Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is located on the southwestern coast of India. Famous for its palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, hill stations, and spice plantations, Kerala is a top destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, serenity, and cultural richness. With its unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Kerala is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in traditional Indian culture. The state is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments, vibrant festivals, and rich art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
Categories
- Beaches and Coastal Attractions: Stunning beaches along the Arabian Sea
- Backwater Destinations: Houseboats, rivers, and lagoons
- Nature and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Hill stations, national parks, and wildlife reserves
- Cultural Experiences: Traditional dance, music, and local arts
- Pilgrimage Sites: Temples and spiritual centers
Cultural Highlights
- Festivals:
- Onam: Kerala’s biggest festival, celebrated with grand feasts, floral decorations, traditional dances, and boat races.
- Vishu: The Malayalam New Year, marked by rituals and the "Vishukkani" (first sight of auspicious items).
- Thrissur Pooram: A spectacular temple festival in Thrissur featuring grand processions of decorated elephants, fireworks, and drum performances.
- Theyam: A traditional dance form where performers act as deities and spirits, mostly in northern Kerala.
- Boat Races (Vallam Kali): Traditional boat races held during Onam and other festivals, particularly in Alleppey and Kottayam.
- Handicrafts and Art:
- Kathakali: A classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and makeup, telling stories from Hindu mythology.
- Mural Paintings: Kerala is famous for its ancient wall murals, particularly in temples and palaces, which depict religious and cultural stories.
- Nettipattam: Decorative gold-plated elephant headgear, often used during temple festivals.
- Kasavu Sari: A traditional Kerala saree, usually with a gold border, worn during festivals and ceremonies.
- Languages: Malayalam (official), with Tamil, Hindi, and English spoken in various regions.
Cuisine
- Sadya: A traditional Kerala feast, served on a banana leaf, featuring rice, curries, chutneys, and payasam (dessert).
- Kerala Sadya (Onam Sadya): A special version of Sadya served during the Onam festival, featuring over 25 dishes.
- Appam and Stew: A type of pancake made with fermented rice flour, served with a vegetable or meat stew.
- Fish Curry (Meen Curry): A spicy and tangy fish curry made with tamarind and coconut milk.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: A steamed rice cake (puttu) served with a spicy black chickpea curry.
- Payasam: A sweet, milk-based dessert made with rice, lentils, or vermicelli, often served during festivals and special occasions.
- Kerala Banana Chips: Crispy fried banana chips made from raw bananas, often served as a snack.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (November to February): The best time to visit Kerala for pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing, beach visits, and exploring backwaters.
- Monsoon (June to September): Kerala is known for its rejuvenating monsoon season, which is ideal for Ayurvedic treatments and enjoying the lush landscapes. However, heavy rains may limit outdoor activities.
- Summer (March to May): It can get hot and humid, but hill stations like Munnar offer a cool retreat during this time.
Activities and Top Attractions
Beaches and Coastal Attractions
- Varkala Beach: Known for its cliffs and pristine coastline, Varkala is perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and yoga retreats.
- Kovalam Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Kerala, known for its lighthouse and calm waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.
- Alleppey Beach: Famous for its backwater experiences and houseboat cruises.
- Munroe Island: A unique place where the backwaters of the Kerala meet the Arabian Sea, offering boat tours and cultural experiences.
- Bekal Beach: Known for the Bekal Fort and scenic views, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
2. Backwaters and Houseboats
- Alleppey (Alappuzha): The "Venice of the East," famous for its tranquil backwaters and houseboat cruises.
- Kumarakom: A serene village located on the Vembanad Lake, offering houseboat cruises and birdwatching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
- Pathiramanal: An island on Vembanad Lake, accessible by boat, known for its beauty and birdwatching opportunities.
- Kuttanadu: Known for its unique farming method below sea level and picturesque landscapes, ideal for backwater cruises.
3. Hill Stations and Nature
- Munnar: Famous for its tea plantations, misty hills, and serene landscapes. It is an ideal destination for trekking, nature walks, and visits to tea estates.
- Wayanad: Known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Popular spots include Edakkal Caves and Pookode Lake.
- Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary): A wildlife reserve offering boat rides on the Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
- Nelliyampathy: A lesser-known hill station with stunning views of the Western Ghats, known for its tea and coffee plantations.
4. Wildlife and Eco-Tourism
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady): A sanctuary located in the Western Ghats, famous for its elephants, tigers, and the Periyar Lake.
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: A lesser-known reserve located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, known for its tiger population and biodiversity.
- Silent Valley National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its pristine tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity.
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary: A sanctuary set among the hills and valleys of Idukki, known for its rich flora and fauna.
5. Cultural and Historical Sites
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Trivandrum): One of the richest temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with stunning architecture.
- Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Located in Kochi, the palace is known for its Kerala murals depicting Hindu temple art.
- Fort Kochi: A historic area with colonial architecture, old churches, and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
- Vypin Island: A quiet island near Kochi known for its colonial-era churches and beaches.
- St. Francis Church (Kochi): The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was initially buried.
Hidden Gems
- Athirappilly Waterfalls: Known as the "Niagara of India," this stunning waterfall is located in the Thrissur district, off the beaten track.
- Vypin Island: A lesser-known island near Kochi with scenic beaches, old churches, and the Dutch cemetery.
- Agasthyakoodam: The second highest peak in Kerala, located in the Agasthyakoodam Wildlife Sanctuary, perfect for nature lovers and trekkers.
- Paravur Lake: A peaceful lake surrounded by coconut groves, ideal for a calm retreat.
- Chilika Lake (Bird Sanctuary): A famous lake near the Kerala-Orissa border, ideal for birdwatching, particularly migratory species.
Eco-Tourism
Kerala is renowned for its eco-tourism initiatives, with numerous wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and nature reserves. Thekkady, Munnar, Wayanad, and Periyar are some of the best destinations for eco-friendly travel, where visitors can enjoy nature walks, safaris, and eco-lodges focusing on sustainability and conservation.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Kerala has excellent road and rail connectivity, with well-maintained highways and local transport options. Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode have international airports.
- Clothing: Lightweight clothing for summer; warm clothes if visiting hill stations.
- Cuisine Tip: Kerala cuisine is known for its use of coconut, spices, and seafood, so be prepared for flavourful and sometimes spicy food.
- Local Etiquette: Kerala is a conservative state, so dressing modestly is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites.
