Kerala
Kerala Tour Packages ,Cheap Kerala tour packages
Flanked by the Arabian Sea in the West, the towering Western Ghats in the East and networked by 44 interconnected rivers, Kerala is blessed with a unique set of geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, are just a few of the wonders that await you once you crossover to the other side. And what’s more, each of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other – a singular advantage no other place on the planet can offer.
Kerala prides itself for being the flag bearer for not just how a culture can respect its past but also march forward with growth & progress as well. Hundred percent literacy, world-class health care systems, India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates are among a few of the milestones that the people of the state are extremely proud of.
Location
Kerala is situated between latitude 10°00 North and longitude 76°25 East. Kerala shares its state borders with Tamil Nadu on the east and Karnataka on the north. It is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west. The length of the coastline of Kerala is approximately 575 Kilometers. The backwaters, scenic hills and stunning beaches make Kerala no less than paradise. Visit Kerala and you will know what we are talking about!
Attractions Of Kerala
There are numerous tourist attractions in Kerala if you are planning your holiday in “God’s own Country”. Kerala is located on the tropical southwestern coast of India. Kerala’s art and architecture, Ayurveda and spa, verdant hill stations, palm-fringed backwaters, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, world class hotels and gracious hospitality makes it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in India. It isn’t surprising that Kerala has been rated one of the 50 Places in the World to Visit in a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveller.
Flora And Fauna
Flora and Fauna of Kerala are hugely supported by the rich soil, heavy rainfall and damp climate. All these factors have given rise to a diverse variety of flora in the region. Forest area is largely spread over the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats represent one of the 18 hot spots of bio-diversity of the world and is considered to be a depositary of endemic, rare and endangered flora and fauna. Forest trees can be broadly classified as timber trees and flower trees. Teak tree, rosewood and ebony are the most important in the first category. Among the flowering trees, the more important are the Barringtonia and varieties of Bauhinia and Hibiscus. Jack Fruit Tree and mango tree are found almost in all the regions of the state.
The recorded forest area of Kerala is 11,125.59 sq km. This includes 9157.10 sq km reserve forests; 214.31 sq km proposed reserve and 1754.18 sq. km vested forest. Out of the total of 11,125 sq km of recorded forest area, the effective (actual) forest area in Kerala is only 9400 sq km. The forests in the state can be divided into seven major types, which are subdivided into many sub-types depending upon the floristic composition and site factors. According to this classification, there are 28 vegetation types in the state of Kerala.
Besides the flora, Kerala’s fauna is varied too. The forests are abounding in elephants, black leopards, tigers, sloth bears, giant squirrels and a variety of deer. The delightful specimens of the bird life include the charming little honey-sucker with glorious metallic colours, the golden-backed woodpecker, the little white-eyed tit which creeps among the leaves, and the Malabar whistling thrush which has earned the name ‘Drunken Plough Boy’ by its musical exertions. The area is covered by the two national parks, twelve wild life sanctuaries and one biosphere coming under the category of protected areas in Kerala. It is near about 2.32 lakh hectares. It is around 25 per cent of the total area under forests and around six per cent of the total geographical area, which is higher than the national average of five per cent. Protected areas showcase the bio-diversity of Kerala.
Wildlife Locations In Kerala
There are a number of popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala housing exotic and rare species of flora and fauna. Nestled in the elaborate forest of the majestic Western Ghats or Sahyadri Ranges in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries and two tiger reserves. Kerala also has six national parks containing protected and endangered species like the Indian Sloth-Bear, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Indian Bison, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr etc.
Safaris In Kerala
Some of the animals that you would most likely see on your wildlife safari within Kerala would include wild dogs, sambar deer, spotted dear, Bonet Macaque, Hanuman Langur, Lion tailed Macaque, Gaur, Leopard, Elephants, Tigers, Bears, Peacocks, wild cats and more. Kerala is a treasure trove of a priceless avian population as well.
You can see Black Drongo, Plum headed Parakeet, Rose Ringed Parakeet, White bellied Drongo, Hair crested Drongo, Indian Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Grey Junglefowl, various varieties of Kingfisher and many more.
Shopping In Kerala
Since Ancient times traders from all over world came to Kerala for its abundant wealth of spices, gold and ivory. But today one can shop these items in Kerala without much hassles. Kerala has much more to offer as delightful memoirs to visitors such as Wayanand coffee, Munnar tea, patta koda, bell metal items, coconut shell crafts, bamboo items, wood carvings and antiques.
M.G. Roadin Trivandrum is best place to witness Malayali Art. Wooden models of Kathakali dancers painted in bright colors are famous all over world and are must buy for tourists. Jew Street of Kochi is famous for Chinese ceremics and antiques. Metal mirrors made with old techniques by skilled craftsmen cannot be missed in Aranmula. Government Emporia Kairali has wide display of souvenirs from Kerala at reasonable prices.
Markets of Alappuzah and Kuttanad are full of items made up of natural fibres such as bags, durries, wall mats, rugs, carpets and furniture. Natural fibres are colored to make product more appealing and decorative.
The indispensable part of Kerala is spice market. Visit to one of the spice market is must to have a glance of shops filled with whole areca nuts, pepper, dried ginger, turmeric and many more spices. The fragrance of spices can be felt in air in this market.
Drive to Munnar in Idukki district to get the true flavor of world famous Indian Tea. Kalpetta in Wayanand district has coffee culture. Tea and coffee is also available in shops run by Tea Board or coffee Board in all Major Kerala destinations.
One of your major reasons to spend your holidays in Kerala can be the shopping spree. Pay a visit to all the major destinations of this Land of Spices and you can’t control your hand for buying.
Climate In Keralaa
Kerala is situated close to the equator and as a consequence, enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures stay fairly consistent throughout the year, with average maximum highs between 29°C and 33°C and minimum lows ranging between 23°C and 25°C. The overall average daily temperature doesn’t drop below 27°C or rise above 29°C in the course of the year. It’s not just the land temperatures that are stable, but also the temperature of the sea, which remains fairly constant throughout the year—it ranges from 27°C to 30°C, which is incredibly warm.
Capital : Thiruvananthapuram
Location: Western Ghats
Language: Malayalam,English and Tamil, Sanskrit,Latin, Urdu.
Best Time to Visit Kerala: Between June and August
Major Towns: Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kovalam, Trivandrum, Kodaikanal.