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 Kerala’s cultural heritage originated from Dravidian culture about 3000 years ago, but was later enriched by centuries of foreign contacts through spice trade and Aryanisation from North India. Kerala is a land of green landscapes, sandy beaches, serene backwaters, breathtaking hillstations, beautiful birds, majestic tigers, elephants and spice plantations, ingredients in the wish list of a nature traveler. Kerala is also known for Ayurveda, a complete natural healing system, performing arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam and Bharathanatyam, martial arts like Kalaripayattu, folk performing arts like Theyyam, Margamkali, Ottamthullal, Vela kali, Pulikali, Thiruvathirakali, metal arts like Aranmula Kannadi and mural paintings. Kerala’s cuisine is also as distinctive as its culture.
 Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city, is famous for Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier museum, Sree Chithira art gallery, zoological park, and Kovalam beach. Kochi (Cochin) is a natural harbor and one of India’s oldest ports and a major naval base.
This is a city dotted with Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, mosques and a synagogue. The places of interest include Mattancherry palace, Jewish Synagogue, St.Francis church, Santacruz cathedral, Bolghatty palace, Hill palace museum and mangrove forests. Alappuzha (Alleppey) is known for its network of canals, backwaters, estuaries and beaches.
Other attractive locations include Kumarakom an island resort near Kottayam. The high range district of Idukki is known for beautiful hill stations, spice gardens, tropical rainforests. Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Eravikulam national park, Parambikulam and Chinnar wild life sanctuaries.
They are other attractions for tourists interested in tropical wild life, birding, trekking, hiking and camping. Kerala is also known for Guruvayoor temple, Kalashethra, Onam festival, Thrissur Pooram and snake boat race.
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