FEATURED DESTINATION  -  Kerala, India

Kerala is a province located some 300 miles south of Goa on the west coast of India. Despite being listed by National Geographic Traveller as one of the worlds ten ‘Paradises Found’, Kerala remains remarkably ‘un-found’ by mass tourism.

Famed as the Spice Coast, Kerala offers you the colours, spectacle, magic, grandeur and mystery of India, all in one state.

Exploding palms, trumpeting elephants, temple dances that thunder into the night, mysterious green backwaters criss crossing sensuously through the land, year-round festivals, serene churches and temples, exotic wildlife, lush green blankets of hills, enchanting waterfalls, historic monuments and boat races – the list of what Kerala has to offer is endless.

And as if all this isn’t tempting enough, Kerala is home to the relaxing and unhurried therapeutic touch of Ayurveda, a 5000-year-old holistic science. Kerala is a land of myriad experiences with something for everyone. There is peace and relaxation for those seeking respite in the lap of nature, there is romance and sensuality for those seeking a romantic hideaway, a host of activities and fun for families and adventure sports for the brave hearted.

What makes Kerala really special is the fact that authenticity is at the heart of everything you will see. Despite growing international interest, Kerala continues to retain the cultural identity of the area. It has a soul of its own. In Kerala, less is more and there is no room for pretension. Just one visit and you will see for yourself why it has been labeled God’s own country.

Highlights;                                                                                                                                                                            

CUISINE; Kerala’s cuisine is both exclusive and diverse and over the centuries has evolved into one with an identity all of its own. From the northern reaches of Kasargod to the southern coastal parts, the cuisine is as varied as the places themselves. Be it the various vegetarian delicacies or the mouth watering seafood, the cuisine is something to really look forward to. Bon Appétit!
HOUSEBOATS; One of Kerala’s most unique experiences is an overnight cruise along the palm-fringed backwaters on a luxurious ‘kettuvallom’ (houseboat). Traditionally used as grain barges, the kettuvalloms have been spectacularly converted into cosy houseboats. When evening approaches, settle in to watch the splendid sunset and count the stars in the velvety sky as you listen to the pulsating palms and the murmur of the rippling water lapping against the hull.
BEACHES; In addition to the splendid backwaters, Kerala is blessed with some of the best beaches in the world. Check out those at Kovalam and Varkala in the south, Marari in the central region and the stunning drive-in beach at Muzhipilangadi in the north of Kerala. There are secluded private beaches tucked away in peaceful palm groves and others that are closer to the vibrant local life.
HILL RANGES AND TEA PLANTATIONS; Move further in from the coast and you will find yourself heading towards the Western Ghats. You can only be in awe of the amazing scenery changes as you pass through tropical jungle, dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, sprawling estates, picture perfect postcard hamlets and undulating valleys as you head up into the mountains. Move from district to district and you will encounter different people, cultures and traditions, boat builders and duck shepherds, rubber planters and spice traders. The diversity and the sheer beauty of everything will leave you stunned.                                                                                                                                                                                             CULTURE AND TRADITION; Over the centuries different religions found their way onto Kerala’s shores and were welcomed into the folds of its society. Different external influences brought different cultural practices. In no other place will one find religious tolerance such as the way it is practiced in Kerala. It’s not uncommon to find a church, a Hindu temple and a mosque in the same premises.
FESTIVALS AND ART FORMS; The performing arts of Kerala are again very rich, varied and colorful and employ a range of gestures to tell stories and communicate emotions. Kerala offers an enviable array of performing arts most of which find origins in folk tradition. Vibrant colors, pulsating classical music, traditional costumes and powerful performances mark any art form in Kerala and will leave visitors with an unforgettable experience.

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