Kerala (all images)

Kerala is a state located along the western coast of southern India, formed after the 1956 reorganisation of various Malayalam-speaking regions. Kerala is one of the most densely populated states of India and has been settled since the Neolithic period. After a succession of various kingdoms Kerala was colonised by European powers starting in the 15th century. Kerala lies in the tropical belt and experiences a wet season between June and September. Kerala consists of a flat coastal plains region and is bordered to the west by the Ghats mountain range. Its main tourist attractions are the beaches especially around Kovalam, the backwaters area around Alappuzha, the Munnar hill station and the Periyar national park.