Major Tourist destinations in Kerala

[gaurav]

Kerala backwaters - stretching across central Kerala, a must-try experience
Kovalam Beach - a popular beach near Trivandrum
Kumarakom - bird sanctuary near Kottayam
Munnar - One Of the most untouched hill stations in India
Varkala Papanasam Beach - near Trivandrum, with a 2000-year-old temple
Silent Valley National Park - rain forest
Thekkady - Periyar Tiger Reserve
Wayanad - Caves, waterfalls and pristine forests
Bekal Fort - Fort in North Kerala(Kasargod), On the sea shore


religious destinations


Sabarimala (in Pathanamthitta) - Hindu holy site. This is one of the most crowded places in India during the pilgrimage season from November to January. Also, temple authorities do not allow women into the temple grounds, supposedly to avoid tempting the deity.
Guruvayoor - the Krishna temple here is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in Kerala
Kalady - birthplace of Sri Adi Sankara, pioneering Advaita philosopher
Malayattoor -Catholic pilgrimage center near Angamaly. It is believed that St. Thomas held prayer at this church when he landed in Kerala. The hilltop church is located 10 km away from the town of kalady.
Chottanikkara - This is one of the famous piligrim centre of goddess Durga in south india.This temple is Ernakulam district and there is lots of busses from kochi.
Mannarasala - Nagaraja Temple The most famous nagaraja temple in kerala.Naga aradhana(worship of snakes) chanting nature is one of the main feature of hindusm.
Mullakkal - Mullakal Devi temle is in the heart of the backwater city of Alapuzha.Houseboat terminal is just ten minute walk from this Temple
Cherthala - Karthyayani Temple is 10km from Thannermukkam backwater Resort(KTDC),is in the heart of Cherthala Town.2km from Railway station,no time from Ksrtc bus station
Kanichukulangara - Kanichukulangara Devi Temple is famous as it is the centre of many social reforms in kerala is 17km from Alapuzha,6km from Cherthala.
St Mary's Church, Kudamaloor

[reema]

Kerala is one of my favorite tourist spots..

http://www.fittofly.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/kerala.jpg

[sumit]

I have also heard Kerala is known as Gods Own Land? Can you please tell me the reason behind this? :help:

[gaurav]

I have also heard Kerala is known as Gods Own Land? Can you please tell me the reason behind this? :help:

Kerala is a state in India which is actually a paradise with lot of natural sceneries, also it has well educated and polite people. So the tourism industry of Kerala has given it another tag name as God's Own Country.

There is one mythological story

Bhagwan Parshuram after finishing the evel kings,threw his parsu in the sea.Where it was fallen ,Kerala was created,that is why it is known as Gods own countrey.

[Madhu]

I am attaching pictures and some brief description about places to visit in Kerala.............:cheers:

[Madhu]

The town was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762. With the arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the venice of the east by travellers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, Alappuzha (Alleppey) has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, & also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry.
http://www.essential-architecture.com/MISC/1.%20Kerala%20House%20Boats.jpg

[Madhu]

Ernakulam (Cochin) is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kumarakom and Allapuzha districts on the South, Idukki on the East and Thrissur on the North. The commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi, in ernakulam, is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural barbours in the world, this was once a manor centre of commerce and trace with the british, arabs, chinese, portuguese, dutch etc.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/139061100_91d2fb7723.jpg

[Madhu]

Munnar is situated at the influence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, nallathanni and kundala, 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile british government in south india. Sprawling tea plantations, picturebook towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2007. Munnar also has the highest peak in south india, anamudi, which towers over 2695m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
http://www.rainbowskill.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mattupetti-idukki-kerala.jpg

[Madhu]

Bordered by the lofty western ghats on the east and the vembanad lake and paddy fields of kuttanad on the west, kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title : the land also boasts the first malayalam printing press which was established by benjamin bailey, a christian missionary, in 1820 A.D.
http://www.indianholiday.com/india-photo-gallery/images/kerala/taj-garden-retreat-kumarakom/taj-garden-retreat-kumarakom-04.jpg

[Madhu]

The very sound of the word thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the periyar forest of thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in india, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/500/medium/way_to_thekkady-2.JPG

[Madhu]

Kovalam is the only beach resort of Kerala, and is very popular with the Indian as well as international tourists. Industry is relatively small scale in this area and the prices low. The beach is just a few minutes walk from the village.

Kovalam consists of three successive small crescent beaches; the southern most known as Lighthouse Beach, is where most of the visitors spend their time. The beach is bordered with low cost lodging houses, and restaurants which offer adequate facilities, at affordable tariffs - ideal for a long stay. The light house on the promontory at the southern end of the beach, offers a spectacular view across to the Vizhinjam mosque. Photography is prohibited here. http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/504/medium/Kovalam_Beach.jpg

[Madhu]

This is another good beach 50 km from Trivandrum. The Papanasan beach here is not as crowded as the one in Kovalam. The Janarathama temple here is believed to be 2000 years old. Kollam is 31 km from Varkala
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2936/490368761e0156ff7f1bqd8.jpg

[Madhu]

Thiruvananthapuram (known as Trivendrum) the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. The wooded highlands on the Western Ghats in the Eastern and North Eastern borders give some of the most enchanting picnic spots, a long shorline, with internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage make this district a much sought after tourist destination.
http://www.naturemagics.com/stock-photo/albums/architecture/temple/padmanabhaswamy-temple.jpg

[Madhu]

At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, liles Kanniyakumari, an important pilgrim centre. Kanniyakumari is famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days, The beach itself is a beautiful sight with lmuklti-colouted sand. There is a lightoused form where one can get a panoramic view.http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/rajaputhran/albums/default/kanyakumari%204.jpg

[sanjeev34]

Top tourist destinations in Kerala
From historical to natural attractions, the diversity of Kerala lies not alone in its landscape but also in places of interest. A wildlife lover would opt for the forest of Periyar while the scenic calmness impresses a honeymooner in Kumarakom. Seafood lovers are on a voyage to the interiors of the state from Alappuzha.

Kumarakom
Located in the Kottayam district, Kumarakom is around 14 km from central Kottayam bus stand. The longest stretch of backwaters is from Kottayam to the Vembanad Lake, offering amazing ambience to the tourists. The bird sanctuary here is spread across 14 acres and a natural habitat for migratory birds. At any given time during the peak season, couples who love the houseboat rides and the other day-night boat trips throng the place. There is government of Kerala ferry services as well for a complete expedition of the backwaters. Kumarakom is known also for the posh hotels and luxury resorts located close to the backwaters strip.
Kovalam- Kovalam is another backwater sites full of coconut groves and lovely resorts. Located on the southern tip of the place, Kovalam is a combination of three prominent beaches. A popular destination for foreigners, the place is also the anglers retreat. Fishing activities take place during the early mornings and you see the anglers boats lined up daytime.

[alonzamiller]

Kerala is really a very nice place. Most of the people look forward to it for having a good vacations. These days it has become the popular place for the honeymoon and most of the couple think about it.

[abhisays]

Kerala is really a very nice place. Most of the people look forward to it for having a good vacations. These days it has become the popular place for the honeymoon and most of the couple think about it.

Rightly said! :cheers:

[coolnarayan007]

Kerala is the beautiful natural location of India. In Kerala you can see the amazing backwaters and lakes of it.

[ramkeshplt]

http://www.planluxurytrip.com/images/midimages/129-4.jpg

My best pic of Kerala................