Periyar National Park

The Indian state of Kerala is famous for the forest cover and wildlife sanctuaries. The state has a diverse nature of flora and fauna and has 26.6% of its total land area under forest cover. Periyar National Park Kerala is a tiger reserve set in the mountainous region of the Western Ghats in Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary covers the region of Idukki and the Pathanamthitta districts and covers a total area of 777 square km. The sanctuary has a picturesque lake which adds to the charm of the sanctuary. This lake covers a total area of about 26 square km. It is a wonderful holiday destination and attracts the tourists by its natural beauty.

Species found in Periyar National Park Kerala:Periyar National Park at Idukki in Kerala was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1950 and a tiger reserve in 1978. The Sanctuary abounds in diverse species of Flora and Fauna. Among the major tree species found in the sanctuary, the prominent ones include the Artocarpus hirsute, Salmalia malabarica, Hopea parviflora, Tetrameles nudiflora, Terminaliasp, Tectona grandis, Vateria indica, Dipterocarpus indicus, Cullenia excelsa, and Palaquium ellipticum. Over 62 species of animals are found in this sanctuary. The common animal species found in this sanctuary include the Nilgiri langur, Liontailed macaque, Otter, Malabar, giant squirrel, Wild dog, Tiger,Panther,Sambar, barking deer, Wildboar and elephants.
Best Time to visit Periyar National Park Kerala:The best time to visit the Periyar National Park at Idukki in Kerala is between October and June when you can observe their activities in their natural habitat.


How to reach Periyar National Park Kerala : Periyar National Park in Kerala is both by air, railways and road.
By Air: Madurai Airport which is about 40 km from the sanctuary is the nearest airport. Besides, you can also reach the sanctuary from Cochin or Kochi International Airport which is located about 200 km from the sanctuary is the nearest airport.
By Railways: Kottyam Railway Station which is situated about 114 km from the sanctuary is the nearest railway station.

Kerala Tourism

A proper Kerala tourism guide will help you take an organized tour of the gorgeous strip of land on the tropical Malabar Coast on the southwestern stretch of India. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives to its west and south and the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to its east and northeast respectively, Kerala is a top rated tourist attraction among travelers all over the world. In fact, the state has been consistently adding to th

e nation’s economy since Kerala tourism has particularly been on the rising trend for the last few decades.

Tourism in Kerala, a state originally ruled by the Cheras, with mention of it  the Ashoka edicts, has been flourishing rapidly over the years. Offering a host tourist interests – ranging from backwaters to wetlands; from mountains to beaches; from tea and coffee plantations to rolling grasslands, Kerala is not called ‘God’s own Country’ for nothing. Kerala tourism has explored each of these aspects and has worked positively towards its promotion. The government managed Kerala Tourism Development Corporation stands as the largest hotel chain in the state and offers a wide range of accommodation options.

Kerala backwater cruises are possibly the most attractive Kerala tourism activities in this state. Almost the very name of Kerala excites you to the extent that it takes you on a thrilling ride on the houseboats or kettuvalloms on the charming waters along paddy fields, coconut trees, shrubs and bushes.

Exploring the various forms of arts and crafts is another interesting activity of Kerala tourism. Kerala is celebrated for some of the most graceful forms of dance – Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.

While in Kerala, you can opt to explore the various monuments and temples and make your tour all the more exciting and entertaining. Visits to Bekal Fort, Guruvayoor Temple, Edakkal Caves, and Napier Museum are will be thoroughly fulfilling.

How can anybody traveling to Kerala forget the beaches with glistening sands and swaying palms doing the fringes! Visits to Varkala Beach, Kovalam Beach, and Poovar Beach will prove extremely interesting.

None of Kerala tours are complete without an experience of the Ayurveda treatments at one of the resorts in the state. Massages, yoga and various rejuvenation programmes based on Ayurveda are specialities here.

The wildlife reserves in Kerala like Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are ideal outings for wildlife enthusiasts.

During your stay in Kerala make sure to dig into the tastes of Malabar Biriyani, Avials, Puttu, Thorans, idlis, Appams and rasam.

Kerala Cruises

Replete with hills and valleys, midland plains and coastal belts, backwaters and swaying palms, forts and temples, the charming state of Kerala on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India is a major attraction among travelers all over the world. Something that allures any tourist on his/her tour to Kerala is the backwaters. Kerala cruises happen to be a major attraction, thus giving Kerala tourism a major boost.

What can be more romantic and charming than setting off for one of the Kerala cruises! It is simply heaven to sail past ancient Chinese fishing nets, lush paddy fields, water lilies, huts, coir villages, temples and coconut groves. Countless lakes, lagoons, canals, estuaries, and deltas formed by an odd forty-four rivers make up the 900 km stretch of backwaters of Kerala. These backwaters primarily occupy the four districts of the state - Kollam, Alleppey, Kottayam and Kochi (Cochin). 

Of all the cruises in Kerala, you will probably enjoy the most in the largest backwater body, the Vembanad Lake that runs through Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kottayam districts and empties into the sea at the Kochi (Cochin) Port. The Ashtamudi Lake, the second biggest backwater stretch, offers the longest journey and is considered to be the gateway to the Kerala backwaters. The cruises in Kerala help you explore the various kinds of vegetation along the lakes and lagoons.
The Kerala cruises are made all the more heavenly with the houseboats on which you travel. The houseboats or Kettuvalloms are huge country crafts, measuring up to 80 feet in length. These houseboats are made in a special manner without using a single nail. Jackwood planks are linked together with coir ropes and then covered with black resin made from boiled cashew-nut shells. They are well furnished with a spacious lounge, one or two bedrooms with attached baths and a kitchenette.

It is in these houseboats that you can enjoy some of the best traditional Keralite dishes. The ingredients used are essentially fresh and hygienic and are cooked in the healthiest manner.
Your Kerala cruises are going to be most entertaining with these Kettuvallams or houseboats or one-time rice barges.

Kerala Travel

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives to its west and south and the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to its east and northeast respectively, Kerala is a beautiful strip of land on the tropical Malabar Coast on the southwestern stretch of India, famously attractive to several tourists around the world. Kerala travel can get really interesting with the huge range of varied topography and a spectrum of art and culture.
      

Travel to Kerala opens up a host of information regarding the state’s history, geography, culture and climate. Initially ruled by the Cheras, Kerala has been mentioned in the Ashoka edicts during the Mauryan Dynasty. Offering a wide array of tourist interests – ranging from mountains to beaches; from wetlands to backwaters; from tea and coffee plantations to lush grasslands; from forts to temples Kerala is one of the top listed tourist destinations in the world. Kerala travel helps you explore each of these sightseeing features.

 

Tour Operator in Kerala

 The job of tour operators throughout the world is basically to cater to the various packages and travel related queries and services. Accordingly, the tour to Kerala will offers various tour agents who will make your journeys all the more smooth and organized. The tour operators in Kerala offer package programs, backwater cruise, international & domestic travel, car and coach rentals, houseboat holidays, and hotel reservation services.

The various tour operators for various tour destinations in Kerala provide services for your tour to the various cities and towns of Kerala. There are tour operators for Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Kayamkulam, Kottyam, Kozhikode, Calicut, Munnar, Nilambur, Alappuzha, Ponmudi, Palakkad, Quilon, Varkala, Kumarakom in Kerala, and Devikulum.

The various Kerala tour operators offer various theme tour packages like Kerala beach package, Kerala nature package, Kerala backwater package, Kerala Ayurveda package, Kerala culture package, Kerala budget package, Kerala heritage package, Kerala special interest package, Kerala leisure package, Kerala festival package, Kerala destination package, Kerala martial arts package, Kerala health package, Kerala educational package, Kerala waterfall package, Kerala adventure package, Kerala culinary package, Kerala hill station package, Kerala wildlife package, Kerala event package, Kerala yoga and meditation package, Kerala houseboat package, Kerala Fair package Kerala art package, Kerala honeymoon package, and Kerala pilgrimage package.

The tour operators in Kerala generally maintain the following characteristics:

Own and operate contemporary air-conditioned/non air-conditioned vehicles driven by well-experienced chauffeurs. Own a team of expert Guides and Tour Escorts. Own competent staff to mete out personalized services to each and every guest. Have as many branches and associates in as many important cities of India.

The tour operators in Kerala make sure that safety is thoroughly assured and takes due care of the safe transportation from and to various places in Kerala

Transportation and Economy of Kerala

Seeking information from a good travel guide will lead you to comprehensive know-how regarding the transportation and economy of Kerala.


Transportation in Kerala:
Reaching Kerala is easy for any traveler whatsoever as there happen to be several options that you can avail of. Choose any of the following as per your suitability:

By Air:
Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital of Kerala, is excellently connected to most of the major airports in India, including Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. Being an international airport, the Thiruvananthapuram Airport offers regular flight services to quite many of the gulf countries. Kochi and Calicut are the two other airports that provide air services to other cities in India.

By Rail:

The railway system in Kerala is well laid helping most of the parts of the state to be linked with the various corners of India. There are around 200 railway stations in Kerala serving the people traveling within the state and to other cities in India. Long-distance express trains link major cities in Kerala to cities beyond the state like Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata.

By Road: An excellent road network provides first-rate modes of transport that offer services at regular intermissions. Buses, tourist taxis, cars, and local taxis and autos comprise important modes of road transport in Kerala. A considerable number of National Highways links the state with other parts of South India.


By Water:
Being situated on the coastal belt, waterways are some of the prime options of transportation in Kerala. From Cochin (Kochi), you can travel in the ships that sail regularly towards the Lakshadweep Islands. Inside the state, the backwaters of Kerala act not only as a major transportation medium but also as a tourist lure.


Economy in Kerala:
Located at the southwest tip of India, the state of Kerala is has witnessed growth in various spheres. Kerala boasts of the highest rate of literacy in India, and an excellent public transport system. Over the years tourism in this state has evolved tremendously to be a leading industry with regular government support. Information Technology is another key area of economic excellence in the state. The economy of Kerala largely revolves around tourism, spice and tea trade, and software industry.

 

How To Reach Kerala

A narrow strip of land fringing the Malabar Coast of the western belt of Indian subcontinent, Kerala is a major favorite among tourists all over the world. The unsurpassed beauty of Nature and the cultural tours of the state are some of the most attractive tourist options for travelers from far and wide. However, in order to soak in the essence of Kerala tours you need to know how to reach Kerala.

Reaching Kerala is not a matter of serious concern as you have plenty of options to avail of. Some of them are discussed below:

By Air:
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state, is well connected to most of the important airports in India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Being an international airport, it offers connections to quite many gulf countries. Kochi and Calicut are two other airports that connect the state to other cities in India.

By Rail:
The railway network in Kerala is excellent and it helps most of the corners of the state to be connected with the various parts of the country. Approximately 200 railway stations in Kerala serve untiringly to the people traveling within the state and to other cities in India. Long-distance express trains link major cities in Kerala to places outside the state like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

By Road:
The state of Kerala boasts of an excellent road network and provides excellent modes of transport that offer services at regular intervals, frequently. Important modes of road transport in Kerala are buses, cars, tourist taxis, and local taxis and autos. The state is linked with other parts of South India by a considerable number of National Highways. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are some of the neighboring states that are conveniently connected to Kerala through roads.

By Water:
Being a coastal state, waterways are important options of transportation in Kerala. From Cochin (Kochi), you can avail of the regular ships sailing towards the Lakshadweep Islands. Within the state, the backwaters of Kerala serve not only as an important transportation medium but also as a tourist attraction.

Geography Of Kerala

Location:The location of Kerala adds to the boom of tourism in the state. Positioned at the southwestern edge of the Indian landmass, on the Arabian Sea, Kerala is surrounded by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Arabian Sea to the west, and Tamil Nadu to the east. Kerala - geographical information gives you a picture of how and where the mountains and valleys, backwaters and wetlands, midland plains and coastal belts are placed in Kerala.
The geography of Kerala is interesting in the sense that it includes almost everything – hills, plains and beaches as well. This gives a golden opportunity to the tourists to explore the various geographical riches of the state. Geographically the state Kerala is a part of the Malabar Coast with the hill ranges called the Western Ghats stretching along the length of Kerala. In fact, hills of Kerala punctuate the Western Ghats from Sultan’s Bathery in the north to Munnar in the centre and Ponmudi in the south. In the coastal belts of this state are situated world famous backwaters that are more or less the main attraction of Kerala.

Climate:
The climate of the Kerala is basically tropical in nature. The months from April to June are generally the summer months with the maximum temperature during this season hovering around 33°C. October to January is winter in Kerala with the temperature dipping to some extent to make it tolerable. Monsoon hits the state in June and continues till September. However there is not much difference in temperature during this time.

Fringed by sandy beaches and palm lined shores, Kerala makes for a pleasant holiday destination, with several sunny beaches and serene backwaters. Visits to the exotic beaches like Kovalam, Varkala and Poovar can get exceedingly entertaining on your tour to this Indian state that is otherwise called ‘God’s Own Country’.

Vegetation:
Flaunting some of the rarest and richest varieties of flora and fauna in India Kerala houses a number of wildlife reserves and sanctuaries. Periyar, Eravikulam, and Silent Valley are the three excellent national parks in this state. Plantations of tea and coffee and the spice gardens are the other common vegetation varieties in Kerala.

Culture Of Kerala

India is a vast and varied country and every nook and corner of the nation display a special cultural bias, escorting you into the ethnic and traditional base of the particular place.


Accordingly, the culture of Kerala is exclusive and unique, upholding a typical tradition of art, culture and lifestyle, different from the rest of South India. As a result, this state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India is a state of special interest among tourists all over the world.
Largely owing its orientation to the Dravidian culture of the yesteryears, Kerala culture evolved tremendously over the years with various influences by various seafarers and visitors from Italy, China, Greece, France and Africa. Although maximum inhabitants here are Hindus, there is a considerable section of Muslims and Christians as well.


Arts and Crafts:Arts and crafts of Kerala speak volumes about the culture of Kerala in general. In fact, the Keralite craftsmen are capable of creating innovative and wonderful items with the humblest and meanest bits of material and mold them with magical mastery. Woodcarving, amongst these, is the most popular and the artisans give shape to some of the exclusive wooden items.


Among performing arts, Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form that has developed exclusively in Kerala displaying a blend of the different performing art forms of opera, masque, ballet, and pantomime. A Kathakali dance recital is expected to exude a lot of vivacity in terms of color, costume, choreography, music, drama, and expressions. This dance form has gained popularity throughout the world over the years. Other popular dance forms of this state are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thullal, Kakkarishi Natakom, Thiruvathirakali, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Among the music forms that have evolved over the centuries in Kerala are Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, and Omanathinkal Kidavo.
Festivals:Among the various festivals and events, Onam stands out as the most significant and in this occasion the people take their boats to the backwaters and country crafts and lakes to celebrate. Christmas, Eid, Muharram, and other festivals are other festivals traditionally celebrated in this state as in the entire country.


Cuisine:Noted for its varied pancakes and steamed rice cakes made from pounded rice, Kerala cuisine is famous all over the world. Idlis, dosas, uttapams, rasams, and a host of dishes made of coconut, tamarind and chilies, are the main dishes of Kerala cuisine.

History of Kerala

The origin of Kerala goes back several years in history to as early as the Mauryan Empire. The existence of this state is acknowledged by the inscriptions on the Ashoka edicts (273-236 BC).

In these inscriptions, Ashoka has referred to four independent kingdoms that were located to the south of his empire. These were the realms of the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Keralaputras and the Satiyaputras. Among them, the Keralaputras or the Cheras, as they were called, ruled over Malabar, Cochin and North Travancore – all of which were parts of modern-day Kerala.
However, it is only in the Sangam Age that Kerala gets a stronger significance instead of simply being a part of myths and legends. It was during this age that Sangam literature was composed. History of Kerala says that the first three academies met at Madurai and were presided over by kings and poets. However, the influence of Sangam literature has died down over the years.

Having derived its name from Keralaputra (land of the sons of Cheras), Kerala was first ruled by the Cheras. They continued to use Tamil till 7th century as their national language. With the decline of the Chera dynasty in the 10th century AD, the Cholas, the rulers of Tamil Nadu, took over to give a new turn to the Kerala history. The rule of the Cholas the political power in the state gradually went into the power of the Zamorin of Calicut. Vasco da Gama was the first European to hit the shores of India in 1496 through sea and eventually there started a long running fight for the power between the Portuguese, British, and Dutch.

For a brief period in the mid 18th century AD, Kerala was about to be politically captured by Travancore, with the help of petty kingdoms. Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan also tried to seize possession of the areas south of Travancore, but were unsuccessful as they were attacked by the British from the east. After Tipu Sultan’s first defeat by the British, the Seringpatnam Treaty brought all the conquered parts of Kerala under direct control of the British and eventually Travancore and Kochi became princely states under the British. Kerala became an independent state only in 1956. Formerly a part of Madras state, the regions of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar were rolled into one to be called Kerala.

An Introduction to Kerala

A gorgeous state on the tropical Malabar Coast on the southwestern belt of India, Kerala is bordered by the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives to its west and south and the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to its east and northeast respectively. A major attraction among globetrotters all over the world, the state has been a consistent contributor to the country’s economy with Kerala tourism particularly on the upward trend for the last few decades.

Originally ruled by the Cheras, Kerala has been mentioned in the Ashoka edicts during the Mauryan dynasty. After a series of dominances and captures by various empires and communities like Cholas and many more eventually the British took over. Gradually the state has earned the status of one of the favorite tourist destinations in India.

Kerala offers a host tourist attractions; from backwaters to wetlands; from mountains to beaches; from forts to monuments. Kerala backwater cruises are probably the most amusing tourism activities in this state. Almost the very mention of Kerala takes you on a ride on the houseboats on emerald waters along tall trees, thickets, shrubs and bushes. Houseboat cruises in the regions of Alleppey, Kollam, Kuttanad, and Kochi are the major cruise options for adventure freaks. One of the key tourist attractions in India, the backwater cruises in the state of Kerala are wonderful experiences on houseboats or kettuvalloms that are made with open lounge, one or two bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a kitchen serving authentic Keralite cuisine.
Apart from the backwaters, Kerala is famous for some of the most graceful forms of art – the classical dances, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. These dances are some of the cultural demonstrations of choreography that present India as a classic country on the world map. A show of any of these genres of dances while touring Kerala will be really an engaging experience.

Exploring the monuments and temples of Kerala is another major tourist activity in this state. Visits to Bekal Fort, Guruvayoor Temple, Edakkal Caves, and Napier Museum are will be thoroughly fulfilling.

The wildlife reserves in Kerala are among the must visits on your tour to this state. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are ideal outings for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Keralite cuisine is one of the important attractions in Kerala. The tastes of Malabar Biriyani, Avials, Puttu, Thorans, idlis, Appams and rasam and Kerala fish curry will stay on long after you have left the place.

Kerala-Gods Own Country:An Overview

A charming state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to its east and northeast and the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives to its west and south respectively. A major hit among tourists all over the world in modern times, the state has contributed immensely to the country’s economy as Kerala tourism has been particularly on the upward trend for the past few years.

Backwaters and wetlands; hills and mountains; forts and monuments – Kerala has it all. Kerala cruises are perhaps the most entertaining activities in this state. It is almost like you mention Kerala and you visualize the houseboats on green waters past tall trees, bushes, thickets and shrubs. Cruises in the Alleppey, Kuttanad, Kollam and Kochi are the major options for adventure lovers. One of the prime tourist attractions in Kerala, the backwater cruises in Kerala are dream experiences on houseboats or kettuvalloms that are specially designed with open lounge, one or two bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a kitchenette.

Apart from the backwaters, Kerala brings to your mind some of the most elegant forms of art – the classical dances, Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. These dances are some of the cultural representations that present India as a classic country. A recital of any of these genres during your tour to Kerala will be really rewarding.
                                                  
Exploring the temples and monuments of Kerala is another major tourist attraction in this state. Bekal Fort, Edakkal Caves, Guruvayoor Temple and Napier Museum are some of the places of interest that deserve visits by the tourists.

Some of the wildlife reserves are among the must visits in Kerala. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary occupies the region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road, and is home to endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India, Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls. Eravikulam National Park to the north of Munnar was established primarily to protect the Nilgiri Tahr. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary in the Idduki district is spread over Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is a bird lover’s paradise.

You cannot end the tour to Kerala without sampling the famous Keralite cuisine. The tastes of Malabar Biriyani, Puttu, idlis, Thorans, Avials, Appams and rasam will have you craving for more.

                                                       

Last but not the least, Ayurveda treatments are some of the greatest lures in Kerala tourism. Evolved around 600 BC in India, this medical form, over years, has been a specialty, helping one rejuvenate bodily as well as mentally. Undergo a session of Ayurveda services at any of the resorts and you will feel yourself all new and recharged.

We take each and every aspects of kerala one by one, so visit regularly to explore kerala.