Tourism

Kerala,  the land with its incredible natural beauty better known as 'God's Own country' is a small coastline state of India. It is a homely state which respects the mythological concept of 'Athithi Devo Bhava' (guest is god). As coconut trees dominate the landscape, Kerala is also known as 'the land of coconuts'. An epic belief to this state is that, Kerala is gifted by Arabian Sea when Parasurama threw his axe into the sea. Owing to its favourable location this land fostered trade and established contacts with Egypt, Assyria, Greeks, Romans and the Chinese. 

It represents only 1.18 percent of the total area of India but has 3.34% of the total population of the country. It is separated from the rest of the peninsula by natural geographic boundaries. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively; to its west and south lie the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean with the islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. Kerala's original language is Malayalam. 

Watered by an astounding number of 44 rivers, Kerala has a unique geographical features that made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. The state is gifted with greenery, hill stations, beaches, wildlife backwaters, historic monuments, spices, cultural diversity and many more. Besides all these, the state thrills visitors with its magical festivals, enchanting art forms and more over her unique exotic cuisine.

The tourist places here is countless and so the state has a variety of holiday options to offer. Besides well known destinations including Munnar, Kovalam, Fort Kochi, Thekkady, Athirappilly - Vazhachal, Kumarakom etc, there also several lesser known beautiful places as well. The state also has some of the best and most picturesque beaches in India - Kovalam and Varkala, a little south of the Capital Thiruvnanathapuram. The palm - fringed backwaters along the coastline are a special attraction. 

The climate of the state varies with the regions. Kerala is bestowed with a pleasant and equable climate through out the year. The High Ranges have a cool and bracing climate throughout the year, while the plains are hot. There is fairly good rainfall without intermission between June and November. Best time to visit Kerala is November to February. 

For more information Contact 

Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132 Fax: +91-471-2322279 
Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
Contact Now - E-mail

Tourist information centers

How to get there

Air

Kerala is well connected by Airways. Kerala airports are easily accessible from all major towns and cities of the state. Trivandrum and Cochin are the two International Airports in Kerala. The other main airport in Kerala is Calicut Airport located in Malapuram district of Calicut. These airports have daily international flights to major countries like Dubai, Muscat, Singapore, etc and are also linked with other countries. 

Rail

Kerala is linked with all parts of India through Railways. The State has a total railway route length of 1,050 km and covers 13 railway routes. It has 933 km of broad gauge lines and 117 km of meter gauge lines. The Southern Railway connects all major towns in Kerala except the two districts Idukki and Wayanad.  Kerala's major railway stations are Trivandrum Central, Kollam Junction, Ernakulam Junction, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Shoranur Junction, and Palakkad Junction. 

Ports

Among 16 ports, Kochi the only major port in the State. There are three intermediate ports (Neendakara, Alappuzha, Kozhikkode ) (Intermediate Ports) and 12 minor ports (Vizhinjam, Valiyathura, Thankasserry, Kayamkulam, Manakkodam, Munambam, Ponnani, Beypore, Vadakara, Thalasserry, Manjeswaram, Neeleswaram, Kannur, Azhikkal and Kasaragode). Inland water transport system is available in the districts of Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. Boats are used in certain areas for public transport. 

Road

The state is well connected to all the major cities of the country through a network of highways. It has a wide road net work of 21467.492 kms including National Highways, State highways and other Major District Roads. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provide public bus service to parts of Kerala and to other parts of South India like Nagercoil, Chennai, Kanyakumari, Bangalore and Managlore etc. It runs approximately 4704 buses everyday for public transit service. Besides the State Transport, there are several private buses connecting every towns and villages. Luxury, Semi-luxury coaches and tourist taxis can be hired. The facility of renting a car with or without chauffeur for intra or inter city drive is available. A very commonly mode of transport is metered Auto rickshaw. Even though the taxi and auto rickshaws are metered,  make sure, before start, that the driver agrees to use the fare meter.