Kerala Travel

Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country.
The enigmatic strip of land is replete with endless miles of placid backwater that adds to its marine beauty. The slopes of the Western Ghats are a perfect rundown of rare flora and fauna and the fragrance of its coffee blossoms waft in the air round the year.


If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.
The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu – the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages.

Kerala Tourism
Kerala - India

¤ Kerala At Glance

It so happened that Parshurama annihilated 21 Kshatriyas (warriors) and wanted a secluded place to perform his penance. The gods offered to give him a land of his choice. Parashurama hurled his axe over the sea and ordered the sea to retreat from over the area covered by his axe. The land that emerged from those receding waters is the present day Kerala.


Keralites are a peaceful lot. They can best be described as religious, intelligent, warm and progressive. Hospitality runs in their blood. Over the years, people from far off places (the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Chinese, the Arabs, the Europeans) have come here, only to find themselves trapped forever in the irresistible charm of the state. Kerala has taken them all in its fold and the result is reflected in the religious and cultural mix, as well as the cosmopolitan outlook of the masses here.

The state's rich handicrafts is a part of Kerala Tourism. Shining brassware, wood and horn carvings, bell metal castings, gold and silver ornaments are only some of them. Kerala is also affluent in art and culture. One the one hand is Kathakali, a classical dance-drama that has survived the test of time, and on the other is Mohiniyattom, filled with grace and passion – two classical dance forms with distinct styles that hold the spectator spellbound.

Numerous festivals add colour to the lives of people. The most popular festival is the harvest festival of Onam, celebrated on the Malayalam New Year Day, Chingam. The famous snake boat race is held every year around the time of Onam. The very sight of so many long, narrow boats racing past each other, the splash of water, amidst the delightful cheer of spectators and drum beats, adds a touch of thrill and freshness to the air. There are other fairs and festivals, each of which reveals a unique flavour of the culture that thrives here.

Kerala is indispensable for Ayurveda,an ancient Indian healing system that uses naturalised methods to cure the affected part of the body and to restore the balance of the individual. Many Ayurvedic resorts offer 'health holiday packages' where you can go, get pampered by experts and come back feeling rejuvenated.

Quick bytes

Population :

29,032,828

Area :

38,863 sq km
Population Density :

749 (per sq km)
Principal Languages :

Malayalam
Capital :

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Date of Statehood :

Nov 1, 1956
Religion :

Hindus 60%, Christians 20%, Muslims 20 %
Best time to visit :

October-February



¤ Tourist Delight

To the uninitiated, Kerala Tourism comes as an extremely pleasant surprise. It unveils an endless list of destinations, each one of which has a hidden treasure of its own.
The bewitching beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Bekal; the inviting backwaters of Kochi, Kumarakom, Kolam, Veli, Kuttanad, Karunanagapally; the wild waterfalls at Munnar, Devikulam, Peermade, Wynad, Ponmudi, Nelliyampathy seem to amply prove that God was more than partial while designing this land. Man took over after God, further beautifying this land with temples, palaces, forts, synagogues and many more structures.


Kerala Backwaters
Backwaters in Kerala are inter connected freshwater rivers and canals that feed towards the sea. It is a network of esquisite channels, lakes, lagoons and deltas of approximately 44 rivers emptying in the Arab sea, that makes the body of water , backwater. The principal mode of transport on these backwaters is by houseboats bus. You get of Backwaters in Alappuzha, Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts which makes Kerala Venice of East.

¤ Wildlife in Kerala

Explore the greenery of Kerala. The state bestowed with tremendous beauty and enchanting springs. The rich flora and fuana of Kerala is a surprise package for many travellers. You could explore the enticing beauty of Kerala through its dramatic contours. As you move away from the daily routine of Kerala, and enter its wildlife, you would be able to explore some fascinating aspects of the state. The State is a most sought destination for nature lovers. Some of the fascinating wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are : Periyar National Park.

Beaches
Kerala owns finest beaches in India. The tranquil , palm fringed beaches are spread on the coast of Arabian sea with gentle surf fampus beaches in Kearala are Alappuzha beach , Kovalam beach, Varkala Beach , Marai Beach and so many other beaches , quite popular among tourists. The unforgettable image of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters.


Kerala Backwaters
Backwaters in Kerala are inter connected freshwater rivers and canals that feed towards the sea. It is a network of exquisite channels, lakes, lagoons and deltas of approximately 44 rivers emptying in the Arab sea, that makes the body of water, backwater. The principal mode of transport on these backwaters is by houseboats bus. You get of backwaters in Alappuzha, Vembanad lake is the largest of the lakes, covering an area of 200 sq km, and bordered by Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts which makes Kerala Venice of East.

Beaches

Kerala owns finest beaches in India. The tranquil , palm fringed beaches are spread on the coast of Arabian sea with gentle surf fampus beaches in Kearala are Alappuzha beach , Kovalam beach, Varkala Beach , Marai Beach and so many other beaches , quite popular among tourists. The unforgettable image of the coconut-palms-lined high rock promontory that cuddles the calm and wide expanse of the blue waters.

Cities

¤ Getting There:

Air
Trivandrum is the state capital of Kerala. It is connected to the major airport in India. Major airports in India includes Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. Trivandrum is an international airport and there is considerate to Gulf countries. Kochi and Calicut are the other two airports which connects the capital city with other cities.

Kerala Travel

Tourist Attractions in Delhi

Delhi the capital of India is a modern city with a historic past. A tour of Delhi will provide the visitor with much to see and admire from Mughal monuments to modern malls, from traditional arts and crafts to trendy fashion shows, from skyscrapers to parks and gardens - Delhi is a city that combines the historic and the modern in its own unique way.

Some of the tourist attractions of Delhi are:

Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president's mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added attraction.

Parliament House: Located in Central Delhi, this elegant building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, is worth a visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and statesmen decide the future of India.


India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies - an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.

Red Fort: This grand fort built during the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red Fort.

Qutab Minar: Built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D., this 72.5 m high pillar is a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has not yet rusted.

Humayun's Tomb: Built by Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, in 1556, after Humayun's death, this elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a platform amidst a garden, is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

Bahai Temple: This aesthetically designed monument, commonly known as the Lotus Temple, because the white marble structure is built to in the shape of a lotus, set amidst, lakes and green lawns. It is a serene house of meditation, within which there are no idols and total silence prevails, so all can meditate in complete peace.

Jama Masjid: Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid's large courtyard, onion domes and central tank are built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.

Tourist Attractions in Delhi

Visakhapatnam

PLACE OF INTEREST

Appikonda
18 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, Appikonda is also known as Kapilakonda. It has a Siva temple with a life size bull carved out of black stone. The temple contains inscriptions of the 12th Century AD, with a mention that this village was granted by a commander-in-chief of the Cholas for the maintenance of worship in the temple.

Andhra University
Andhra university founded in 1926, located in the upland area of Waltair has one of the largest campuses in Andhra Pradesh. The red stone buildings are built like a fortress and are well laid out in the campus.

Annavaram
Annavaram in East Godavari is at a distance of 124 kms. from Visakhapatnam and is a sacred pilgrim centre on a hill top known as Ratnagiri. The presiding deity of Annavaram is Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy. It is believed that when a 'Vratha' is performed in the name of deity, the wishes of the devotees come true. It is estimated that an average of about one lakh 'Vrathas' are performed here every year, largely by couples. It is situated on the banks of the river Pampa.

Anthropology Museum
The department of Anthropology in the Andhra University has its own specialised anthropology Museum established in the year 1961.

Araku Tribal Museum
The Tribal Museum in Araku valley houses rich tribal tradition and number of artifacts and displays related to Eastern Ghat Tribal Culture.

Balighattam
3 kms from Narsipatnam, on the banks of river Varahanandi is Balighattam. Brahmalingeswara temple, said to have been built by Lord Brahma, at the foot of a small hill on the western bank is famous. It is believed that Lord Vishnu created the river during his incarnation as boar (Varaha). The deposits of white clay in the riverbed are supposed to be the ashes of a sacrifice performed here by Bali. Thus came the name Balighattam. The river flows from north to south for a short distance.

Bavikonda
Bavikonda is located 16 km.away from Vishakhapatnam along the beach road leading to Bheemunipatnam. The hill acquired the name Bavikonda due to the existence of wells on the hill to collect rain water for drinking purpose.Excavations on the hill-top brought to light an extensive Buddhist establishment consisting of a Mahachaitya, stupas, chaityagrihas, a congregation hall, platforms, viharas, kitchen-cum-store complex, pottery, relic caskets, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, moulded bricks, coins etc.

Bheemili or Bhimulipatanam
Bheemunipatnam popularly known as 'Bheemli' is located at a distance of 24 Kilometers North east of Visakhapatnam. Once a Dutch settlement, the 17th century ruins of a fort and cemetery built by the Dutch are seen here. The cemetery at the mouth of the river Gosthani has some tombs embossed with the skull and cross bones motif of sea pirates. The beautiful beach at Bheemli is considered to be one of the safest and calmest for swimmers. The beach and invigorating climate coupled with the pleasantness provided by the lush green palm groves makes it a popular sea side resort. There is a small shrine on the top of a hill dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Borra Caves
The million year-old limestone Borra Caves, is situated at about 56 miles north of Vizag. The caves, at a height of 1400 mts above sea level and occupying an area of 2 square kilometers is filled with fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations of calcium deposits. The Gosthani river flows through the caves between the formations. William King George of the Geological Survey of India discovered the caves in1807. Among the formations can be found a 'Shivalingam' and an idol of a cow (Kamadhenu), which has given a religious significance to it. The caves are beautiful and are brightly illuminated. The best time to visit the caves is November- December. The Train journey from Vizag to the caves(5-6 hrs) through the thick vegetation of the Eastern ghats is splendid.

Church of St. Paul
Built in 1847, the architecture is a simple neo classical theme. A semicircular arch divides the congregation from the altar, with stained glass in the apse.

To Top

Darga Konda
The north hill Darga Konda, has a mosque and the mausoleum of the Muslim saint, Baba Ishaq Madina, revered for his prophecies and venerated by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike.

Dolphin's nose
Dolphin's Nose, the rocky promontory with a cliff rising 174m above the sea is the most prominent sight in Vizag. It also shelters the harbour, from where manganese and iron ore are shipped out. The lighthouse here has a beam visible more than 60km out to sea.

Etikoppaka
Situated on the left bank of river Varaha 20 kilometers to the south of Yellamanchili, Etikoppaka is famous for the toys made with the light Ankudu wood.

Fort
The fort, constructed in 1661 by the Dutch forms the oldest part of the city. It is separated from the Dolphins Nose, by a small river which forms a sandbar. Here the remains of 18C barracks, an arsenal, the Court House, a protestant church and cemetery can be seen. The cemetery has some European graves dating back to 1699. The fort was completely ruined.

Kailasagiri Hill Park
Kailasagiri park is situated at an altitude of 360ft. on Mount Kailash, a charming hillock on the sea front bordering a small valley within the city. The magnificent statues of Shiva- Parvathi are illuminated at night and are worth seeing. The Shanku Chakra Naama, which symbolizes the image of Lord Vishnu in its pristine form, fully lighted at night, is visible from most parts of the city. The park gives an enchanting view of the sea, beaches, lush green forests and the bustling city. Kailasagiri is a gliders paradise with excellent gliding facilities. Situated at an altitude of 130 mts., the gliding point provides ample opportunities to test the gliding skills of the gliders.

Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary is located in lush green surroundings 40 Kms from Visakhapatnam. The sanctuary has a rich variety of bird species. The area has one of the biggest fresh water lakes in the state.

Lawson's Bay Beach
Another important beach in the city, Lawsons Bay Beach has beautiful golden sands and lush green vegetation.

Line of three hills
Visakhapatnam is framed by a line of three hills, each with a shrine sacred to a different religion.

Mother Mary's Church
The central and the highest Ross Hill, named after a Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, has now been converted into a Roman Catholic Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the church is lined with shrines of the stages of the cross. There were excellent views of the ship building yard from here.

Mudasarlova
A valley framed by hills, Mudasarlova is situated 10 kilometers from the city. It has a lake that supplies drinking water to the city and also makes a good picnic spot.

Panchadharala
Situated at a distance of 24 kilometers from Anakapalli, Panchadharala derived its name from the five jets of water coming out of five fountains from a natural perennial spring. There is a Lingam on which are carved other lingams in 12 rows of 85 each and thus also known as the 'Kotilingam' (crore Lingams). There are several inscriptions found on the pillars of the mandapam in the temple.

Pavuralakonda
Pavuralakonda or Narasimhaswamy Konda is located near Bhimli or Bheemunipatnam about 30 km. from Vizag. Excavations of the site believed to be dated between 3rd C. B.C. and 2nd C. A.D, revealed nearly 14-16 rock-cut troughs or cisterns used for collecting rainwater, foundations of viharas, with cells and common verandah, circular chaityagrihas, votive stupas, halls etc.

To Top

Rama Krishna Beach
Rama Krishna Beach is located 5km from the centre of Visakhapatanam. This beach occupying the largest part of the seafront, is a great spot to spend time leisurely. The R.K. Beach was jointly developed by the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) and the VUDA. The submarine museum here is one of its kind in the country. Sri Ramakrishna mission Ashram is located nearby.

Rishikonda beach and Resort
Located 13kms. from Visakhapatnam on the Visakhapatnam- Bheemunipatnam beach road, is Rishikonda, a thickly covered hill. The lovely beach here with golden sands is the best beach in Vizag. It is ideal for water skiing, wind surfing and swimming. The tourist complex here is well equipped with a tourist lodge, individual rental cottages, a restaurant and other amenities. The 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills is located here.

Sankaram Buddhist Excavations
The village of Sankaram near Anakapalli, 38 km from Visakhapatnam is known for its 3C - 4C Buddhist constructions situated on two small hillocks. These constructions are believed to be made during Mahayana period. The hills, Bojjanakonda and Lingalakonda has a monastery, numerous rock- cut stupas and sanctuaries cut into the sides of the hill with Buddha images and Viharas (shelters) for the monks. The main stupa was first carved out of rock and then encased in bricks. The site, an archeologists delight have excavated several antiquities like the seals, inscribed tablets, pots, copper coins mostly of seventh century AD.

Simhachalam
Simhachalam is a major Hindu pilgrim centre located 16 km from Visakhapatnam. Located on a Hill top popularly called the 'Hill of the Lion Lord', is the 11th century temple of Lord Vishnu in his lion incarnation of Sri Varaha Narasimha. The temple built by King Sri Krishna Devaraya, attracts devotees from all over the country especially during the 'Chandanotsavam' Festival held in March- April, every year. On the Chandanotsavam day, the deity is covered with a new fresh layer of Sandalwood. The shrine has inscriptions dating back to 1098 AD on its walls.

Sri Venkateswara Konda
Sri Venkateswara Konda or hill on the south, has a temple dedicated to LordVenkateswara. It is believed to have been built by an European Captain Blackmoor, in 1866. This temple has a small steeply pyramidal entrance gopura. The port channel, the entrance of the inner harbor for ships and liners can be seen from here.

Submarine Museum
INS Kusura, a Russian built submarine was turned to a museum on 27th Feb 2001. The Submarine was brought from the sea, to the sands of the Ramakrisna Beach and set up as a museum- one of its kind in Asia. It had been in use by the Indian Defence since its arrival in Vizag in 1970.

The Aruku Valley
The Aruku valley, situated 30km north from Borra caves is home to a number of tribal communities. It is a beautiful valley with pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls and streams. The tribal wear colourful dresses and their songs and dances are spectacular. There are Cottages and Resorts for tourists.

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, 6km from the city centre spread over 425 Acres of land, has over 400 varieties of animals. This is one of the largest Zoo Park in Andhra Pradesh. The well planned layout of the zoo has different enclosures for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals and birds close to their natural habitats. There is mini-train to facilitate people to watch the wild life. Open on all the days except Mondays.

Thotlakonda
The Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex situated on a hilltop in Mangamaripeta village is 15 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Vizag-Bheemili beach road. The complex has a number of stupas, Chaityas, Viharas, a congregation hall and a refectory belonging to the Himayana School, mostly excavated during1982-92. Excavations at Thotlakonda comprise pottery, beads, bangle pieces, tiles, stuccos, iron objects, sculptural remains, moulded bricks, inscriptions, coins, etc.

Tyda Nature camp
Tyda Nature camp is located 75 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Araku road. The nature camp has facilities for rock climbing, trekking and target shooting with bow & arrows. It is home for a variety of animals and birds. With the help of naturalists or guides in the camp, one can learn the language of the jungle viz., identification of calls, marks etc. and understanding interesting features of various flora and fauna of eastern ghats. There are log huts and tents set in tribal environment for tourists.

Visakha Museum
Located on the Beach road, Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation museum has historical treasures and artifacts of the region. The museum is housed in 150 year old architecturally impressive Dutch Bungalow. The collections include ancient armory, crockery, coins, silk costumes, jewelry, stuffed animals, portraits, Shell of an unexploded bomb dropped by the Japanese during World War II, manuscripts, letters, diaries, scrap books as well as periodicals, maps etc which chronicle the lives of the early settlers.

Vuda Park
Vuda or Taraka Rama Park, located on the Sun and Sea beach has boating and swimming facilities, a roller skating rink, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens and a children's park. The Playpen for children here has plastic balls and boxing bags. There is also a Musical Fountain.

Visakhapatnam