KERALA TRAVEL & TOURISM 

Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by the National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.

Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination, with most tourism circuits concentrated around the north of the country. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation—the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state—laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala Tourism was able to transform itself into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tag line Kerala- God's Own Country was adopted in its tourism promotions and became a global superbrand. Kerala is regarded as one of the destinations with the highest brand recall. In 2010, Kerala attracted 0.66 million foreign tourist arrivals.

Kerala is an established tourist destination for both Indians and non-Indians alike. Kerala is popular for her beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries. The city of Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala. Other popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai and Varkala; backwater tourism and lake resorts around Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom and Alapuzha; hill stations and resorts at Munnar, Wayanad, Nelliampathi, Vagamon and Ponmudi; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada—also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also visited. To further promote tourism in Kerala Grand Kerala Shopping Festival was started by the Government of Kerala in 2007. Since then it has been held every year during the December-January period. The city of Kochi ranks first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala.

The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

BEACHES

Flanked on the western coast by the Arabian Sea, Kerala has a long coastline of 580 km (360 mi); all of which is virtually dotted with sandy beaches.

Kovalam beach near Thiruvananthapuram was among the first beaches in Kerala to attract tourists. Rediscovered by back-packers and tan-seekers in the sixties and followed by hordes of hippies in the seventies, Kovalam is today the most visited beach in the state.

Other popularly visited beaches in the state include those at Alappuzha Beach, Nattika beach[Thrissur], Vadanappilly beach[Thrissur], Cherai Beach, Kappad, Marari beach, Fort Kochi and Varkala. The Muzhappilangad Beach beach at Kannur is the only drive-in beach in India.

KOVALAM  BEACH

Kovalam (Malayalam:കോവളം) is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India, located around 16 km from the city center.

Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. It is also known as the paradise of the south.Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore. The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

Main s star hotels in kovalam

Vivanta by Taj , Kovalam, Kovalam

Vivanta by Taj - Kovalam, is delightful in many ways. While to some it is one of the finest seaside resorts in Kerala, to others it is an amazing backwater retreat. And there are those that love it for its hill resort layout. Now it's all that and more. In an exciting new avatar. There's a nice new buzz all over. In the renewed cottages and villas, the nouvelle restaurants, the high energy bar, and the spa where you'll go Ah! The Chef remains as eager to wow you with specially designed meals.

Rooms : 59

Hotel Policies;

Check in       : 1200

check out     : 1200

Cards  :

Amex, Diners, JCB, Master card, Visa

Photos

The Leela Kovalam Beach, Kovalam

The Leela is one of the most prestigious hotels in the Kovalam Beach region. The Leela stands 15 kms away from Trivandrum International Airport and 800 metres away from the Kovallam Bus station for ease of travelling. Owing to this centralized location of The Leela, guests can stop by to visit nearest tourist destinations like, Hawa Beach, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Blessed Sacrament Church and Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour.

If you admire fine living and dining, visit the Leela for a truly unforgettable experience. The Leela accommodates exotic beach-view rooms with their private sundecks for guests to enjoy complete comfort. An exquisite swimming pool and Divya health spa are enriched with luxury to offer tranquillity and rejuvenation for guests at The Leela. Indoor games like snooker and table tennis, and an outdoor jogging park add to the luxury of stay here. Well-designed rooms and suites, all equipped with modern day amenities, offer a truly 

comfortable stay at The Leela.

Rooms:

183

Floors:

3

Hotel policies

Check-In:

1200

Check-Out:

1200

Cards:

Amex , Mastercard , Visa

Location

Area:

Samudra Beach

Address:

Kovalam beach, India

Photos

Turtle on The Beach, Kovalam

Comfort and candor best describe this unique Turtle on The Beach Hotel that is situated near the exotic and pristine Kovalam Beach. Standing 14 kms away from the Trivandrum International Airport and 150 metres from Kovallam Bus Stand, the Turtle on The Beach Hotel offers immense convenience of commuting. With the hotel's centralized location, guests can easily visit the Hawa Beach, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Blessed Sacrament Church and Vizhinjam Fishing Harbour, as they're situated nearby.

If the locales are an important part of your vacation, then Turtle on The Beach Hotel is the spot for you. Turtle on The Beach Hotel is resplendently designed place portrayed with exotic sculptures, glass walls, stone carvings, huge flower pots and water flowing on glass roofs. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped to suit your requirement. A luxurious Spa and swimming pool are arranged at Turtle on The Beach Hotel to offer immense comfort and relaxation. A well-designed business centre with WiFi connectivity add to the conveniences of conducting meetings in the hotel, making it perfect for corporate guests as well.

Rooms : 63

Floors :  2

Hotel Policies

Check in : 1400

Check out : 1200

Cards : Amex, Master card, Visa

Location:

Photos:

ALAPPUZHA BEACH

Alappuzha Beach is a beach in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India.

The beach has a small park nearby. Alappuzha Lighthouse stands near the beach which is also an interesting spot for tourists. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins, are still there as a memory of the good old days when Alappuzha port was one of the most famous and important ports in Kerala. The Sea Bridge enabled the passage of goods came via ships.

The beach is one of the best beach locations for movies. Movies like Thashan, sura etc. were shot here partially.

Alappuzha is referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world. This Backwater Country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala.

The beach usually has a good visitor rush from all over India and most of the European countries.

Location

1 .Nearly 1 km from Alappuzha railway station.

2. 4.5 km from Alappuzha KSRTC Bus Stand.

3. 60 km from Ernakulam south Railway Station

4. 90 km from the Kochi International Airport.