India is a country with a vast variety of attractions to visit and wonders of the world to enjoy, however I would like to focus on the very beautiful seaside state of Kerala because it is a little less well-known to most North American travelers.

Start your exciting voyage with a trip to the abundant, green hills of the Silent Valley National Park. This fascinating park is home to more than 1000 types of flowering plants and other remarkable flora and fauna. One of the more unique plants is called the cobra plant and is aptly named not only because it resembles a snake but also because part of the stem looks like a protruding fang. These spectacular plants usually come in yellow and purple and make quite the impression on visitors and locals alike.

Travel along the River Kunti, which is the only source of water for tribal settlers who live near Silent Valley. As your journey continues, keep your eyes open for macaws, mongooses and panthers that inhabit this lush, tropical paradise. 

Everywhere you look in the Silent Valley you will see the colour green and the trekking trails will invite you to discover the thriving forest within. Follow your knowledgeable guide as he points out an ammonia flower which, he says, helps cure migraines.

Next, its time to head south to Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a park which offers 285 square kilometers of biodiversity and wildlife. Here you have the chance to see an array of peacocks, deer, birds, tigers, monkeys and water buffalo. 

For the nature lover, no other state in India parallels Kerala, where the old teak trees are over 450 years old and can grow to have a girth of 6.5 meters! You would need at least 5 people with their arms outstretched in order to circle this huge tree! 

Go for a swim in the warm water or visit a “mashan” a tree house in the wild, which offers great views and unbelievable scenery. Here you can also bird watch while you are living amongst all the natural beauty the sanctuary has to offer. You will swear that you are looking at a living postcard as you gaze across at the beautiful blue reservoir. 

Whether you are bamboo rafting with friends on the river, participating in an adventurous jeep safari or watching a monkey climb up a bamboo tree, Kerala’s uniqueness and enchantment will deeply touch your spirit.