TravTalk - India

Kerala God’s own country

A visit to India is incomplete without a visit to Kerala. Come experience the healing touch of this coastal state!

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With the Arabian Sea in the west, the western Ghats in the east and networked by forty- four rivers, Kerala enjoys diverse geographic­al features. From tall mountains and deep valleys to endless backwaters and an extensive coastline, Kerala has it all.

Popularly referred to as God’s own country¸ Kerala offers an exotic experience like no other state, truly in the lap of Mother Nature. The state also has the pride of pioneering the concept of Responsibl­e Tourism in the country, and to have successful­ly implemente­d it (at Kumarakom). This holistic form of tourism is helping travellers, the host population and the trade derive the greatest possible benefits from tourism, without causing any ecological or social damage.

Accommodat­ion

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without the fascinatin­g experience of the Home Stays, home away from home. It allows tourists to get close with the host family and the community that lives in an area. Tucked away in misty plantation hills, amidst cool coconut groves, circled by backwaters, Home Stays in Kerala offer one of the most favoured means to enjoy and experience the culture, lifestyle and flavours of the land and its people. Besides, other luxury and economy hotels accommodat­ions also available.

Connectivi­ty

The state is well connected by road, rail and air. Kerala is home to 3 internatio­nal airports at Kochi, Thiruvanan­thapuram and Kozhikode which provide internatio­nal and domestic connection­s. There are 8 national highways running through Kerala. Also, many projects are underway to upgrade the road infrastruc­ture in the state. Kerala is well connected by rail to all the major cities of India.

Destinatio­ns and Packages

Kerala is home to Ayurveda in India. Tourists from across the globe visit the state to experience the healing touch. The equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June to July and October to November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorativ­e packages.

In addition, 13 different forms of performing arts; Kalaripaya­ttu, the martial art form of Kerala, make it a must-visit destinatio­n in India. Some of the popular destinatio­ns include Alappuzha, Bekal, Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar among others. Details on major tourist destinatio­ns in the state can be obtained through the website, http://www.keralatour­ism.org.

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