Even as Kerala is named the best travel destination in Asia, we bring you 25 reasons to visit God's Own Country. That is, if you haven't already.
Kerala Tourism got a boost when the million-plus readers of the acclaimed travel portal, SmartTravelAsia.com, placed the state as the best Asian holiday destination ahead of Bali, Phuket and the Maldives in a poll conducted over 3 months across Asia (India, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and the Middle East), Europe and North America.
"This is a phenomenal recognition for Kerala and the people who are working in the tourism sector," said V. Venu, secretary, Kerala Tourism.
The only other Indian destinations to be listed in the top 10 were Rajasthan and Goa - at eighth and 10th spot respectively.
So, here's why you should pack your bags and get those tickets for Kerala.
Wake up to the world's best breakfast
Kerala's spread of morning dishes - vellayappam, Uppuma, iddli, puttu, masala dosa and appams have been rated the best breakfast in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. A must-try is the crisp lacy appam served with meat/vegetable stew.
Walk-through paddy fields
Here's a completely different walking experience. Venture in to the very heart of the paddy fields, on narrow dykes. Don't lose yourself in the dazzling green around you, as you'll have to watch out for the slushy water passages that run through your mud path.
Take a swig of toddy
Ask your tour guide to arrange for fresh madhura kallu (sweet toddy extracted from the coconut palm) and have it the Kerala way with exotic karimeen pollichathu (baked fresh water fish) or spicy pickles.
Stay on an exotic houseboat
Embark on an enchanting journey across sun-kissed backwaters on a kettuvallom (fully furnished traditional rice boat). While your eyes explore the rustic life that floats by, treat yourself to backwater delicacies prepared by your personal chef
Follow the tiger's trail
Join the Thekkady tiger trail - a real adventure trek into the dense forest with expert guides. Cook in the jungle. Sleep in tents. Wake up to the sounds of the wilderness. And yes, don't forget to spot a tiger.
Get an Ayurvedic massage
Gift yourself new life: Surrender to the magical fingers of specially trained masseurs, to medicated baths that will refresh you, herbal diets that will replenish you, yoga that will revitalize you, and meditation that will recharge you.
Meet martial art experts
Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is the oldest and most scientific in the world. Watch agile bodies gleaming in oil and armed with weapons practise their feats-chattam (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault)-to stunning perfection.
Behold the Queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is breathtakingly beautiful. Apart from being the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi also flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world.
and many more things .......
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