Exotic Kerala: Hotels & Sightseeing

About the destination: The city of Kochi boasts one of the most significant seaports in Paiscochin and is also the largest city in India without a Hindu majority. This is due to the successive waves of migration over the millennia, which have made Kochi a melting pot of races. Despite the risk of overdevelopment, the city still retains an authenticity of its colonial legacy that tourists can appreciate and admire as they explore the city streets. In 1102 AD, Cochin became the capital of the Kingdom of Kochi and has been a crucial center for spice trade on the Arabian Sea coast since the 14th century. The city has experienced a period of economic growth since the year 2000, leading to its development. This growth was due to advancements in various economic sectors such as tourism, the transport industry, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

About the destination: Munnar is a town and hill station situated in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is nestled in the Western Ghats mountain range. The name Munnar is thought to mean "three rivers", alluding to its location at the meeting point of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundaly rivers. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Atukkad Waterfalls. A picturesque waterfall surrounded by hills and forests. - Blossom Park. Also referred to as Hydel Park. - Chithirapuram. Chithirapuram is home to old playgrounds and courts, bungalows, and quaint little cottages, all of which lend this place a vintage charm.

About the destination: Situated in the verdant state of Kerala, Thekkady is a scenic village that serves as the entrance to the renowned Periyar Reserve, perfect for observing tigers and elephants. Adorned with tea and coffee plantations, and the aromatic scent of spices wafting through its lanes, Thekkady is an ideal base for nature activities like trekking or hiking. The first of the attractions is to visit the famous Periyar shrine situated on the banks of the river bearing the same name, and then connect with numerous other attractions: the village of Kumily, perfect for immersing oneself in Ayurveda therapies; the pepper, tea, and cardamom gardens that encircle Murikkady, the Mangla Devi temple, or the waterfalls that disrupt the tropical silence of Chellarkovil. A captivating hub where you can indulge in the tranquil life offered by the state also referred to as the "Land of God", amidst rugged landscapes, thundering jungles, and a microcosm where all the fragrances of South India are accommodated.

About the destination: Kumarakom is a well-known tourist spot situated near the city of Kottayam in Kerala, India, renowned for its backwater tourism. It is set against the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Bird Sanctuary. Also referred to as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, it is located in Kumarakom in the Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala, on the shores of Vembanad Lake. Nestled in the Kerala Backwaters, the bird sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and a popular spot for migratory birds. - Bay Island Driftwood Museum.

About the destination: Located 16 kilometers from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala state, Kovalam is one of South India's most captivating sun and beach destinations. This small village, surrounded by mangroves and coconut gardens, was established in the 1930s, when the English transformed its beaches into a tourist paradise that was later frequented by the hippie community as a stopover before reaching Sri Lanka. Today, Kovalam stretches along 17 kilometers of coastline, home to beaches such as Lighthouse Beach (the most iconic, thanks to its famous 35-meter high lighthouse), Hawah Beach, which is perfect for observing the activities of local fishermen; and Samuda Beach, which is a bit more secluded. In addition to its coves, Kovalam offers a variety of experiences, from a tour of the Karamana River, to art galleries and temples such as Thiruvallam Parasurama, to visits to the various resorts along the coast.

About the destination: Situated near the southernmost point of mainland India, Thiruvananthapuram, often still referred to as Trivandrum, is the capital city of Kerala in Southern India. Mahatma Gandhi once described it as the "Evergreen city of India", a name that reflects its rolling landscape of low coastal hills and bustling commercial streets. Thiruvananthapuram is a city steeped in history, with numerous historical buildings, parks, museums, tourist centers, and palaces scattered throughout. It's also renowned for its unique greenery, a rare sight in any busy Indian city. The city's main attraction is the Sree Anantha Padmanabha Temple, one of the oldest temples in India and a significant Vishnu temple in the country. The entire city of Thiruvananthapuram was constructed around this temple, which is an architectural marvel blending Kerala and Tamil styles. The temple features a large, clear pond known as Padmatheertham, which is also a landmark. Built on hills along the seashore and nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Thiruvananthapuram is the top destination for foreign tourists visiting Kerala and offers a captivating experience for vacationers.