Tourism of Kerala
Backwaters
Backwaters refer to the large inland lakes of Kerala,
consisting of the entire network of lakes, canals, estuaries and curious water
formations. The backwaters of Kerala stretch over 1900 kms, providing drinking
water and irrigating paddy fields. It is an incredibly different experience to
cruise in the backwaters in country boats, absorbing the beauty of Kerala
villages.
For an enthralling  and intensive experience on
the backwaters, one should take a rigorous ride on a ferry from Kollam to
Alapuzha, lasting about 8 hours. A cruise between Alapuzha and Changanasserry
could be an unforgettable experience.
Backwaters
host many special events during August -September. The electrifying races by
carved wooden boats set the backwaters on fire. The 'Nehru Boat Race' is the
most exciting of all the boat races, held in the second Saturday of August.
During the 'Onam' festival including the spectacular Aranmula boat race, are
conducted in the Alapuzha region.
Beaches Kerala enjoys an extraordinary kinship
with the sea. Mythically born from it, the gentle swirls of pristine translucent
waters can ever be heard pampering the land. By virtue of having most of India's
finest beaches, Kerala offers surf and sand like no other place. Though extremly
popular worldwide, the beaches remain strangely unspoilt and bewitching. 
The beaches of Kerala have a character unique to them. Because of
the wide acres of sumptuous palm groves bordering them. The cool breeze that
blows on the beaches will work like balm to your soul.
Kappad beach
is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with
170 men in three vessels. The rock studded, pleasant beach is locally known as
Kappakadavu.
Then comes the Bekal which has one of the most
enchanting beaches of Kerala. A fort (Bekal Fort) projecting into the sea offers
a spectacular view of the  surroundings.
Alapuzha has a long, sandy
and spectacular beach. Bordered by dense palm groves at one end and an ancient
towering lighthouse at the other, the Alapuzha beach is a delight for your eyes.
Kovalam is one of India's internationally renowned beaches. Popular
since 1930, Kovalam consists of three successive crescent shaped beaches. A
sheltered natural bay, Kovalam beach is Juxtaposed between serene blue waters of
the Arabian Sea and an expansive spread of luxuriant palm groves.
Hill Station The western and the southern
mountain ranges of Kerala are your destination for an intimate rendezvous with
nature.  Towering mountains and hills adorn the state like a celestial crown. They are the setting for rare flora and fauna that are the hallmark of
a tropical forest. Some of the forests of Kerala are so dense that even the
brave at heart wouldn't dare set his foot there. Also don't miss the unique
experience of seeing the giant yet timid elephants regaling in there natural
surroundings. Trek on the mountains layered by a vast spread of emerald tea and
coffee plantations can be an exhilarating experience.
Munnar is
55 Km from Idukki town.Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain
streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani and kundala. 1600 m above sea level.
Ponmudi 16 Km from city. An idyllic hill resort
with narrow, windiung pathways and coo, green, woonded environs, Ponmudi is
located 915 m above sea level.
Vythri is 100 km from Kozhikode. Tucked
away at the north eastern tip of Kerala, this quaint little station about 1300 m
above sea level is renowned for its coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber
plantations.
Wild SanctuariesKerala is blessed with rich flora and fauna. Wildlife
sancuaries of Kerala are haven to a number of endangered animals and birds. The
jungles are mysterious, fascinating and scenic. 
Located near
Sulthan Bathery is the crowning glory of the biological heritage of Wayanad
wildlife sanctuary . In the dense, moist deciduous forests are found a
heterogeneous population of elephants, tigers, jungle cats, civet cats, bison,
pea cock, wood pecker and other animals and birds. A variety of tribal groups
too live in the outskirts of the forest.
Silent Valley National Park 40 km from
Mannarghat. 
Elephants, tigers, wild boars, flying squirrels, lion tailed macaques and king
cobras are the main attractions. Despite its name, the Silent Valley (the
clamour of Cicadas is conspicuously absent) echoes with the sound of teeming
wildlife. The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin tropical
forests include rare birds deer and tiger. Perhaps nowhere else can one also
find such a representative collection of peninsular mammals, over a 100 species
of butterflies and 400 species of moths and other animals like the Celon frog
moth, great Indian hornbill, the Nilgiri laughing thrush and the lion tailed
macaque.
One of the world's most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries,
Thekkady is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife and scenic beauty.  The Periyar Tiger Reserve attracts travelers from all over
the world. 360 sq. km of the 777 sq. km. of the sanctuary is covered with
forests. The 26 sq km artificial lake formed by the Idukki Dam across the
Periyar river offers boating facilities. This is the only sanctuary in India
where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from
the safety of a boat. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch
the wildlife in the reserve.
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