  Towns & cities
Alappuzha (Alleppey) : Enjoy holidays in Alleppey. Despite its small town appearance, Alappuzha has an impressive history. The port is said to have been built by Raja Keshava Das, the Dewan of Travancore, in the early 18th century. A noble hand came from James Darraigh, an Irishman, who is credited to have introduced the coir industry to the town. The story about how they brought technicians from Bengal to teach locales the art of spinning coir, now enjoys a legendary status here. Today, rubber plantations may have more commercial value but the tradition continues.
Ernakulam (Cochin) : Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.
Bekal :
Bekal, a small region of striking beauty is located on the shoreline of Pallikara village in the district of Kasargod in Kerala. The appeal of the pristine sandy beaches, the luring sound of the rolling waves, the 300-year-old ancient Bekal Fort exuding a charm of its past, the cordial, enterprising people and its proximity to two airports make Bekal an ideal tourist destination. The main places of interest are the Bekal Fort, which is one of the best- preserved historic forts in Kerala, Valiyaparamba, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of backwater, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Kappil Beach and the Kodi Cliffs.
Kannur : Kannur often known as the crown of Kerala because of its natural treasures, is edged by the Western Ghats in the east andKozhikodeand Wayanad districts in the south, the Lakshadweep Sea in the west and Kasargod in the north. With the Lakshadweep Sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. It was this heaven-like place of astounding beauty to which Jawaharlal Nehru referred to as the 'Garden of India'. This place is the melting pot of many cultures, religions and traditions and the state of Kerala owes its cultural, political and industrial heritage to Kannur. The places of interest of Kannur are- Fort St Angelo, Sundareswara Temple, Mavilakavu Temple, Shri Muthappan Temple, The Old Juma Masjid, St. John's Church, Payyambalam and Ezhimala Beach.
Kasargod : The Northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills & the beautiful beaches. Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple architecture - the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical Kerala style of the Historic malik deenar great juma masjid and so on speak volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spectacular pageants of Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. Enchant visitors.
 Thiruvananthapuram(TRIVANDRUM) : If you are planning to visit the southern coast of India, you should leave your footprints on the land that portraits a modest ambiance and shies away from the lolling monicker that visitors often struggle to pronounce. More popularly known as Trivandrum, the gateway to Kerala stretches along the pristine banks of Arabian Sea with its shimmering backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside - a spacious layout where the old and modern are surrounded by gently swaying coconut palms and majestic, gabled, pagoda-roofed traditional buildings. Camouflaged in a small town cloak, Thiruvananthapuram has no skyscrapers aiming for the clouds or tourist wows - save the mediocre spires on temple heads - no fast cars racing down glitzy lanes, no night clubs where you can bang your head to rock. Yet this undulating terrain of seven low coastal hills has a distinctive scent of power sprayed in its clean streets. It is here you can see how political influence speeds up the wheels of time, chucking the old frame into hands of modernity. Nevertheless, the palaces of the Travancore rulers, gracious 'tharavads' and bunglows that dot the capital, lend distinction to the city, for they haven't resigned to the onslaught of progress.
Kozhikode (Calicut) : Once the capital of the powerful zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode (Calicut) was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode (Calicut) a popular destination.
Malampuzha : A small town located on the foothills of the Western Ghats, lies 10 km away from the Palakkad town and is one of the charming tourist sites. It has a vast number of amusement alternatives such as - The Malampuzha Gardens, a snake park, a children's park, a garden house, hanging bridge, Sculpture of Yakshi , telescopic tower, rock garden , fantasy park and so on.
Malappuram : Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 kms southeast of kozhikode. Bounded by the nilgiri hills on the east, the arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it - the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquarters of the samorins of Kozhikode (Calicut) since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British east india company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921. The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic philosophy.
Periyar (Thekkady) : Periyar, also known as Thekaddy is one of the renowned Wildlife Sanctuary in India as well as the world. This enchanting place is bordered by an unbroken chain of hills of the Western Ghats of Kerala and reverberates with the trumpets of elephants and the melodious chirping of the strange birds and insects. This place which is a loving home to the diverse flora and fauna houses the famous Tiger Reserve and the National Wildlife Park. Periyar is the abode of other wild animals such as leopard, wild dog, Nilgiri langur, barking deer and mouse deer, bonnet macaque, porcupines, Nilgiri tahrs (a kind of a wild goat), squirrels, wild boar, sloth bear and 40 tigers. Periyar's bird life consists of the Cormorant, Darter, Giant Hornbill, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. Some Tribal Villages are also found in the proximity of Periyar.
Backwaters of Kerala
 Kerala's backwaters is the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were once just the state's trade highways. Kerala is her backwaters and lakes. They have dictated her history, shaped her present and promise a future by virtue of offering incomparable beauty and unique experiences.
The state's palm-fringed backwaters are inland lakes connected by a network of canals. With 41 west-flowing rivers, the backwaters stretch to almost 1,900 kilometers. The backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transportation needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, rice and spices. Today, these waterways link remote villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal area.
Alleppey Backwaters : While on Alleppey holidays, enjoy the pleasure of feeling the shimmering waters pass between your fingers while on a boat ride, as you pass through the slender corridors amidst deep, dense vegetation. Touch the virgin green leaves of the paddy plants grown on the slant land beside. Wave back at the cheerful village children sitting on the banks. One can even invite some of them to hop in for a ride. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the banks of the Kerala backwaters. Get a pack of hand-made flour-balls from the local stalls and climb on one of the lanky coconut palms to feed the fishes racing underneath. It is a wonderful experience to see them cluster around in all sizes and colours, a staunch competition of survival going on beneath your feet. The canals throw up another study in contrasts.
Kollam Backwaters : Known as the entry and exit point of the backwaters of Kerala, Kollam is situated 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the oldest ports of the Malabar coast and was once the center of international spice trade, especially known for its marine and cashew industries. It is also the largest producer of cashew in the state.
30% of Kollam (Quilon) is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi lake and the eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. Kollam (Quilon) architectural remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate style are the witness of the enchanting history of this town.
Tourist can visit Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, a spiritual trust in India with a large number of educational, technical and health care industries is headquartered at Vallikkavu, near Kollam. The Picnic Village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main center of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200-year-old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.
 Kumarakom Backwaters : Kumarakom in Kerala is a beautiful backwater destination. Located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake Kumarakom has to be seen to be believed. Kumarakom consists of a cluster of islands which have been converted into a number of tourist resorts. Popular with the discerning luxury tourist, Kumarakom is a must visit on your Kerala tours with Kerala Backwater.
Kumarakom is enthrallingly beautiful. The blue backwaters and the surface of Vembanad Lake reflect the azure sky. The amazing shades of green of the vegetation that include mangroves, coconut palms, and paddy fields cover the verdant countryside. Channels and waterways wind their way through this green paradise.
Trivandrum Backwaters : The extensive backwaters of Trivandrum provide the picturesque view of a paradise. The intricate lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up along the dense tropical vegetation of Trivandrum. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways. The backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala. The biggest backwater is the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port.
The serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam.
Ayurveda
 Welcome to Kerala, the land of spices, to learn and experience Ayurveda, by heart. Kerala, the paradise of varied natural herbal ecosystems, enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda over the chapters of time. While the pharmacon was enriched by 'Siddha' and 'Marma' systems in southern Kerala, it shaked hands with Kalaripayattu and Kalari Therapy in northern Kerala, resulting in the emergence of a completely new trend, now admired for its special procedures, formulations and applications.
Over the pages of history, the western world found a quick channel to invigorate their weary soul, (and why soul, their mind and body too). Kerala with its sprawling greens surely provides the best to re-energise every tourist who want to engage himself into this ancient Indian art of healing. Many of the world-renowned personalities have visited - and still do - Kerala (including Hollywood actress Kate Winslet) and ayurveda has helped them all. Visit Kerala to explore the magic of ayurveda, an art that has to be experienced to believe.
In the Ayurveda philosophy all living organisms are made up of five elements. These are called Panchamahabhutas and are earth, water, fire, air and vacuum. When these five elements are in harmony, a body is in a state of good health. When the harmony of these elements is disturbed the body is in a state of negative health and requires the intervention of Ayurvedic therapy. Massage is the most common form of Ayurvedic therapy. Essential oils and extracts of healing herbs are used in the formulation of various oils. The application of these oils to the body by the trained hands of a Kerala Ayurveda masseur can provide relief to the patient from stress and various physical ailments such as sprains, spondylitis, back injuries and joint and muscle injuries. Experience the healing powers of Ayurveda on Kerala Tours with Kerala Backwater.
Kerala Beaches
 Kovalam Beach : Looking around this sun-and-sand paradise, it's difficult to imagine that Kovalam was once just a pretty fishing village with a prettier beach. In Kovalam, as the hippies discovered this hidden jewel long ago, the tourists - and the locales - inhabit different universes. The day-trippers from Thiruvananthapuram almost always climb the rocky promontory to Halcyon Castle, striding carefully for spectacular views of the sea, whereas trotters prefer to jaunt around the crescents, looking for an opportunity to cheer up a romantic evening.
Varkala - Papanasham Beach : The crescent shaped beach is considered to be very sacred, as it is believed that one is absolved of his sin by taking a bath in the sea water here. This is the only place in southern Kerala where we can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea. The red laterite cliffs along the beach enhances the beauty of the beach. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.
Other important places to visit are Sivagiri Mutt, the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the most illustrious spiritual leader and social reformer and Janardhana Swami Temple- The ancient shrine believed to be over 2000 years old is one of the holiest temples of Lord Vishnu.
Alappuzha Beach : Alappuzha's eternal motif, its sea, however remained as attractive as it was before and dangerous in equal measure - knocking angrily as it did during the tsunami of 26 December 2004, which eventually created a news stir, before shattering into white bubbles of penitence. Visit during sunset and you'll find the same sea quitely jostling against the pure white sands, its waters abundant with catch for the fisherfolk. The shades of green also reflect themselves in the shimmering backwaters, the region is famous for. After meeting the roaring sea, you can enjoy a lifetime boat cruise on the emerald backwaters by a romantic night, the famous attractions of Alappuzha beach.
Fort Kochi :The Fort Kochi Beach is located 12 Km far from Ernakulam city. It is originally a fishing village that became the first European township in India. The historic fort with its eventful colonial history, is the main attraction on this beach. There is a colourful Carnival on New Year eve.
Kappad Beach - Kerala : Kappad Beach is located 16 Km from Kozhikode town in North Kerala. The sandy beach is backed by a rocky landscape with some rocks also strewn across the Kappad Beach. A pillar with the inscription "Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498" marks the spot where history was made over 500 years ago. While on tours of Kappad Beach with Kerala Backwater you can see the local fisherfolk mend their nets and take their boats out to sea, in a routine that has continued for centuries. Vasco da Gama would have seen a similar sight when he landed on Kappad Beach. Kappad Beach is known locally as Kappadkadavu. A single large rock juts out to the sea from Kapapd Beach. On this rock is a temple that is said to be 800 years old. The nearby Korapuzha River empties into the sea alongside Kappad Beach. You can see these historic sights on tours of Kappad Beach with Kerala Backwater.
Somatheeram Beach :
15 acres of green garden terraced heights sloping down to the sandy beach stretching to the tranquil, turquoise sea changing colour and mood momentarily as the white clouds sail past over it. This is the perfect beach with a ayurvedic resort for all kind of ayurvedic treatments.
Thangasseri Beach :
5 km from kollam town, this seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old portuguese fort and churches built in the 18 th century. The thangasseri lighthouse is open to visitors from 1530-1730 hrs.
Thirumullavaram Beach :
6 km from kollam town, this secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town
Vallikunnu Beach :
A beach resort set in the middle of a coconut grove is the main attraction here. The kadalundi bird sanctuary is just a short distance away. |
