If there is one place in the riveting diversity of India where there is tangible beauty and a phenomenal thing like total literacy, it is in Kerala. Kerala is full of good things.

This small State in the southern tip of the Indian peninsula is an easy winner owning to its great mind-blowing landscape and infinity of intriguing customs, high-intensity cultural life and educated public so often dressed in white. From Kasargode to Thiruvananthapuram Kerala is choc-a-bloc with places that attract tourists and travelers from all over the world.

There is no other state in the country that can present so much enthusiasm for life as it is visible in Kerala.

Despite high population, the economic condition in Kerala is in much better shape than most of the other Indian states. Basic civic facilities available to the common people are well in place and people know what there rights are.

Industrialization (specially related to Information Technology) is taking place in Kerala in its true spirit and much faster than most of the states in the country. Influence from other countries has not eroded the cultural values of the people and they celebrate all the festivals with much enthusiasm.

Combine all these factors and you would know why Keralites consider their state as God's Own Country.

Cochin is the first European township in India.The Portuguese settled here in the 15th centuary.The trade flourished here,since it had one of the world’s natural harbour. It is believed that this harbour was born due to a heavy flood in AD1341.During the period of 1660’s fort cochin was known as a great commercial and trade centre, a major military base and also a centre for Christianity.

Places to visit:

Chinese Fishing nets : The Chinese fishing nets found here is the only one of its kind in India.These nets came into existence between 1350 and 1450 A.D by Chinese traders.These nets are set up on teak and bamboo poles.The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea is at Vascoda Gama Square.

Bolghatty Palace : This palace was constructed by Dutch with great taste of architecture.It is situated in the Bolghatty Island which can be reached by boat .The boat service is frequent from the main land .This palace is now designed as a hotel for the tourist and Un-doubtfully the panoramic view makes this place a top picnic spot.

Dutch Palace: This palace was originally built by Portuguese and modified by the Dutch during 17th centuary.This palace was later presented to the king of Cochin and from then on the palace was used for the coronation of kings.The wall painting and carvings mostly depict the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Santa Cruz Basilica: The historical church was built by Portuguese in 1558 and came under the hands of British in the year 1795. Santa Cruz church after the demolition in 1795 was reconstructed in the year 1887 by Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira. It was proclaimed as a basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Cherai Beach: Cherai is a lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island .The beach is ideal for swimming .Dolphins seen here occasionally are a great sight.

Hill Palace: Hill Palace was constructed in the 19th centuary .The province of cochin was ruled from here .Later the palace has been converted into a museum displaying the collection of articles used by the ancient kings and warriors.

Jew Town :The centre of Spice trade and curio shops

St Francis Church: St Francis church is the oldest church built by an Europeon in Indian soil.The great Portuguese trader Vascoda Gama who died in cochin was buried here in the church.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: The water front Verandhas, the wood panels forming the roof, arched doors and sprawling rooms are the main characteristic features of this colonial structured building. This great mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie and Co the Cofee merchants in 1862..This mansion reflects the touch of portuguese ,Dutch and Indian.

Kovalam beach : Kovalam beach is an internationally renowned beach of kerala.Thiruvananthapuram the capital city of kerala is just 16 kms away from Kovalam.It has been a favorite haunt of the tourist since 1950’s.The beautiful bay of kalm waters is ideal for swimming. The beach offers you with the great pleasures of Sunbathing ,rejuvenating herbal oil message, Catamaran cruising and many more…Life on the beach begins late in the day with the great view of the sunset ,birds humming all around ..it;s just the perfect set up by nature on your holiday to enjoy.

Alappuzha: Aleppey , the prominent destination on the tourist trial of Kerala. The stunning golden backwaters , the tall grown palms , mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets, tantalizing aroma of the sea food, undoubtfully it has become one of the major places for great back water trips. It is famous for the house boat trips,boat races coir products ,fish and lakes . Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of kerala .It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted . The serene waterways are fringed by rice & paddy fields ,plamgrove stretching over 850 kms offers you with a great rustic life.A leisurely cruise along these canals are memorable experience forever.

Munnar hills : Munnar hills located at an altitude of 4500 to 8000 Feet above sea level. The sprawling tea gardens , misty lands , the flowing silver cascades , winding lanes make this as a popular destination among the hill stations of Kerala .The beautiful hill station was the summer resort of the British once.Munnar which was the highest peak in South India called-Anamudi which goes up to 2700 Metres.This is a dream come true destination for trekkers since Munnar offers you with so much of choice namely Anamudi,Rajamala,Top station ,Kundala , Devikulam and many more…..The valleys and mountains makes you to get close to nature with the idyllic settings which makes you to come here again and again….

Places to visit:

Echo Point:This place provide you with the panoramic view of the valley and hills .It has a natural Echo phenomenon and surrounded by thick grown forest .

Eravikulam National Park : This park is home to Nilgiri Tahr.This park is located in the foot hill of Anamudi which is the highest peak of South India .

Rajamala :This also an ideal place for trekking .Rajamala shelters half the world population of rare mountain goats and Nilgiri Tahr.

Mattupatty :The Mattupatty dam which is located 1700 mts above sea level is a beautiful picnic spot .The panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake brings you the true meaning of a great holiday.This place is also famous for the INDO-Swiss Livestock project and highly specialized diary farm .

Kumarakom is located on the vembanad lake which is the most beautiful lake of the kerala region. The renowned bird sanctuary in kumarakom lying in a area of 15 acres and the destination is a favorite haunt among the ornithologist.The water fowl , cuckoo, wild duck , herons darters and peculiar migratory birds are great attraction and fascination for visitors. Kumarakom has got the more number of backwater resorts in kerala .This resorts located under the palms along the stunning view of the backwaters are a dream come true destination as an exotic location.

The periyar wildlife sanctuary is located on the banks of the periyar lake. Periyar lake is an artificial lake at thekkady surrounded by mountains and makes one to believe that human can always contribute to nature.Periyar is nothing but a human innovation and a gift of Nature’s splendor. The periyar wild life sanctuary spreads across 800 quare km , of which is mostly covered with evergreen forest. Adding to the pride the sanctuary was declared as Tiger Reserve in 1978. The herds of elephants ,tigers ,lion tailed macaques and nilgiri langurs makes this sanctuary fascinating.It attracts visitors all over the world and known for it’s diversity of wildlife ,scenic beauty and panoramic view of the hills.

Varkala…The long sandy beach with the backdrop of red laterite cliff ,mineral springs makes this beach unique from the others.The beach extends to a distance of 700 mts and the white sand makes the sunbathing a memorable one.This beach is also called as “papanasam” meaning sacred. Papansam beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset , practice yoga and gazing at the stars.The red laterite cliff extends nearly 1 km with small restaurants serving delicious sea food ,curio shops and the tall grown palm . Varkala is located about 55 kms north of Trivandrum .It is a dream come true destination for the beach lovers….