Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as 'God's Own Country', Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two - four hour drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colorful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travelers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a worth-visit destination.

Season never ends in Kerala, thanks to the year-long moderate climate and numerous festivals and events.

Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as 'God's Own Country', Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land. A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two - four hour drive from the other.

Classical art forms, colorful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travelers. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda have also helped Kerala to gain a pan-global reputation as a worth-visit destination.

Season never ends in Kerala, thanks to the year-long moderate climate and numerous festivals and events.

Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as 'God's Own Country', Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveler as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

Kerala, a State in the Republic of India, has 14 districts or administrative divisions. The major cities are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. There are three airports in the state which provide international and domestic connections. Here is some quick information on Kerala which will be useful for travellers visiting the State.

Location	Southwestern tip of India.
Area	38,863 sq km.
Population	31,84,1374
Capital	Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Language	Malayalam. English is widely spoken.
Religion	Hinduism, Christianity, Islam
Time	GMT +5:30
Currency	Indian Rupee
Climate	Tropical
Summer	February - May (24 - 330C)
Monsoon	June - August (22 - 280C) October - November
Winter	November - January (22 - 320C)
Major Cities	Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) / Kochi (Cochin) / Kozhikode (Calicut)
Districts	Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) / Kollam (Quilon) / Alappuzha (Alleppey) / Pathanamthitta / Kottayam / Idukki / Ernakulam / Thrissur (Trichur) Palakkad (Palghat) / Malappuram / Wayanad / Kozhikode (Calicut) / Kannur (Cannanore) / Kasaragod

Referred to as God's own Country, Kerala is a major tourist destination in India and is well connected with other parts of the country. Also being a popular destination in India and the world tourism map, Kerala is well accessible by air, rail and road.

By Air : There are three airports in the state - Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram is also an international airport, connecting the state to many places in India and the world.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

• Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
• International flights (direct): From/To: Colombo, Maldives, Dubai, Sharjah, Bahrain, Doha, Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait, Riyadh, Fujairah and Singapore.

Karipur Airport, Kozhikode

• Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Mumbai, Chennai, Coimbatore
• International flights (direct): From/To: Sharjah, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, Ras-al-Khaimah, Kuwait, Riyadh, Fujairah

Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery

• Domestic flights (direct): From/To: Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Agathi, Bangalore
• International flights (direct): From/To: Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Muscat

By Rail : There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala connecting most of the places in the state to places in the other parts of India and inside the state. Long-distance express trains connect important places in the state to places outside Kerala like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

By Road : An extensive network of roads connects most of the places in the state. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other parts of India.

Kerala is one of the best tourist destinations of India. One of the most preferred destinations in the world, Kerala attracted the notice of people from other parts of the world.

This beautiful coastal state of India offers a variety of accommodation options - from luxury hotels of Kerala to economy hotels in Kerala. The various Kerala hotels and resorts offer the best of facilities, some in breathtaking locales and some enveloped in grandeur of yore. You can enjoy the luxuries of life at the various hotels of Kerala during your travel to Kerala. Apart from the star and budget categories, there are a number of Kerala hotels & resorts specializing in Ayurveda & Spa treatments for tourists to pamper their mind, body and soul.

With Kerala being a gastronome's delight, it is natural for hotels in Kerala churning out exotic Kerala cuisine, apart from other delicacies. So, tourist can expect to have a hot and spicy holiday experience if they are planning their vacations in Kerala.

Hotels in Kerala:

Kerala is caressed by the Arabian Sea in the western coast of India. It is a green Venice, but unlike Venice, where man has created most of the glory, in Kerala nature rules. This beautiful coastal state of India is the country's ambassador to the world of travel and tourism. From the lagoons & backwaters that meander through the enchanting landscapes, to the rich and colorful culture & heritage that weave a tapestry of tourism delights, Kerala is a dream holiday destination of India.

Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a district surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. During the British period and till a few years ago, it was known as Trivandrum, a name that suited the English to pronounce. A quiet, neat and clean city, it has a rich cultural heritage too.

Kochi : In Kochi (Cochin), dawn is not often a thing of breathtaking beauty, but just a careless smear of tinted light where sea and sky unite. Daybreak is full of indeterminate promise. A slow lividness at the mist-obscured harbor mouth meets the swelling untamed surge of the ocean. Cargo-laden barges and vallams or country boats move ponderously slow, over the sprawling vastness of the Vembanad Kayal, Kerala's largest lake that spreads full bosomed and silver gray in the sultry sun.

Kottayam : The word Kottayam is a composition of the words Kotta (meaning fort) and Akkam (meaning inside). Kottayam is one of the exotic backwaters sites attracting tourists throughout the year. Being a mountainous region with scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples and churches make this a place of tourist attraction. Lying below the sea level, some of its nearby places are also a treat to the eyes.

Kovalam : Kovalam, meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 10 km from the state capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is actually a combination of three small beaches. Among these, the southernmost beach, named Lighthouse Beach, is the most frequented beach in Kovalam. Earlier this beach of Kovalam was an anglers' paradise. It still has some small villages, just a few kilometers away, which belong to the fishing community. Gradually, this beach of Kovalam has been transformed to a tourist spot of great interest.

Kumarakom : The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live in flocks, in Kumarakom, are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.

Palakkad : The tourist destination of Palakkad, known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (the Alsteria Scholaris tree) and Kadu (forest), which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree.

Kozhikode :Calicut or Kozhikode is situated on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and mesmeric peaks of the Wayanad Hills on the east, this district has all the required ingredients to fascinate a tourist on holidays in Kerala.

Munnar :Munnar is a small hill station set amongst the Kannan Devan Hills. One of the most popular hill resorts of India, Munnar is adorned with lush green surroundings, lakes, reservoirs, forests, and tea estates. The quiet environs of Munnar attract the traveler to relax in the lap of mother nature. Munnar also beacons the adventure-seeking traveler, who is interested in paragliding. It has some of the highest tea estates in the world.

Alappuzha :Alappuzha (Alleppey) is one of the exotic backwater sites in Kerala. Washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality.

Kannur :Cannanore or more appropriately Kannur as it is known today is a place with a rich history right from the time of the Aryan migration. The word Kannur may have evolved from a village named Kannathur around which the modern town of Kannur grew.

Ponmudi : A mere one and a half hour's road journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills. The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in Malayalam means golden crown.

Quilon : Quilon (also Kollam) is a district encircled by Alappuzha in the north, Pathanamthitta in the northeast, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west.

Nilambur : Nilambur is a beautiful town in the Malappuram district situated on the banks of the Chaliyar River. It is at a distance of about 70 km from Calicut and 100 km from Ooty (Uddagamandalam). Nilambur is a small sleepy town has a surprise in store for its visitors.

Varkala : A relatively new destination in Kerala, Varkala is for those who prefer to do absolutely nothing while holidaying. Due to a spillover resulting from the over saturation of Kovalam, foreigners started coming to the town about six years ago. The trend that started as a trickle became a steady flow within two years. Today, there is a constant stream of visitors.

Amritapuri Ashram : At the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Amritapuri near Quilon, South Kerala, there is a beautiful temple that houses more than seven hundred full-time residents. The day dawns early in Amritapuri Ashram (monastery) located in the backwaters of Kerala.

Kerala, in the southernmost tip of India, is noted, among many other things, for its Ayurvedic resorts that draw a large number of tourists every year coming for Ayurveda Holidays in Kerala. Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. In fact, today. Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.

Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season to plan Ayurveda vacations in Kerala. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Kerala is dotted with numerous Ayurveda resorts.

The Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala are renowned not just in India but also across the globe. The treatments provided by these resorts have become so popular that the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has started a 'Monsoon Rejuvenation' Package that combines sightseeing tours with Ayurvedic massages and treatment. The Ayurvedic treatments are considered most effective after the karkadam or monsoon months because during this period the body has less heat and hence is most responsive to treatments.

Kerala Ayurveda Resorts provide treatments for ailments such as arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing, skin ailments etc. Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala cure detoxify and rejuvenate the whole body system for curing the ailment and enable general fitness. The health and fitness programs in the Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala are based on Ayurvedic oil massages. These massages help in various ways such as improving blood circulation, streamlining the body, building up immunity, ridding the body of toxins and decreasing excess fat in the body etc.

Many of the renowned Ayurveda Resorts in India are in Kerala. Tourists can choose from a range of Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala - from 5 star luxury Ayurveda Resorts, beach Ayurveda Resorts to backwater Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala. You may decide upon your tour in Kerala to choose the Ayurveda resorts as per the location, treatments offered at the Ayurveda resorts. Take a break at the Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala for a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday in India.