KERALA: The state is popularly known as “God’s Own Country” & is the favourite tourist spot of many foreign travelers. Kerala has 14 districts. Kerala may be divided into 3 regions: Highlands, midlands & lowlands. A complete paradise offering beautiful landscapes, thick jungles, plantation covered hills, typical Keralite speciality cuisines, experience of Kerala’s ancient Ayurvedic treatments, enchanting rivers & lakes. The National Geographic Traveler has quoted Kerala as India’s most verdant state with one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations. Kerala is also Bollywood’s shooting location as it has picture perfect scenario.
CAPITAL: Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram
WEATHER & LANGUAGES: Kerala enjoys a tropical environment. Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three climatically distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains).
Malayalam is the local language of the state & English is widely spoken.
ACCESSIBILITY:
By Air: The state has 3 major airports – Cochin International airport, Trivandrum International airport & Calicut/Kozhikode airport. Upcoming proposed airport at Kannur.
By Road: Around 200 railway stations that connects Kerala to the most of the places of the state, other parts of the country. Very Well connected to the 4 metro cities - Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata of the country.
By Rail: Major modes of road transport are buses, tourist taxis, autos, cars, and privately hired taxis & personal automobiles. National Highways connect Kerala with other parts of India.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to March. However, Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate & seasons throughout the year which makes it an all season destination. Summers are from February to May & are hot but not very humid, unlike fall and winter. Monsoons are from June to September & the state lashed with heavy rains and strong winds. Winters are from October to January & the state has a mild, comfortable and pleasant.
FAMOUS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: Commercial center Ernakulam/Cochin, Hilly Munnar, Thekkady/Periyar, Alleppey & Kumarakom backwaters, golden beaches of Kovalam, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, &Cultural capital -Thrissur, Kollam/Quilon, Calicut/Kozhikode & capital of the state- Trivandrum.
KERALA SHOPPING: Kerala is the storehouse of the rich reservoir of unique handicrafts, wonderful artifacts, famed spices and gorgeous textiles, lovely coconut shell craft, the metal inlaid wood craft, coir products, horn carved products, wood carved products, bamboo mat paintings, metal ware, Kathkali masks. Kochi’s broadway, Marine drive, Government Handicrafts Emporium, Kerala State Handicraft Apex Society and Kerala State Handicrafts Development Corporation are one of the best places for shopping. |