The land of lush greenery-the swaying palms, surf-washed beaches, breathtaking beauty of the high range and the tranquil backwaters make this land a Paradise-on-Earth for the tourist. Kerala offers Nature on a platter-the sandy beaches of Kovalam, the blue lagoons at Veli, the hill stations of Ponmudi & Munnar, the backwaters of Kumarakom and Alleppy, the green carpet of plantations in the highranges, the wild life, the high mountain peaks, picturesque valley.

Kovalam Beach: It is located 16 Km away from Thiruvananthapuram city. This internationally renowed beach resort has been a favourite hunt of tourists since the 1930's. It is considered to be one of the finest resorts in Kerala.
It is rated among the first tourist resort in the country. Kovalam, the excellent sandy beach consists of three adjacent crescent beaches also. Good accomodation facilities are available.

Kappil Beach: It is situated 6 Km from Bekal Fort. Remote and secluded this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. It is one of the excellent beach of the region accessible from the Kappil village.

Allappuzha Beach: Allappuzha, the "Venice of the East" has emerged as a major tourist attraction due to the amazing backwaters and renowed beach. This beautiful beach is popular among the locales as well as visitors. The seaview park here has the boating facilities. This is one of the most popular picnic spots in Allappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach park add to the attractions of the beach. There is also an old light house which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Fort Kochi: Famed for its natural harbour, one of the finest in the world, Kochi has earned the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is one of Indias most interesting cities. Here you can see the oldest church in India. The ancient temples, churches and synagogues in this district are of special interest to the archaeologists and historians.

From time immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kochi and left their impression on the town. A Jewish community with roots going back to 1000 AD, a 16^th century synagogue, and a palace built by the Portuguese and given to the Raja of Kochi which was later renovated by the Dutch are part of Kochi.

Alappuzha - Kuttanad Beach: Alleppey remains prominent on the tourist trail as one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. Served by ferries to Quilon and Kottayam in particular. Sweeping network of canals honeycombing the town of Alleppey has earned for the place its sobriquet The Venice of the east".
The town is pleasant to stroll around with plenty of activity to watch on the canals. Small long slung country boats are the taxies of the waterland. The coir workers too present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fibre in pools, beat them out and weave the tough brown strands into long spindles stretched between endless coconut trees.

Veli - Aakulam: Within hailing distance of the capital city of Trivandrum, is the Veli Aakulam lagoon with a delightful waterfront park growing increasingly popular among the ratives and tourists alike.
Water sports, a floating restaurants, amusement park, speed boats and other international facilities make this spot a exquisite tourist attraction. The eastern end of the lake is flanked by two scenic hillocks coming through as a perfect hiking ground.

Quilon: The charming old port city of Quilon (Kollam) on the banks of the picturesque Ashtamudi lake is now known more as the center of Cashew industry.
Quilon is an inviting gateway to Kerala's backwaters. It is one of the oldest ports of the backwater experience, take the regular ferry to Allappuzha - a rigorous ride lasting more than 8 hours. As the old ferry putters from one village on the waterfront to another you are treated to a full fledge range of lines and activities and some of the most beautiful scening imaginable.

Kumarakom: Just 81 Km from Cochin, this tourist complex has unique house boats, boat racing, motor boat and water spot facilities.Here, visitors can hire house boats for cruise. A boat ride into the country side offers a close look into an engaging rustic life.The available house boats are poled by local oarsmen and are simply furnished with a living room, bedroom with attached bath and a raised central platform where passengers can laze on cushions.
The more adventurous could perhaps indulge in water sports such as wind sailing and water skating. You could even take a canoe out into the quiet lagoons and spend time angling.

Calicut: Up north in Kerala, the cool backwaters of Calicut lay waiting to be discovered. Unspoilt, uncommon and unknown enthusiastic experience is waiting here for you.
Calicut (Kozhikode), the age-old commercial town now attracts tourists with its wonderful backwaters and picnic sports. With a bewitching beauty, Calicut plays a major role in the travel and tourism sphere.

Alumkadavu: Glading among the calm and serene backwaters flanked by green leaves and palm, seeing a rural Kerala preserved through the ages and completely hidden from the road is an enchanting experience to any visitor, more so while sailing a slow moving, spacious kettuvalloms. These long cargo boats, a familiar sight on the backwaters, are built entirely without the use of sails.
Alumkadavu - a quiet spot in the town of Karunagapally - hardly 23 Km north of Quilion has become a hot point of Kettuvallom building, with more than a hundred people involved. These huge, long and tapering barges were traditionally used to cargo tonnes of goods across kingdoms, with a portion covered with bamboo and coir servicing as a rest room and kitchen for the crew.