Kerala's history is closely linked with its commerce, which until recent times revolved around its spice trade. Celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, ancient Kerala played host to travellers and traders from across the world including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British. Almost all of them have left their imprints on this land in some form or the other and that has helped us mould and design our own special way of interacting with the world.
Kerala is a slender strip of land in the southern tip of Indian subcontinent. Beautiful and benign, this Indian state lies along a sun drenched coastline flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east.
Cascading delicately down the hills to the golden coasts covered by verdant coconut groves, Kerala is located between north latitudes 8 degree 18' and 12 degree 48' and east longitudes 74 degree 52' and 72 degree 22'. Encompasses 1.18 per cent of the country, this land of eternal beauty is the abode of more than 31.8 million Malayalees.
Along a sun drenched coastline, to the extreme south west of the Indian peninsula, lies Kerala, beautiful and benign. Flanked by the Arabian sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east, this land of Parasurama stretch north-south along a coast line of 580 kms with a varying width of 35 to 120 kms. Cascading delicately down the hills to the golden coasts covered by verdant coconut groves, the topography and physical characteristics change distinctly from east to west.
Located between north latitudes 8 degree 18' and 12 degree 48' and east longitudes 74 degree 52' and 72 degree 22', this land of eternal beauty encompasses 1.18 per cent of the country.
The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern boundary of the State, form an almost continuous mountain wall, except near Palakkad where there is a natural mountain pass known as the Palakkad Gap. The average elevation of the Ghats is about 1500 meters above sea level, occasionally soaring to peaks of 2000 to 2500 m. From the Ghats, the land slopes to west on to the plains, into an unbroken coastline.
The nature of the terrain and its physical features, divides an east west cross section of the state into three district regions - hill and valleys, midland plains and coastal region
Kerala is a state on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India. It covers an area of almost 38,900 km² and has about 33.4 million inhabitants. The capital of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram, formerly Trivandrum.
The landscape of Kerala is characterized by lush tropical vegetation. The scenery is primarily dominated by rice and cotton fields, coffee, tea and rubber plantations, a multitude of fruit trees and spice plants as well as coconut palms, the state's life trees. Another characteristic: Kerala is regarded as a model state for a progressive, educated and open India.
Iconic Destinations in Kerala is a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, renowned for its sprawling, manicured tea estates and cool mountain climate. Perched at an altitude of over 1,500 meters, this verdant paradise is frequently referred to as the "Kashmir of South India" due to its mist-covered valleys, gushing waterfalls, and rare wildlife species.
Expansive Tea Gardens: Offers vast stretches of emerald-green tea plantations, where travelers can tour historic factories and sample freshly brewed varieties.
Rich Biodiversity: Serves as the gateway to protected areas like Eravikulam National Park, which provides a sanctuary for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Scenic Visual Points: Dotted with popular panoramic viewpoints and outdoor landmarks, including Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, and Echo Point. historically called Alleppey, is celebrated as the "Backwater Capital of India" and nicknamed the "Venice of the East" due to its intricate network of marine canals and lagoons. Lying beside the Laccadive Sea, this aquatic wonderland is most famous for its traditional houseboats that glide past slow-paced villages, dense coconut groves, and lush, marshy fields.
Houseboat Cruises: Features iconic multi-room wooden houseboats that offer overnight stays, allowing guests to relax as oarsmen navigate quiet waterways.
Cultural Village Stops: Stops along the coastline provide live demonstrations of regional trades, such as coir rope-making from coconut shells and spice farming.
Relaxing Beaches: Home to the popular Alappuzha Beach, which features a historic pier, golden sands, and an old lighthouse that draws sunset watchers. is an enchanting highland district defined by its dramatic ridges, dense sub-tropical forests, and rich historical legacy. Situated at a high altitude near the border of Karnataka, it translates to the "land of paddy fields" and treats travelers to a rustic environment filled with prehistoric archaeological sites and untamed wildlife.
Prehistoric Exploration: Houses the ancient Edakkal Caves, which contain remarkable rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic era.
Earthen Infrastructure: Features the majestic Banasura Sagar Dam, recognized as the largest earthen dam in India and the second-largest in Asia.
Adventure Trekking: Highly favored by outdoor enthusiasts for challenging mountain trails, including hikes up Chembra Peak to view its heart-shaped lake.
is a historic, seaside neighborhood in the port city of Kochi that reflects a unique multicultural character shaped by centuries of international maritime trade. Its strategic location on the Malabar Coast attracted Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British merchants, leaving behind a charming tapestry of colonial architecture, ancient places of worship, and vibrant spice markets.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Displays iconic, massive shore-operated lift nets along the beachfront that utilize a unique bamboo counterweight mechanism.
Colonial Heritage Sites: Home to centuries-old European architecture, including the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) and St. Francis Church.
Vibrant Neighborhoods: Features Jew Town and the Paradesi Synagogue, showcasing a rich cultural history alongside busy modern cafes and craft shops is an evergreen sanctuary that appeals deeply to nature enthusiasts looking to lose themselves in dense, pristine jungle canopies. This mountainous destination centers around the Periyar National Park and is famous for its vibrant wildlife population, aromatic spice plantations, and active forest conservation efforts.
Wildlife Viewing: Offers scenic boat safaris along Periyar Lake, providing opportunities to witness wild Asian elephants, bison, and deer drinking at the water's edge.
Active Forest Safaris: Features guided jungle treks, bamboo rafting, and night patrols for a chance to spot rare species, including Bengal tigers.
Cultural Immersive Shows: Hosts traditional performing arts centers where visitors can watch high-energy Kathakali dances and Kalaripayattu martial arts.
