KERALA

Kerala is the place where India gets into a slower pace. Set on the picturesque coastal panorama that extends from the Western Ghats to the Arabian Sea. Women Kevin Durant Kerala is a tropical paradise with thick coconut groves,wavy paddy fields,trumpeting elephants, martial art performances, temple dances, vibrant flowers, fresh vegetation and finger-licking-belly-filling meals. Kerala is the heart land of Ayurveda,Meditation & Yoga. Festivals here are legendary. The verity of religions in Kerala makes this state a backdrop for a theatrical display of all beliefs.

  Hills of Kerala The tea hills of Kerala provide some very picturesque settings covering swathes of the Western Ghat Hills. ugg ansley sale With its sprawling estates, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, picture postcard hamlets and undulating valleys, Munnar, is recognized to be the most famous tea plantation region in Kerala. ray ban aviator crystal Once the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in South India, located 1600 meters above sea level, it still manages to retain much of its colonial charm. The tea Plants (Camellia sinensis), in its natural state grows in to a small or medium sized tree. Tea is grown from almost the sea level to about 2460m. ugg ansley sale India�s first ever tea museum is located in Munnar. The highland area of Kerala is also famous for its spice, rubber plantations and dense vegetation that provide natural habitat to exotic wildlife. The Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala introduced cash crops such as rubber and tea in the 18th and 19th centuries Backwaters & Houseboat Kerala’s rainwater surges through the hills and mountain passes to join a network of some 40 rivers resulting in a network of canals, streams, estuaries, lagoons and other water bodies forming the ‘famous backwaters’. The more popular backwater areas are in Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kollam in the south and Calicut in the north. One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning scenery provided by the backwaters is to experience an overnight cruise on houseboat. Houseboats or Kettuvalloms (Rice-boats) are country boats that were used in the early periods for the transport of goods/cargos from the rural backwater villages to the city/towns. With the advent of roads, bridges and ferry services, gradually the use of Kettuvalloms reduced and at one point is was almost absolute. However with increasing tourists’ interests, these Kettuvalloms rejuvenated. Many people love the Keralan Backwaters, after the rigours of Indian travel, precisely because there is so little to do; this is a moment to lie back, sip a drink, read a book, watch the birds or simply doze as the lush, sleepy jungle slides by. Children wave from the banks, fishermen stand up to their necks in water, digging for fish with their toes, women thump clothes clean by the water’s edge and traditional barges pass, heavily laden with coconuts and rice. Some of the waterways are tiny, barely wide enough for a canoe; others are major trading and transport routes. Generally the house boat is about 67 feet in length and 13feet wide. There are also very large houseboats used for conferences. asics uk They vary from one bedroom to four bedrooms with WC, sundeck, comfortable living area and well equipped kitchen. Traditional kerosene lanterns lightens the boats in the evening. The cuisine mostly onboard is traditional Kerala delicacies. The three member crew onboard comprising the Oarsman, Chef & Steward. new balance 999 Beaches Kerala has some of the most pristine and stunning beaches anywhere in India. Tucked away deep in the lovely villages, these palm-fringe white sand beaches attract tourists from all over the world. Fishermen setting out for sea, tagging of giant fishing nets and the fish auction are some of spectacle along this beach destination. Azure water and favorable climate makes these beach destinations a year-round holiday spot. While most of the popular beaches are located to the south in the regions like Kovalam and Varkala, there are yet more pristine beaches if travel north to the beautiful Marari, the Cheri beach near Cochin and the breathtaking Muzhipilangad beach in the north. Air Jordan 3 The serenity is of these beaches are supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodations, all of which provide Ayurvedic treatments. Wildlife Kerala has 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 National parks. Total forest area in the state is approx 10,336 sq.km forming 26.6% of the Kerala state. The forests of Kerala lie on the Western slope of the Western Ghats at different altitudes rising up to 2,694 meters. The steep and often abrupt topography creates special variations in climate and soil, resulting in high levels of biodiversity and local endemism. The most popular wildlife destination in Kerala is Periyar, an area known for its undulating hills and elephant sightings. Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Whilst the wildlife is inhabited by a large number of different species of animals, elephants, bisons and mountain goats are most common. nike pas cher Numerous bird and wildlife sanctuaries can be found across the state and the flora and fauna are any nature lover’s delight. new balance minimus The thick rainforests in Wayanad in the North of Kerala is another relatively undiscovered natural highlight. The thick rainforests in Wayanad in the North of Kerala is another relatively undiscovered natural highlight. Ayurveda A 5000 year old medical science that finds its origins in Kerala, Ayurveda is gaining popularity as an effective alternative medical science across the world. Ayurveda recognises three main energies that combine to form all things in the universe which are recognised as being fundamental to all life and are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance and decay. adidas neo A large number of ayurveda centres and resorts across Kerala offer authentic ayurveda treatments. The full body rejuvenating ayurveda massage is something every traveller should experience Festivals Due to diverse population and cultures, there are number of colorful festivals in Kerala that are interesting for visitorsThe most popular ones are Trichur Pooram and Onam Festival.Trichur is held annually in Trichur and is attended by millions. The performing arts and dances in Kerala are distinctive and very interesting and include the Kathakali &.Theyyam as some of the more popular ones. Onam is the most famous festival of Kerala.