One of the most memorable experience for the tourist visiting Kerala is the opportunity to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala on a house boat. (Kettuvallam)

The boats cross shallow palm -fringed lakes studded with cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and cruise along the narrow shady canals. On the way one can see the real Kerala village life. Alappuza or Alleppey is an important tourist centre in Kerala because of its amazing backwaters. A number of boat race are conducted here every year, with the Nehru Boat Race, been the most prominent.

If the strain of urban life has your nerves jangling, Kerala's popular Ayurvedic centres will help you unwind and drain the tension out of you.

The state's rich cultural past finds expression in dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniattam, while Kalaripayattu the traditional martial art form of Kerala has been practised for ages.

To the uninitiated, Kerala comes as an extremely pleasant surprise. It unveils an endless list of destinations, each one of which has a hidden treasure of its own. The bewitching beaches at Kovalam, Varkala, Kappad, Bekal; the inviting backwaters of Kochi, Kumarakom, Kolam, Veli, Kuttanad, Karunanagapally; the wild waterfalls at Munnar, Devikulam, Peermade, Wynad, Ponmudi, Nelliyampathy seem to amply prove that God was more than partial while designing this land. Man took over after God, further beautifying this land with temples, palaces, forts, synagogues and many more structures.

Today Kerala is the most advanced state in India with the highest literacy rate and the lowest birth rate. Almost a quarter of the land area is covered by forest, with more than over 3500 plant species, most of them growing in the Western Ghats. Kerala's forest's abundant and diverse habitat support a variety of wildlife population. Cultivation varies from Paddy fields and coconut palms over the plains, while up in the hills, there are plantations of areca nut, cardamom, rubber, pepper, tea and coffee.

Keralites (the people of Kerala) are known for their harmony and temperaments among themselves. They always welcome outsiders with open hands and heart. Hospitality is a part of Kerala culture and are the best host one can see in this world.