Kerala is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Asia, with pristine hill stations, grasslands that roll down the hilly spots, paddy fields, tea and coffee plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and glistening brooks and vast expanse of backwaters and lakes. A traveler to Kerala is sure to be lost amidst the serene environs of the backwaters and hillstations, rejuvenated with 'Ayurveda' or cruising on a palm fringed country boat and experiencing the many faces of this wonderful land that embraces ones body and soul.
The discerning tourist has a host of landmarks to visit. From monuments, palaces, forts, memorials and places of worship to pilgrim centers and festivals that portray the cultural mosaic, Kerala leaves an indelible impression on the mind of the tourist.
Backwaters of KeralaKerala has a number of backwaters, canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers, which are a major tourist attraction. The palm fringed tranquil backwaters were once the State's trade highways. Journeying across the backwaters can be one of the most memorable and unique experiences for tourists to Kerala. There are shallow palm fringed boats to travel across the backwaters.
Vembanad Lake reputed for Kumarakom backwaters, which is the largest backwater stretch
Ashtamudi Lake that has eight arms covering a major portion of Kollam district Alappuzha, which is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.
Wildlife sanctuaries: Kerala has several prominent wildlife sanctuaries. Some of them are Thekkady in Idukki, Parambikulam in Palakkad and Sultan Bathery in Waynad district. The Periyar National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. The forests of Periyar Reserve, Chinnar Wild life sanctuary are famous for elephants, gaur, deer and occasionally tiger, leopard and panther. For the bird watcher, Kerala is a dream destination with over five hundred species of birds.
The Kumarkom bird sanctuary, Periyar tiger reserve, Thattekad bird sanctuary, and the Waynad hills are home to several migrant and local birds.
Water Sports: A tourist to Kerala can enjoy catamaran sailing, wind surfing, kanaking, canoeing, scuba diving and snorkeling and para sailing.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda, a medical system over 5000 year old, thrives in Kerala because of the equable climate, wealth of herbs and medicinal plants that grows in natural abundance in Kerala on the Western Ghats and the cool monsoon season. There are many centers in Kerala offering a range of curative and restorative packages.
Boat races in KeralaThe boat races are of legendary importance in Kerala. The season of Onam is exemplified by the boat races. The Champakulam boat race has spectacular water floats, decorated boats which is a snake boat over 100 feet in length are the highlights. Over sixteen snake boats participate in this scintillating event. The Nehru Trophy boat race of Kerala held on the second Saturday of August every year. The Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race is in memory of the former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi. Colorful procession, boat races and water floats highlights this occasion.
