KERALA

Munnar Tourism
Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners.

Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British government, the main reason to visit Munnar is to explore the sprawling tea plantations and the exotic flora and fauna. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions. Munnar is also famous for being home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years (the next bloom is in 2030) and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Alleppey Tourism
Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is known for its network of canals and lagoons with beautiful backwaters and the houseboats offering overnight stays. Located in the southern part of Kerala, the coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches with water sports during the dry season. Coupled with other beautiful places in Kerala like Munnar and Thekkady, Alleppey is often considered for a honeymoon or for a great family vacation.

Alleppey's palm-fringed inter-connect network of canal backwaters attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Kuttanad, also called the 'Rice Bowl of Kerala' covers a large part of Allapuzha and is home to lush green paddy fields, lakes and backwaters.

Thekkady Tourism
Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Periyar National Park, a major attraction, is where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travelers can also experience night treks in the wilderness of Periyar. The Periyar Lake, part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is one option for couples looking to make the most of their honeymoon in Thekkady.

Anakarra is also located nearby, a great place to enjoy nature and wander on a carpet of luxuriant vegetation. Another well-known destination to enjoy the natural beauty and expansive vistas of coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations is Murukkady. One would be charmed by Parunthumpara hill, blessed with magnificent views. Chellar Kovil is another area located nearby with many picturesque waterfalls and cascades. Mangala Devi Temple, located at an altitude of 1337 m and at a distance of around 15km from Thekkady, opens only on the Chitra Pournami Festival.

Kochi Tourism
Lying on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India, Kochi or Cochin is a port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Known popularly as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is also Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Exuding an old-world charm with diverse linguistics, such as the Jews, Konkinis, Gujaratis, and ethnic communities like the anglo-indians, Kochi has an indiscriminate mix of backwaters, beaches, islands, coasts, and plain terrains.

With a history of trading in the southwest, Kochi still holds on to its dutch and Portuguese buildings, such as the Old Harbour House, Mattancherry Palace, Bolgatty Palace , Jewish Synagogue, etc., some of which have gone through renovations over the years. The cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries, heritage homes, and some of the finest museums, such as the Hill Palace and Kerala Folklore Museum.

Varkala Tourism
Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Located approximately 50 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, Varkala offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural charm. It is popular for its hippie culture, shacks on the cliff serving great seafood and playing global music and the samadhi of Kerala's saint Sree Narayana Guru. Varkala is also known for Janardana Swami Temple, also known as Dakshin Kashi.

Varkala is renowned for its stunning cliffside views overlooking the Arabian Sea, creating a breathtaking backdrop for relaxation and exploration. The town's iconic cliff, known as the Varkala Cliff, is a geological wonder that attracts visitors from far and wide. Perched atop the cliffs are numerous cafes, shops, and guesthouses offering panoramic vistas of the sea, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and sunset watching.

Varkala has some of the best pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs - all of this together makes this town a little paradise. You will also find a lot of shops with signboards in Hebrew selling Yoga mats, oxidised silver jewellery and harem pants made of cotton. Ayurvedic spas, affordable resorts, hostels, clean beaches make it a must-visit city of Kerala.

Wayanad Tourism
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Situated at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100 meters above sea level, this picturesque region is blessed with verdant forests, mist-covered hills, and glistening waterfalls, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its name derived from 'Vayal Nadu,' meaning 'Land of Paddy Fields,' Wayanad boasts fertile valleys and terraced fields that contribute to its thriving agricultural economy.

Wayanad is best known for the wildlife reserves. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Indian bison, elephants, and leopards, the region is a biodiversity hotspot, offering ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers to explore its natural treasures. Wayanad wildlife reserve is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve peacefully located amidst the serene hills of Western Ghats. Nature lovers can explore the serene beauty of Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls, cascading amidst lush greenery, or embark on wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elusive species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel and the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Wayanad's cultural heritage is as rich as its natural beauty, with traces of ancient civilizations dating back to the Neolithic Age. The region is dotted with archaeological sites, ancient temples, and tribal villages, providing insights into its fascinating history and vibrant cultural tapestry. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local way of life by interacting with indigenous tribes like the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Kurumas, known for their unique traditions, art forms, and hospitality. Popular attractions include the Thirunelli Temple, an ancient shrine nestled amidst the Brahmagiri Hills, and the Banasura Sagar Dam, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Kovalam Tourism
Famous for its resorts and ayurvedic massage centres, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach. All these three beaches are crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches.

Visitors to Kovalam can indulge in a myriad of water activities, from swimming in the gentle waves to thrilling water sports like parasailing. The adrenaline-pumping experience of parasailing provides panoramic views of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. Earlier a fishing village, Kovalam started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame in the hippie era of 1970s. It still sees the influx of tourists from Israel and Europe.

Kovalam is adorned with various temples that add a cultural depth to the region like Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple, a serene abode dedicated to Lord Murugan. Azhimala Siva Temple, perched on a hillock, offers panoramic coastal views, providing a tranquil space for spiritual reflection. Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, situated along the Karamana River, honors Lord Parasurama, attracting pilgrims and visitors seeking both religious rituals and serene surroundings.

Kumarakom Tourism
With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake. This picturesque village beckons travelers with its serene waterways, verdant landscapes, and rich biodiversity, making it a quintessential destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Known for paddy fields, fishing, beach, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts, this picturesque village is a quintessential destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Embarking on a village life experience is a must-do activity, allowing guests to soak in the serene ambiance while traversing through lush greenery and quaint villages.

Vagamon Tourism
Vagamon, also known as Wagamon, is a tranquil hill station nestled near the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala. Offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, Vagamon boasts meandering rivulets, verdant hills, tea gardens, pine forests, and captivating waterfalls, creating a picturesque setting for travelers seeking solace amidst nature's splendor. With its pleasant climate year-round, Vagamon attracts tourists throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility amidst pristine surroundings.

Located about 100 kilometers from Kochi, Vagamon is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by rolling hills, verdant meadows, cascading waterfalls, and dense pine forests. Visitors to Vagamon can indulge in a variety of activities such as trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, and nature walks, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kozhikode Tourism
Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district with the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make Kozhikode a popular tourist destination.