Kerala

– Kerala is probably the only state in India where Ayurveda is used as a mainstream medicine. Here one can see many Ayurvedic medical colleges and hospitals across the state.

– Kerala Ayurveda is famous for its 5 prolonged treatment, named as Panchakarma. As part of this treatment medicated oil, herbs, milk, and special diet are used to cure all types of aliments.

– A classic text on medicine, the Ashtangahridaya, is the foundation on which Ayurveda is based. Its author, Vagbhata was the disciple of a Buddhist physician and received little recognition in the rest of India. It is believed that a few Nampoothiri (Brahmin) families were the original Ayurvedic physicians and their decedents still carry the honorific title of ashtavaidyan. Nowadays, this holistic science of healing is practiced all over India.

– Ayurveda is the oldest healthcare system in the world.

– Kerala has the largest number of Ayurveda colleges and practitioners in comparison to any other place in the world.

The fascinating nature of Kerala can be explored during any season. However, April to August is the best season to visit Kerala.

Blue, Green, Orange, these three shades colour one’s imagination when one thinks of Kerala. Just imagine traversing through the myriad of green that gets denser by every hour; this is how bewitching Kerala can be. Staying on a houseboat in the middle of the water can be really a wonderful and forgettable experience. It is a great opportunity for the traveller to discover the colorful vistas of the aquatic world from the comfort of the houseboat; it is an experience like no other. Experiencing houseboat can be really thrilling, mesmerizing and enchanting!

Kerala is one of the first states to launch the concept of eco-tourism in India. Houseboats are probably the best way to explore the perplexing backwaters of Kerala. Greenery surrounding the area is harmonious, picturesque and exudes freshness. A day long drive from Kochi to Kumarakom feels like a breath of fresh air! An amazing eco-system with exhilarating plants, bird, and aquatic life, riding on the backwaters of Kerala is simply peaceful.

– Eravikulam National Park is regarded as one of the best managed national parks in the country.

– Animals found here are Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), and grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura).

– Bird species which can be found here are Grebes, Shearwaters and petrels, Storm petrels, Tropicbirds, Pelicans, Boobies and gannets, Cormorants, Darters, Frigate, Bitterns, herons and egrets.

– Reptiles which can be found here are king cobra, viper, python, and various turtles and crocodiles
The Periyar National Park, Kerala, is not just the only national park in South India but in the whole of India to have an artificial lake which flows through its forests.

– Forested area of Kerala is home to at least 325 globally threatened bird, amphibian, and reptile and fish species.

What makes Kerala an incredible place for watersports in India, is the state’s introduction of an ancient bamboo rafting adventures to its visitors along with the modern and latest watersports. Since the state enjoys a long coastline that are home to many exotic beaches, there are a number of watersports like snorkelling, banana boat ride, diving, canoeing that the adventure junkies can indulge into. Kerala also boasts of some pretty lakes that host enjoyable boat riding and kayaking activities. Also, in places like Kannur, adventure aficionados can relish activity like parasailing. Another must to do watersports in Kerala would be kayaking on the backwaters.

Be it the sound of drums that electrifies the festivals or eloquent faces to see during Kathakali, and Nangiar Koothu, Kerala is justifiably beloved for its mix of old-world Mohiniyattam and Kathakali passion, and the national dance form is certainly no exception.

When on a cultural tour to Kerala, one must attend the shows related to dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Chakyar Koothu, Nangiar Koothu, Theyyam, and Ottamthullal. A blend of dance, drama, mime and song, these more than 300 years old art forms are one of the most exotic of the India’s performing arts. In Kerala, one can find martial art dance forms as well like Kalaripayattu, and Velakali. A visually intriguing sight, the movement of these art forms are a combination of grace with strength and speed with flexibility and dexterity.

Folk and tribal art form of Kerala like Kolkali are treat to eyes too; they are developed in isolation but have a mainstream influence. To feel the pulse of Kerala, there’s nothing better than witnessing its art forms. So leave behind the backwater, and be a part of the frenzy high-energy art forms on your holiday to Kerala.

Along with being the top tourist destination in India, Kerala is also a trekking and camping paradise. Gifted with the lush tropical rainforests; picturesque countrysides; green rolling hills, aromatic spice plantations, and verdant grasslands, the state is inarguably the right place for people who love to trek and camp.

Its popular travel destinations like Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad as well as Trivandrum open their door to some of the best trekking and camping adventures in Kerala. Enjoy treks around Anamudi and Agasthyakoodam and Chembra, the three highest peaks in Kerala or through Parambikkulam, which shelters the world’s first ever scientifically managed teak plantationl spot tigers and exotic species of birds; and fill your lungs with fragrant air of the spices for an unforgettable Kerala trekking tour.