"Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going."
- Paul Theroux

WORLD OF AIRDA

Views and Interviews

July 2023

Consumer Awareness Feature

Spotlight on Kerala



Kerala is home to some of the most beautiful tourist and vacation spots in India. It’s a world of lush green hills, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and a calendar of cultural events and attractions. Tourists from around the world come down to Kerala to experience its natural beauty, delightfully unique cuisines, and the welcoming hospitality of its people.

If you’re a nature lover, pick a resort location near a beach, lake, stretch of forest, or hill station to see what God’s Own Country is all about. Kerala’s beaches are a popular tourist attraction, with stunning sunsets and a picture postcard coastline.

Kerala also has some of the most beautiful backwaters in the country - a visually delightful network of lakes, canals, and rivers that connect the state’s many coastal towns. You can explore these areas on a houseboat, enjoying the stunning scenery as the world passes by.

Kerala is also home to a variety of festivals that draw tourists from all over the world. What comes to mind first is Onam, a key highlight in the festive season. Other festivals such as Vishu and Thiruvathirai are celebrated during the year. The state is also known for its legendary sports, cultural events and temple festivals.

Here’s a handy checklist for the first-time visitor to Kerala with a vacation in mind:

Varkala Beach: Varkala is a small beach town located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Tourist diaries talk about Varkala’s rocky cliff range, its natural mineral springs, and the sparkling blue waters at the beachfront.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals and birds, including Asiatic Elephants, Sambar deer, Nilgiri tahr, great Indian hornbills, and more. It also has some of the most exotic flora and fauna in the country.

Munnar Hill station: Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. It’s known for its breathtaking views of surrounding hills, tea and spice plantations, and wildlife.

Alleppey Backwaters: The backwaters of Alleppey welcome you with crystal clear waters and theme-crafted houseboats. They’re perfect for a leisurely cruise or a romantic getaway.

Kovalam Beach: Kovalam Beach boasts of a 15-kilometer coastline and presents a crescent formation of beaches -  Samudra Beach, Hawa Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. It’s known for its calm waters, beach sports, and a fringe of resorts and restaurants located nearby.

Athirapally Waterfalls: Athirapilly Waterfalls, dropping down 80 feet and more, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala. It is located in the Chalakudi Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals and birds including Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, Nilgiri tahrs. Also home to a large number of rare and exotic birds, the sanctuary is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Kollam Beach: Kollam Beach in Quilon district is known famously as the Beach Wedding Destination. A picture-book setting of beach walkers, and joggers amidst a spread of fishing boats.

Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary: A river-side sanctuary where tourists can participate in interactive feeding, or watch elephant activity from observation points. A rescue and training centre, this is where you can get to see elephants in a close-to-nature habitat.

The next time you’re planning a vacation with the family, or your circle of friends, wing your way to Kerala. It’s God’s Own Country for more than one reason. And Kerala has something for everyone.


AIRDA member resorts in Kerala



When at Club Mahindra Mount Serene, Munnar, fun follows you indoors and outdoors. Trek along winding roads that lead to beautiful tea plantations. Or, stay in and learn the art of glass painting. Sign up for adventurous treks or simply pamper your taste buds with authentic Sadhya.


Explore the bountiful treasures of nature with a stay at Club Mahindra, Thekkady. Be it an afternoon spent boating lazily amongst tree stumps, discovering the thrills of a bamboo raft, or embarking on an adventurous safari at the Tiger Reserve, the possibilities of fun are endless.


Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey is spread out in 14 acres beside Lake Vembanad, India’s longest freshwater lake. Indulge in our Houseboat stays on the backwater canals, private lagoon, island swimming pool, ayurvedic therapies & exotic global cuisines.


Sterling Anaikatti is on the banks of River Siruvani with the sweetest water in India. With 33 pinewood chalets in a rustic setting, surrounded by coconut trees, the resort has a swimming pool, spa and a host of indoor & outdoor games for a fun holiday.

All images used are courtesy of Club Mahindra and Sterling Holidays

Content Disclaimer: The views expressed in our interviews and stories do not necessarily reflect the official policies, practices and guidelines of the All India Resort Development Association, or its members. These views are based on personal experiences, private opinion, or open source information. (Images used here are either "paid-for" stock photos, images shared by the people we interview, or images under one of the open source licenses such as Creative Commons and others.)
Here’s a link to some recent interviews done by us on the AIRDA website

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