Kerala

Ayurveda, 'Science of Life', the safest medical system on the earth, is the traditional medical practice of Kerala. Kerala has several established training centers and ayurvedic medical colleges that bring out the best doctors and paramedical staff. Climatic conditions, abundant rain forests that contain lot of medicinal plants make Kerala and ideal place for conventional ayurvedic treatment.

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets system formed by more than 900 km of waterways. Kuttanadu, the ricebowl of Kerala, lying below sea level is the home of a wide range of birds. Kumarakom, another internationally acclaimed tourist destination has a bird sanctuary adjacent to the water body. Palm fringed back waters of Kumarakom and Kuttanad attracts several migratory birds during summer. The chirrping of birds and the gentle breeze is sure to give you a heavenly experience.

The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in these backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. These luxurious moving vessels were once used as freight boats. Now their appearance has changed, and present a memorable floating experience with comfort and pleasure. Thy have all the creature comforts of a good hotel: well-furnished bedrooms, modern hygienic toilets, cosy living rooms, a beautiful kitchen and in some cases even a balcony for angling.

Flanked on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a long coastline of 580 km (360.39 miles); all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches. The crescent beaches of Kerala are internationally acclaimed. Its neatness and beauty attracts vistiors from around the world. Protected by rocks from strong waves, this shallow waters are certainly a swimmers' and surfers' paradise.

The rainforests of Kerala is home to various species of exotic butterflies, mighty tigers, extinctive Nilgri Tahr, huge Asian elephants, fiersome King cobras etc. offer splendour to a safari with tribal assistance. Significant variations in terrain and elevation have resulted in a wildlife whose biodiversity registers as among the world's most significant. Thattekkad -the richest bird habitat on peninsular India, Silent Valley - one of the last undisturbed tract of Western Ghats, Thekkady - home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiry Langurs are a few of the wildlife attractions Kerala offers you.

Koodiyattam, the Sanskrit theater is one of the master pieces among the classical art forms of Kerala. It is officially recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Kathakali, a highly stylized classical dance-drama, , Kalaripayattu, possibly one of the oldest fighting systems in existence, Mohiniyattam, one of the eight Indian classical dance forms is a very graceful dance performed as a solo recital by women - are a few among the cultural experiences that is exlusive to Kerala.

Highest point in the famous Western Ghats, that cover 1,60,000 km², lies in Kerala - Anaimudi- adjacent to the world famous Eravikulam National park - the home of endangered Nilgri Tahr. Long stretches of coffee, tea and spice plantations furnish coolness to ones mind and body. Spectacular waterfalls amidst tropical biodiverse evergreen forests with medicinal and flowery plants is a special sight in the hills of Wayanad, Idukki and Vagamon

Kerala cuisine has a multitude of both vegetarian and non-vegitarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and meat. Sadhya -Rice with more than fourteen colorful dishes including curries, pickles, banana chips, payasam etc, served on plantain leaf is really mouth watering. The famous Puttu or crisp lacy Vellayappam is a must try. For the non vegitarians, fish food of Kerala will be a real treat, especially the curry, moli or fried preparations of Karimeen/Pearlspot, Tiger prawns, Seer fish etc.

Be it spring, summer, autumn or winter, Kerala's coconut leaf thatched cottages are the best choice to spend your holidays close to nature. Kerala's humid climatic conditions require cotton clothes. But the temperature won't exceed 32 degree centigrades. You can enjoy the warmth and coolness at the same time at the numerous resorts spread across the varyious locations in Kerala.