Kerala Overview

Kerala - The Gods Own Land, on India's southernmost tip is the latest spot to open up to mass tourism and judging by the number of repeat bookings for next year, its future as a winter sun holiday hot spot is assured.Kerala, retaining the distinctive charm of India, differs from the rest of the sub-continent in a number of ways. Its population of 26 million has the highest literacy rate in India, the landscape is lush and fertile, supporting coconut, mango, papaya and all manner of exotic fruit. Its history is different too having been colonized by Chinese traders, Portuguese settlers and finally the British, resulting in a cultural blend in India.

Wild life in Kerala

Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. And skirting these exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trails in the country. Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki , Kannur , Palaghat , Trichur ,Kollam and Wayanad offers some of the best wildlife sanctuaries and trekking trails of Kerala.


Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki and Kulamavu - extending up to 33 sq. kms - forms part of this wildlife sanctuary.Elephants, Bison, Sambhar, Deer, Wild dogs, Jungle cats, Tiger, Wild boar etc are found here, as also Jungle fowl, Myna, Laughing thrush, Black bulbul, Peafowl, Wood pecker and the King fisher.

KOLLAM – Quilon
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
The Shendurney river is the only Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam district.. The sanctuary covers a total area of 250 sq kms and is acclaimed the world over for its bio-diversity.accommodation, spices etc.

The Parappar dam has been built across the Shendurney River and serves the purpose of irrigation in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.


Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary - KottayamKumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam is one of the best destinations of wild life sanctuaries in Kerala.Main attractions : Local Birds like the water fowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, herons and the water duck, as well as the migratory Siberian duck.

Bird watch - The best time for bird watching in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is between June and August.(Migratory birds : November - February)


Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
Ernakulam, Kerala The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was designed by Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist . He is reported to have identified 167 birds and his student , Dr. Sugathan, 207. In addition, theBombay Natural History Society has identified 253 species here.Main attractions: Birds: Indians rollers, cuckoos, common snipes, crow, pheasants, jungle nightars, kites, grey drogos, Malabar trogons, woodpeckers, large pied wagtails, baya sparrows, grey jungle fowls, Indian hill mynas, robins, jungle babblers sun birds, and darters.


Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary - KohikodeThe Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.


ThiruvananthapuramAgasthya Vanam Biological park
Agasthya Vanam Biological park has been set up for the regeneration, conservation, and propagation of a variety of wild animals, birds and plants. Though the area selected has negligible tree growth and wildlife, it has water sources in abundance and the soil is suitable for large scale afforestation.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala is a land with a huge necklace of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers. These water bodies are loosely known in the local parlance as the backwaters. Kerala exclusivity lies in its backwaters - found nowhere else in the world. The backwaters are a gateway for the visitor to see first hand the unhurried village life of rural Kerala.

The voyage normally begins at Alapuzha, because of its large network of canals. The journey winds through the small canals out into the Vembanad Lake. This place is also called Kuttanad, once the rice bowl of Kerala. You could go to Kollam through a maze of rivers, lakes and lagoons. The sights are truly out of this world. The last part of the trip is through the Kayamkulam Lake and then to the Ashtamudi Lake in all its pristine glory.

In the monsoon months, these backwaters echoes with the sound of the traditional snake boat races, featuring the 130 feet long Chundan boats. It is believed that these boats were designed for ancient Naval battles fought in these backwaters.

The Aranmula boat race is more customary and is associated with temple festival there.The Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula is on the banks of the holy river Pamba. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Balarama visited this place after the battle of Kurukshetra.This temple has two sanctum sanctorums -one for Lord Krishna and one for Balarama at a lower level. The boat festival starts on the day of Thiruonam, the most auspicious day of the Kerala festival, Onam.

Kerala the land of ayurveda

A perfect ancient science of life-Ayurveda.The literally meaning of the word Ayur means life and Veda means the science or knowledge. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do’s and don’ts one has to follow, which favours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially. Ayurveda also emphasizes that prevention is better than cure.

The practice of herbal medicine dates back to the very earliest periods of known history. There is evidence of herbs having been used in the treatment of diseases and for refreshing body systems in almost all ancient civilizations-the Indian, the Egyptian, the Chinese and even the Greek and Roman civilizations. Plants were the mainstay of medicine and credited with spiritual and almost supernatural powers of healing . Herbs are used in many different ways. The ultimate objective of their use is that they should interact directly with our body chemistry.

Kerala with its best natural abundance of forests has very rich source of herbs and medicinal plants, which are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment atleast once in your life time.

In India, the records indicate, that herbs have been in use for treating diseases since ancient times.

A firmly ample information about herbs has been recorded in Charaka Samhita and Shusruta Samhita -the two most important works on Ayurvedic system medicine.

Hillstations

The hillstations in Kerala offers some of the best magnificent views of the nature. Almost in all the district the hills gives the tourist an energising atmosphere.Trekking, rock climbing and other adventures activities can be liven up in ones journey to these hills stations of Kerala.

SOME OF THE HILLSTATIONS ARE AT
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malapuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasargod.

Beaches in Kerala

Kerala offers some of the finest beaches in India. The entire length of Kerala coast almost is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promonotories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of kerala are famous for its gentle surf and azure blue waters. To this must be added the delectable seafood cuisine,abundant sunshine and a friendly people to make an memorable holiday. Visitors throng to these places every year in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches that Kerala has in abundance..The finest beaches are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malapuram, Kozhikode and Kasargod.