Kerala tourism has grown leaps and bounds over the years. It has now become one of the most attractive tourist destinations not only for the Indians but also for foreigners. A land of forests, beaches, backwaters, rich cultures and traditions, and delicious Kerala cuisine. As per the Kerala Tourism official statistics, foreign tourist arrival to Kerala has shown an increase of 5.15% for the year 2017. The domestic tourist arrival to Kerala has shown an increase of 11.39% for the year 2017. Total revenue from Kerala Tourism has shown an increase of 12.56% for the year 2017. As the numbers suggest Kerala Tourism is constantly on the rise and has become a global travel destination. People sometimes travel to pay respects to their gods, some travel to admire the beautiful creation around them and some just to relax and reboot. No matter what your reason is Kerala provides you with all the options no matter what the occasion is. The most popular tourist place in Kerala is undoubtedly Thiruvananthapuram. Also know as Trivandrum, it attracts over 4, 00,000 foreign tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts over 25, 00,000 domestic tourists every year, making it one of the most popular tourist hub in India. Kovalam and Varkala are the two most popular beach towns located near the city. The most popular tourist destination in Trivandrum is Padmanabha Swamy temple. Being one of the oldest temples in India, its architecture is inspired by the Dravidian and the indigenous Kerala style. Millions of devotees around the world visit and pay their respects every year. It is also the richest temple in the world and its assets are valued to be over a trillion dollar. Trivandrum has its own international airport which is well connected with different cities across the globe. Now that’s a place I would want to visit. The second most popular tourist place in Kerala is Ernakulam. It refers to the eastern, mainland portion of the city Kochi. It attracts over 3, 50,000 foreign tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts over 32, 00,000 domestic tourists every year, making it a popular place to visit. It’s ranked second in the domestic tourists visiting. Ernakulam is also called the commercial capital of Kerala. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches and mosques. Every year millions of devotees of all caste and creed visit Ernakulam to pay homage to their gods. It is also know as a shopper’s paradise.  If one is interested in readymade garments, textiles, jewellery, antiques, handicrafts and the most authentic variety of spices then Ernakulam would be a match made in heaven. Travelling to Ernakulam is no hassle as the Cochin international airport is only 27 km from the city center. If you want to go on a leisure tour, just relaxing on the banks of Kerala Backwaters, or take a walk along the beach witnessing the beauty of the sunset, then the district of Alappuzha is where you would want to go. Also known as Alleppey, it attracts over 75,000 foreign tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts over 4, 00,000 domestic tourists every year. It is one of the fastest growing tourist attractions with 15% year on year increase in tourist footfalls. Lovingly known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey possess many Backwaters and beaches.  A Backwater is a part of a river in which there is little or no current. It can refer to a branch of a main river, which lies alongside it and then rejoins it. It is fresh in its nature and divine in its impression. One can find many luxurious resorts and home stays along the banks of Backwaters and Beaches.  Alleppey has numerous economic stay options as well. The main attraction of this beautiful district is its Kerala Houseboats. These houseboats on Backwaters provide delightful experience for the tourists. Traditionally used as grain barges, to transport the rice harvested in the fertile fields these Houseboats have now become floating cottages which provides an opportunity to the tourist to stay in and spend the night. Alleppey’s lush green forest, its stunning hill tops, fathomless backwaters, ravishing houseboats, glamorous Museum, competitive boat races and beautiful churches add serenity to a place which was made in god’s own image. These three places may act as the flag bearer for Kerala Tourism, but there is so much more to Kerala than what meets the eye. One has to experience it to feel the true blessing of the nature and to respect our ancient culture.