ABOUT KERALA With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 ms in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala 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 streches of emerald backwaters. Lush hill stations and exotic wildlife. Waterfalls. Sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Ayurvedic health holidays. Enchanting art forms. Magical festivals. Historic and cultural monuments. An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience. And what's more, every one of these charming destinations is only a two hour drive from the other. A singular advantage no other destination offers. Kerala, India's most advanced society : A hundred percent literate people. World-class health care systems. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also India's cleanest state. For administrative purpose, the state of Kerala is divided into fourteen districts. Most of these districts offer all the tourism products typical of the State.

AYURVEDA HOSPITALS 

Name & Address

Thiruvananthapuram

Government Ayurveda College Ph: +91-471-2460190

Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-471-2460823

Sri Dhanwantari Madam, Ambujavilasom Road Ph: +91-471-2477980

Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala Ph: +91-471-2463439

Triveni Ayurvedic Nursing Home Ph: +91-471-2470450

Vasudeva Vilasam Ph: +91-471-2451636

Kollam

District Ayurvedic Hospital , Asramam, Residency Road Ph:+91-474-2745918

Ayurarogya Speciality Centre Kayalvarath Health Complex Opp: Ramavarma Club Thevally P.O Kollam - 691 009 Phone: 0474-3259132 Mob: 9447332622 Email: ayurarogya@gmail.com www.ayurarogya.com

Kottayam

Sreepathy C.V.N. Kalari & Ayurveda Hospital Cheruvandoor, Ettumanoor - 686 631 Ph: 0481-2536387, 2533292, 2533293 Email: kgmgurukkal@keralacvnkalari.com web: www.keralacvnkalari.com

Idukki

Sree Sankara Gardens , Anakkara, Kumily Ph:+91-4868-282322

Ernakulam

Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-484-2361206

Thrissur

Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-487-2334599

Malappuram

Arya Vaidyasala, Kottakkal Ph:+91-483-2742216 Fax: 91-493-2742572 Email: avsho@sancharnet.in

Govt. Ayurveda Hospital Near Chelari - Pannikkottumpadi Parambilpeedika Road

 

YOGA CENTRES  

Name & Address

Thiruvananthapuram

Sivananda Yoga Vedantha Centre, Airport Road Ph: +91-471-2450942

Sivananda Ashram, Neyyar Dam Ph: +91-471-2273093

Temples in Kerala

Kerala has a rich repertoire of historic and cultural monuments, which represent a unique amalgam of various styles of architecture. Nalukettu is the main architectural style though in regions like Fort Kochi, a curious mix of European, Chinese, Jewish and Arabic styles are evident in the architecture. Kashimath Temple The Sri Kashi Muth near Chemgam, West Hill, Calicut, was established in 1983 through the efforts of the community in Calicut. The Muth conducts many religious functions. Laxmi Venkatesh Temple Tours The Sri Laxmi Venkatesh Temple at Hosdurg in Kanhangad was built December 1989. Garuda Temple Tours The Sri Garuda Temple is actually located on the boundary of the Thirumala Devaswom Temple in Cochin. The idol of Sri Garuda is around six feet high. Udyaneswara Temple Tours The Shivalingom embedded and installed in this temple, it is believed, belonged to Trikanna Mathilakam, in Trichur District. Dissentions among the Uralers, Thekkedath and Vadakkedath Nairs led to the decline of the temple and later on the place went into the hands of the Dutch from Samoothiri. A unique feature of this temple is that on the 7th day of Mahotsava and Rathotsava Thirumala Devar is taken in grand procession to the Udyaneswara Temple, the assumption being that Lord Venkatesa goes to meet Lord Udyaneswara to invite him for Pallivetta i. e. hunting. This may also be considered a symbol of cordiality between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Sabarimala Temple Tours Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sanctum sanctoram nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats. Only young girls who have not attained womanhood and old women who have reached menopause are allowed to worship at this time. The men must vow to walk bare foot, not cut their nails and hair, sleep on the floor and practise absolute abstinence during the period of their penance. How to reach there Transportation is available upto Pamba, from where one has to travel a distance of 5 kms on foot. Devotees undertake rigorous penance, ritualistic vows and fasts before they visit the temple. Best Time to Visit There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during which time the devotees perform austerities and penance. Guruvayoor Temple Tours A temple, famous all over India as a pilgrim centre, dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. The Sreekrishna idol of this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Vasudevar and Devaki at Dwaraka. This shrine popularly known as 'Dakshina Dwaraka' (Dwaraka of south) is in the form of a rectangle. There are a lot of mural paintings around the 'Shrikovil' (Shrine). How to reach there Air : Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery (87 km). Road: The place is well connected to neighbouring places by good motorable roads.

Kerala Wildlife Tours

Kerala is bestowed with a rich repertoire of natural bounty - mountains & hills, rivers & lakes, backwaters & shoreline. It is natural for Kerala to be home to many national parks and sanctuaries. The enchanting green forest with its rich flora and fauna makes Kerala a much sought after wildlife destination in India. The numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala will add that extra bit of excitement when you holiday in Kerala. Muthanga Wildlife Tours General Information Climatic Conditions : tropical Temperature range : 36 c-20 c Best time to visit : June to October Popularly known as the Wyanad National Park, the Muthanga National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary located on the Kerala hills and offers a natural habitat to a large number of wild animals. Prime Attractions Sit on elephant back and follow the nature trails at the Muthanga National Park located in Kerala, South India and discover a beautiful green world. As you go on wildlife tours to the Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary you will notice tiny colorful butterflies flitting on sweet flowers and pretty shrubs. How to reach there The nearest airport is the one at Kozhikode, nearly 120 km from Sulthan Bathery. The nearest railway station is also Kozhikode, about 97 km by road from Sulthan Bathery. Neyyar Wildlife Tours General Information Climatic Conditions : tropical Temperature range : 35 c-16 c Best time to visit : October to March The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. The Agasthyakoodam hill, 1890 metres high, lies in the premises of the sanctuary. Elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, Nilgiri langur etc. are seen. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions. Prime Attractions Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur can be seen here. This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes this sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve How to reach there The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (32 km away) while the nearest railhead is also at Thiruvananthapuram. Parambikulam Wildlife Tours General Information Climatic Conditions : salubrious Temperature range : 38c -21 c Best time to visit : Parambikulam is open throughout the year, but is best avoided during the monsoon. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary located between the branches of the Periyar river is essentially a bird sanctuary. Thickly forested with stands of bamboo, sandalwood, rosewood and teak, the sanctuary has some marshy land and scattered patches of grassland. Parambikulam was once home to some of south India's finest stands of teak. Little remains of the original teak forests, other than the famous Kannimari teak tree, the largest in Asia as most of these have now been replaced by teak plantations. Prime Attractions Parambikulam has one of the largest population of gaur (bison). It is also a home to elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, sambhars, chital tigers, panthers and crocodiles. There are also bonnet macaques, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants and black eagles. How to reach there The nearest airport is at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu (100 km away) while the nearest railhead is at Pollachi (60 km away). Peppara Wildlife Tours General Information Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is composed of the dense forests and the Peppara dam built on the Karamana River and was declared as a sanctuary in 1983 to increase the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram and the adjoining suburbs. Prime Attractions This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts.. This is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with forests and Eucalyptus plantations. The bird species especially the water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are most commonly seen in the sanctuary. Several species of snakes including the king cobra and python are dominantly present in this sanctuary. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for its wide variety of moth and butterflies. Apart from the wildlife, there are 13 tribal settlements in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. How to reach there Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Periyar Wildlife Tours General Information Best time to visit : October - May This is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the western ghats. One of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, the Periyar reserve is noted for its geomorphology, diverse wildlife and beautiful landscape. The sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1978 under the project tiger scheme, attracts travellers from all over the world. This is the only sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters. There are two watch towers in the Periyar forest. Prime Attractions The animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen. How to reach there Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at140-kms are the nearest airports from Periyar. Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar. Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Shenduruny Wildlife Tours General Information Climatic Conditions : Temperature range : Best time to visit : October - May The forest has been named after a tree called Chenkuruny. The artificial lake formed by the Parappar dam across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha rivers is at the centre of the sanctuary. Prime Attractions The sanctuary is home to the Bonnet Macaque, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Indian Giant Squirrel, Three-Striped Palm Squirrel, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Mouse Deer, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Nilgiri Langur and many more animals. How to reach there The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (72 km away) while the nearest railhead is at Thenmala. The sanctuary is accessible by motorable roads from Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Ayurveda

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India , which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.
Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health care system has been recognized the world over as the most perfected body-mind health care system. Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that is rejuvenative and therapeutic, is widely practiced in India . Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest seaboard, is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda.
Kerala, the confluence of different natural herbal systems, enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda. While the Ayurvedic system was enriched by Siddha and Marma systems in southern Kerala, it joined hands with Kalaripayattu and Kalari Therapy in northern Kerala. This resulted in the emergence of a new stream noted for its special procedures and formulations.
Ayurveda is more effective in monsoon season as the atmosphere remains dust free and cool,opening the body pores to maximum, making it more receptive to herbal oils and therapy. Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by taking Ayurveda treatment atleast once in your life time. The duration of Ayurveda tours generally depends upon the type of treatment needed. If you have any specific disease and looking for ayurveda treatment in Kerala, write to us and let our experts help you in planning your trip.

Malayalam for Travellers

English Words	Pronunciation in Malayalam
Hello	Namasthe / Namaskaaram
Welcome	Swaagatham (formal) / Varu (informal)
How are you?	Sukhamalle?
Fine	Sukham Thanne
Glad to meet you	Kandathil Santhosham
What is your name?	Ningaludey Paerenthaa?
My name is John	Yente paeru John
Come In	Akathekku Varu
Sit Down	Irikku
Stop	Nilku
Go forward	Mumpottu Poku
Go back	Purakottu Poku
Go straight	Nere Pokuka
I Want to get down here	Yenikku Ivide Iranganam
Next	Adutha
Near	Sameepam
Listen	Sraddhikku
Please	Dayavaayi
Thank you	Nanni
Goodbye	Poyi Varaam / Veendum Kanam
Want	Venam
Please help me	Yenne Onnu Sahaayikku
I agree	Jnaan Sammathikkunnu
I disagree	Jnaan Yojikkunnilla
Good	Nallathu / Nannaayirikkunnu
Congratulations	Abhinandanangal
I request (you)	Jnaan Apekshikkunnu
Thanks a lot	Valare Upakaaram / Nanni
Excuse Me / Sorry	Kshamikkanam / Maappu
I Apologise	Jnaan Maappu Chothikkunnu
Let's go	Namukku Pokaam
How much will it cost?	Ithinu Yenthu Vila Varum / Yentha Vila
Is this water good for drinking?	Ee Vellam Kudikkaan Kollaamo?
Can I make a phone call?	Onnu Phone Cheythotte?
Where can I hire a taxi?	Taxi Yevide Kittum?
Where does this road go?	Ee Vazhi Yevidekku Pokum?
Don't speak so fast	Ithra Vegathil Samsarikkaruthe / Pathuke Samsariku
When do you go back?	Ningal Yennu Thirichu Pokum
Come back again	Veendum Varika
Zero (0)	Poojyam
One (1)	Onnu
Two (2)	Randu
Three (3)	Moonhu
Four (4)	Naalu
Five (5)	Anchu
Six (6)	Aaru
Seven (7)	Yezhu
Eight (8)	Yettu
Nine (9)	Onpathu
Ten (10)	Patthu

Beaches Beaches, touristy and unexplored, galore along the 600 km Kerala coast. A bunch of them have historical significance too. Kodungalore coast near Kochi had been where St.Thomas, the Apostle of Christ and first missionary in Indian coast, landed. Vasco De Gama, the first European voyager, stranded at Kappad near Calicut heralding the European invasion. Sea has always been an inspiration for Malayali literati and filmmakers. Keep your ears close to the pages of Malayalam novels. You can hear roaring of sea and the poignant life on the coastal Kerala. Ace novelist, late Thakazhi had set, Chemmeen, his masterpiece, against the background of sea. Many films have coastal life as background screen. At least rumble of a turbulent sea and billowing tidal waves are used as symbols of an agitated mind. A traipse along coastal hamlets will give a whiff of Kerala’s village life.

	Kerala, with its finest beaches, offers surf and sand unspoilt despite being used by trippers from across the world.
	Kerala beaches have a character unique. Cool, saline breeze blowing on the coconut groves along the coast would function as a balm to an agitated soul.
	Lose your heart to the mesmerizing charm of the tropical beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala, Shangumugham, Vizhinjam, Alappuzha, Kappad, Payyambalam and Bekal.

	Kovalam Beach
	World famous Indian beach since 1930 where foreign and domestic tourists throng. This post-card tropical beach, boarded by blue waters and lush coconut gardens, once was a haunt of hippies from European countries. Kovalam, more popular among backpacking travelers, is a western cultural dot on a traditional and orthodox Kerala physique.
	"Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time, seems, stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

	Azure water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea, here, is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. Landlubbers will get lifeguards' service. The clean white sandy beach will arouse a temptation irresistible: to lie in idle on the sands and tan the body.
	Feeling a spent-cartridge after aquatics and beach activities. Get into an Ayurvedic massage centre-there are many such centres- and lie down on the wooden lath for a herbal, body-toning massage. To make the visit memorable, go for a shopping in handicrafts, jewellery and cloth shops spread across the shore. Food and accommodation suiting your purse is available along the beach.

	Chowara Beach
	A virgin beach, 9 kms south of the renowned Kovalam Beach is the hot spot these days for the traveller. It offers a harmonious combination of nature where you can enjoy lush greeneries, whispering sea breeze and the murmering surf. And it is a "must visit" destinaation having heritage and Ayurvedic resorts like Somatheeram, SuryaSamudra and Manaltheeram.

	Shanghumugham Beach
	A popular city beach near Thiruvananathapuram Airport. On holidays, the city comes out to the beach for a weekly refreshing. Long and wide sandy beach can accommodate tens of thousands. An indoor recreation club, children's park and a star shaped restaurant are some of the facilities at the beach.
	A large, enticing mermaid sculpture greets visitors. During temple festivals, the beach witnesses ritual washing of temple idols. That the beach is a fishermen village ensures an interesting sight of fishermen having their daily catch.

	Varkala Papanasam Beach
	Varkala spa, 42 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, is the best spot along Kerala coast for watching sunset. The sight of the sun melting into the sea would blossom your poetic sense.
	During monsoon, bellowing waves engulf the beach lying beneath towering cliff and mineral water spring. The mineral water gushing from the hill is believed to have medicinal properties.
	The Varkala sands has become an ideal spot for confluence of cultures exotic and alien. Varkala also houses a leading pilgrim centre in Kerala. The 800-year old Janardhana temple, dedicated to Ayyappan and Hanuman, atop the hill has brought a sobriquet for the region, Southern Kasi (Benares). Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum but can hang around the temple.
	Sree Narayana Guru(1855-1928), saint, social reformer, philosopher and leader of Ezhava community, made Varkala his headquarters. Sivagiri mutt, instituted by Sree Narayana Guru, is another major pilgrim centre here.

	Bekal Beach
	Bekal fort, 14 km away from Kasargode, is the best preserved fort in Kerala. The seashore fort along with its premise is being designed into a major tourist resort. The fort, in its domineering position on a promontory, offers a panoramic view of palm-fringed beaches on both flanks. Shrubby hill slopes down from the fort to rugged rocks before engaging itself with a tête-à-tête with the frothy sea.A sauntering inside the fort would transport to the battle days when rival forces fought for wresting the fort, then a vantage position on Western coast. A Navel academy is nearing completion at Ezhimala, in Kannur near Bakal.

Alleppey Beach	Quilon Beach	Cherayi Beach (Kochi)