Spotlight on Kerala, India

The state/country of Kerala is in south-west India’s lush and tropical Malabar coast, and its cities are highly desirable and vibrant. Kerala is a relatively new country (created in 1956), bordered by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and the Arabian Sea. Visitors to Kerala love its backwaters and beaches, the tropical landscape and its health/lifestyle advantages including the practice of yoga

The Kerala Malabar Coast is a most popular tourist destination and has been described as one of ten paradises of the world. Kerala’s culture, traditions and the many eco-tourism initiatives are real visitor attractants.

Heritage sites include the Mattancherry and Padmanabhapuram Palaces. It’s also worth visiting some of the traditional temples of Kerala; such as Padmanabhaswamy (Thiruvananthapuram), Padanilam Parabrahma (Mavelikkara), Guruvayoor and Sarkara Devi.

The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is renowned for art, theatre and outdoor festivals such as the Thrissur Pooram in early summer, also featuring some of local animals. A special place is reserved for elephants, the official state animals, which feature on the Government emblem.

The city of Kochi promises wonderful shopping opportunities. Bekal, Varkala, Kappad,Cherai, Kovalam and Muzhappilangad are some of the most wonderful sea beaches the country has to offer.

By contrast, the “backwaters” located around Kollam, Kumarakom, Alleppey and Punnamad, are a very beautiful area of interconnecting lakes, canals and rivers. Kerala’s interior holds great interest, with several national parks/wildlife sanctuaries (Muthanga, Periya and Eravikulam) and its many hill stations (Wagamon, Ponmud, Peermade, Munnar, Wayanad and Nelliampathi), attracting a variety of eco-tourists.

In Kerala’s music scene, Carnatic and raga-based tunes compete with folk and tribal styles, while the film music of Indian cinema is also very popular.