Kerala - India

State capital: Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum )

Population:      33 million approx
Area:               39000 sq. km
Language:       Malayalam

Best Season:   October to March

Every district in Kerala has it's own unique culture and characteristics. Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. One aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches. Splendid paintings, especially murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles. The land is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form. The state has also a rich theatre tradition : the only surviving Sanskrit drama, Kootitiyattamy, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya Shastra are evident in their presentations.

The major tourist centers in the state are:

Alleppey : The Venice of India, Onam snake boat race.

Alwaye : Industrial town, pilgrimage centre.

Calicut : Historical port where Vasco – de – Gama landed, Churches and mosques, handloom textiles.

Cannanore : Fort, beach, handlooms, palace.

Cheruthuruthy : Kathakali and Mohiniattam dance centre.

Ernakulam - Cochin : Twin cities, fort, churches (Vasco-da-Gama’s tomb), Chinese fishing nets, Jew town, palaces, museums.

Gurvayr : Hindu pilgrimage center.

Kottapuram : where St. Thomas landed, Hindu pilgrimage centre, fort, palace, temple.

Kottayam : Churches, Syrian Christian pilgrimage centre, cultural centre.

Kovalam : beach resort.

Munnar : Hill station, plantations, golf course .

Pirmed : Hill station, plantations.

Pon Mudi : Hill station, scenic beauty.

Quilon : Start of the inland waterways, ruins of forts, palaces. Chinese fishing nets, Pagoda boats.

Thangasseri : Lighthouse, old Dutch, Portuguese and English cemeteries, fort ruins.

Sabrimala : Temple of Lord Ayyappa, Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Sulthanbatheri : Hill station, fort.

Thekkadi : Periyar national park, wildlife sanctuary and Tiger reserve.

Trichur : Temples, Pooram festival, cultural centre, zoo, fort, palace, churches.

Trivandrum : Temples,Palaces, zoo, Art gallery, museum, golf course.

Varkala : Temple, Samadhi of Sri Narayana Guru, Mineral springs, pilgrim centre, Anjengo beach.

Waynad : Plantations, beautiful scenery, wildlife sanctuary.