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Kerala in Southwestern India, known as a tropical paradise, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
     
Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the north; to the west it has a 650 kilometer coastline along the Arabian Sea. This state is known as a tropical paradise of waiving palms and wide sandy beaches. Karala is also known for its backwaters, the Western Ghats Mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohin Attam. Kerala has a population of about 32 million predominantly of Malayali descent, while the rest is mostly made up of Jewish and Arab elements in both culture and ancestry. With a literacy rate of more than 95%, Kerala has the highest literacy among the states of India. Kerala also has the highest life expectancy in the country, it is similar to developed nations in the world and Kerala's healthcare system is internationally acclaimed.
Kerala is notable for its flora, much of it concentrated and protected in the Agasthyamamai Biosphere Reserve in the eastern hills. Almost a fourth of India's 10,000 plants are found in Kerala, and many of these nowhere else. Also Kerala's fauna are notable for their diversity; among them are such mammals as Indian Elephant, Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopard, which can be seen at Periyar and Eravikulam National Parks.
Running in a virtual unbroken line along the length of Kerala is the mighty Western Ghats, less than 100 km inland. This region is radical different from the coastal plains, with vast tea gardens and coffee plantations wrapped around the flanks of jagged, grass-topped mountain peaks. The lower slopes of the Western Ghats are the source of the spices that drew traders from around the world to the shores known for centuries as the Malabar Coast.
The tourist infrastructure in Kerala is of a high standard, with hotels and resorts in all categories located at all main tourist destinations, such as the beaches, the backwaters, the hill stations and natural parks as well as the main cities. The state has three major international airports with both domestic and international flights. The roads are good compared to normal Indian standard, and the network extensive. Also there is a well-functioning train and bus service in Kerala.
The best time to visit Kerala is between December and February, when the skies are clear and humidity at its least debilitating. From March onwards, the heat and stickiness become increasingly uncomfortable in the pre-monsoon build-up. After a month of intense sunshine alleviated by short showers, the rains erupt in earnest in the first week of June and lasts into August. The second annual monsoon is from October to December. Although lighter than its predecessor, it leaves the skies frequently overcast and is accompanied by high humidity levels.
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