People who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy unity with nature go on vacation to Kerala. In this state, you can spend your vacation as beach holiday and active trips to the sights of Kerala.

It can be combined with a course of recovery - after all, Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda! Ayurveda is not a few procedures, but a whole science or a healing system that includes massages, cleansing procedures, a nutrition system, the use of herbs and much more, so the procedures must be completed in a course.

Kovalam
The most famous beach in Kerala can be divided into three components: Lighthouse (in the south), Hawah and Samudra (in the north). It is in this resort that such famous Ayurvedic hotels as Somatheeram, Manaltheeram, Travancore Heritage, Leela Kempinski and others are concentrated. Kovalam is located in the south of Kerala, 14 km from the capital of the state - the city of Trivandrum. There are very calm beaches surrounded by coconut palms, there are many fishing boats on the shore and every morning you can watch the locals go out to sea for fishing. In Kovalam, there is a good shopping center where you can buy Ayurvedic medicines, fabrics, jewelry and numerous souvenirs.

marari- the quietest and calm beach all along the coast. Here is the popular Ayurvedic hotel Marari Beach, made in the traditional Kerala style. This resort is suitable for all those who are looking for peace and solitude.

Varkala is popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents. white sandy papanasam beach, surrounded by red rocks is incredibly beautiful, there are healing mineral springs. It is believed that after immersion in them, a person cleanses not only the body, but also the soul. In addition, Varkala is known for the fact that the ancient temple of Janardhana Swami, dating back 2000 years, is located here.

Alappudja (or Allepy)- a very beautiful and picturesque place. It is here that you can see all the diversity and beauty of the local nature: a long sandy beach surrounded by palm trees; numerous lagoons and bays; deep lakes and freshwater rivers. However, Allapuja is no longer known as a beach resort, but as the main center for boating. At the end of the summer, snake boat races are held here - the most spectacular event in the sports life of the state.

Bekal located 14 km from the city of Kasargod. This is one of the most famous beaches in the history of the Malabar coast. It is here that the famous Bekal is located - a fort that is about 300 years old. The beach is quiet, clean and calm.

Moppila bay- a natural harbor near Fort Sant'Angelo, built in 1505. The beach is considered very calm as it is separated from the open sea. In good weather, vacationers are offered to make unforgettable boat trips.

Patiramanal is an ideal place to stop while traveling through the backwaters of Kerala. It is located between Vembanad and Kayamkulam lakes. This place was chosen by thousands of migratory birds, which can be seen on this island every year.

Payambalam- a long, clean, sandy beach, near the town of Kannur. Shady gardens, decorated with sculptures, stretch out along the coast. Folk music festivals are often held here.

Sankhumudham- a resort near the capital of the state of Thiruvananthapuram. In August-September, a colorful carnival is held in the neighboring village. This resort has an indoor leisure club, a children's go-kart, a giant 35-meter mermaid statue, and a starfish-shaped restaurant. The beach is long, clean and sandy.

Cherai- the beach is 35 km from Cochin. Cherai is known for its local wine - toddy and a wide selection of different seafood. This resort is suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Veli- a resort 2 km from the airport in Trivandrum. The uniqueness of this place is given by the unique nature: the Arabian Sea is connected here with coastal lakes. There are beautiful parks all around. Tourists can choose from a range of activities, including boating, a floating restaurant, pony rides and an outdoor theatre.

India is a favorite holiday destination for many tourists. The most attractive tropical state for travelers with palm trees and almost white sandy beaches is Kerala. It suits lovers active rest and people who yearn for peace, lonely wanderers and families with children. How to get to the resort and diversify your pastime there - read on.

Kerala: first acquaintance with the resort state of India

Kerala or "the land of coconut trees" is an Indian state founded in 1956. Its capital is the city of Thiruvananthapuram, and the official language is Malayalam.

Did you know? Hindus do not like to swim in the sea. They prefer rivers and lakes. Women do not bathe in public places at all.

Where is

The state is located in the south of India (Malabar coast). From the western side it is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, from the east by the Western Ghats. Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Kerala Map

A bit of history

Previously (III century AD) Kerala was part of Keralaputra - the Dravidian state. In 1498, Vasco da Gama traveled to this region with the aim of removing the state from Arab control in order to facilitate Portuguese trade relations. It was possible only in 1503.

Some time later, the Portuguese were driven out by the Dutch, who were defeated by the Nairs in 1741. In 1792 Kerala became part of British India.

India gained its independence only in 1947, and in 1949 the Kerala capital (Thiruvananthapuram) and its largest city (Kochi) merged into the state of Travancore-Cochin.

Kerala acquired its modern look in 1956 by combining Travancore-Cochin, Madras and Kasargod.

How to get there

Getting there is not at all difficult, along the entire coast there is a good transport interchange. The state has 3 airports with international connections, which are located in the largest cities:

• Karipur accepting flights from Mumbai, Bahrain, Dubai, Delhi, Doha, etc.;
• Kochi, where flights from Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Calcutta, Goa and others arrive;
• Trivandrum, where tourists arrive from Sharjah, Kuwait, Muscat, London, Colombo, Mangalore, Goa, etc.

A direct flight from Europe to Kerala can only be reached from London. From Kyiv, Moscow and other European cities you will have to get with transfers through:

• Bahrain - from $300;
• Doha - from $360;
• Dubai - from $200;
• Sharjah - from $310.

Flights within India will cost you much less. The cost of such flights varies from 20 to 60 dollars. You can get to Kerala from some cities by train: from Delhi for $14, Chennai - $7, Bangalore - $6.

Weather and climate

Climatic conditions in Kerala are equated to tropical. The oceanic climate is very dependent on the monsoons. On average, the air temperature in the flat areas is + 25-30 °С, in the highlands - + 20-22 °С. The water temperature, as a rule, is in the range of + 25-28 ° С. A fourth of the entire territory is covered with wooded thickets. There are also mountains, the highest of which is Anamudi.

The state is not prone to major disasters in the form of floods. During the year, there are 2 rainy seasons: in early summer and mid-autumn.

Which beach to choose

The most popular beaches are:

1. Allapuzha- not the cleanest, but crowded place. The sea is often worried here, the entrance to the water is deep. Therefore, most often people here sunbathe and just relax with their families.

   
   
   

2. Varkala- a beach that is separated from the worldly bustle by high red rocks. The entrance to the water is gentle. The most suitable place for families with children, as it is very shallow in the area of ​​the first 50 m from the coast.

   
   
   

3. beipur- a beach next to the river bed. There are Arab ships, and an old bridge that smoothly goes into the water.

   
   
   

4. marari- the most romantic place with white sand and palm groves. The place predisposes to acquaintance with traditions, yoga classes and a relaxing holiday.

   
   
   

What to see for a tourist

In Kerala, you will definitely not be bored. Depending on your preferences, you can visit:

1. St. Francis Catholic Church (Kochi)- the first burial place of Vasco da Gama.

   
   
   

2. Basilica of Santa Cruz (Kochi)- a cathedral, a gift to the maharaja. He is quite rich and interesting from the outside.

   
   
   

3. Synagogue "Paradesi" (Kochi, Jewish Quarter) with a clock tower. From the outside it looks very dignified, but inside it is Belgian chandeliers, Chinese porcelain tiles, wood trim, etc.

   
   
   

4. Ananta Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Trivandrum), which was built in honor of one of the forms of the revival of Vishnu, with a gopuram - a carved tower 30.5 m high.

   
   
   

5. Krishna Temple (Guruvayur) one of the most revered temples in India. It is here that the center of the dramatic dance Krishnanattam is located and the annual festival is held, which lasts 12 days.

   
   
   

6. Folk Museum (Kochi) with objects of art and antiques of local residents.

   
   
   

7. Tea Museum (Munnar), where you can learn about the process of collecting, processing and packaging tea. The tour also includes watching a film about the culture of tea drinking, tasting and buying tea.

   
   
   

8. Napier Museum (Trivandrum), in the midst of which is broken incredibly beautiful garden. There are household items of the local population, traditional theatrical masks, musical instruments, sculptures, etc.

   
   
   

9. Putenmalika Royal Palace (Trivandrum), where you can look at the rich life of the Maharaja.
10. Revy Karunakaran Museum (Allepy)- a private museum of art: Swarovski crystals, wooden, malachite, jade and other products, dishes and souvenirs.

    
    
    

11. Periyar National Park with an area of ​​350 sq. m. You can walk through the rainforest, sit by the lake, observe the flora and fauna of Kerala.
12. National Park (Munnar) with an area of ​​97 sq. m. Tigers, elephants, langurs, mongooses, etc. live here. A guided tour, as a rule, takes place on a bus.
13. Silent Valley National Park (near Mannakard). Here you can walk near the wild forests. The tour can be carried out by bus, jeep or without transport.

    
    
    

In addition, you can visit the islands that are nearby: Lakshadweep, Bangaram or Kadmat.

Important! Foreigners are only allowed to visit Bangaram and Kadmat.

You will be gladly met in the Indian "Venice" - Backwaters (Allepy). You can also spend time with benefit in the traditional Kathakali theater (Trivandrum), the Dutch Mattancherry Palace (Kochi) or on tea plantations (Munnar).

What else to do

In addition to sightseeing, there is an opportunity to relax more actively: fishing, yoga, surfing, etc.

Leisure

Kerala and Ayurveda are inseparable. In almost every city there are special clinics or institutions that provide such services: Ayurvedic consultations, various procedures, massages, yoga classes, meditation training, nutrition course schedules, etc.

You can rent a high-boat (houseboat), a boat or any other means of transport to navigate the waters of Kerala.

Chinese networks are the most popular form of entertainment. This is a special kind of fishing. It looks like this. A huge net is fixed with sticks around the perimeter. It is lowered into the water and raised back using a special lever. Fishing requires a whole team of 6 people. In the process, local craftsmen tell stories, take souvenir photos, and sell their catch to passers-by.

If you are a surfer, then the best place for this - Kovalam. Even if you have no experience, but really want to learn, then do it right here.

Night life

There are practically no nightly entertainments in Kerala: no discos, nightclubs, etc. At 23:00, all life seems to freeze. In hotels, only beer and wine are available from alcohol. Rum and other spirits can be bought only in specially designated places.

Where to stay

Holidaymakers can find a home for every taste:

1. Aleppi- attracts tourists with the possibility of renting houseboats. Housing in the city is also available and is divided into 2 categories: in the depths of the city and near the beach. In any case, the life of the local population will develop right before your eyes. The cost of housing per day can vary from 2 to 10 dollars, depending on the category of the room.
2. Varkala- the most developed resort. There are many yoga and meditation centers, Ayurveda clinics, etc. In Varkala, you can live in a room with a shower, a bamboo hut, a hotel, apartments and even a villa. The cheapest accommodation will cost you $ 5 per day, the most expensive - $ 400.
3. Kavalam- not as accessible as the previous ones. A room with private facilities will cost about $15 per day. Of course, you can rent an apartment, villa, house, floor or other type of housing, but its cost will be much higher than in any other city in Kerala.

Public transport, taxi, car rental

You can get around the state by train, bus, water bus, taxi, or rental car. The bus fare, like the waterbus, is only 15 cents. A taxi in the form of a rickshaw in the city costs 0.7-1.5 dollars. A car taxi will cost you about 20 cents per 1 km.

Did you know? In India, left-hand traffic, and the rules of the road are very arbitrary. Horn - the main signal and sign on the road. It is served even before the turn.

You can rent a car for the day. Depending on the model, it can cost 23-46 dollars. A cheaper option is a bike. Its price per day is more than 4 dollars. By the way, you do not need a license to drive a bike.

Where to eat and what you can try from the "exotic"

The simple food that the locals eat daily is inexpensive. Dhaba lunch will cost you $1.50. You can buy almost any product on the market. For example, the price of papaya is 23 cents, pineapple is 45 cents, and bananas are 30 cents. Regarding the cafe, the rule is: "the closer to the beach, the more expensive." Locals often recommend tourists to try:

• sambar- lentil dish;

  
  
  

• idli- cakes from beans and rice;

  
  
  

• dosu- thin pancakes;

  
  
  

• Sadie- festive vegetarian feast;

  
  
  

• kadalu- chickpea curry;
• chutney- boiled vegetables and fruits;

  
  
  

• biryani- rice with spices, meat, fish, eggs or vegetables.

  
  
  

The region is richest in fish and seafood. So, you can buy 10 large shrimp for $23. You can buy alcohol only in wine shops, where a bottle of beer costs at least $1.50.

What to bring

Kerala has many shopping centers, markets, souvenir shops. The most popular souvenirs that tourists bring home:

1. Spices both pure and mixed. Prices for them start from 1 cent per 1 g.
2. Essential oils that can be used as perfumes. The price per fragrance is $1.5 and up.
3. Tea packaged and loose. 100 g of pure product will cost about $1.5.
4. Books that can be purchased at every step for a moderate fee. Some copies sell for less than $1.

Important! It is prohibited by law to export Indian rupees outside the state.

Kerala is an Indian paradise, the state with the most educated population. Despite the fact that you will most likely have to transfer to get here, it's worth it. The cost of housing and food will be affordable for you. You can visit almost any temple, park, theater or museum, live in a houseboat, learn Ayurveda and tea production from the inside. In addition to souvenirs, you will bring home a sea of ​​emotions and knowledge. In Kerala, you can relax both in body and soul.

Usually, when the story is about a particular resort area, parallels are constantly drawn with neighboring resorts, or with resorts (area) with similar infrastructure and typical features, but in the case of Kerala, I don’t want to do this, but I just want to give some number of arguments in favor of why it is necessary to go here. Although, without parallels, it may not work. Let's see if it works?

Why should you go to Kerala?

1. Kerala, a state located in the very southeast of India, is considered the cleanest (those who have been to India will understand), the most comfortable, the most socially developed, the richest and most educated state of India. Here is the lowest infant mortality and the highest level of medicine in India. Last but not least, if you are traveling with children, anything can happen.

2. The second follows from the first, and it is in Kerala that the most developed tourist infrastructure is not only in India, but in the whole region in general. Here is the largest number of luxury and deluxe hotels, a large number of shops, workshops, restaurants, cafes and other establishments. And most importantly, the state has three international airports. One in the state capital city of Trivandrum, and two in major cities: Cochin and Calicut. Alas, flights from Russia do not fly here yet, but you can easily fly from all major cities in India.

3. Kerala has a uniquely mild climate and beautiful beaches on the Malabar coast. Read completely

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Weather in Kerala by months:

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum)

The capital of Kerala is located on seven small hills a few kilometers from the ocean. It is a large, spacious and beautiful city with about a million inhabitants.

The main shrine of the city - Vishnu Temple of Padmanabhaswami(Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple). The legend about the temple says that its construction began on the first day of the Kali Yuga - 12/28/3101 BC. In the altar part - Vishnu, reclining on the thousand-headed snake Shesha. This is one of the largest sculptural images of Vishnu (height - 5.5 m), often called "Maha Vishnu". Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed into the temple. Every day at 16.00 a solemn circumambulation is made around the temple, during which images of Sita, Rama, Hanuman, Krishna and Narasimha are carried. Near the temple there is a pond for performing the ritual of washing, as well as a working residence and Maharaja's Palace, part of which is a museum exposition. When visiting the palace, you will definitely be shown a huge portrait of the Maharaja of Kerala and pay attention to the fact that his image looks like a living one. For a Russian, the signature in the lower corner of the portrait will seem interesting - Roerich.

In the north of the city, not far from each other, there are Napier Museum(Napier Museum), which presents bronze figurines, bone products, embroideries, costumes of dancers in the style of "kathakali", Chitra Art Gallery with a collection of miniatures of the Tanjore, Mughal and Rajput schools, works by contemporary artists and three halls of paintings by Nicholas Roerich, as well as Museums natural history, science and technology, planetarium and zoo. Opening hours: from 9.00 to 17.00.

In the suburbs of the city there are two more interesting temples - Sri Subramanyaswami and Bhagavati

Be sure to visit Kalarippayattu School(CVN Kalari Sangham)

Kalarippayattu is an ancient martial art, in the knowledge of which the forces of both the physical body and the mind and spirit are involved. The goal of kalarippayattu is to achieve complete mastery of one's body through physical exercises, herbal treatment, oil massage and meditation techniques. Kalarippayattu is the progenitor of all forms of martial arts known in the world. Mention of this is found both in historical chronicles, and in legends and folklore. From the moment of its inception, kalarippayattu was under the patronage of kings and nobility, but since the 18th century its traditions began to be forgotten, today traditions are being revived again. In many cities of Kerala, training centers and schools have been opened that offer various programs. And although there are short-term programs (from 3 months), you can become a master and connoisseur of this art form by devoting more than one year to this occupation.

The most famous Kalarippayattu schools are located in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozikoda.

In 1983, under the guidance of Master Balachandran Nair, an Indian martial arts school - CVN Kalari Sangham was opened. Dozens of men and women study here, not only from India, but also from other countries. Students improve in self-defense, in dexterity of movements, they learn to control breathing, relax and concentrate energy. Classes at CVN Kalari Sangham are paid, and the minimum training period is three months. In the morning, from 6.30 to 9.00, you can join a tour of the school, as well as undergo Ayurvedic diagnostics. I must say that several Russians were trained at this school.

Information: most attractions, shops, hotels and restaurants are located in the MG Road area. Tourist offices are located at the KTDC Chaitharam Hotel, near the railway station and on Museum Road, opposite the museum and the zoo.

How to get there: by train from Delhi (54 hours), Goa, Mumbai (45 hours), Chennai (17 hours), Bangalore; by bus from most major cities in South India. The airport of the city accepts planes from many cities in India and from abroad, the nearest foreign airport is in Colombo (the capital of Sri Lanka).

Cochin

The “Queen of the Arabian Sea” Cochin is a port city (about 700,000 inhabitants) on the Malabar coast of the ocean, where, under the sultry sun of the south, the traditions of the local population and representatives of the Roman, Arab and European civilizations have been mixed for many centuries, giving it a peculiar flavor.

Spices, ivory and precious wood have attracted Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Chinese since ancient times. It was Kerala that served as the discovery of America - it was Columbus who was looking for her when he set off on his journey. And in 1498, Vasco da Gama, having arrived in Cochin, opened the sea route to India, and with it the path to the monopoly on "black gold" - pepper. Following him, the Dutch and the British moved here, eventually ousting the Portuguese.

This island city reminiscent of Venice is rich in monuments, historical sites and sights. Here you can see the oldest church in India, five hundred years old Portuguese buildings, fishing nets of ancient Chinese weaving, a Jewish community and a synagogue with ancient roots, as well as the ancient fort of the city. A characteristic feature of the Fort are the special fortifications built by the British to protect buildings damaged by the force of the explosion that destroyed the Santa Cruz Cathedral. Stroll through the idyllic quiet Old Town on Mattanchery Island, where life has stopped like clockwork.

Cochin is one of the main ports of India, where in addition one of its main naval bases is located. The beautiful coastline and the sea, inhabited by friendly dolphins, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Attractions include dutch palace(Dutch Palace), built in the 16th century. The exposition of the museum presents some items from the treasury of the rulers; the vault of the coronation hall (wood) and the frescoes in the former sleeping chambers depicting scenes from the Ramayana deserve special attention. From here you can go to Old city, where in narrow lanes the attention of tourists is attracted by antique shops (art and kitsch) and shops selling books, spices, sweets, etc. At the end of the shopping street stands synagogue, built in 1344, but it acquired its current appearance in the 18th century. This is one of the oldest synagogues in the world and is a real gem of architecture: copper columns, Belgian pendant lamps and hand-painted blue and white cladding tiles, among which no two are alike. Once here, fleeing from the persecution of the Spanish Inquisition, Jews fled at one time, Jews from Syria and Persia settled here.

In the same place, on the island of Matencheri in the area of ​​​​the old fort, stands Church of Saint Francis(St. Francis Church) - the oldest European church in India, built by Franciscan monks in 1510. It was from here that church chimes and Christian chants first rang out. The ashes of Vasco da Gama were initially buried in this church, but later his remains were transported to Portugal. In 1663, the temple was in the hands of the Dutch Protestants, and since 1795, at the behest of the British, it became the Anglican Church. The most convoluted history of Cochin is the mystery of Chinese fishing nets. Like fragments of ancient eras, they are scattered across the coastal waters. Outwardly primitive and shabby, they, nevertheless, continue to be the most effective means for catching fish, which are in great abundance in the Fort area.

It's impossible to visit Cochin and not see a dance performance. kathakali. You may first be shown makeup, then they will explain the meaning of the gestures and facial expressions of the performers, and, finally, they will play scenes from the Mahabharata or Ramayana.

Information and orientation in the city: The city is located on the coastal area called Ernakulam, the islands of Willingdon, Bolgatti, Gundu and Waipin and on the southern peninsula (Fort Cochin and Mahancherry district). All of them are connected by ferry. Most hotels and restaurants are located in Ernakulam. Domestic airport and two upscale hotels - on the island of Willingdon. The international airport is on the island of Waiping. Tourist offices at the main ferry terminal in Ernakulam (opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 17.00) and at the Taj Malabar Hotel.

How to get there: by transit trains from Bangalore, Chennai and Mangalore. Buses connect Ernakulam with most cities in the state, as well as with Kanyakumari, Mysore, Madurai and Bangalore. The new Cochin International Airport receives flights from many capitals of the world.

Alappuzha (Alleppey)

This ancient port city is famous for the very spectacular boat regatta, which takes place annually (on the second Saturday of August) on Vembanad Lake and attracts thousands of spectators. Here there is a speed competition between teams of 40-meter narrow "snake" boats, each of which has more than 100 rowers. Driven by the inexorable rhythm of the drummers and kept on course by three strong helmsmen, these boats arrange such races that it takes your breath away.

From Allapuja, you can take a Backwater Tour through the canals, past islands with fishing villages, green rice paddies and endless coconut groves, or head to Kollam or Kumarakom. The path from here runs parallel to the railway line, passing through the entire coast of Kerala, where small seaside towns and villages are located, buried in flowers and fragrant with thickets of sandalwood, mangoes and cashews, which invariably attract many tourists. Traveling by houseboat takes at least eight hours, although tourists usually rent a boat for a day. This pleasure is not cheap - about $ 150 with full board and overnight stay. At the service of tourists on the houseboat - a cook, a helmsman and an assistant; inside the boat - double bed, shower, toilet, living room.

Kollam (Kollam, Quilon)

Here you can admire the Portuguese-Dutch fort and the 18th century churches at Thangasseri. Kollam is the southern sea gate of Kerala, from where cashew nuts, cardamom and other spices are exported.

Varkala

This resort town with clean sand beaches and healing mineral springs is located 50 km north of Trivandrum and 24 km from Kollam. It was inhabited by the British back in 1684, when one of the first trading fort posts in India appeared here. There is an excellent beach near the rocks and a magnificent coastal hotel. How to get there: by train and car from Trivandrum, by boat from Alappuzha.

Thrissur

The name of this city in translation means "the city bearing the name of the god Shiva." Here is one of the largest temples in Kerala, Vadakkunatha Ksetra(Vadakkunathan Kshetram). In April-May, Thrissur hosts the Puram harvest festival, the most colorful in the whole south. How to get there: by bus or train from all central cities of the state.

Guruvayur

A small settlement - 33 km northwest of Thrissura. Here is the sacred krishna temple. In the altar of the temple there is a very ancient sculptural image of a deity with four hands holding a conch, disc, club and lotus. It is believed that those who perform the marriage ceremony in this temple receive an eternal blessing, so many marriages are made here.

Not far from this temple is parthasaratha temple. This place was once a temple, destroyed many centuries ago. In 1972, a sculptural image of a deity was found in the ruins of an ancient temple, and in 1981 the temple was restored. How to get there: by train from Mangalore to Trivandrum.

Kaladi

A small village 45 km northeast of Cochin. Here, according to legend, the great saint and philosopher, apologist was born Advaita Vedanta- Adi Shankaracharya. Now at the birthplace of Shankara there is a temple dedicated to him (open from 5.30 to 20.00, break from 12.30 to 15.30).

A small temple was also erected on the site of the cremation of Aryamba, the mother of Shankara. Located nearby crocodile ghat, where the 12-year-old Shankara was once grabbed by a crocodile. As the legend says, unable to escape, the future great philosopher asked his mother if he would be saved if he took sannyas (becomes a hermit). When the mother agreed, he immediately made a vow and was released by the crocodile. How to get there: by bus from Cochin.

Kovalam

The best resort town in India is located 16 km south of Trivandrum. There are two wonderful beaches in the lagoon - Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach, a large number of inexpensive resort hotels and coastal restaurants serving a variety of fish and seafood dishes. Numerous Ayurvedic centers and offices offer diagnostics and treatment of various diseases or preventive procedures. The basis of treatment in Ayurveda is oil massage in combination with cleansing procedures, a special diet, yoga and meditation. You can choose different courses lasting from one day to several weeks. How to get there: By bus or taxi from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kanyakumari.

Kottayam

The city is located 80 km from Cochin on the way to the Peryar nature reserve. The main attractions are the temple Shiva Thirunakkara(Thirunakkara Shiva Temple) and Church of St. Mary. Nearby is Kumarakom(Kumarakom) known as a place of exquisite relaxation. Luxurious Taj Garden Retreat and Coconut Lagoon hotels have been built here, where you can spend the night and even stay for a few days, doing yoga or Ayurvedic wellness treatments. How to get there: By bus and train from Thiruvantapuram, Cochin and Kollam.

Munnar

Munnar is famous for the famous tea plantations in south India. Local branch of the company Tata tea conducts tours of the factories, during which you can observe the whole process of turning green tea leaves into fragrant tea, which will then be brewed and drunk in many countries of the world. How to get there: By bus from Cochin, Kottayam, Trivandrum and Madurai.

Kozikod (Calicut, Kozhikode, Calicut)

Today it is a large industrial city (approx. 850,000 inhabitants). And in 1498, the first European, Vasco da Gama, landed on the shore near Kozikod. From this time begins the period of Portuguese rule in India. Most tourists and pilgrims come here to watch the performances of the masters of the Kalarippayattu school or to be trained in it. How to get there: by plane from Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai, by train from Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvanthapuram or by bus from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Madurai, Pondicherry, Thiruvantapuram, etc.

According to myth, the very land of Kerala emerged from the sea. It is not surprising that the most beautiful beaches stretch along the coast of the state - not spoiled by civilization, bordered by large palm groves. People from all over the world come to soak up the flawless sands, in the rays of the southern sun, perhaps because tourists do not walk in droves on the beaches of Kerala.

Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the beaches of India, famous all over the world. It consists of three bays. On a moonlit night, it is good to admire the rock and calm waves in the moonlight from here. Behind the beach, groves of coconut palms begin. Kovalam is only 14 km from Kerala's capital, Trivandrum, and is easily accessible by bus. In the city (as well as at the airport and train station) you can hire a taxi.

Shanghumugham

This beach, located near the international airport in Trivandrum, is great for water sports. There's a health club here children's park, a star-shaped restaurant and much more. The main attractions of these places are the annual motorcycle races and the Jalakanya sculpture.

Veli

This beach is only 2 km from the airport in Trivandrum. golden sand, amusement park- these are the main advantages of this beach, which has incomparable beauty. The main attraction of Veli is the large inland lakes, separated from the ocean by narrow strips of sand, along which you can take a walk. Here you can watch a curious sight - fishermen at work. In a beautiful park adjacent to the beach, you will find a large number of plants from which spices are made, as well as many works of art. Other activities include boating, a floating restaurant, pony rides, and an outdoor theatre.

Papanasam

The people of Kerala consider this beach to be a holy place. It is also believed to have healing properties. A narrow winding road leads to this beach from the city of Varkala, on both sides of which palm trees grow and green rice fields stretch. If you care about your health, then you might be interested in a local center for naturopathic medicine. Also of interest are the ancient temple of Janardhana Swami, dedicated to Vishnu, and the Shivagiri Ashram, founded by the great social reformer Sri Narayana Guru. Varkala is located 31 km from Kollam.

callam

This beach is located 4 km from Quilon and is an ideal place for nature lovers. It is believed that Marco Polo visited this place in the 13th century. The area around the lighthouse at Thangassery bears traces of a Dutch, Portuguese and English presence. Thewali Palace is another local attraction: here you can also visit the fishing village by the beach. There is a beautiful park near the beach.

Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin is located at the mouth of the river. It is a leading fishing center. Nearby is the church of St. Francis (the first church built by the Portuguese in India). On the New Year on the beach there is a carnival and a fair. Here you can also buy freshly caught and freshly prepared "seafood". Fort Cochin can be reached by bus or car from Ernakulam (approx. 50 minutes). The boat trip from the Main Vote Jetty takes about half an hour. From Wellingdon Island, depart from Terminus Jetty (near Taj Malabar). In Fort Cochin, you can see Chinese fishing nets - the heritage of the oldest guests of the Malabar coast, the Chinese. Judging by the chronicles, they were first placed between 1350 and 1450. Made from teak wood and bamboo poles, they work like a balance beam. It is better to admire them from Vasco da Gama Square. St. Francis was Catholic during the Portuguese (1503 to 1663), Dutch Reformed (1664 to 1804) and Anglican (1804 to 1947). Now it belongs to the Church of South India. The building was originally made of wood, later - of stone (in the 16th century). Vasco da Gama, who died in Cochin, was buried here, whose remains were transported to Portugal 14 years later.

Cherai

Cherai Beach is located 35 km from Cochin. A very calm place, Cherai is famous for "seafood" and local wine - toddy. Pallipuram Fort, built by the Portuguese, is 4 km away.

Bekal

Fringed with palm trees, this famed Malabar beach is quiet, peaceful and surprisingly beautiful. Nearby stands the famous Bekal Fort, which is over 300 years old. It is believed to have been built in the 1650s by Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty, later taken over by Hader Ali of Mysore and later by the British. sea ​​bastion, underground tunnels and the observatory tower are still an impressive sight. Behind the fishing village, Pallikere beach begins.