Kerala, known as "God's Own Country" is the ultimate destination for tourists from all around the world. National Geographic Travel, after 2 years of research, has chosen Kerala as one of its 50 must see destinations of a lifetime and as one of the 10 paradises of the world.

Located on the southwest end of the Indian peninsula, Kerala is a coastal state on the banks of Arabian Sea. Approximately 500 km long and 150 km wide, Kerala is broadly divided into three topographical formations. The coastal west with its stunning backwaters is rich in paddy fields and coconut gardens. The centre is thickly populated and rich in rubber plantations, palm groves and a host of crops. The mountainous east is lush green with abundant wildlife, tea gardens, coffee gardens, spices and thick forests.

Traders from distant lands came to Kerala in search of spices from the earliest days of history. It was on the western coast of Kerala that the European sailor Vasco Da Gama first dropped anchor. The varied influences of Jews, Arabs, Syrians, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and the English has enriched the indigenous culture.

Kerala has two monsoons a year (the main one in June/July and another in October) which is why it is so amazingly green and lush. Kerala is an agricultural state and there is virtually no industry. Coconuts are the main crop but rice, tea, coffee, sandalwood, sago, rubber and spices are also grown. As tourism is fairly new to Kerala its development has been controlled which means that there is little to spoil the beaches and tourist spots. What Kerala offers the visitor is natural beauty and a vibrant culture. The best time to visit is October to April, when there is brilliant sunshine and little rainfall.