Enclosed by the Arabian Sea to the west, the states of Tamil Nadu to the east, and Karnataka to the north, Kerala is sprawled over a stretch of 38,863 sq km. Having developed a unique culture owing to the different foreign influences over the years, Kerala presents a host of tourist lures. Visiting the various tourist destinations in Kerala will allow you to explore the various areas of the various corners of the state.

Some of the major Kerala tourist destinations can be discussed as under:

Thiruvananthapuram:
The capital of the state, this city, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, has an exceptionally fine museum that houses a rare assortment of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ethnic jewellery, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. You can visit Sree Chithra Art Gallery which preserves fine paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and beautiful works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. Thiruvallam, a serene backwater stretch, on the way to Kovalam is fine option for water sport enthusiasts.

Kochi:
Popularly referred to as the �Queen of the Arabian Sea�, Kochi (Cochin) is a busy port city, famous for the Chinese fishing nets in its harbor, St Francis Church, the Jewish synagogue, Fort Cochin, the Dutch Palace at Matancherry, and the Santa Cruz Basilica. You can choose to go for the backwater cruise in Kumarakom, 88km from Kochi.

Alappuzha:
Alappuzha is one of the prime destinations in Kerala for the tourists who are particularly looking forward to a thrilling backwater cruise down the waters of Kerala. Widely acclaimed for boat races, beaches, marine and coir products, Alappuzha is one of the important tourist places in Kerala to be visited.

Idukki:
Mainly inhabited by tribals, Idukki offers a host of mountains, valleys, dams, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations and lovely lakes as tourist attractions. Munnar, a hill station in Idukki district, is one of the prime tourist destinations in Kerala.

Kollam:
Located in the southwest corner of India, Kollam is widely known as the Cashew Paradise in Kerala. Strolls on the calm and scenic Thirummulavaram and Tangasseri beaches, boating on the waters of Ashtamudi Lake and visits to Thenmala, Residency Palace Ashramom, Jetayu para, and Palaruvi water falls make your tour all the more engaging.

Kottayam:
Surrounded by the imposing Western Ghats to the east and the beautiful Vembanad Lake and the stretches of paddy fields of Kuttanad to the west, Kottayam is a land of uniqueness.

Palakkad:
Referred to as the granary of Kerala, the district of Palakkad is located at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is a land of valleys, hills, forests, rivers, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on the various Tourist Destinations in Kerala on your tour to India.