Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape.

There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.

Kerala is a 560-km long narrow stretch of land. At the widest, Kerala is a mere 120-km from the sea to the mountains. Gracing one side of Kerala, are the lofty mountains ranging high to kiss the sky. And on the other side the land is washed by the blue Arabian Sea waters. The land is covered with dense tropical forest, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Kerala's exotic spices have lured foreigners to her coast from time immemorial.

Earlier, Kerala was made up of three distinct areas. Malabar as far up the coast as Tellicherry, Cannanore and Kasargode with the tiny pocket-handkerchief French possession of Mahe nearby (it was returned to India in the early 1950 's and is now administratively part of Pondicherry). This area belonged to what was once called the Madras Presidency under the British. The middle section is formed by the princely State of Cochin; the third comprises Travancore, another princely State.

Legends speak of Kerala as Parasuramakshetram, 'the land of Parasurama'. The land of Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. Owing to its favourable location this land fostered trade and established contacts with Egypt, Assyria, Greeks, Romans and the Chinese. The Malayalam era 'Kollavarsha' is believed to have started in the 9th century A.D. During this period of internal strife in Kerala, Cheraman Perumal founded the Chera dynasty (9th century AD). In about 1498 the Portuguese came to Calicut and in 1502 to Kochi. Kerala was then divided into the Kingdoms of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. In 1776, Malabar was under the rule of Hyder Ali. In 1792 Tipu Sultan ceded it to the British. While Malabar witnessed the direct rule of the British, Travancore and Kochi were princely states owing allegiance to the British. It was in 1949 that the three territories were integrated and in 1956 the state of Kerala was formed, and joined the Indian Union.

Attraction in Kerala:

Kovalam Beach:

Located 18 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this beach is considered to be one of the best in the world. Apart from swimming and relaxing on the white sands, you can enjoy surfing, water skiing and a catamaran ride.

Varkala Beach in Kerala:

Varkala Tour ,Kerala -Tourist AttractionsThe striking geography of this beautiful beach has made it very popular. Behind the beach are towering cliffs that contrast with the white sands and the blue sky and clear water.

Kerala Backwaters:

Travelling through the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional kettuvallom or houseboat is a tour like no other. The tranquil water, the green palm-fringed coast, the sounds of sea birds calling, tropical vegetation and friendly people. It is an experience to cherish forever.

Kumarakom Beach:

A cluster of islands located on the Vembanad Lake, with mangrove forests, a bird sanctuary, paddy fields, palm trees, and waterways, this getaway feels like a corner of paradise.

Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve:

Also known as Thekkady, this wildlife reserve located in the Western Ghats, is home to a large population of elephants and a number of tigers. The rare Nilgiri Tahr can also be seen here. A large lake within the park on which you can take a boat ride and observe the animals at leisure is an added attraction.

Silent Valley National Park:

Situated in Palghat district, this tropical biosphere reserve, is home to many rare plants and animals, including tigers, lion tailed macaques and elephants. This forest is considered the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forest in India.


Beaches in Kerala:

Along its 600kms shoreline, Kerala has a number of sparkling beaches. With soft white sands, unending stretch of turquoise water, tall palm groves swaying with the sea breeze, the beaches of Kerala have an unspoilt and unexplored charm. Beaches atKovalam, Poovar, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi are major tourist attractions in Kerala.

Hill Stations in Kerala:

Enchanting hill stations lie clad in lush green woods along the Western Ghat range in Kerala. Sprawling plantations around, the clear sky above, refreshing breeze combine with a panoramic view of sleepy little villages in the hill stations ofMunnar, Palakkad, Ponmudi, Rajamala.

Churches of Kerala:

hristianity began as an oriental religion in Kerala in the first century AD. It is believed that St. Thomas established Churches in seven places in Kerala - (Kodungallore, Palayur, Paravur, Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Chayal, Korakkeni, Kollam) and a chappal(half church -"Arappalli") at Thiruvankottu. The Churches of Kerala are major tourist attractions of the state, and the Christian art and architecture seen here marks a harmonious blend of the East and the West.

Mosques of Kerala:

There are several mosques in Kerala, and most of them are located in the northern part of the state, where most of the Muslims have settled. It is believed that Malik Ibn Dinar was the first Muslim to land at Crangannur and that he built some mosques along the coast. The mosques of Kerala are generally covered structures which feature a large prayer hall at the centre, surrounded by covered verandhas.

Jewish Synagogue in Kochi:

Built in 1568 AD, the Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry, is considered to be the oldest synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. A major tourist attraction of Kerala, this exquisite structure still preserves scrolls of the Old Testament and a number of copper plates, inscribed in Hebrew.

Temples of Kerala:

The numerous Temples at Kerala are architectural splendors dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu mythology. The temple architecture in Kerala is unique, and is in perfect accordance with the natural resources and climatic conditions of the land.

Monuments of Kerala:

Visit the marvelous monuments in Kerala and travel back in time to the exquisite places of the Kings and Queens of the bygone era. Some of the most famous monuments of Kerala are Alwaye Palace, Bekal Fort, Krishnapuram Palace, Mattanchery Palace, Hill Palace Museum, Koyikkal Palace, Vasco House, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Arakkal Palace & Kannur Fort.