KERALA, GOD'S OWN COUNTRY A INFORMATION ABOUT KERALA TOURISM

                        KERALA, GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

      With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate. A long shoreline with serene beaches. Tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers.

      Kerala, India's most advanced society: With hundred percent literacy. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state.

   For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.

   Kerala, also known as Keralam is a state located in the south-west region of India on the Malabar coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 per the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam-speaking regions.

kerala state tourism policy

  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 Traveller 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, colourful festivals, exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels that await travellers. 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. 

                                                                              Welcome to kerala

  With sprawling properties, combining modern and traditional architecture in breathtaking exotic islands, luxuriant game reserves, mist-laden hills, palm-fringed beaches and tranquil backwaters; each property under the KTDC Hotels and Resorts is a destination by itself.

BACK WATER VIEW

   Our properties ranging from Premium to Budget are designed to function as icons of Kerala heritage and to readily extend the warmth and excitement of traditional hospitality of Kerala. And an interesting fact is that all KTDC properties share one thing in common - they all assure our guests unique holiday experiences.

   Resorts run by KTDC reflect the unique ambience of their location. With a wide range of services to choose from, our guests would not have a dull moment throughout their stay. In our efforts to provide the best to our guests, we make sure that they get what we have promised. And when it comes to sharing the essence of traditional lifestyle such as Ayurveda and Panchakarma, ours is among the best-equipped in Kerala. And for those who want to travel with us, our tour packages offer plenty of choices to make.

   So, just let us know when you are coming to Kerala! A most warm welcome!

              KERALA WEATHER AND GEOGRAPHYICAL

  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:3,18,41,374 (Census 2011)   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 - 34°C)   Monsoon:June - September (20 - 30°C)   Winter:October - January (18 - 28°C)

   The attractions at Somatheeram are many... In addition to undergoing a rejuvenating experience through Ayurveda, Yoga and a very tranquil atmosphere, Somatheeram offers you some unique services.Variety cultural programmes form part of Somatheeram evenings and helps in getting acquainted with the various dance, music and cultural art forms of Kerala. Every Kerala festival calls for grand celebrations and an enthusiastic participation from the guests. Kerala sadya (feast) which comprise rice and a large number of side dishes and curries, all specially prepared in Kerala style and served in plantain leaves, is sure to give you an entirely different experience. A variety of other programmes such as indoor games, boating and elephant rides are also organized by Somatheeram. Mehndi designing, which has been found to be very popular among the guests, is arranged once every week. The accommodation facilities are superb with 24 hours room service and all other facilities such as Internet facilities, telephone and fax, mail and message, tour and travel assistance are all available for a hassle-free vacation. Spending a relaxing day at the beach is indeed one of the many attractions at Somatheeram. Somatheeram provides all that is required such as beach umbrellas and beach towels to make it enjoyable to the maximum

Ayurveda centres

Kerala is famous for its Ayurveda centres that offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments. Availing Ayurvedic treatments is in fact the main agenda of many tourists who come here. The various herbs used to concoct potions have high medicinal value and other treatments that can cure skin, heart, digestive, neurological and several other disorders, are much sought after. Uzhichil, Pizchil, Nasyam and Dhaara  are some of the popular treatments. Meditation and Yoga are also an important part of Ayurveda. Since the science deals with one’s holistic wellness, it also gives due importance to a sound mind. Yoga and meditation helps in this regard. Your holiday in Kerala would be incomplete without trying out these relaxing therapies which will let you return to your homeland, absolutely rejuvenated.

Onam

Onam is the biggest festival of the year in India's southern state of Kerala. Much of Kerala's culture is showcased during Onam festivities. Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). There are actually four days of Onam. The most important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) is the second day. Festivities actually commence 10 days before this day (on Atham), with the preparation of floral arrangements (pookalam) on the ground in front of homes.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indiandance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming.