Kerala
Kerala – Lagend says Kerala was created by the stroke of an axe by Parasurama. A slender green crescent tucked away at the furthermost south-west point of India, Kerala lies along a 590 km sun drenched coastline on the Arabian sea, banked inland by the mountain rimmed border of the craggy Western Ghats. The deep blue sea, winding backwaters overshadowed by swaying palms, the primordial rain forest of silent Valley, tea and coffee plantations and lush paddy fields make it a land of divine richness. Kerala has an infinitely rich heritage of folk dance and music the vibrant vitality of the kathakali dance, the lyrical charm of Mohiniattam, the frenzied crescendo of theTheyyam dance and the battle din of Kalaripayattu. The colourful festival of Onam, snake boat races and elephant procession at temple festivals are celebrated with traditional gaiety and exuberance. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and a mixture of other religions have blended together in this tropical paradise. Kerala also nurtured saints and philosophers like Adi Sankaracharya and shree Narayana Guru.
Tourist Places in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram – (Trivandrum) –Capital. Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier Museum, Zoo, Chitralayam Art Gallery, Kaudiyar Palace. Veli tourist village and Kovalam beach resort nearby.
Airport : Thiruvananthapuram.
Alapuzha (Alleppey), Aranumla, Kottayam- water festivals and boat races during onam.
Kochi (Cochin) – busy port. Dutch palace, Jewish Synagogue, st. Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets, Bolgatty palace, Hill Palace Museum. Vasco da Gama was buried here.
Airport: Kochi.
Kozhikode, (Calicut), Kovalam, Varkala, Shanghumugham, Bekal, Kappad- beach resorts.
Periyar - Gama sanctuary.
Guruvayoor – Kaladi- Thrissur (Trichur) – religious places.