The green strip of land known for its purity and healthy environment is termed as God's own country and situated in the north west Indian Peninsula. It is the longest-lived,most healthiest and high literate and more gender equitable regions outside of the most developed countries. The place is one of the most beautiful places of world and much known for its ecotourism initiatives. The place is also known as "10 paradises of the world" by the National Geographic Travelers. The place forms an important tourist attraction spots with its attractive and extensive backwaters and awesome beaches. The outstanding culture coupled with extreme demography has made it attractive tourist spot in India.Kerala is nominated as one among the three finalists at the World Travel and Tourism Council's ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards in the destination category.
Nature tourism, Backwater Tourism, Monsoon Tourism, Eco Tourism Cultural Tourism and Health Tourism are the important forms of Tourism offered by Kerala. On seeing these things i am sure no would like to miss visiting such an awful palce.....
The places that must be visited are:
Hill stations:
Munnar ,Nelliampathi,Ponmudi
Architecture
Padmanabhuram Palace,Bolghatty Palace
Backwaters
Alleppey or Alappuzha,Kumarakom,Kochi
Beaches
Kovalam beach,Cherai beach, Varkala beach,Thiruvananthapuram(capital of the state)
Wildlife Sancturies
Periyar National Park,Eravikulam National Park,Chinnar Wildlife Sanctury,Silent Valley National Park.
Health Center:
Kairali Aurvedic Health Resort.
Kerala heralded as God's Own Country is a cute green strip of land in the south west part of India. It is nothing but a small beautiful land between the Deep Ocean and tall mountains. The main tourist attraction of Kerala state is nothing but its primeval greenery seen every where. Yeah it is green and green every where; natures gift to the country. Unlike most of the other states of India, in Kerala, you will not find much uninhabited or barren lands. Kerala is a densely populated state in India with 3.43% of the country's population.
Gifted with it salubrious climate, thick forests, enchanting backwaters, tranquil beaches and hill stations, Kerala is the most beautiful state in India. It rains heavily in Kerala from June to October. Those who love rain could visit Kerala during this time. Other seasons are so pleasant with no 
extreme climates. Kerala has very beautiful beaches like Kovalam and bewitching backwaters like Vembanad Lake on its accord. The Kerala backwater tour is the last thing a kerala tourist could miss. Kerala was famous for its spice export from the ancient time. It was in Kerala where the first European Navigator-Vasco De Gama Landed. The high ranges of Kerala have vast plantations of Tea, Coffee, Cardamom and other spices. Kerala midland area is renowned even internationally for its rubber plantations.
Breathtaking wild waterfalls and enchanting beaches surrounded with coconut groves and hills are the 
specialties of Kerala India. The panoramic view of Kerala is more than spell binding with its 44 rivers, beautiful beaches, tall mountains, dense virgin forests, beautifully deployed plantations, breathtaking waterfalls and vast backwaters. Kerala is famous for its worship places of all the sects and religions in India. You will find innumerable temples, mosques and Churches here. There are a few Jain, Buddhist temples and Jewish Synagogues also here.
Ayurveda treatment and massage centers are very common tourist attractions here in Kerala. An oil bath, Yoga and massage will relieve you of from your strains and rejuvenates you. This small land 'Kerala' is rich in the abundance of the variety of Flora and Fauna. The dense forest areas are having rich wild life. The state is rich in medicinal plants. Along with the blessings of the nature, Kerala has a wide variety of dance and art forms. Kerala is also the land of celebrations and festivals.
Kerala is a developed state in terms of education, science, technology and living standards. Keralities have a cosmopolitan outlook. The Kerala people observe a very high standard of physical hygiene. You will not find language a barrier in Kerala.
Brief Discussions about the major tourist attractions is followed below where the complete discussions of all the places is given in the site
www.keralatouristspots.com
Munnar
Munnar - breathtakingly beautiful - a haven of peace and tranquility - the idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district, Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.Unending expanse of tea plantations - pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests - aroma of spice scented cool air - yes! Munnar has all these and more. It's the place you would love to visit - it's the place you would wish never to leave. Mark it as your favourite Kerala Tourist Spot.
Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town.
Major Attractions of Munnar are
- Mattupetty Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake.
- Echo Point Echo Point has a natural echo phenomenon and offers panoramic views.
- Rajamala Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.
- Anamudi The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary in majestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna. The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park.
- Eravikulam National Park A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.
Nellaimpathi Hill Station
Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala a small state in south India. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition and is one among the best tourist spots in Kerala. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam,
a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. Nelliampathi is a popular hill station with excellent trekking trails. It is a 3 hour, 75 km trip away from Palakkad (Palghat) and, at 1600 mts above sea level, is surrounded by panoramic views of hills draped by plantations of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom. The height of the hills ranges from 467 mts to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 mts. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad (Palghat) is a sensation on its own, as one negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.
Ponmudi
A mere one and a half hour’s road journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from
Ponmudi Hills, one of the nest Tourist Spots in Kerala. The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in Malayalam means golden crown. On the way to Ponmudi, the thick tropical forest greets one at the foot of the Ponmudi hill range. The road passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes. As one leaves the city behind, one enters the region of plantations – rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea. The change is abrupt. The tappers can be seen going about briskly gathering the milky fluid from rubber trees collected in coconut shells.The brilliant red southern trongon dot the trees like flowers. The air is full with the loud raucous chuckling of heavy billed Malabar hornbills. The shrill notes of the blue-black Malabar whistling thrush add to the cacophony. Even the rare long-tailed paradise flycatchers flit gracefully from tree to tree. It is like an open aviary. The climate is always pleasant, and the stay here can be arranged by the General Administration Department of Kerala. It is connected to Trivandrum city by a narrow winding road which offers a very scenic view even on the way to the Ponmudi. The tea-gardens here are also very famous. The tourist resort is developed almost half a kilometer before the actual peak, which is often called the Echo Point. Ponmudi serves as a base for trekking and hiking.
Padmanabhram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace, the majestic old palace is 63kms from Thiruvananthapuram. It is situated at Thucklai, on the way to Kanyakumari. This palace was once the capital of the State of Travancore. The palace is built in the Travancore architectural style. This is famous for its 17th and 18th century murals, carved mahogany ceiling, colored mica windows, secret underground passages, inner courtyards, durbal hall, museum, four poster medicinal bed, Belgian mirror, pictures of Lord Krishna, granite dance halls and special black shiny floors which are made from a unique combination of egg white, jaggery, lime, burnt coconut, charcoal and river sand.Located 55 km away from Thiruvananthapuram on the highway to Nagarcoil-Kanyakumari, Padmanabhapuram was once the seat of the rulers of old Travancore or Venad State from the16th to the late 18th centuries. Padmanabhapuram palace cover an area of around 7 acres. The complex consists of individual structures linked by a maze of corridors, colonnades, verandahs, courts and constructed of teakwood and granite and stands within the massive stone walls of 30 ft which kept Tipu Sultan at bay in the 18th century. Exquisite wall paintings, fascinating traditional Kerala architecture, floors finished to a high polish with a special compound of crushed shells, coconuts, egg-white and juices of local plants; sunny courtyards with carvings and sculptures are some of the outstanding features of this sprawling palace housed within fortified walls.
Alleppey or Alappuzha
Alleppey 'Venice of the East', figures prominently on the tourist trail as one of the major centers for
backwater boat trips, served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in particular. One of the best-known ports along the coast of Malabar, it is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Alappuzha has the peculiar geographical feature of having the water in level with the land. This gives the advantage of getting a closer look at the village life on shore while on a backwater ride. Sailing along in a ‘kettuvallam’ (
houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alappuzha is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either sides of the canals are sights one can never forget.With the Arabian sea on the west and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home ot diverse animal and bird life.It is a popular tourism destination. Whether it is their first journey, or a return trip, travelers continue to frequent the tranquil backwaters.Large racing boats called 'Kali-Vallangal', propelled by over 100 rowers, compete for the trophy instituted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minster of India. Another significant race is the Payipad Boat Race, which takes place over three days. It commences from the 'Onam' festival day. There is a snake boat parade during the first two days while the contest takes place on the third day.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is a world-famous beach resort, which has been a favorite spot for tourists since 1930s. This beach has lovely coconut palms fringe the golden sands. Foreigners throng Ayurvedic parlors, yoga and meditation centers, that have sprung up all over the place. There are a number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a Muslim shrine.It is located 16 km away from Trivandrum..
Apart from these there are also other beaches listed below and whose details can be found in the site
www.keralabeaches.com- Alappuzha Beach
- Bekal Beach
- Beypore Beach
- Cherai Beach
- Dharmadam Island
- Ezhimala Beach
- Fort Kochi Beach
- Kappad Beach
- Kappil Beach
- Kizhunna Ezhara Beach
- Kovalam Beach
- Marari Beach (Mararikulam)
- Padinharekara Beach
- Pallikere Beach
- Payyambalam Beach
- Shanghumukham Beach
- Somatheeram Beach
- Thangasseri Beach
- Thirumullavaram Beach
- Vallikunnu Beach
- Varkala Beach
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar beckons are the adventure seekers, nature lovers and the animal watchers alike. Periyar is renowned for the
Thekkady/Periyar National Park. At the Periyar National Park you may spot the wild elephants, leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar and sloth bear besides the tigers and the Nilgiri tahrs.Along with animals Periyar is home to monitor lizards, pythons, king cobras and flying lizards. Birds like darters, cormorants, ibises, gray herons, mynas, flycatchers, orioles, wood pigeons, kingfishers, kites, ospreys, thrushes, and parakeets add to the attraction of Periyar.
The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which 360 sq km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wiild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors all over the world and is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife reserves.
People of Kerala
The Fascination of people with Kerala can be dated back to decades. Kerala in South India is truly a fascinating place. With the Arabian Sea in the West and the Western Ghats in the East, Kerala enjoys a unique geographical feature that adds to its fascination. Networked by 44 rivers with a long stretch of beautiful serene beaches, Kerala truly stands out as a fascinating tourist destination.
The most celebrated aspect of Fascinating Kerala, South India is that it enjoys a 100% literacy rate, India's lowest infant mortality rate and highest life expectancy rate. Crystal like waterfalls, lush green hill stations, enthralling wild life, all contribute to the beauty of Fascinating Kerala. Rich Ayurveda, enriching festivals, exotic cuisines and marvelous monuments play a vital role in making Kerala of South India a very Fascinating destination.
Fascinating Kerala is often referred as the land of trees, thanks to its swaying palm trees. In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state. Kerala is the most fascinating and undiscovered part of India.
Apart from this the Kerala state is popular for
Kerala Auyrveda
Kerala Cuisines
Kerala Dances
Kerala Ecotourism
Kerala Festivals
Kerala Houseboats
Kerala Water Sports
Some short descriptions about the uniqueness of Kerala i like is described below
Kerala's Fascinating Dances:
Folk Dance, Tribal Dance, Classical Dance, Neo-Classical Dance or Modern dance, you name it and the Fascinating Kerala has it. Kerala has a rich history of art and culture. With about 35 different types of tribal people in Kerala, tribal dances like elelakkaradi, paniyarkali and mankali still survive. Of over 50 folk dances in Kerala, the popular ones are Kaliyattom, kolam Thullal, Kolkali, Velakali and Kaikottikali. All these are performed in accompaniment of songs and drumming and often in colourful ornamental costumes. From these arose Kerala's classical dances like koothu, Kathakali, mohiniattom and patokom.
Kerala owes its transnational fame to the nearly 300-year-old classical form of Kathakali, which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and pantomime. Kathakali explicates events and stories from Indian epics and ‘puranas’, presented by dancers who adorn themselves with huge skirts and headdress, wearing a most intriguing style of makeup. The richness of this exciting mix of tradition, color, music expression and drama is an unbeatable mix of art form.
Apart from this, there are also a number of gentler art forms in the fascinating dance bouquet of Kerala. One of these is the hand-clapping, circular folk dance called Kaikottikali with which girls and women celebrate the Onam festival.
Kerala's Tasty Cuisine
"Indian food is hot, and South Indian food is hottest", is an age-old myth. Famous all over the world, nothing can be farther from the truth. Although spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves nutmeg and pepper are grown in the south of India, they are generously used in the cuisines of North India.
Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual from the rest of the world and not at all the way it is perceived i.e. spicy! On the contrary Fascinating Kerala Cuisine is mildly flavored, lightly cooked, and has a certain genteel delicacy on the stomach. Cooking in Fascinating Kerala is all about discovering, aromas and colors.
A typical Kerala breakfast, which is said to be the best in the world, will usually have 'Appam with Egg Curry', 'Puttu with Kadala curry' or Idiyappam with Chicken Curry'. Other south Indian dishes such as
Dosa, Iddly etc are also common eateries in Fascinating Kerala Cuisine.
Pulaos, biriyanis, Thorans, Avial, Olen, Sambar, Pachadi are among other famous dishes of the famous and Fascinating Kerala cuisine.
Located on the coastal portion of the country, seafood is one of the main essences in the daily meals of the common man and the locals.
Meen Vevichathu or fish in fiery red chilly sauce and prawn curry in coconut gravy are the all time favourite dishes of seafood lovers of Kerala. Bananas are very popular in Kerala Cuisine. Sliced finely and deep fried as chips, they are chewy snacks. Cut into bits, fried and dipped in jaggerey or sugar syrup, they are sweets.
Kerala Houseboats - (Wonderful place to be spent with couples)
In the hustle-bustle of today’s busy lifestyle, we are all constantly on a look out for someplace quite during vacation where we get to spend some quality time with our near and dear ones in a beautiful, relaxing and refreshing ambience. Well, your search ends here, at the Fascinating Kerala Houseboats. An intricate network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, backwaters, beaches, the picturesque landscape of Fascinating Kerala offers a wide range of Houseboats to rejuvenate on.
The Houseboats of Kerala are giant country crafts, measuring up to almost 80 feet in length. Once they ruled the backwaters, heavily loaded with rice, coconut and other commodities. But in the recent times, the kettuvalloms have been replaced by more and modern modes of transport, leaving them to neglect and decay. Houseboats today are a familiar sight in Kerala with
Alleppey alone supporting around 120 Houseboats on its backwaters.
Kerala’s
Kettuvalam are the most famous and traditional houseboats also known as the ‘Knot-boats’ because of its unique feature of not using even a single nail in the whole boat. Coir knots hold this Fascinating Kerala Houseboat together. Modern Houseboats on the other hand offer all the luxuries of a five star hotel. From furnished bedrooms, to modern toilets, cozy living rooms to even a balcony are all accommodated to make these Houseboats a moving haven on earth.
Water Sports in Kerala
Onam Festival
In a place that boosts of hosting 44 rivers, numerous lakes and lagoons, Fascinating Water Sports are almost inevitable. The adventurous water sports offered by the Fascinating Kerala are Canoeing, Catamaran Sailing, Kayaking, Para Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Wind Surfing.
The tourists who thong the Beach Resorts in large numbers every ear cannot stay away from the excitement and thrill of these Fascinating Kerala Water Sports. Different Beach Resorts offer a large variety of Sports depending upon the conditions of that particular Beach, as each Beach is different from the other because of their dive conditions and marine life.
The famous ‘Snake Boat Race’ and ‘Nehru Trophy Boat Race’ are the awaited water events of the year in Fascinating Kerala Water Sports, South India. Apart from all this, tourists also endeavor a sandcastle on the swampy sands of the golden beaches besides indulging in an exciting beach volleyball or basketball game.
The details of many such fascinating things can be gathered from the site
www.fascinatingkerala.com
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)
(Open 1000 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays):
Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and Presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful murals depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana and Mahabharatha, and some of the Puranic Hindu legends. The palace also house Dutch maps of old Kochi, royal palanquins, coronation robes of former maharajas of Kochi as well as period furniture.
Synagogue
(Open 1000 - 1200 hrs; 1500 - 1700 hrs. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays):
Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century hand painted, willow patterned floor from Canton in China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
Jew Town:
The area around the Synagogue is a center of spice trade and curio shops.
Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square:
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are built of teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da gama Square, a narrow promenade that run along the beach. The Square is an ideal place to Idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.
The Bishop's House:
Built in 1506 as the residence of the Portuguese Governor, the Bishop's House stands on a little hillock near the Parade Ground. The facade of the House is characterized by large Gothic arches, and has circular garden path winding up to the main entrance. The building was acquired by Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, the 27th Bishop of the Diocese of Kochi whose jurisdiction extended over Burma, Malaya and Ceylon, in addition to India.
Old Harbour House:
This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co, renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.
Fort Immanuel:
This bastion of the Portuguese in Kochi was a symbol of the strategic alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and the monarch of Portugal, after whom it was named. Built in 1503, the fort was reinforced in 1538.By 1806 the Dutch and later the British had destroyed most of the fort walls and its bastions. Today remains of this once imposing structure can be seen along the beach.
Bastion Bungalow:
Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667, the Bungalow gets its name from its location on the site of the Stromsburg Bastion of the Dutch fort. The building blends beautifully into the circular structure of the bastion, has a tiled roof and a typical first floor verandah in wood along its front portion. Though it has been said that a network of secret tunnels run beneath the bungalow, none have been found. Today the Bungalow is the official residence of the Sub Collector.
Taker House:
This graceful building holds within itself a reflection of the colonial era. The Bungalow was built on the site of the Guilderland Bastion, one of the seven bastions of the Old Dutch fort. Earlier known as Kunal or Hill Bungalow, it was home to the managers of the National Bank of India during the British reign. Today the Bungalow belongs to Ram Bahadur Thakur and Company, the renowned tea-trading firm.
The details of these places and many more placesand the best tour packages to visit the wonderful land Kerala is given in the site
www.spiderkerala.com
Sources
www.keralatouristspots.com
www.keralatourist.in
www.fascinatingkerala.com
www.spiderkerala.com
