On the mist capped heights of Western Ghats, Kerala has number of enduring hill stations. From a tempting green carpet of plantations of tea and spices to the dense wilderness, the hill stations of Kerala is a sight of admiration and offers a choice of ambience too! Silver cascades, sun shine rivulets, roads with dense vegetation on both sides are just a few sights that will usher you to these mountains of gods. These hill stations make you feel that if there is a heaven on earth, then this must be it. All the hill resorts in Kerala offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty.
Whether you are a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, Kerala is the best way to have a direct contact with nature and the wild. The forests play host to such major fauna like Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Nilgiri Thar, Giant Squirals, Lion tailed Macaque, Indian Sloth Bear and Indian Bison. Kepping with the conservation, you find a lot of wild life sanctuaries in Kerala mainly – Chinnar, Eravikulam, Kumarakom, Periyar, Silent Valley. Grab your gear and get in close quarters with the wild.
Dotting the shoreline along the Arabian Sea are the exotic, palm-fringed beaches of Kerala, which are among the finest and the most scenic beaches in the world. Now, major tourist attractions, the serene internationally renowned beaches in Kerala like the Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Shankhumugham Beach, Cherai Beach, Kappad Beach, Paiambalam Beach, Kappad Beach and many more, are all set to sweep the world with their beauty.
A laid back cruise in Kettuvallams, the Houseboats of Kerala, offers a panoramic view of one of the most picturesque aspects of the God's Own Country. Rendezvous under a star lit sky, romanticize your open air candle lit dinner, soak in the sights of palm-fringed backwaters. The soft gentle caress of the winds and the dazzling delights of the moonlit night can be experienced by spending a couple of nights aboard the Kettuvallam. The traditional houseboat of Kerala is one of the most enduring images of the backwaters. Complete with a crew, each house boat has a kitchen, with expert cooks who serve both traditional Kerala delicacies as well as a standard menu.
Immense historical and cultural relevance of Kerala makes the state a unique place to visit. Each turn you take ushers in a sense of amazement for the abundant historical and cultural wealth of the state. The rich history is epitomized by magnificent monuments that dot the state namely -
Cheraman Juma Masjid - built in 628 AD is the oldest one in the country and second oldest one in the world. Jewish Synagogue - built in the year 1568 this synagogue is the oldest one in the entire common wealth nation.
Bolghatty Palace - constructed by the Dutch in 1744 this palace as the Governor's residence. Bekal Fort -nearly 300 year old. The fort was supposedly constructed by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty and later on, passed into the hands of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Britishers.
Mattanchery Palace - which today houses rare regalia of the Raja of Kochi including coronation robes and palanquins.
Hill Palace Museum - Built in the year 1865, this was the official residence of the royal family of Kochi.
The tropical forests of Kerala are dotted with beautiful waterfalls. The facade of these cascade are truly a spellbinding experience. Few of these falls have medicinal properties and are said to have rejuvenating and healing effects. The important waterfalls in Kerala are Athirapally, Vazhachal, Palaruvi & Tusharagiri.
Kerala is blessed with natural scenic beauty all over. To add to this picturesque landscape, there are also a few amusement parks and water parks in the state.
Veegaland at Kakkanad (Kochi) is a place that promises total family entertainment.
Dream World Water Park is situated in the lap of enchanting Athirapilly waterfalls just 8 km from Chalakudy.
Silverstorm right next to enchanting Athirappilly waterfalls, this is considered to be India's most beautiful water theme park.
Fantasy Park at Malampuzha is the first amusement park of Kerala.
Baywatch, a water theme park is located at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
