade of pilgrims. It is one of the richest temples of Kerala closed to non-Hindus.


• The busy coastal city of Calicut, 225km north of Kochi, occupies an extremely important place in Keralas history as Vasco da Gama first set foot in India at this place in 1498.

For visitors, Kerala, Gods Own Land offers the best beaches in India, unique wildlife sanctuary, intriguing blend of cultures and some unusual ways of getting around. Perhaps, more than anywhere else in India, getting there can be half the fun, particularly on the backwater trips along the coastal lagoons.