Kerala, popularly known as "God's Own Country," is a renowned tourist destination around the world. This exotic land is known for its rich cultural heritage, tropical environment, palm-fringed beaches, misty hill stations, health resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, enchanting art forms, grand festivals, and the tranquilly of the backwaters and the emerald blue Arabian Sea, all of which promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
National Geographic Traveller magazine named Kerala one of the "Ten Paradises of the World" and one of the "50 Must Visit Places of a Lifetime." Discover Kerala tourism, which features palm-fringed beaches, spice farms, and houseboat-dotted backwaters. On this seaside land, tourists and backpackers will find a variety of locations to visit and things to do.
Even a week isn't long enough to see and experience everything Kerala has to offer. Because it is such a beautiful and charismatic place, it is known as God's own land. Kerala is an Indian state known for its natural beauty as well as a sense of enchantment. Kerala has long been a famous honeymoon and tourism destination, popularly known as the "Spice Capital of India."
Alleppey's backwaters, Wayanad's animals and museums, Idukki's eco-village, Valara waterfalls, and Kochi's classics will all captivate you. Kerala's attractiveness endures, despite the fact that it takes your breath away. Kerala's captivating animals and breath taking tea plantations make you want to stay forever. There is so much more to see and do in Kerala than just villages and towns surrounded by natural beauty.
Kochi is an exquisite city with a broad cultural presence, popularly known as the "Gateway to Kerala." The city has been shaped by Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese. The majority of visitors come to Fort Kochi to see the architectural and historical landmarks. Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Town, Dutch Cemetery, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Show, and other notable landmarks can be found here.
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is known as the "Venice of the East." Alleppey is the heart of Kerala's backwaters, with over a thousand houseboats and a wide network of backwaters, making it one of the greatest tourist destinations in the state. Houseboats in the backwaters of Alappuzha are renovated replicas of traditional Kettuvallams. Float across the immense maze of rivers, looking out over the rice fields.
Munnar is a lovely hill station in Kerala's Western Ghats and a charming town. Munnar, located at an elevation of 6000 feet in the Idukki area, was the British rulers' summer resort during colonial times. It's known for its beautiful forests and unending stretches of tea estates, as well as endangered animals like the Neelakurinji and the Nilgiri Tahr. Mattupetty Dam, the local market, the Botanical and Rose Garden, the Tea Estates and Factory, the Atukkad Waterfall, and many other attractions can be found here.
Periyar National Park is one of the world's most biodiverse regions and best-protected reserve areas, recognised for its beauty, greenery, and quiet. It is located in Thekkady, Kerala. A broad assortment of essential species, including royal tigers and majestic elephants, as well as other reptiles, fish, and birds, call the park home. The greatest way to discover the National Park's appeal is on a Jeep Safari.
Dip your toes in the soft sand beaches of Kovalam. Coconut palms stretch as far as the eye can see here, and when you combine it with excellent resorts surrounded by beautiful flora, you have a popular tourist destination. Kovalam has gained in popularity as an Ayurvedic healing centre in recent years. So, if you're seeking a location to unwind and re-energize, head to Kovalam. The features of this ever-bustling site are the golden beach, lighthouse, and Anchuthengu Fort.
Trivandrum, Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is constructed on seven hills and proudly retains its age-old cultural appeal. Trivandrum is one of the top tourist destinations in South India, thanks to its numerous attractions, which include outstanding museums, wonderfully constructed palaces, holy temples, and mesmerising beaches. Padmanabhaswamy Temple (also known as Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple) is a must-see while in town.
It is a calm tiny hamlet near Vembanad Lake with appealing landscape, pleasant weather all year, and diverse flora and wildlife, making it one of Kerala's most beautiful tourist destinations. Backwaters, authentic Kerala cuisine, ultra-fresh air, Keralites' hospitality, and delectably fresh coconuts are all available to you.
Thrissur is noted for its rich cultural heritage as well as scenic beauty, including stunning waterfalls and beaches. Because of its Thrissur Pooram and Onam celebrations, this small picturesque town in Kerala is properly referred to as the "culture centre of Kerala." Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple, Kerala Kalamandalam, and Snehatheeram Beach to lose yourself in the stunningly gorgeous scenery of Athirappilly Waterfalls.
With a long winding stretch of cliff and views out over the Arabian Sea, Varkala beach is a sight to behold. A paved footpath that spans the length of the cliff is lined with coconut trees, charming businesses, beach shacks, hotels, and guesthouses. Steps leading down from the cliff lead to a lengthy stretch of dazzling beach situated at the bottom of the cliff.
Guruvayur is one of Kerala's most spiritual destinations, located in the Thrissur District. It is one of Kerala's lesser-known tourist sites due to its modest size, making it an excellent spot to learn about the state's culture. Guruvyaur is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for people seeking to embrace the nature of spirituality.
Kerala is known for its scenic surroundings, Kerala architecture, which is used to construct the state's majestic temples, festivities like Onam, a diverse cuisine, and Malayalam literature. It was designated one of the "50 must-see places of a lifetime" by National Geographic. Kerala's name is derived from the terms Kera (coconut tree) and Alam (land), thus it literally translates to "Land of Coconut."
Keralans are proud of their heritage and culture, and they live in an affluent and well-educated state. Kerala has gained the title of "God's Own Country" not only due to its topography, but also due to its culture and tradition. Kerala's culture is predominantly influenced by Tamil-Dravidian and Arya-Indian influences. Kerala's particular culture is visible in a wide range of arts, crafts, and languages.
Keralans are referred to as "Keralites" because they are state residents. Keralites are straightforward individuals who are content with their circumstances. Keralites are intelligent, well-educated people who are willing to work long hours. Keralites are Malayalis who are part of a multi-ethnic community, with some taking delight in presenting oneself as "Mama Arya Putra" (son of Aryans) in all religious rituals.
Hinduism and Islam are the two major religions in Kerala. Hinduism is practised by more than 50% of the population of Kerala, whereas Islam is practised by more than 25%. Around 20% of the population is Christian, with the rest following Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and other faiths. Kerala is well-known for its cultural richness.
Malayalam, Kerala's mother tongue, is the most widely spoken language. Aside from that, English and Hindi are the most often spoken languages.
Women in Kerala wear sarees and blouses. During festivals, they wear Kasavu, or set sarees. Men wear ‘mundu,' a long piece of clothing that is wrapped around their waist in a particular way. Mundu is a cross between a lungi and a dhoti and is a mainstay of Kerala culture. Younger generations are more likely to dress in western fashion. On the other hand, lungis are still popular for casual situations, whilst sarees are more formal.
Kerala is known as the "Land of the Arts," and their lives are inextricably linked to the state's art and culture. Kathakali is a vibrant Kerala art form in which the performer dresses up in elaborate costumes, face paint, and masks. Mohiniyattam, Chavittunatakom, Oppana, and Krishnanattam are all popular dance forms. Carnatic music, as well as vocal and percussion music, have a long history in Kerala.
Kalaripayattu is a well-known martial art in Kerala, often known as the "Pride of Kerala." This is commonly considered to be the world's earliest martial art style. It combines scientific and Ayurvedic approaches to medicine. Kerala is well-known in India for its Ayurvedic remedies. Here, many unsolved disorders can be precisely handled. Kerala is home to a variety of medicinal plants.
Fairs and Festivals of Kerala:
Throughout the year, Kerala organises a number of traditional festivities. A diverse range of regions and cultures are represented in these events. Dance exhibitions, boat races, bejewelled elephants, colourful rangolis, and everything else amazing will be on display.
Kerala's traditional food is shaped by the history and culture of the state. It's a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with non-vegetarian options including fish, poultry, and red meat. Rice, fish, and coconut are the most common ingredients in practically all Kerala cuisines.
The following suggestions are worth a shot:
Kerala is a prominent tourist destination in India that attracts a great number of people each year due to its stunning natural beauty as well as its rich culture and customs. A plethora of great things, such as aromatic spices, coffee, gorgeous silk goods, and intricate jewellery, that you can only obtain here or have to compromise on quality elsewhere, is also a huge lure.
By Air – Kerala has only four international airports: Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Kannur International Airport (to be operational). Other domestic airports in Kerala give connectivity to the rest of the country from the state's major cities.
By Railway – Kerala has an effective train network that connects it to all of India's main cities, including the four metropolises of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. There are about 200 railway stations in Kerala that connect sites both within and beyond the state. The Super-Fast and express trains can be used to reach to one's preferred location.
By Road – Kerala is connected to the rest of the globe by three highways. The state is traversed by three highways: NH 49, NH 47, and NH 17. It also has well-maintained highways connecting it to all of its neighbouring states. Kerala is served by private and government buses from a number of significant states and cities across the country. From any major city, you can book a cab to get to Kerala.
