Kerala – Land of Coconuts, dense forests and extensive ridges, ‘Land of Ayurveda’ is truly – the Gods Own Country. The state offers beautiful beaches, trips through peaceful lagoons and canals, hill station, wildlife sanctuaries and complex cultural customs. Kerlas biggest cultural festival is the harvest festival ‘Onam” when the state celebrates Golden age of Mythical King Mahabali Kerala for days in late August or early September. It includes elephant procession, cultural performances, boat races for the public and feast and floral decoration in Home. With high literacy rate and little of the poverty Kerala shows a much gentler and relaxed side of India. We cover some of the important tourist destinations of the state.

COCHIN
It is popularly known as the queen of the Arabian Sea is a commercial city of the state of Kerala. It has one of the best natural harbours in the country. It is set amidst lagoons and backwaters with a romantic backdrop of swaying coconut palms.
Traders from the west came to Kerala as far as the 3rd Cebtury BC abd kiij bcj wutg tgen souces, ivory and teak. Later the Dutch, Portuguese , French and the British came to this region in the guise of merchants, some to stay as colonial rulers.

Sightseeing and Excursions
Dutch Palace Mattancherry, In the Centre is the Coronation Hall of the Cochin Maharajas, The Old Jewish Synagogue built in 1568 contains Grand Scrolls of the Old Testament and copper Plates containing the privileges granted to the Jews ,St. Francis Church is the oldest church built by the Europeans in India. Vascodagama was buried here. Gundu Island – highlight of the visit is the boatride through the backwaters to the various islands where coir mat making and the other cottage Industries can be seen. Chinese fishing nets are still in use, Parishath Thampuran Museum also has collection of the Cochin royal family.

KODANAD
It is a rural riverside village situated on the south bank of Periyar river approx 42 km east of Kochi. The village is a major tourist destination because it houses an Elephant training center.

MUNNAR
It is a hill resort located at a height of 1524 mt. is in the midst of cardamom and tea plantation. Nearby is Anamudi Peak (2695 mt) the highest point in south India.

ALLEPPY
It is from here that the backwater cruises start through a network of canals on the shores of which are villages against a backdrop of coconut trees. Colourful Boat races are held here every year in August.

PERIYAR WLS
It is a project Tiger Sanctuary and  ideal for seeing wild elephants and other wild life while cruising on Periyar Lake.

TRIVENDRUM
It is the capital of the state of Kerala. It is said that when sage Parasurama while looking for a spot to meditate threw his axe into the sea, this coastal area, lush and beautiful emerged from the water.

Sightseeing and Excursion
One can visit the Napier museum built on the pattern of ancient Kerala family homes, Sri chitra art Gallery which has an excellent collection of Paintings. Kovalam Beach (16 km) one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. Padmanabhuram Palace (53 km) is the seat of ancient rulers of Travancore, Suchindram (74 km)  temple known for its intricate stone carvings,  Kanyakumari (87 km) is southern most tip of India where three oceans (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean) meet. It is the land of sunset and sunrise.Nearby is the vivekanand Rock- site where Vivekanand meditated. Kumarakom (10 km )  from trivendrum is a typical Kerala village on Vembanand Lake.Poovar  is a small village in the Trivendrum District of Kerala. This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivendrum. The village has a beautiful beach.