To enjoy the greens or to appreciate nature or just to understand the heritage Kerala is indeed the right place to enjoy the leisure tourism. The kettuvallom of ancient Kerala has evolved into houseboats. These are one of the best ways of spending leisure times. The houseboats are available in the backwaters of Kerala. The interiors are decorated with plush designs and the services provided are perfect for laid back holidayers.
Among Kerala`s excellent beaches Kovalam is the best known. It is located around16 kilometers south of Trivandrum. The lifestyle here is quite similar to that of rural Kerala. Yet all kinds of services made available to the tourists. Ayurvedic massage are also available after a swim in the rough waters.
Varkala, lying north of Trivandrum (54 km), has a fine beach at the base of cliffs.
Kollam is a cashew nut port and it is also the southern gateway to the backwaters. Travellers can sail through a network of narrow canals and wide lakes where people paddle to their daily tasks.
Unlike the wave-tossed western seashore, which runs roughly parallel, the backwaters are calm. Boats of all descriptions are sailed along the shallow green waterways. Tidy bungalows line up on either side, to give way to great heaps of coconut fibre or clusters of Chinese fishing nets, lit up at night to attract shrimps.
Most tourists take the steamers between Kollam (Quilon) and Alappuzha (Alleppey) for a trip which can be done under two hours in the broad passages, or closer to eight hours when stopping off in the narrow passages. Cruising boats are also available on the backwaters for relaxing.
Another popular tourist destination around the state of Kerala is Lakshadweep. It is scattered some 200-400 kilometers west of the Kerala coast. Foreign tourists can use kayaks, catamarans, or a small sailboat on Bangaram, the pricey island developed especially for them.
The Kavaratti Island provides the opportunity for deep sea fishing, glass bottom boats, snorkels and scuba gear are available for close-up encounters with sea turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, parrot fish and lion fish.
The travelers will also lose their hearts to the mesmerizing beauty of the hill stations of Kerala, such as, Wayanad, Ponmudi, Nelliyampathy, Munnar, Idukki, Peerimade, Wagamon, Malampuzha and others.
Kerala`s contribution to the cultural wealth of India has been enormous. The palaces are stunning with intricate wood carvings and murals. At Padmanabhjapuram, window panes of mica cast a magic light into the carved rooms cooled with natural air-conditioning using inner courtyards. An imposing royal bed, a single granite slab, is placed atop a gleaming black floor made from egg whites and burnt coconut shell.
Kerala is world famous for its Ayurveda Treatment. They are rejuvenating and at the same time they have medicinal value.
