If you are a tourist looking for the perfect tropical vacation destination, Kerala might be a choice you will never regret. It is a small state located in southwestern India between the Arabian Sea and the Nilgiri mountain ranges. The sheer beauty and greenery of the state have placed it on National Geographic magazine’s list of the ‘ten paradises of the world’. The natural beauty is just one of the many things that draw tourists to this place. Kerala is a state known for its rich cultural and traditional heritage. The growth rate of the tourism industry in Kerala which is around 13% shows the demand for this state among the tourists. All these reasons make Keralites proudly declare their tourism catchphrase, ‘God’s Country’.

Kerala is an amalgamation of whatever kind of tourist attractions you are looking for, one exception might just be the snow. It has beaches, hill stations, backwaters, forts, palaces, national parks and so many. One of the main features of Kerala tourism is that it promotes ecologically sustainable tourism. Here is a small glimpse of various tourist spots in Kerala.

Beaches: The most famous beaches are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Thalassery etc. There are also numerous beaches along Kerala’s 600 km coastal belt. Fishing is an important source of life for the locals.

Hill Stations: Munnar is the most popular hill station in Kerala. It was one of the most favored sites by the British during their colonial reign. The highest peak in the region is around 2,800 m, the highest in the south of the peninsula. Other famous hill stations are Nelliyampathi, Wayanad and Ponmudi.

Backwaters and Lakes: The backwaters of the Cochin region like Aleppey, Punnamada and Kumarakom (near Kottayam) are world famous. Due to its various canals and water transport facilities, Aleppey has earned the nickname of being the ‘Venice of the East’. There are also many other backwaters and lakes like Ashtamudi, Shasthamkotta etc.

Heritage Sites: There are numerous historically important sites in Kerala such as Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Bakel Fort, Mattancherry Jew Street, Thrippunithara Palace etc.

One thing you don’t have to worry about when traveling to Kerala is accommodation. There are hundreds of resorts and hotels all over Kerala that will ensure you a pleasant and comfortable stay during your visit. Considering the proximity to all the places in Kerala, Cochin is the ideal place to stay. Cities like Cochin, Calicut and Trivandrum are also good destinations for shopping.