Kerala is hugged by coasts on one side and hills on another, which are the homes of tea and coffee plantations leading to denser monsoon forest land. This green land is interrupted by the azure backwaters, where you can explore the country on a rice boat.

Kerala is a land of ancient culture. People are warm and lively with strong sense of tradition and religious belief. It is the first State in India to achieve hundred percent literacy and zero percent population growth. The former booker prize winner Arudhathi Roy is from Kerala. Her book The God of small things took place in Ayemenem near Kottayam.

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LOCAL TRAVEL

Taxies with meter are available in all over Kerala.

Auto-rickshaw, a converted scooter which can carry two to three people, is a convenient method for travelling a short distance. The driver will take you to your destination for a small fee.

Car Hire: You can hire a car for a whole day for about £25 (including a driver and petrol)

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PLACES TO VISIT

1. Kovalam

Kovalam is the main beach resort, which lies 10 kilometres south of Trivandrum. Kovalam has been described as one of India's finest beaches. Its many miles of golden sandy beaches, flanked by coconut palms, is broken into four bays by rocky promontories. In the beach resort there is a range of hotels and restaurants. Tourists can find both local and European dishes and much fresh fish and seafood. It is possible to eat at little expense. On the beach many different items can be bought from fresh pineapple, papaya and coconuts to exotic cottons and silks.

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2. Trivandrum

The capital of the state of Kerala, Trivandrum also known as Thiruvananthapuram. The main tourist attractions are East Fort at the southern end of the city which encloses the famous Shri Padmanabhaswamy Vishnu Temple. Twenty yards from the temple is the Puthen Malika Palace. Located in attractive gardens are the Napier museum, Sri Chitra art gallery and Trivandrum zoo. The Zoological Gardens are, said to be, among the most well planned zoos in Asia. The Botanical Garden within the zoo houses specimens of almost every tropical tree existing. The Observatory, located on the highest point of the city, is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks of Trivandrum.

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3. Cochin

Cochin is set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. Consisting of mainland Ernakulam, the islands of Willington, Bolgatty and Gundu in the harbour, Fort Cochin and Mattancherry on the southern peninsula, and Vypeen Island north of Fort Cochin, all linked by ferry. The influence of Chinese, Jews, Arabs and Europeans

is evident in Cochin and its people :the oldest church in India, 500-year-old Portugese houses, old tiled houses built in the Chinese pagoda style, the famous Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish community whose roots go back to the Diaspora, synagogues and mosques all tell the fascinating story of this harbour town. Cochin is also the home of the Bolghatty Palace -Once a mansion of the British Resident and now a hotel, is in palm fringed Bolghatty Island, and Mattancherry Palace - The palace (Dutch Palace) was built by the Portuguese in 1557. The Dutch renovated it after 1663.

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4. Backwaters

Visit to Kerala is not complete without a boat ride through the splendid backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters refer to the extensive network of rivers lakes canals and lagoons that lace the interior coast line from Cochin almost down to Trivandrum. Alleppey is a centre for backwater activities. Numerous cruises are available. To experience the natural beauty of the backwaters, we recommend a trip from Venbanad lake to Cochin.

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5. Thekkady: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the largest wildlife reserves in India consists of 750kms of Cardamon Hills of the Western Ghats. An excursion on the lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. The herd of elephants and over 260 species of birds are some of the main attractions. Periyar is undeniably, one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

The terrain is basically hilly, and the only flat areas of the sanctuary are the grasslands, at the edges of the lakes. Impregnable forests and open grasslands make for a sustaining environment, for both the carnivore and herbivore population of the reserve. Periyar is probably one of the few places, where one can observe the elephants in their natural surroundings, uninterrupted, and approach to within 20 metres of them, fearlessly.

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PERFORMING ARTS OF KERALA

Kathakali: A classical dance/drama originated in the temples of Kerala over 500 years ago. All characters are performed by men.

Mohiniattam: A combination of Bharatha Natyam and classical folk dance of Kerala is performed as a solo dance.

Kalaripayatu: This martial art dance evolved from the practise of regular combat exercise designed to strengthen the body.

Theyyam: One of the ancient art form associated with the cult of the Mother Goddess Bhagavati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The dance is performed by men with elaborate costumes, and make-up with painted face.

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AYURVEDIC HEALTH CLUB

Ayurveda is an alternative medicine which dates back to 3000 BC is practised in its original form in Kerala. The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit words ayus meaning life and veda meaning knowledge. It is usually translated as the Science of Life. Ayurveda is well accepted as a natural and effective way of keeping the body healthy. The Health club is an ideal way to recoup energy with traditional massages with specially formulated oils. Special treatments are available to help loose excess weight, arthritis and rheumatism. There are many health clubs in Trivandrum and Alappuza.