Munnar, better known as the "Kashmir of the South" is one of the major tourist destinations in South India. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathani & Kundala.  1600 meter above sea level this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.  Sprawling Tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.  Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji.  This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD.  Munnar also has the highest peak in South India - Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m.  Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been  land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district.  The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee.  Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands is the 'Neelakurinji'.
This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2006 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
The nearest airport is at Cochin (130kms) and the nearest railway station is also at Cochin.

Baot races in Kerala is considered to be an unparalleled attraction of God's Own Country. It is a great event as important as the land’s ethos as the elephant pageantand also signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. An occasions of great excitement is also reflected on the eve of boat races.
The snake boat races of Kerala. Magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades. Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water's edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.The boat races are usually held during the months of August to September.
Some of the major Boat Races in Kerala are the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali and Payippad Jalotsavam

Kerala is one of the most politically conscious state in India. Kerala can boast of the first Communist Government in India through ballot and was the forerunner in coalition politics in India. The political mass is divided among two camps from 1950 onwards, the left of the centre parties, headed by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Centrist alliance dominated by Congress (I). The LDF camp comprises of Communist Party of India-CPI, Kerala Congress (Joseph)- KC (J), Revolutionary Socialist Party- RSP, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Janata Dal (United)- JD (U).

The United Democratic Front (UDF) cohabitants are Muslim League, Kerala Congress (Mani)- KC (M), Kerala Congress (Jacob), Revolutionary Socialist Party (Bolshevik)-RSP (B), Kerala Congress (B)- KC (B) and Communist Marxist Party- CMP. The right of the centre parties consisting of communal entities are yet to spread its tentacles in Kerala. The UDF and the LDF rules the state in an alternative manner.
 Currently the UDF holds the administrative key in Kerala, headed by the Dynamic man and Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri OOmmen Chandy. The unconquerable Shri. Achuthanandan holds the title of the Opposition leader. But the UDF government seems to be sailing the ship in a shakky manner due to internal conflicts and splits and also the pressure from the opposition parties. In his tenure as a Chief Minister, Mr. Chandy has gained respect of millions, and on the other hand he also had to face severe criticism from the opposition. He has done a great job in promoting tourism in Kerala to a larger boundary.

 Floods and landslides killed almost a 100 people in different parts of Kerala and caused damages to the tune of Rs 50 crore. The state government is seeking a visit by a central government team to assess the damages, according to the chief minister.
Munnar, a hilly area and a great tourist attraction was one of the worst hit by heavy rains and landslides. Eight lives were lost. Almost twenty roads in the district were destroyed. The government has opened ten relief camps to accommodate around 1,615 affected people.Kuttanad in Alappuzha district has 1,26 lakh people in relief camps according to officials. Here the loss is estimated to be around Rs 15 crore.

The government sanctioned Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of grown-up persons killed in the floods and Rs.10,00 each to the next of kin of children who lost their lives. Free ration for one month for the affected families has been approved. Rs.30,000 each will be given to those who have lost their homes. The government has agreed to give 10 cents of government land to those who have lost their lands also and 5 cents where private land has to be acquired.According to the government, the floods and landslides are occurring due to indiscriminate construction activities and encroachments.Around 20,000 tonnes of paddy procured by various agencies in the last harvest season and stored in makeshift godowns have been damaged in the flood.