Varied Assortments And Diverse Culture

By Author: Vijay Joshi
Total Articles: 35
Comment this article

Kerala, fondly called God’s own country, is a region located on the Malabar Coast of south-west India. Kerala 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. Blessed with pristine beaches, mist shrouded hill stations, supine backwaters, clement weather and vibrant and varied culture, Kerala is one of the more popular tourist destinations in India.

Kerala is renowned for its beaches, backwaters and hill stations. There are also a lot of heritage sites to be visited.

More important of the beaches are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Of these, Kovalam is the prominent one. Formed by three crescent shaped beaches and located in southern part of Kerala, Kovalam is a idyllic beach location which has still not lost its innocence. Millions of tourists throng to Kovalam where world class accommodation facilities are on the offer.

Backwaters is a unique Kerala phenomenon. It is formed by the network of five lakes, natural and manmade canals and inlets and estuaries of more than forty rivers. ...
... Shores of these backwaters are vibrant with life and are gifted with verdant endearing landscape. A cruise in houseboats savoring these bounties is a once in a lifetime experience. House boats are modern-day luxurious versions of “Kettuvallam” – a type of boat used for transportation by local people.

Another important attraction of backwaters is boat races conducted especially during Malayalam month “Chingam” (August – September) concurrent with onam celebrations. Kerala boat race is a pulsating event where a number snake boats known as “chundans” race with each other to win. These are very huge boats with around hundred rowers. There are also minor boats, namely “churulan”, “Iruttukuthi” and “odi” participating in the competition. The most prominent of Kerala boat races is Nehru Trophy Boat race conducted in Punnamada lake.

The more prominent hill stations are Munnar, Wayanad, Wagamon, Peermade, Nelliampathi and Ponmudi. Most of them are located in Western Ghats and Munnar is the most prominent one among them. With many interesting sites to view nearby, Munnar also offers high class accommodation facilities and quality service.

Kerala is endowed with a rich and diverse flora and fauna and there are a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries preserving them. Main National parks and wildlife sanctuaries are at Periyar, Muthanga, Eravikulam and Silent valley.

Kerala weather is tropical. The rainy season is from May to August when Monsoons bring torrential rain. Summer is from March to May, when temperature can go up to thirty five degree Celsius in afternoon. Winter is from November to February and it is never too cold in Kerala and day temperature is temperate. This may be the ideal time for Kerala visit.

Keral has its own unique performing arts tradition. Koodiyattom, Kathakali and Mohiniattom are the hallmarks of that tradition. Kathakali music and “Sopana Music” are native music styles build on the foundation of Carnatic music.

Ayurvedic spas and treatment are also Kerala peculiarities and Kerala is one of the more favored destinations for Ayurvedic therapy.

In Kerala, arrangements can be had for various adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, Mountain biking, para gliding, canoeing, kayaking etc.

Kerala is famous for its spicy cuisine with coconut milk as main ingredient giving it a unique taste. Kerala has an elaborate breakfast menu including Iddli, Puttu, Idiyappam, palappam etc.
Vijay Joshi is an eminent travel analyst and writer giving information about Kerala boat race.