Experience Fascinating Kerala in South India

Kerala

Kerala, a narrow stretch of under 39,000 square kilometres of land beside the vast expanse of the blue Arabian Sea is a lush green paradise that has just about everything you can dream of – virgin tropical forests, mountains, wild life, lakes, backwaters, beaches and some of the most romantic scenery in the world.

With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 metres in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala is a narrow stretch of land, under 39,000 square kilometres,  that enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate - a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations, paddy fields – with every one of these charming destinations within two to three hours drive from the other. Consider the ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments and the exotic cuisine... On offer is a unique KERALA EXPERIENCE - a singular advantage no other destination offers.

Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'. 'One of the 10 paradises on earth', says the National Geographic Traveler. 'One of the 100 great trips of the 20th century', says Travel and Leisure. 'One of the 10 hotspots of the millennium', writes the Emirate In-flight magazine. The list goes on…Designated by prestigious travel magazines and enthusiasts around the world as a "must-see" destination, Kerala is the jewel in the crown of Indian tourism. This enchanting strip of coastal paradise, also known as "God's own country" brings to life travel experiences that are nothing short of ethereal

An advanced society : A hundred percent literate people with world-class health care systems Kerala boasts of the lowest infant mortality, highest life expectancy and the highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also the cleanest state

Kerala

Geography: The eastern region of the state is dominated by the ranges of the Sahya Mountains with dense tropical forests, misty peaks, extensive ridges and ravines. Sandalwood, cardamom, cinnamon, oil seeds, tea, coffee and rubber are extensively cultivated here. The mid-land has fertile redhills and valleys growing tapioca, banana, coconut, arecanut, mango, cashew nut, plantain, pepper and ginger. The sandy coastal region is picturesque with extensive coconut groves, paddy fields, backwaters and the ever-changing sea. Forty four rivers spring from the mountains, taking a zigzag course between the hills they join the backwaters and lagoons or directly merge with the sea.

Climate: The sound and fury of the lashing monsoons is a memorable experience in Kerala. Two monsoons visit Kerala (June to July and September to October) bringing plenty of rains. The heat is never severe.

Temperature: Maximum – 35 Degree Centigrade and Minimum 20 Degree Centigrade.

Rainfall: 254 cms

Clothing round the year: Tropical

Kerala Festivals

People and Life: Kerala is easily the most progressive state in India as it has achieved 100% literacy and has networked social welfare activities. Having world-class health care systems, Kerala boasts of the lowest infant mortality, highest life expectancy and the highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also the cleanest state in India. People have a cosmopolitan outlook and have a flair for languages – with the average native at home in his mother tongue as also English, Hindi and Tamil. The system of clustered villages is absent in Kerala. Apart from the crowded towns, interior Kerala has retained its ethnic charm coupled with an over riding cleanliness and absence of pollution of any kind – air or water. Absolute communal harmony is another notable feature in the state where you will find churches, mosques and temples co-existing without any antagonism between religious groups.

Art and Culture: Kerala has a rich tradition of music, art and culture. Having been isolated from the rest of India by the mountains of the Western Ghats but with a long coastline open to foreign influences, Kerala has evolved as a unique culture. Both Western and Eastern influences have helped shape the culture, art forms, music, dance and the very ethos of the people. Kathakali, one of the dance forms of Kerala considered amongst the oldest Indian dance styles to the graceful Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Krishnanattam, Theyyam and Kalaripayattu are some of the more important art forms that have a following in the West. Kerala's ancient culture and traditions are a treat to watch. Religious festivities of temples with caparishioned elephants and long processions of temple art forms afford a peep into the bygone times. The vibrant and distinct music of Kerala so closely related to temple festivals and the elegant snake boat races have always been the favorite of tourists visiting Kerala

Festivals: Kerala comes totally alive during festival time. Vishu, Onam, Christmas, Ramzan and Pooja are festivals, which transcend all barriers of caste and creed. During the period of your stay you will be able to experience some of these festivals

Kerala Festivals

Ayurveda: Kerala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatment facilities – a natural form of therapy using herbal oils and massage in existence from Vedic times - the traditional medical science - that heals not only the body but also the spirit and ensures the harmony of body, mind and soul. No other form of medicine - traditional or modern, surpasses the soothing power of Ayurveda that focuses on the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health. Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages! Specialized Ayurveda resorts in Kerala present the traveler the opportunity to calm strained nerves and feel rejuvenated and ready to face life. Besides rejuvenation, beauty, and relaxation massages, you can indulge in therapeutic treatments for everything from simple muscle and joint pains to insomnia and arthritis. The Kerala specialty, however, is the ayurvedic kalari synchronized massage, administered by two masseurs simultaneously. The ayurvedic oils they use are pungent, but you'll emerge feeling positively rejuvenated

Vedic and Tantric Practices: The vibrant culture of the land is manifest in the Vedic and Tantric rituals passed down from generation to generation over the last 5000 years and practiced by dedicated practitioners:-

-“PITHRUKARMAM” – a tantric ritual of paying homage to our ancestors who are dead and gone.

-“SPECIAL HOMAM / POOJA” – Exclusive rituals for personal and family wellbeing.

-“JYOTHISHAM / ASTROLOGY” – An ancient science that has a variety of methods of practice.

Soft Adventure Experiences: Kerala is uniquely suited for the adventure traveler… the long beach line for water sports, the backwaters for canoeing, the fast flowing rivers for rafting, the jungle trails to explore and commune with nature, the rolling hills for the trekkers. You name your favorite activity and we will make it happen - trekking, paragliding, river rafting, mountain biking, canoeing and wildlife / birding tours, deep sea fishing with local fishermen, ‘A Day with an Elephant’, Camp in the forests etc.

Voluntourism: Experience Kerala with volunteering at school for the disabled / orphanage / Mother Teresa’s home for the disadvantaged.

             THE KERALA – A MULTI-LOCATION DESTINATION

Consider the serene beaches, the emerald backwaters, the lush hill stations, the exotic tropical forests, the ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments and the exotic cuisine... On offer is a unique KERALA EXPERIENCE - a singular advantage no other destination offers - the visitor has a new experience at each location. The lifestyles of the locals living astride the long shoreline of the serene beaches are dictated by the demands of earning a livelihood at sea, while those living along the tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters have a different life style. The lush hill stations with extensive plantations of tea and spices and the exotic tropical forests offer a different life style to the locals. With every one of these charming destinations within two to four hours drive from the other, a visitor generally spends two to three days at each location.

The hand that guides

Truly walking the talk with his strong commitment to promoting sustainable accommodation providers in Kerala, Colonel John Abraham and Uno Tours and Travels helps tourists to experience the enchanting beaches, the mesmerizing backwaters, virgin tropical forests, as well as the unique culture and dance forms of his home-state - Kerala. He is here to guide visitors during their stay with true local knowledge, friendliness and a dedication to planning the trip the way they want it. Col John truly believes in protecting the fragile eco-system of Kerala.

Uno Tours and Travels is based at Cochin (Kochi). They know the land, the culture and traditions, and we strive to offer the best to their guests.

Kerala Festivals

For further information contact Col John Abraham at

Uno Tours and Travels, Kochi - 682 016, Kerala
Phones - 0484-2373744, 2374096, 6593399
Fax - 0484-2373744, Mobile - +91 98460 32195
E-mail: mail@unotoursntravels.com
            jak@sify.com
Website: http://www.kerala-hotels.co/.in
              www.unotoursntravels.com