Kerala
Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is enshrined in the Anantha Shayanam posture. It is known for its blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles, its immense wealth, and being considered one of the holiest and richest temples in India. The temple is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore, and visitors must adhere to a strict dress code.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park, also known as Periyar Tiger Reserve, is a protected area in the Western Ghats of Kerala, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants and tigers, and its scenic artificial lake. Visitors can enjoy eco-tourism activities like boat safaris on the lake, trekking, and nature walks. The park is a crucial watershed for the Periyar and Pamba rivers and is home to many rare and endangered species.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is a unique coastal destination in Kerala known for its striking red laterite cliffs, making it one of the few places in southern Kerala where cliffs are found next to the sea. The area features the main Papanasam Beach, a black sand beach with patches of heavy minerals, and is surrounded by numerous cafes, shops, resorts, and water sports like surfing and paragliding. Other notable nearby spots include the historic Janardhana Swamy Temple, Kappil Beach where the backwaters meet the sea, and the Varkala Cliff itself, which is popular for sunsets.
Athirappilly Water Falls
Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala, located in the Thrissur district on the Chalakudy River in the Western Ghats. It is 80 feet tall and is often called the "Niagara of India". Visitors can view the falls from above, and the surrounding area is known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It's also a popular filming location, famously featured in the movie Bahubali.
Kerala was first epigraphically recorded as Cheras (Keralaputra) in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka of Magadha.[1] It was mentioned as one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during Ashoka’s time, the others being the Cholas, Pandyas and Satyaputras.[2] The Cheras transformed Kerala into an international trade centre by establishing trade relations across the Arabian Sea with all major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports as well those of Eastern Africa and the Far East.[3] The dominion of Cheras was located in one of the key routes of the ancient Indian Ocean trade. The early Cheras collapsed after repeated attacks from the neighboring Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
