Area : 38,863 km2 (15,005 SQ MI)
Population : 31,838,619 (12th) (2001)
Language : Malayalam
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram
Literacy Rate : 87.86% (2001)
Without any doubt, it can be said that Kerala is the most beautiful state of India. Famous by the name of “God’s own country” this state is more known as the land of out of the ordinary beaches, serene backwaters, silent sand, sea and diversified wildlife and greenery.
This coastal state is possibly the best destination to spend some of the very personal and intimate moments of your life amidst the calmness of the environment. Kerala is one state attracting a huge number of tourists all round the year from across the world. All variety of visitors be the holidaymakers, honeymooners, nature lovers, sea-food lovers visit Kerala to witness the richness of this state in terms of culture. Because of this reputation on the tourism map of the world Kerala is also known as the “Kashmir of the south”.
There is so much to see when on a trip to Kerala as this land is full of variety when it comes to natural sights. Let’s have a look at some of the very famous tourist spots across Kerala.
Alappuzha Beach:
one of Kerala’s most visited tourist destination is the Alappuzha beach. The dock that that extends to the sea is more than 140 years old. This beach has been blessed by God through beautiful green beauties, lagoons, lakes and many fresh water lakes and because of this blessing this beach looks spectacular. The old lighthouse is another added attraction on this beach.
Beypore Beach:
This beach is sure to attract anyone as the location of this beach is very brain-fully set by the God. This beach is located on the mouth of river chaliyar and the serenity and calmness of this beach is just like heaven. This beach is a commercial centre for shipbuilding and this business is flourishing here for more than 1000 years.
Dharmadam Beach:
This beach is located at the distance of 17 kms from Kannur. It is basically a small 5 acre island decorated with tall coconut palm trees and lush green bushes. This island is around 100 meters far from the main part of the Dharmadan district and since this island is a private property, a special request is required to visit it. Once the permission is granted all you have to do is to keep your eyes wide open to see the beauties that nature has spread here.
Ezhimala Beach:
This is a very famous beach of Kerala as the beauty of this secluded island is enticing and tempting. This beach is a very famous place as it is one of few places where jumping dolphins could be seen. Some history is also found here with carved stone pillars, an ancient burial chamber and an old age cave on the foot of the hills. This beach is a perfect combination of hills and sandy beaches makes it a perfect beach for locals coming here to picnic and foreigners coming here for sight-seeing.
Fort Kochi Beach:
Among all the tourists going to Kerala this beach is arguably the most famous one. The history connected with it has not been faded by the waves coming from the Arabian Sea. Apart from these famous beaches here which as famous as the most famous ones. Some of the names are Kappad Beach, Kovalam Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach, Payyambalam Beach, Pathiramanal Beach, Sankhumugham Beach, Tanur Beach, Thangassery Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach and the Varkala Beach.
Not only the beaches are famous but there are so many tourist attractions in Kerala which have equal potential to draw tourists. Hill stations like Attappady, munnar, vagamon, wayanad, devikulam ponmudi, peermade and idduki are some big names of hill-stations in Kerala. These hill-stations are the life of Kerala and to the visitors these hill-stations provide best settings for getting rid of worries of daily life. Out of above mentioned hill-stations munnar and devikulam are the best of the lot. All these hill-stations are very much accessible online.
Backwaters of Kerala hold a very special place whenever Kerala and its specialties are mentioned. These backwater routes of Kerala have the potential to mesmerize the visitors by bringing them in front of the lush green country-side, tall palm trees, rice fields with full of life and captivating wildlife. When it comes to making a holiday trip for relaxation, Kerala backwaters are no doubts the best and the number one choice.
These backwater ways known as "kayal" in local language is basically a very big network of canals, lagoons and more than 40 rivers in Kerala. The Vembanad Lake makes the most part of backwaters by stretching up to 205 square kilometer of the total of 900 square kilometer. Alleppey, Cochin, Trivandrum, Kollam and Kumarakom are some cities where backwaters can be witnessed with their full grace and power. These waterways not only help Kerala move with ease in inland parts but also let the visitors explore the true Kerala by taking them to local villages and helping them understand their old-age culture and lifestyle.
Amongst the all backwater centers, kumarakom is considered the best. It’s a little village on the banks of the Vambanad Lake and is very famous among the backwater lovers not only for its scenic backwater view but also a bird sanctuary which as always is a home to some very special and rare species of the birds. One can enjoy backwater cruise in kumarakom in total peace and enjoy some of the best of nature that is available in Kerala in form of waterfalls, brooks, scenic vistas, paddy fields, cardamom plantations, ultra-modern resorts and some of very traditional Kerala villages.
Just like Kashmir, in Kerala to, houseboats are very popular medium of not only transportation but also increasing the tourist traffic for the state. These houseboats are known as Kettuvalloms in local language are now the biggest attraction for the tourists coming to Kerala. Too luxurious too leave and too good to resist, these houseboats offer a five star kind of services to the visitors with full on availability of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living area, sun deck, etc. these things are available on almost every houseboat operating on the Kerala backwaters.
This way Kerala with it beautiful contents is much placed on its way to becoming the number one tourist destination of India.