Kerala
Rightly called God’s own country, this state is a paradise in miniature. Pristine beaches lined with palms and shady mangroves, a relaxing weekend in a luxury houseboat as it lazily drifts in the backwaters is an experience that would last a lifetime. Take a step back in time and be lost In the arms of Mother Nature, dining on a wide variety of coastal food, sipping on “Kattan Chal” a local favourite beverage and simply taking a trek at Munnar.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Although Kerala has a pleasant climate throughout the year, the best time would be between October to April and monsoons are a great time for Ayurvedic programs.
CUISINE
Delectable seafood Filled and garnished with exotic spices and pepper is the trademark of Kerala cuisine. Appam with stew, pumpkin and lentil stew, Kerala parotta and beef curry are not to be missed.
LANGUAGE
Kerala takes immense pride in being India’s first fully literate state. While Malayalam is the state language, you can find a good number of people who converse in Tamil and English.
CULTURE
The performing art sector is wll known in Kerala mainly for their colourful costumes and ecstatic drum beats, Kathakali is the state dance and Kalari is a popular martial art form preserved and still practised. Kerala is also home to the best Ayurvedic practices in India. Deep strong massages relax and energise the body, meditation calms the soul, and great traditional spas help one relax to the core.
LOCAL TREASURES
While every state has a beauty of its own it is always wonderful to collect something unique as a souvenir. Kerala is famous for its off white sarees and dhoti which is typical to the state. One can also shop for unique handicrafts made out of coconut shells. That having said, some of the finest quality of pepper is found here.
KOZHIKODE
Also known as Calicut, a bustling commercial town of Kerala, best known for historical sites, educational Institutions, culture, authentic Malabar cuisine and exotic spices.
KOCHI
Located in the coastal district of Ernakulam, Kochi is the nerve center of the state. Rightly called the queen of the Arabian sea it has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Kochi is a beautiful amalgamation of colonial architecture. The wonder la amusement park is worth a visit too.
ALLEPPEY
Easily tops the list as the best tourist spot in Kerala. The serene backwaters, the lazily drifting houseboats(Drift luxuriously along the backwaters in the beautifully decorated boat houses which come complete with rooms, dining and a deck with spectacular views) quaint chapels and delectable cuisine attract a huge number of tourists annually. Other places to visit include Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Place, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
KUMARAKOM
Situated near Vembanad lake, this is a quiet little hamlet filled with alluring scenery, pleasant weather and exotic flora and fauna. Other tourist attractions include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikuzhi waterfall and Kumarakom beach.
KAVVAYI, POOVAR AND MUNROE ISLANDS
Kavvayi is the third largest backwater in the state and an offbeat tourist destination. The Munroe Island backwaters are the apt place to experience rural Kerala, while the Poovar backwaters are best known for their classy seaside resorts and fresh tender coconuts.
MUNNAR
Easily the most popular hill station of the state, Munnar was the summer capital of the British in India. 80,000 miles of tea plantations, low hanging clouds, misty forest and great tea trials sum up the place. Dotted with small cottages and majestic bungalows and home stays. Munnar has a little of everything for everyone. Popular attractions include TATA tea museum, Anamudi and Kundala lake.
WAYANAD
A mix of natural and man made heritage, the place is famous for its rich culture, heritage and tribal tradition. Popular spots include Meenmutty Falls. Soochipara falls, Chembra peak, and endless trails across paddy fields.
VAGAMON
This quaint little hill station definitely qualifies as an offbeat destination. Its magical gardens, misty valleys, perfectly manicured lawns, aromatic plantations comes with an added advantage a complete solitude and break from the outside world. Perfect for anyone wanting to unwind and relax.
KOVALAM
Kovalam beach, one of the best beaches in Kerala, is famous for its, deep strong massages, Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing, and water sports like parasailing and jet skiing. This crescent shaped beach is always buzzing with some activity or the other all through the year. Popular tourist attractions include Hawah Beach, The Lighthouse Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Halcyon Castle.
BEKAL
Nothing short of heaven on earth! This place is known for the famous Bekal Fort and Bekal beach both of which have featured in several Bollywood films. Exotic scenery and great company makes it an amazing getaway.
VARKALA
Scenic seaside and sheer cliffs lining the coast makes Varkala the perfect haven for all adventure lovers, be it trekking along the cliffs or jet skiing on the blue waves of the ocean, Varkala offers the best of both worlds for all adrenaline junkies! Apart from the above one can also visit the Kasargod beach, Janardan Temple, Sivagiri Muth, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach.
KANNUR
Formerly known as Cannanore, this scenic coastal city is located at the north eastern coast of Kerala with its sun-kissed beaches bordered by luxuriant cashew plantations, ancient temples, splendid monuments and British and Dutch style buildings. It is also popular for its waving industry. Popular attractions include Ezhimala Beach. Fort St. Angelos, Tellicherry Fort and Rajarajeshwara Temple.
THEKKADY
Best known for wildlife and exotic flora, Thekkady is the place to go if you are in for some trekking and wildlife spotting. The tropical forests are home to several endangered and rare species like tigers, sambars, gaurs and macaques Boating and wildlife observation are two of the favourite pastimes in Thekkady.
IDDUKI
Nestled amidst verdant hills and luxurious forests, Idukki allures ardent travellers, nature enthusiasts, and photography buffs with its stunning natural aura and attractions. Famous spots include Salim Ali bird sanctuary, Idukki dam and Kalvari.
THRISSUR
Rightly known as the religious capital of Kerala, Thrissur is the cultural hot spot of the state. Be it the colorful Kathakali dance art form, the drum beats, the Kalari martial arts, there’s no place to better witness it than here. The most popular destination of all pilgrims being the famous Guruvayur temple.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
The capital of Kerala and previously known as Trivandrum. Thiruvananthapuram is the center of commercial trade and activity of the state. It is also the go to place for some of the best and most invigorating Ayurvedic massages and spas. One can also shop for handicrafts and trinkets at one of the many bazaars.
KOLLAM
Yet another serene backwater spot of Kerala. Kollam is often called the gateway to the famous Ashtamudi backwaters. Drifting along the backwaters taking in the sights and sounds of nature. It is one of the best places to witness nature first hand. Amritapur ashram, the Thangassery church, summer palace, Shri Vishnu and Mahalakshmi temples are other popular attractions.
KOTTAYAM
The perfect amalgamation of lush green paddy fields and clear blue waters, Kottayam is the ideal example of countryside in Kerala. Apart from being the first fully literate place in India, Kottayam is also famous for its boat races and Erumeli – a popular pilgrimage spot of Hindus and Muslims.
ERNAKULAM
The commercial capital of Kerala also has immense historical significance! This is the birth place of Christianity in India, where the Europeans first set foot and later colonized the country. Ernakulam is bustling city, dotted with buildings of colonial times. Famous for its ancient churches and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, Ernakulam is a famous tourist destination in Kerala.
