Kerala
The standard of medical care in Kerala is excellent and this is a popular destination for medical tourism. What many tourists have now discovered is that Kerala has a pool of trained doctors and nurses and an excellent network of hospitals that offer international standard treatments at very affordable prices. Previously Indians working abroad, such as residents of Kerala working in the Persian Gulf countries, would return to India for medical treatment. Now International patients too have realized the advantages of traveling to Kerala is known the world over for its alternative medicinal therapies. Ayurveda is the best known of these alternative wellness therapies practiced in Kerala. Other Alternative therapies such as Naturopathy, Siddha and Panchakarma are commonly practiced in Kerala and have gained recognition worldwide for their therapeutic nature
There are many leading hospitals, speciality centers, medical institutions of excellence, clinics, combined with large Ayurvedic hospitals as well as Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy ,Allopathy medical practices. Many hospitals in Kerala are of international standards and provide excellent medical care. Government run clinics and hospitals are free for all but can be crowded and not the best option for visitors. Private hospitals offer good treatment at comparatively low prices.
Alappuzha:
The Beaches in Alappuzha
The sun-kissing beaches in Alappuzha offer to any visitor that exquisite experience to relax amid the azure blue waters, with the palm and coconut grooves lining the lakes in a sylvan water world.
Champpakkulam
Champpakkulam is a small island which showcases the natural resplendence and attractions of Alappuzha.
Karumadikuttan
Karumadikuttan is the places with the gigantic, Buddhist statue.
Alappuzha backwaters
Alappuzha backwaters with the deep shadows of the tall palms that stand proudly on their banks around the glistening waters is a nowhere else-on-earth experience to any visitor.
Alappuzha Boat Races
Boat Races are yet another uniqueness of Alappuzha. The quiet and tranquil Alappuzha backwaters spring to life at the time of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. The special wooden snake boats that are used for these races are called Chundanvalloms which can accommodate more than 100 oarsmen at a time. It is so thrilling to watch the oarsmen work themselves up into frenzy as they propel these massive boats with the enchanting rhythm of special songs. The exhilaration and charged up atmosphere around will give any visitor a unique holiday experience that is beyond description.
Other Tourism Places in Alappuzha Kerala
The other must see tourist spots in Alappuzha are
* Ambalapuzha
* Arthunkal
* Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple
* Krishnapuram Temple and Palace
* Mannarsala
* Pathiramanal
* Punnamada Kayal
* St Andrew's Church
* Mullackal Temple
* Kottakulanga
Bekal Fort:
Bekal Beach
The view of the fort and the panoramic view of the sea from the fort are really breathtaking. One can really feel the blended beauty of the sea, sand and the land. Palm trees swaying in the wind add beauty to the land.
Kappil Beach
Kappil beach is not that explored and is rather a secluded one. It is just 6kms from the Bekkal fort. The main attraction here is the cliff where you can climb up. The panoramic view of the sea from the cliff is really breathtaking.
Azhithala Beach
Azhithala Beach is a calm and isolated beach with casuarinas trees growth in between. This beach is around 25 km from Bekal. The beach is a place best suited for relaxation in the evenings and long walks.
Backwaters
Valiyaparamba Backwaters
Valiyaparamba backwater stretch is formed by four rivers, making a network of waterways. This waterways run through the beautiful paddy fields and palm groves. This is believed to be the best among the backwater as far the beauty of the land is taken into consideration. Traveling in house boat you can enjoy the beauty of this wonderful land.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri River, flowing beside the famous fort by the same name unveils more frames of tranquility. Boat trips are available from here to nearby islands and palm groves.
Cochin
Marine Drive
The one place in Kochi where one is sure to love is Marine Drive. It is located in the heart of the city, probable the most posh area. Marine drive is almost one Km long along the lake overlooking the wharf. It is a very calm place totally unaffected by the disturbances of the city. It is really the best place in Ernakulam to relax during the evenings. There are two beautiful rain bow bridges across the backwaters along the walk way.
Wellington Island
This is a manmade island constructed by the British and name after the erstwhile Viceroy Lord Wellington. The island is a place of great strategic and commercial importance. It has the Southern Naval Command-Kattari Bagh, the Port Trust head Quarters, offices of many trading companies international hotels etc You can reach the island either through road or by boat.
Jewish Synagogue
This synagogue was built in 1568 AD. It is the oldest synagogue in common wealth countries. This is located at Mattanchery.In the synagogue one can still find the scrolls of the Old Testament and the copper plates which are preserved with great care.
St. Francis Church Fort Kochi
It is located in Fort Kochi. Vasco da Gama - the first European Navigator who landed in India was buried in here in 1524. The church was initially built in wood.
Santa Cruz Bascillica Fort Kochi
This Roman Catholic Church is really a supreme example of the Portuguese architecture of the 15th century.
It is a specimen of portugese architecture built in 1503. Murals done with watercolors on wet plaster - Frescoes -decorate the interior parts of the church, even the ceilings.
Bhoothathankettu
Bhoothathankettu is situated 50 Kms from Ernakulam city. The reservoir with it fearsome name is located in a dense forest. The Salim Ali bird Sanctuary is located nearby. The boating through the reservoir is more than a rejoicing experience which you should never miss.
Cherai Beach
It is the most famous beach in Ernakulam district. The calm and shallow beach with its beautiful landscapes and nearby paddy fields provides the best place for relaxing and rejuvenating. Recreational activities like boat cruising, cultural event etc are the other specialties of this place. Excellent accommodation facilities of international standards are available in Cherai Island.
Bolghatty Palace
Bolgatty Island could be accessible by boats from the Marine drive. It is 3 kms from the main land. The main attraction here is the palace built by Duth in 1774 and later it was the seat of the British resident of Kochi.The palm trees and golf course together adds beauty to this place.
Parikshit Thampuran Museum
It is located near the Darbar Hall Road, Cochin. The museum has a wide collection of paintings of 19th century, old coins, mural paintings, other sculptures etc.
Hill Palace Thripoonithara
Hill palace, located 13 kms from the cochin city is the house of many royal icons. Epigraphies in dried palm leaves, majestic beds paintings, etchings, weapons and carvings can be seen here.
Kalady
It is the birth place of the great Advaita Philosopher - Adi Shankaracharya. There are three important temples here.
Malayattoor
The most important Christian Pilgrim center of Kerala. The St.Thomas church, the imprint of the foot of the Apostle and the great well believed to have healing effect are the main attractions here.