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Kovalam - 16 Kms away from Trivandrum
Kovalam is perhaps the most sought after beaches of Kerala, attracting travelers from all over the globe since the 1930s. Enjoying a lazy afternoon on the beach as the sun works an exotic tan on your skin, is an experience in itself. The few ayurvedic spas around the clear blue water offers many exotic massages and naturopathy treatment. Many resorts here have several known artists performing during the early evenings.

Varkala
This prim sea side resort is a perfect place to plan a leisurely trip.The long sandy stretch of beach that runs a couple of kilometers presents an irresistible view. Varkala is also known for its natural therapy centre. Home for Janardana Swamy Temple that is a few thousands of years old, Varkala is also noted as a pilgrim spot.

Cherai Beach (42 kms away from Kochi)
It is a lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island, with a typical village, paddy fields and coconut groves nearby. It is an ideal spot for swimming and occasionally you could spot a few dolphins.

Kappad - 16 kms from the city
There would probably be no place in Kerala, which is historically more important than Kappad. This is the soil where the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed centuries ago, creating a new trade route to India and to the Land of Spices. A stone structure in the shape of an obelisk marks the specific spot. It was in Kappad that the beginning to an interesting series of historical events was laid.

There is also an ancient temple on the rocks that border the Kappakkadavu beach.

Muzhuppilangad Beach -15 kms away from Kannur & 8 kms away from Thalassery
This 4.5 kms long stretch along the northern Kerala coast, has earned its fame not just because of its beauty, but also because of its unique feature. This is the only drive- in beach in the state. The sea here is relatively shallow, and there is a children's park just along the shore; making Muzhuppilangad beach one of the best location to chill out with family. Gorgeous little huts have been built by the beach for those who wish to stay longer. Go for a relaxing swim in the cool water, feel the wind on your face and breathe in fresh air as you sit on the rocks, or enjoy the sun working a tan on you.

Alleppey beach
A few hours off at the lovely beach at Alappuzha Beach is an exhilarating experience you should not miss. Along the sandy stretch one can find sea piers that are over a hundred years old. There is also a huge light houses in the beach. The amazing Vijaya Beach Park and the Sea View Park are other attractions in close vicinity.



Ashtamudi Back waters
So called because of its 8 arms or channels. Ashtamudi lake is the gateway to the back waters. This 16 km long and the second largest in Kerala, find its way into the sea through the Neendakara estuary.

Kumarakam - 16 kms away from Kottayam
This is one of the most sought after tourist destination in Kerala. It is synonymous with luxurious backwater cruising. However, a holiday on this perfect little village on the Vembanad Lake also provides opportunities for boating, fishing and certain other water sports as well. A day in spectacularly built houseboats, among acres of rice fields, exquisite forests and vast expanse of water, is an experience one cannot afford to miss. The variety of birds that visit the bird sanctuary here adds more colour to the sweet memory of one's visit to Kottayam.

Kuttanad
Kuttanad has become synonymous with the word backwaters, and so is a must visit spot when one plans a holiday to Kerala- the land that is much known for its marvelous backwaters. Along the coast of the vast expanse of lakes, canals, rivers that cover most of Kuttanad, one can observe nuances of rural Kerala life styles.

The acres of well maintained paddy field in Kuttanad, a place several feet below sea level, adds more greenery to the perfect picture the place showcases.

Kochi Backwaters
More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Lochi a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land. The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.

Half the fun of visiting Kochi is moving around on the local several quaint spots. Boat cruises from Kochi harbor are available to Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Place, the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi and Bolgatty Island. Sunset cruise.



Ponmudi - 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram
The beautiful hill resort that lies 915 kms above sea level, offers an enchanting destination for tourists. Challenging treks along the long woody path, trips to the nearby deer park and zoo etc are other interesting offers on the palate. The many rare varieties of birds at the mini- bird sanctuary like the heavy billed Malabar hornbills, blue-black Malabar whistling thrush and long-tailed paradise flycatchers enliven the atmosphere with their cries and bright colours.

Many spots in this lovely high range are a feast for camera lenses. The beautiful, though dilapidated dam site amidst lush green plantations of rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea and arrays of gorgeous orchids that are plentiful in and around the tropical forests in the area are just some of the many pretty sights.

Munnar - 70 kms from Idukki
Munnar, was the most popular summer resorts during the British reign and is still a very well known hill station. Located at an altitude of 1800m above sea level, this 'Kashmir of the East' is the first hill resort in the State.

The chilly climate here is ideal for cultivating tea. It is home to one of the biggest tea plantations in the world- the Kannan Devan Tea Plantations. The sight of mist topped tea plantations spread across acres of Munnar, is indeed soothing to the eye.

The most splendid sight would definitely be that of thousands of the exotic blue flower- Neelakurinji, that inundate the hills every 12 years (the next bloom will be in the year 2006). There are many lovely spots that are ideal for rock climbing and trekking as well. The noisy waterfalls, gurgling streams and rows of tiny cottages add more life and colour to the vivid picturesque location that Munnar already is.

Vagamon
It is a very ideal tourist spot situated on Kottayam-Idukki border, 64Kms from Kottayam, surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting hill station dotted with tea gardens will soon be one of India's foremost eco-tourism projects.

All the trekking enthusiasts will enjoy climbing this 1100 metres tall hill. This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.

Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit.

Peermede
Peeremede is a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats and a choice break for tourists en route to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Sprawling gardens of tea, coffee,cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus lying side by side with natural grasslands, pine forests and waterfalls make this an ideal summer resort. The summer palace of Rajas of erstwhile Travancore is today an important monument here.

Peeremede and its surroundings are suitable for trekking, cycling and horse riding. Kuttikanam a place for adventure tourism and trekking is just 3 km from Peeremede.

Another attraction here is Thrissanku Hills four km away. The rolling hills, the lovely landscape and the gentle breeze make this a choice spot for long walks. The hills offer a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset.

Lakkidi - 58kms north east of Kozhikode and 5kms south of Vythiri
Lakkidi is known as the gateway of Wayanad. The way uphill to this highest location in Wayanad, is via many splendidly constructed hairpin bends. The unique location provides the beautiful place with cool climate all throughout the year. Different locations at Lakkidi offer travelers magnificent views, many at time a telescopic view of the towns in the valley below.

Nelliampathi
Nelliampathi is a popular hill station 60 km away from Palakkad in Kerala. It is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and the excellent weather condition. The journey to Nelliampathi itself is an experience. The only route is from Nemmara, from where the first town of Nelliampathi, namely Kaikatty junction, is at a distance of 26 km. At the 9th kilometer is the Pothundi Dam, a small irrigation dam which provides water for the rice fields in the surrounding area. The dam is at the foot of the Nelliampathi hills. From here, the road winds up for the next 17 km, with many hairpin turns on the way. Immediately after Pothundy dam, comes the government forest, where one can see massive teak trees. The road is very narrow and requires a skilled driver behind the wheels. On the way, one can see wild animals like monkey, deer and porcupine. The view of the Pothundy dam from the height is a breathtaking sight. There will be many waterfalls by the roadside during the rainy season.



Thekkady - 114 kms off Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki
One of the best wildlife sanctuaries of the nation, Thekkady is complete with exotic flora, fauna, and evergreen forest. The vast area of 777 sq kms of forest has an exquisite sanctuary in it, and is the largest in India . It has earned a special place as one of the hotspots on any tourists agenda.

Iravikkulam National Park
The 97sq kms area of Iravikkulam National Park embraces an exotic landscape complete with green meadows, dense forests, tall rock and mountains. The myriad species of animals and birds here include many rare ones as well. Many unusual plants can also be found in the park.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The last world count of these squirrels was less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only 48 days of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.

An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction. This is also an ideal place to watch herds of Bisons amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman monkey and even Peacocks can be spotted on either sides of the road.

Wayanad/Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary - 16 kilometers east of Sulthaan Bathery
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary or Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the 1970s and comes under Project Elephant. Protected forests of the neighbouring states border the 345sq km area. Visitors can spot many species of wildlife, and even observe closely herds of wild elephants. There are also many varieties of plants and herbs within the sanctuary. The forest department here arranges elephant safari for tourists.

Tholpetty wildlife Sanctuary
Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary is situated in Wayanad, in the lower hills of Nilgiris, 300 Kms north east of Cochin (six and half hours journey ) and 100 kms south west of Mysore. Being part of the Niligri biosphere reserve of the Western Ghats, Tholpetty is one of the largest protected areas and best places to see Asian elephants and Indian bison. The sanctuary cover an area of 345Km

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Kannur is located 35 km from Thalasserry and 60 km from Kannur town. The Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level.Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.

Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad district, KeralaThe 89.52 sq km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha. The common wild life sightings in the sanctuary are elephants, tigers, wild boars, flying squirrels, lion tailed macaques and king cobras.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, an ornithologist's paradise, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian stork, egret, darter heron and teal. Other common varieties like the woodpecker, skylark, crane, water hen and parrots can also be spotted here. A cruise along the Vembanad Lake is the best way to experience the sanctuary. Pathiramanal, an enchanting island on the lake, can be accessed by boat from here.

Dr. Salim Ali( Thatekkad) Bird Sanctuary
The Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Thattekkad is home to dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forests, grassland and around 500 species of exotic birds. The credit of making this bird sanctuary so popular and important goes to Dr. Salim Ali, the world famous ornithologist. Dr Salim Ali was attracted to this place due to the exotic microcosm of India's bird population. It was largely due to the efforts of Dr Ali that this sanctuary was formed.The Thattekkad bird sanctuary is spread over an area of about 25 sq. km. and lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar. Some of the rare varieties of birds that can be spotted here are the Bee eater, Crimson-throated Barbet, Sunbird, Black Winged Kite, Shrike, Grey Jungle Fowl, Night Heron, Falcon, White-Breasted Water Hen, Ceylon Frog moth, Hornbill, Rose-billed Roller and Blue-winged Parakeet. Thattekkad also boasts of extensive plantations of teak, rosewood and mahogany. The dense forest in and around the bird sanctuary is home to nearly numerous varieties of animals



Thenmala
Thenmala is a tourist place near Punalur city, Kollam district in Kerala. The first eco tourism project in India is located at Thenmala. The Thenmala dam was built across Kallada River. Thenmala is famous for being the shooting location in Malayalam and Tamil movies.[citation needed].

Thenmala attracts foreign and domestic tourists with a host of attractions. Boating on the lake, a rope bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and a musical fountain. Thenmala is approachable both from Trivandrum and Punalur by road. The waterfall calledPalaruvi is a prime attraction nearby. Also nearby is a deer rehabilitation center where visitors can see deer in a forest setting and have a peep into a traditional tree house used by forest dwellers to escape harm from wild animals. Other places near Thenmala are Kulathupuzha, Anchal, Punalur, Kamukumchery and Shenkottah Tirunelveli Dist(Tamil Nadu). Themala is 72 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 16 km from Palaruvi Falls.

Meesapulimala
Situated near Munnar at an altitude of over 8600 ft is the second highest mountain peak, south of the Himalayas. Meesapulimala is a highly adventurous destination for trekking. Its soft to hard trekking. You need not be in super shape to do this. However, you need to put your effort. Its one of the most beautiful places in south india. If lucky, you could spot elephants, Nilgiri Thars and other small wildlife. Trek involves moving through some thick forests followed by a plateau devoid of trees but covered thickly by shrubs. And you need to be prepared to do the trek in the rain and heavy wind.

Konni
forested village situated on the banks of the mighty Achankovil River in Pathanamthitta District, Konni has a long and rich history of man-forest interface. Crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivulets, and the vast expanse of the Western Ghats, Konni is renowned for its Elephant Training Centre - the oldest of its kind in India. One of the first Reserve Forests in the State, the forests in and around Konni were once inhabited by aboriginals. A repository of rich biodiversity, this unique land was constituted into Konni and Achankovil Reserve Forests way back in 1897 and 1901 respectively. The forested tract in this geographical location provides the right climate and environment for the development and sustenance of diverse flora including a variety of medicinal herbs.



Gavi
Gavi is 28 kms south west of Vandiperiyar, a town in N.H 220 the highway connecting Kollam and Madurai, which itself is 14 kms from Kumily,near Thekkady

Spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest haven. It is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. These evergreen forests are abundant with magnificent Wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten and a lot more.

For the nature explorers Gavi offers the complete acquaintance with the flora around including Nageia Wallichinia (Podocarpus Wallichinia), a highly endemic species of the Gymnosperm family seen only around Gavi in the whole Western Ghats !

If you are a birder, the forests around Gavi are home to over 320 species of birds -the great Indian hornbills, sunbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers and myriads of mynas, dongos, cuckoos and bulbuls-truly any birder's dream!

The sheer beauty of this place is indeed worth a closer look ! Here is nature at its unadulterated best. Gavi often serves as a base camp for deep jungle trekkers, birdwatchers, nature lovers, research students and the like.