Kerala - The Tourism Guide

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Kerala, often referred to as "God's own country", has lush green carpets of land that make it one of the most scenic states in the country.

About Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital and Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate in India and the least corrupt state. Kerala was declared statehood on 1 November 1956 by combining all the Malayalam speaking regions around Kerala.

Where is Kerala

Kerala is one of the four southern states on the Indian mainland.Kerala has a 590-km-coastline adjoining the Arabian Sea. Kerala is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, Tamil Nadu to the east, Karnataka to the North and the Indian Ocean to its south. The Western Ghats cut through Kerala and is interrupted only at Palakkad, which gives access to the rest of India.

Major Cities

Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Thrissur, Kollam, Palakkad and Alappuzha (Alleppey) ...
... are some of the major cities in Kerala. Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala is also the most populous and the largest city in the state. Kochi is a major industrial hub and port city of Kerala. Kozhikode is the third largest city in Kerala and is the place where Vasco Da Gama set foot in India first. Alleppey is known for its beautiful backwaters and picturesque destinations.

Places to Visit

Kerala is a major tourist hub throughout the year. Kerala has rose to prominence as a tourist destination after vigorous promotions done by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

The Kovalam beach near Trivandrum, Marari beach, Varkala, Alappuzha beach, Cherai beach and Vadanappilly beach are famous beaches in Kerala flocked by tourists throughout the year. Muzhappilangad beach at Kannur is the only drive in beach in India.

Munnar, Wayanad, Ponmudi and Thekkady are hill stations in Kerala. Houseboats can be rented by tourists to spend a calm evening at backwaters in Alleppey and Punnamuda.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a treat to the wildlife entusiasts and ecotourists looking to spend time as close to the nature in Kerala as possible.

Kerala is also the hub for medical tourists. The herbs in the forests of Kerala are known to be very effective in fighting diseases. Ayurveda and Siddha are famous medical treatments practiced across Kerala.

Sabarimala, Guruvayoor, Malayatoor, St. Mary's Forane and Paradesi Synagogue are famous pilgrim destinations in Kerala. Cochin houses the last Jew settlement in India.

How To Reach

Air: There are 3 international airports in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kochi. The major cities across the country and the world are effectively connected by regular flights plying to and from these airports. Kochi airport is the busiest airport in Kerala.

Rail: Southern Railways provides railway services to Kerala. Some of the prominent railway stations in the state are Trivandrum Railway Station, Palakkad Railway Station, Kochi Railway Station, Kannur, Kollam, Kottayam, Shornur and Kozhikode Railway Stations. These railway lines effectively connect Kerala with the rest of the Indian states.

Road: Kerala has many villages that are mainly connected by roads. Kerala has one of the most extensive road networks in the country. NH17 the longest national highway in the country, connects Edapally with Panvel, which is near Mumbai. NH17 and NH 47 connect most cities along the western coast. State Highways connect the places in the eastern side.