Kerala - God's Own Country

Kerala is one of Southern India's most prosperous and advanced states. It came into existence on the first of November in 1956, after the States Reorganisation Act was passed, which brought together states dominated by the Malayalam language.

Kerala is a well known destination for tourists because of its ayurvedic therapy, tropical greenery and clear back waters. Its Human Development Index is higher than all of India's other states. The literacy rate in the state is 94.59 percent which is also the country's highest. It has also been ranked by Transparency International as India's least corrupt state in the year 2005. Kerala has experienced the migration of its population in several waves, mostly to the countries in the Persian Gulf. The state depends heavily on remittances that come from the expatriate community of Malayalis.

Attractions

Kerala, located on the tropical coast of Malabar is well known for eco tourism initiatives. Kerala's unique traditions and culture makes it one of the most visited hotspots in this world. Tourism contributes a substantial amount to the economy of the state.

Popular tourist attractions in Kerala are the backwaters at Kumarakom, scenic hill stations like Munnar , the beautiful beach town of Kovalam and the wildlife reserve at Periyer.

Kumarakom: Kumarakom is a well known tourist destination having beautiful backwaters. There is a famous bird sanctuary here where several kinds of birds , mostly migratory birds visit. Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is Kerala's biggest freshwater lake. There are also various houseboats in Kumarakom. Kettuvallam, is a specific houseboat used for fishing or transporting goods.

Munnar: This is a beautiful hill station in Idukki in Kerala having some of the world's highest tea gardens. Tourist activities here include trekking, boating, taking a ride in a hot air balloon, camping, wildlife safari's and parasailing.

Kovalam : Kovalam is renowned for its big churches, mosques, ancient Hindu temples and different kinds of fish. The shallow waters at Kovalam are perfect for swimming. Tourists to Kovalam come mostly from Israel and Europe.

Periyer Wildlife Reserve: This is a wildlife reserve on Lake Periyer. It was designated in 1978 as a Tiger Sanctuary. The most attractive sight at Periyer is the sight of wild elephant herds that come to drink water at the lake.

Fact File of Kerala

Kerala Backwaters Kerala Ayurveda Kerala Exotic Kerala Vacation