Wagamon, a quaint hill station at the Idukki-Kottayam border, is the venue for International Paragliding festival. Rolling hills, deep valleys, lush meadows and gurgling streams are so mesmerizing that the place never fails to lift anyone's spirits.
Popularly known as Thamarassey Churam, this hill highway with winding roads that pass through lush green forests connects Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. A drive though this 14-km pass with nine hairpin bends is exciting, but it's advisable to be cautious.
A land-locked district, Idukki is one of the most nature-rich areas of Kerala. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, known for elephants, bison, sambar deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc occupies the forest land between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. There is a scenic lake around the sanctuary, covered by an enchanting canopy of tropical ever-green and deciduous trees, and offers boat rides.
Dense forest, rubber and tea plantations, waterfalls—Thenmala in Kollam district also houses the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Known as the Gateway to the Malabar Coast, Kappad is where more than 500 years ago, the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama stepped into Kerala. At 16 km from Kozhikode town, Kappad Beach can be accessed thorough the picturesque backwaters. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river is a memorable experience.
The less-explored hilly tract Vatavada is a serene village located about 45 km east of Munnar. Unlike Munnar that has vast expanse of tea plantations, Vattavada's terraced slopes and valleys are covered with lush vegetable farms. At 6500 feet above sea level, Vattavada offers many trekking options, too
Take a dip, lie down on the sand, go for a stroll, watch the sun rising and setting, laze around sipping tender coconut and munching peanuts: Just a few things you can do at the beautiful and pristine beaches of Kerala.
Tranquil backwaters, lush paddy fields, comfy houseboats: A perfect backdrop for your holiday!
Considered as Asia's largest wooden palace, Padmanabhapuram Palace was once the residence of the rulers of the former princely state Travancore. The Palace, an example of traditional Kerala architecture, is known for its seventeenth and eighteenth century murals, four-poster medicinal bed, secret underground passages, and many such unique features. The intricate wood carvings show master craftsmanship. The special black polished floor on the first floor chamber is said to be made using a mixture of jaggery, egg white, burnt coconut shells, river sand, lime, tender coconut water, etc.
— with navarathri mandapam,
Pulikali, aka Kaduvakali, is a colouful folk art performed mostly during the harvest festival Onam. In this street show, trained artists, dressed up as leopards or tigers and hunters, dance to the rhythmic drum beats. This folk art is most popular in Thrissur district, where thousands of people converge on the fourth day of Onam to enjoy the performance of many Pulikali troupes.
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or more popularly Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is one of the richest bird habitats in India. At about 60 km from the port city of Kochi, Thattekad is located on the northern bank of the Periyar River. Home to a variety of birds, Thattekad is a birder's delight.
Aranmula Kannadi, a fascinating mirror made of metal is the exclusive product of Aranmula in Alappuzha district. The complex manufacturing process of this unique mirror is known to the artisans of only one family and it is handed down to the next generation. Patent-protected with a GI tag, Aranmula Kannadi is considered to bring prosperity to the owner's life.
Trek to Meesapulimala, the second highest peak in Kerala; Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantations in the world, and the scenic Anayirangi Lake, all around the magnificent Munnar hill station!
The heady aroma of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, clove, pepper, and turmeric lingers in the air. Kerala's spice trade that dates back to a few thousands of years still continues at the spice market at Jew Street, Mattanchery in Fort Kochi
India's first multipurpose reef at Kovalam, one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, protects the coast from erosion, provides habitat for marine life, thereby helping local fishing community, and improves surfing and recreational use of the beach
A small, sleepy village on top a hill, Ranipuram is located near Kasargod town. Known for its grasslands and trekking trails, Ranipuram's greenery is a very refreshing visual treat.
Ekadasi, the eleventh day of a lunar fortnight, is considered auspicious by the Hindus is being celebrated today across the country. Of the 24 Ekadasis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (corresponding to November/December) has got special significance. At the Guruvayur temple, the presiding deity of which is Lord Krishna, Ekadasi Vilakku (vilakku means lighted lamp) starts a month before the Ekadasi day. This is done as an offering by the devotees.
The Anamudi peak, located inside the Eravikulam National Park is known to be the highest peak in South India! Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam. Do you know the height of this peak?
The Shankhumugham beach is a favourite hangout for people coming to watch sunsets. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Veli Tourist Village. Been here yet?
Situated in Kuttand, the QST & R Block Kayals of Kerala bakwaters are reminded of the famous dikes of Holland. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.
Tucked away in misty plantation hills, amidst cool coconut groves, circled by backwaters, by the side of sun drenched beaches or in villages with distinct characteristics; home stays in Kerala offer you one of the most favoured means by visitors to enjoy and experience the culture, lifestyle and flavours of the land and its people. So whose going?
Have you ever gone cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala? If you haven't, make sure you do. This one is really a wonderful and unforgettable experience!
Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season (June to July and October to November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. For more information visit http://bit.ly/ayurvedaKerala
The Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel, elephants, spotted deer, sambar and hanuman monkeys. While other sanctuaries in Kerala get plenty of rainfall, Chinnar gets only scanty rain!
Palaruvi waterfalls is known to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, falling from a height of some 300 feet. It is a favourite tourist spot of South India. The waterfall can be reached by walking tropical forestland. Do you know the meaning of Palaruvi?
Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several places of tourist interests like a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple and the Ashramam - Sivagiri Mutt a little distance from the beach.
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