subject: Kerala: Unlike Any Other Places [print this page] Kerala, a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation, and reaches to the Arabian sea. Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the north. It is also known for its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam. It is the most literate state in India, and a land of great religiosity, where you can find Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even synagogues. With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments, Eco-tourism initiatives, a large number of visit options ranging from beautiful high altitude blue mountains to pristine rain forests to golden sun-sand beaches and an enormous range of accommodation, Kerala has much to offer the visitor.
Destinations in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - the capital, famous for its beaches, monuments and parks.
Alapuzha (Alleppey) a network of canals criss-cross the city, leading to it being called the Venice of the East. The biggest boat race in India for the Nehru Trophy happens here every August.
Kochi (Cochin) the commercial capital of Kerala and largest city of Kerala with unlimited shopping options; the major city in Southern India.
Kannur prominent city in Malabar, famous for its strong heritage and beaches,
Kollam (Quilon) the backwaters, and the former Portuguese settlement at Tangasseri close by.
Kottayam known for its latex, literacy and letters and as major educational center.
Kozhikode (Calicut) where Vasco da Gamma landed for the first time in India, and one of the world's oldest thriving trade centers.
Munnar one of the most untouched hill stations in India, with misty blue mountains and colonial bungalows
Thrissur (Trichur) the cultural capital of Kerala and also famous for Thrissur Pooram, jewelery shops and silk sarees.
