Tucked away in the southern coast of India, lies the picturesque state of Kerala. Cheerfully christened God's Own Country, the state has a lot to offer avid travellers.
What to see in Trivandrum
The Incredible India tourism promotion has put this state on the tourist map. Tourism in Kerala may well begin at Trivandrum. The capital city has pristine beaches, historic temples, a Museum and Zoo, besides palaces and colonial mansions. It sprawls across seven hills, making for winding roads and scenic views all covered under a green canopy of coconut palms and other evergreen trees. The Shanghumughom beach and Kovalam beach are popular with both locals and tourists. Of these the latter is a resort with all facilities and seems to be a favourite tourist destination.
Art and Architecture in Kerala Tourism
Ancient palaces are an integral part of Kerala Tourism. The Kowdiar Palace, the Kanakakunnu Palace, the Koyikkal Palace, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, and the Kuthira Malika are all repositories of local culture and fabulous architecture. The family of the erstwhile rulers still reside in the elegant Kowdiar Palace.
Connoisseurs of art will find the Sree Chithra Art Gallery a treasure house of local and some international art of various periods. Located in the same grounds is the Napier Museum housed in a splendid Colonial mansion. A beautifully landscaped Zoological garden with a large collection of wild life is another attraction in the same venue. Be prepared to spend a whole day in these grounds.
What to See in Kochi
Moving on to Kochiin Kerala, or Cochin as it used to be known, you come to a slightly more cosmopolitan city throbbing with life and energy. There is a joie de vivre in these bustling streets that signals something exciting around the corner. Whole areas such as Willington Island, Fort Kochi, and Mattancherry have a timeless historic ambience that has contributed to a rise in visitors from all over the globe.
The Dutch Palace, the Bolghatty Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, the medieval St. Francis Church, and the Santa Cruz Basilica all come with interesting anecdotes and historical facts attached. You can learn all about the Portuguese, the Dutch and even Spaniard and French excursions to this ancient land. These influences can still be detected in certain cultural nuances, cuisine, art forms and architecture.
What to see in Trissur
Trissur is the cultural capital of the state. If you’re in time for the famous Trissur Pooram, consider yourself lucky. You get to witness about a hundred majestic elephants all decked up in traditional ornaments and a great deal of flamboyance for a temple festival. It is indeed a sight to behold. The temple drums and flutes create an ear shattering cacophony of religious fervour that you’ll soon get used to and even begin to enjoy.
While here, do visit the Guruvayoor temple. Entry is restricted to Hindus, but there’s nothing to stop the rest of us from admiring this incredible hub of faith. The Punnathoor Kota is for elephant lovers and is an elaborate stable, housing a whole herd of pachyderms from new-borns to mammoths.
This is merely an appetiser to the incredible feast that awaits you. Once you get used to the warm, humid weather in Kerala, you’ll lose yourself in this cultural fest. There’s so much to see and do, so make sure you have time on your hands to enjoy every morsel.
