Kerala – God's Own Country!

Kerala is famous all over the world for its exquisite natural beauty. For travellers looking for a relaxing getaway, it is the perfect destination. Aptly known as "God's own Country", Kerala offers beautiful backwaters, serene lakes, densely forested mountains, sprawling green tea gardens, pristine white beaches laced by the azure blue sea, and a wide variety of scenic beauty to soothe the soul of travellers. You can experience a fascinating stay on a houseboat, rejuvenate your body with the renowned Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatments, enjoy watching the bathing of elephants, watch a mesmerizing Kathakali performance, and experience myriad novelties when in Kerala.

Why Visit Kerala?

Kerala is located on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India and the Western Ghats run all through the state. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of this state. Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and according to National Geographic's Traveler magazine, it is also among the Top10 Paradises of the World, and 50 Must-See Destinations of Lifetime.

Sparkling Beaches:

The beaches in Kerala are breathtaking. Situated on the Malabar coast, Kerala has about 600 kilometres of the shoreline of the Arabian sea. Kerala beaches are probably the most visited and most popular among all other beaches on the Western ghats. Some of the most notable beaches based on tourism are Muzhappilangad, Thottada, Varkala, Lighthouse, Mararikulam, Kovalam, Marari, Bekal, Kappil, Alappuzha, Kappas, Cherai, and Shanghumukham beach.

Majestic Mountains:

The mountains in Kerala covered with forests and tea plantations lure tourists from all over the world. Some mighty mountain ranges and peaks to visit in Kerala are Anamudi, Chembra, Banasura, Meesapulimala, Ponmudi, Agasthyamalai, Meenuliyan Para, Ambukuthi, Poomala, Anginda, Elivai Malai, Brahmagiri, Kottamala and Palni Hills.

Serene Backwaters and stay in Houseboats:

An intricate network of brackish lagoons, interconnected rivers, canals, and lakes that stretch parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea form the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Cruising over the waters, you can feast your eyes on the lush greenery all around, and feel the peace of the ambience refresh your mind. A stay on a houseboat over the backwaters provides an extraordinary experience that you are sure to treasure forever.

Abundant Wildlife:

Within the extensive forest lands of the Sahyadri Ranges in Kerala, there are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries and two tiger reserves. The sanctuaries house numerous exotic varieties of flora and fauna that are a delight to nature lovers and a feast for photographers.

Religious shrines:

Temples of notable religious significance are plenty in Kerala. At the same time, there are several famous churches, Islamic shrines, Jewish synagogues and more. The holy sites enable a connection with spirituality in this state where people of faiths cohabit peacefully.

Gardens and plantations:

Kerala is renowned for its fragrant spice gardens, extensive tea, and coffee plantations that offer a unique experience to visitors.

How to Reach Kerala?

By Air: Most of the tourists prefer to visit Kerala by air from various parts of the world as well as India. The major airports brimming with tourists are Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Kozhikode International Airport, Kannur International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Kovalam airport, and Calicut International Airport.

By Train: The major railway stations in Kerala are also very well connected to other cities in India. Some of them are Ernakulam junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central junction, Ernakulam town station, Angamaly station, Chalakudy station, Aluva Railway Station, Ernakulam Railway Station and Guruvayur railway station.

By Road: Kerala is directly connected with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu by road, and it has very well-maintained road connections from every part of the country through National Highways.

When to Visit Kerala?

Summers: While some places like the beaches have summers all year, the mountain regions and the forests enjoy all seasons throughout. Summers remain one of the most crowded seasons in Kerala.

Winters: Kerala is home to several beaches. The beaches there have a tropical climate. Thus, if anybody wants to avoid the chill of winters and have a gala time enjoying sea bathing and lounging in the sun, winters are the perfect opportunity to do so.

Monsoons: Forest and mountain ranges can be mesmerizing during the rains for the greenery. Sea beaches remain a bit less crowded during the monsoons. Although, to have a budget trip monsoons are the perfect opportunity since the prices significantly drop.

Where to Visit in Kerala?

Fort Kochi: The fort Kochi has been home to Arabs, British, Chinese and Portuguese people throughout their history of colonization and rule. It is also known as the gateway to Kerala.

Periyar National Park: Periyar National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the southern part of India. It is primarily known for its wild elephants, and this National Park stays open all through the year, even during the monsoons or the breeding season. Located in the Thekkady district, this park also provides elephant rides through the jungle, which is a once in a lifetime experience.

Kovalam Beach: The most visited Kerala beach, Kovalam, which is located about 40 minutes away from Trivandrum, is considered to be a tourist destination since the early 1970s. At that time hippies populated it as they followed the hippie trail to Sri Lanka. At present, this white sand beach with cerulean waters is one of the most populated beaches due to the number of tourists visiting every year.

Munnar: Munnar is a small town located just below the Ernakulam National Park. The name comes from the three rivers that confluence near the city. Munnar is mostly visited for witnessing the Nilgiri flower NeelaKurinji as well as the Nilgiri Tahr. The hill station is surrounded by verdant green tea plantations and is a staple location for multiple movie shoots.

Jatayupara Earth's Center: Created and opened in late 2016, this centre is one of the most ambitious new tourist hotspots in Kerala. It is themed on the Hindu epic of Ramayana and located in the Kollam district. The sculpture is the largest of its kind. The surrounding park consists of over 30 adventure activities, virtual reality, museum cave that is known for ayurvedic healing, aerial tramway, and a 6D theatre to represent the battle between Jatayu and Ravana.

Culture in Kerala

Kerala is quite literally a cultural hub. It also celebrates over 10,000 festivals every year. The lifestyle, architecture, language, social institutions, and literature are quite praiseworthy. Kerala also happens to be one of the states with the highest number of temples, mainly Hindu. Onam is the most celebrated harvest festival of this state with four days of public Holiday. The five primary classical dance forms of India, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kudiyan, Kalaripayattu and Krishnattam all originate from Kerala. These were all previously practised in the temple amphitheatres under the patronage of royal houses. Other dance forms include the Kaliyattam, Padayani and Koothu. The literature in Malayalam dates back to 14 century Niranam poets and Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, as a 17th-century poet is remarkably famous for his contributions in modern Malayalam language and poetry. Contemporary writers of international fame like Kamala Das, Mukundhan, Arundhati Roy, and Vaiko Mohammed Basheer are also from Kerala.

Food in Kerala

Spices in Kerala act as central attractions for food lovers and connoisseurs worldwide. The major available food items are idli, dosa, puttu, appam, idiyappam, tapioca, Vada, chutney, chicken curry, fish curry, Biryani, beef fry, rasam, banana crisps, Sambar, unniyappam, shrimps, and prawns.

Last-Minute Tips

Kerala has very dynamic weather where some places have summer all year. Some other sites enjoy all seasons. Thus, you should pack according to the destinations you plan to visit.

Consumption and possession of narcotic drugs are strictly prohibited, and heavy penalties are assumed.

There are a number of ayurvedic centres offering a variety of treatments. However, it is advisable to avail the services of the centres verified by the Department of Tourism.

Some temples do not permit the entry of non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are to be maintained in most of the religious places and footwear must be left outside the temples.

Kerala has everything to offer to tourists of all ages and preferences. Senior citizens can enjoy a laid-back tour and relax amidst the natural splendour. Family groups can enjoy bathing elephants, watch beguiling folk dance and ancient Indian martial arts performances, and seek spiritual peace at the countless religious shrines. Honeymoon couples can avail of special packages that offer them solitude in the lap of nature. Plan your itinerary and book a Kerala tour package today to witness the stunning beauty of the view, the rich cultural heritage and all the fantastic tourist destinations in the state. You are sure to take back memories that you will cherish throughout your life.