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An ultimate tourist’s paradise, Kerala offers a host of destinations for the nature lover. The nature full of its graces manifests itself in different forms in Kerala. At some places it is in the form of clear blue water of the seas lapping up at the spread of white sand on the beach. At other places it is the overwhelming waterfalls in the mysterious jungles. The palm trees as well as the vast tea plantations don’t fail to impress you either. Ayurvedic herbal massages provide for luxurious overtones to your trip. If trekking through beautiful hills is not your cup of tea then maybe you will prefer the sunset cruises along the cozy backwaters of Kerala. It is also gateway to the bewitching and unexplored archipelago of Lakshdweep.
Located on the Southern most tip of India, Kerala is one of the smallest Indian states. The capital city is called Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum. The world famous Kovalam beach is also located here. This beach is rated among top ten beaches of the world. The surf washed white sands and the palm trees swaying across the stretch of this sand spread and a range of hotels along it provide for a perfect beach holiday.
These beaches are also unique because trained masseurs on these beaches offer ayurvedic herbal massages. Several resorts also provide for these. Herbal oils, medicated milk, and decoctions are poured over body in special manners. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian text pertaining to Knowledge of life. Due to incorporation of Ayurvedic techniques in these massages, they provide a cure for several diseases of the mind and body. These include arthritis, paralysis, insomnia, nervous weakness, pain in the joints and several others.
The capital city also forms an ideal base for your sojourn to other parts of Kerala. The backwaters of Kerala are today surpassing the beaches in their popularity. These backwaters unique to Kerala are actually a criss-cross network of canals, rivers and small lakes. Some of these are natural and some manmade. Slow paced ferries at a lazy pace chug along these backwaters providing a panoramic view of the magnificence of the rural Kerala. Today the traditional rice barges or ‘ketuvallams’ have been converted into houseboats for tourist purposes. These are available on hire easily for cruises as per your itinerary. The Kollam-Alapuzha trip is the most popular backwater cruise spread over two days.
Kochi or Cochin is also another major city of Kerala. It is also called the Queen of Arabian Sea. It has the finest natural harbor in the World. Another favored backwater destination is Kumarakom, which is only 88 kilometers from Cochin. It is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and also hosts houseboat cruises. Also situated 1600 m above sea level is Munnar Hills only 130 kilometres away from Cochin. Munnar is home to a unique flower called ‘Neelakurinji’ which blooms only once in 12 years. It will bloom next in 2006 A.D. There are vast tea plantations in these hills. The highest peak of the Indian peninsula Anaimudi is also located in this state.
The forests here echo with the sound of teeming wildlife. Beautiful springs and charming waterfalls are an inherent part of the forests here. Ponmudi is a hill resort situated at an altitude of 1066 meters and which is 60 kilometers away from the capital city. It is also popular among trekkers. The scenic Thekkady wildlife sanctuary is a popular vaction destination for nature lovers. You can spot elephants, tigers, sambars, bison and spotted deer, etc.
Another characteristic feature of the state of Kerala are the snake boat races. They are the largest team sport in the world. These events are preceded by colorful water sports. Several myths and legends are attached to these races. A small town called Alapuzha becomes the center of attraction during the season; it hosts the celebrated races. Due to the extensive network of backwaters in this town, Alapuzha has been called the Venice of the east.
Calicut, or Khozikode as it is also known, is the third important city. It is also well connected to other parts of the country by rail, road and air. The backwaters of Khozikode still remain undiscovered and untouched. Another beach called Kappad is a short trip from here. This is the beach where Vasco-da-gama landed some 500 years ago.
Fish expectedly dominates cuisine though everything is available, especially in the bigger towns. Kerala is also famed for its dances, music and martial arts. There are classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniattom, which are quite famous. Then there are also the lesser known folk and tribal dances. Carnatic music holds its sway as the classical form of music but Kerala has its own style that is slow and emotional in its rhythm. The martial arts of Kerala, namely ‘kalaripayattu’, consist of a series of intricate movements that train the body and mind. Gods and goddesses dominate the painting themes. Handicrafts include bell metal casting, ivory carvings, woodcraft, mat weaving. All these are excellent souvenirs to buy for friends back home or to keep the charms of Kerala with you for times to come.
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