Unravel the marvel of Nature called Kerala. Just a visit to this part of India gives one an explanation why this small state, Kerala, is so famous. This strip of land runs along the southwestern coast of India from the Southern tip towards the North. Due to this geographical structure, it is much easier for the tourists to cover the entire state beginning from either end towards the other.

Towards the southern tip of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram (earlier known as Trivandrum), the capital city of the State. Kovalam, the world-renowned beach, is just a few minutes drive from this city, which is also famous for Padmanabhaswamy temple. The palaces and museum in the city are rich with historically and culturally important artifacts. Thiruvananthapuram has a lot to offer to all forms of art lovers with cultural events being hosted every other day.

Moving north, Kollam (earlier known as Quilon) is known as the City of Backwaters. A visit to Kerala is incomplete with its own traditional houseboat cruise. Kollam was once the port of international spice trade famous for cashew trading and processing industry. Lake Ashtamudi covers 30% of the town and offers magnificent backwaters of Kerala. The District also has some interesting historic remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate architectural style.

Alappuzha, the backwater country, called as the “Venice of the East”, is also home to diverse animal and bird life. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, and marine products and coir industry. A single characteristic of this land is the region called “Kuttanad”. Kuttanad called “The Rice Bowl of Kerala”, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of banana, cassava and yam. This is perhaps the only region in the world where farming is done 1.5 to 2meter below sea level. Inland waterways, which flow above land level, are an amazing feature of this region.

Bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad Lake and the paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, extensive rubber plantations and a totally literate people have given this district the enviable title: The Land of Letters, Latex and Lakes.

Three main rivers - Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their tributaries, flank Idukki. River Pamba also has its origin here. Among the other districts of Kerala, Idukki is rich in nature, high ranges and wooded valleys etc. Idukki offer attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantation tours, mountain treks, elephant rides etc. The tribes in Idukki called Muthuvan, Malayarayan, Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Ulladan, Malavedan and Malampandaram have unique customs and beliefs and maintain an ethos which is certainly different from that of the mainstream culture.

Ernakulam is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north. Kochi in Ernakulam known as the 'Queen of Arabian Sea' is the commercial capital city. It was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc. due to its finest natural harbours in the World.

Thrissur called, as the Cultural Capital of Kerala is known for its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth. Many rulers and dynasties have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. But Raja Rama Varma popularly known, as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur Town. Today Thrissur is famous for its ‘Pooram Festival’. The Cultural Centre, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are located here.

Palakkad the 'Granary of Kerala' is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the north and derives its name from the malayalam words 'Pala' (Astoria Scholoris) and 'Kadu' (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the 'Pala' tree.

Malappuram (literally, a land atop of hills) is enriched by the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha rivers. Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts between 1792 and 1971. The hill country has also contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy. The temples and mosques of this district are well known for their spectacular festivals. Along with historic monuments and diverse natural attractions, a range of cultural and ritual art forms adds to its value as a destination worth visiting.

Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.

Wayanad is one of the districts in Kerala that has been able to retain its pristine nature. Hidden away in the hills of this land are some of the oldest tribes, as yet untouched by civilization. Wayanad is known for its picturesque mist clad hill stations, sprawling spice plantations, luxuriant forests and rich cultural traditions. The leading tourist centres of South India like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Kannur are around this region. Major towns in the district are Kalpetta, Mananthavady, Thalasseri, Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri.

Kannur district is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendor, has been a key contributor of the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala.

The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. Kasaragod is rich in cultural heritage. Rich pageants of Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (Buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc enchant visitors.