The state of Kerala is often looked up as ‘God’s Own Country’. This coastal place in southern India is rich in its diversified culture and traditions. Kerala is well known for its abundant, spotless tropical beauty, elephants, temple festivals and soothing backwaters. Thousands of tourists visit this beautiful coastal city to experience a leisurely vacation amidst its lush green hill stations, peaceful beaches, composed climate and exotic wildlife. This land observes a slow pace lifestyle and is among the most sought tourism place to visit in a lifetime. When on a trip to Kerala, don’t forget to visit these attractions of this coastal land in South India.

 

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Photo credit by U A SATISH on Flickr

 

Fort Kochi

 

The enchanting city of Kochi marks to be the Gateway to Kerala. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi has an eclectic influence on the minds of its visitors. The architecture and heritage of this place has been influenced by all of these be it Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese or Portuguese.

 

Tranquil Backwaters of Cochin, India

Tranquil Backwaters of Cochin, India, photo credit by Jim Johnson on Flickr.com

 

Tranquil Backwaters of Kerala

 

Kerala boasts of several tranquil backwaters including serene waterways, lakes, estuaries, canals and rivers. You can enjoy a ride in a houseboat and observe the aquatic flora and fauna life present in these waterways. These include frogs, crabs, darters, turtles, leafy plants, shrubs and palm trees. Some of the most famous backwaters with a green tinge of leafy plants are Kollam backwaters, Cochin backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters and Kasaragod Backwaters. Nothing can prove more relaxing to you than taking a trip in a houseboat along these palm fringed Kerala canals. You will be served with freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer on the boat to make your experience even better.

 

Kerala, Land of Coconut trees

Kerala, Land of Coconut trees, photo credit by Reji on Flickr.com

 

Exotic Hill Stations on the Kerala Land

 

The beautiful hill stations present on this coastal land enhances its beauty and appealing factors. You can enjoy a pleasurable stay in the mesmerizing beauty of the wholesome hills of Munnar, Ponmudi, Pythal Mala, Ranipurum or Devikulam. These emerald green places will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and help you relax your soul and body.

 

Varkala beach. Kerala

Varkala beach. Kerala, photo credit by Oleg Gudkov on Flickr.com

 

A Range of Beaches in Kerala

 

Kerala offers you an opportunity to visit all kinds of beaches : sandy, coconut, rocky or promontories. The peaceful beaches of Kerala attract a hell lot of tourists who love to dine on the variety of delicious seafood cuisines found here. You must make your vacation unforgettable by being on Cherai beach, Kovalam beach, Bekal beach, Alappuza beach, Kappad beach, Dharmadam beach, Fort Kochi beach or Beypore beach.

 

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala, photo credit by Gui Stafford on Flickr.com

 

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

 

Kerala is a home to many wildlife sanctuaries which have a huge variety of animals, marine life and birds of all most all species residing in them. Some of these species are Nilgiri tahr, tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, moths, macaque, butterflies, crabs, mudskippers and more. You must not miss visiting the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki wildlife sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park.

 

View from Lockhart Gap. On way from Devikulam to Chinnakanal near Munnar.

Munnar, India, Photo credit by Renny Abraham on Flickr.com

 

Munnar

 

For all tea lovers, Munnar is a must visit. The place is covered with extensive tea plantations, where you can see people picking tea and processing process and then try fresh tea straight from the gardens. Munnar also hosts a tea museum and is blessed with serene beauty of many misty hills and forests, which are a home to several interesting plants and wildlife. If you are an adventure enthusiast, trek your way to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam national park or go para gliding or rock climbing.

 

Elephants in Periyar National Park

Elephants in Periyar National Park. photo credit by Vero & Vado from Flickr.com

 

Periyar National Park

 

It marks to be one of the most popular national parks located in southern India. The park is open all twelve months and offers 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle. You can also witness a captivating sunset while travelling in a safari boat through its lake.