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Kerala Travel and Tourism Guide

Welcome to Kerala Tourism! A recipient of numerous national and international awards and recognitions in the fields of travel, tourism, and hospitality, Kerala Tourism offers the best holiday experiences with a wide range of sightseeing options.

Kerala known as ‘God’s own country’ is famous worldwide for its nature’s bounty, its colourful culture and its variety of tourism options. The state, known for its palm-fringed beaches, idyllic houseboat cruises, mountainous terrain, and vibrant wildlife parks, lies on the southwestern coast of India.

Tourists flock to Kerala looking for a holiday destination where tourists can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and enjoy the tranquility of the backwaters with special reference to Alleppey where interesting houseboat cruises are available. While activity lovers may attract the park in Periyar that includes elephants, tigers and a host of bird species, Munnar offers a hill station characterized by colonial tropes such as a tea plantation and a reasonable temperate climate.

Kerala Tourism features the cultural background of Kerala too holds much allure. Ayurveda, an ancient medical system, aims to provide travelers with intensive wellness treatments and therapies for rejuvenating their health. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dances for instance offer intense and dramatic performances that enthrall its audience. The gourmet palate appreciates the culinary breakfast plate and special culinary heritage of the state enhanced by coconut, shellfish and spices. The people of Kerala are very festive and many festivals are celebrated throughout the year such as Onam and Thrissur Pooram during which the state is full of happy faces of the people and tourists love to be part of it.

Kerala Travel & Tourism

History of Kerala

History of Kerala

Being neighbored on the west by the Arabian Sea and having access to the main trade routes of the past, this gorgeous state in southern India shelters within its people belonging to diverse ethnicities. Kerala had discovered its place on the world map of trade especially spices as early as 3000 BCE when traders from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Roman Empire were coming down to Kerala to trade. Due to the influx of people from different parts of the world at different periods in the history of the state, the state boasts of being an architectural and cultural melting pot of Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British origin.

Christianity Judaism And Islam added more colours to the social and cultural profile of the state and the world in general especially for the people of Kerala. Today numerous churches, synagogues and mosques are established throughout the state’s cities and towns. The expansion of Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century had a significant impact on the development of Portuguese colonial architecture and Roman Catholicism including the construction of churches on the site. Englishmen joined later with their Direct and Indirect Rule systems and British education that make up the skeletal structure of modern Kerala. Regional factors have to a large extent been incorporated into the global aspects and yet the state of Kerala has managed to retain its traditional culture.

Arts & Culture of Kerala

Kerala Tourism- Arts & Culture

Specially known for its colourful costumes, fluid movements and dramatic narratives, the state has classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Especially Kathakali invites spectators into the presented ancient epics with the help of colourful makeup and expressive faces. Kerala is also famous for its classical music and for the classical dance form namely Bharatnatyam’ which supports temple Carnatic tracks during festival times and social occasions. Kalaripayattu, a classical form of martial art, is quite popular and includes a flexible performance which is also popular with tourists. Self-made products preserve the tourist’s opportunity to observe artisan talent inherited throughout the years. Some of these are complex coir products such as mats, baskets and ropes, traditional pottery and murals.

While banquets, boat races and cultural shows as part of some major festivals like Onam give a deeper insight into the civic and cultural essence of the state. It is also for this reason that the cultural landscape of Kerala is a major attraction for travellers seeking a spiritual experience because the culture of the state is not solely its representation, but it is a culture in the process of transformation at any given time.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Kerala

Popular Tourist Destinations in Kerala

From beaches to mountains, hill stations to wildlife, lakes to waterfalls, and religious and spiritual sites to world-class luxury hotels, Kerala caters to every traveler. With its festivals, cultural tourism, and heritage, Kerala is one of the top trending holiday destinations in India, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Kerala also shines on the world tourism map as a prominent destination for Yoga, Ayurveda, and destination weddings. Some of the popular tourist places in Kerala are-

Munnar

Munnar, the best place to visit in Kerala is a captivating spot in Kerala which can attract visitors seeking a relaxed vacation and lovers of nature. Located in the Western Ghats, Munnar which boasts tea estates, foggy hills and bright green site-seeing destinations is located in Munnar. Tourism in the region is a combination of what the natural environment offers, including trekking, nature walks, and wildlife watching in other sanctuaries around Munnar like the Eravikulam National Park. Amazing beauties like Mattupetty Dam where tourists can go boating, and the Tea Museum is also under construction which informs about the historical background of tea manufacturing in this area. Those tourists who want to get away from the noisy city can turn Munnar into a year-round destination due to the favourable climate of the region and a variety of vegetation and wildlife.

Alleppey

Often referred to simply as Alappuzha, Alleppey is one of the top tourist places in Kerala that has a picturesque town in the South Indian state of Kerala famous for its rich green countryside and famous backwaters area. As the Venice of the East, it has received a great many visitors for its expansive network of canals, fleets of boats living on the water, and green rice paddies. This unusual combination of culture, history and scenery is what makes the town so special. Another must-indulge event that allows guests to view the beautiful sunsets and the peaceful countryside lifestyle as they take a houseboat ride in the backwaters. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race event is an annual event that is held every August of the year. However, Alleppey is historical, having many churches, temples as well as colonial buildings. The fact that Alleppey offers a perfect proportion of adventure, fun and touring makes it unique.

Kovalam

The favourite retreat of the global tourist, the beautifully scenic village adjacent to the sea in Kerala is Kovalam in South India. With plenty of sites including the Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach amidst the Arabian Sea and beautiful beaches it may not fail to attract the attention of tourists with its crescent shaped bay. The town provides a number of recreational, tourist and rejuvenation activities that capture people from domestic and international places. The remaining other Ayurvedic centers around provide diverse health and beauty treatment procedures, and the silent water currents are ideal for swimming. To the south of Kovalam, a lighthouse built on Lighthouse beach offers a look at the surrounding region from its great height. For those, who are in search of a quiet and picturesque surrounding along with active village life, accompanied by tasteless fresh fish, as well as the opportunity to travel in backwaters, the village is perfect.

Periyar

Periyar is surrounded in the lovely state of Kerala where tourists from all over the world come to view India’s diverse landscape and beauty. Kerala Tourism feature here is Periyar National Park. It is a very big park that contains vast green forests, calm water bodies such as the lake,and a host of wildlife. Such tourists visit the park with the view to sighting animals such as tigers, leopards and several other colorful bird species and elephants. Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts especially enjoy the calm boat cruises on the Periyar lake to experience the wildlife up, close and personal. In addition to this wildlife spectacle the region has traditional spice farms, dances, and true to life food.

Varkala

Varkala, the off-beat destination in Kerala is a beautiful virgin beach of tourist tapping exceptional holiday fun. The village is located above lovely cliffs and has a sea-facing location in the Arabian Sea, so the atmosphere is serene, and the views are stunning. The cliffs are unique and can make the holidays in Kerala fun and loving because they are sprinkled with cute cafes, small shops, and yoga centers, all of which are perfect for relaxing. Among the chief attractions there is Varkala Beach where the sparkling sea offers one for a swim or the pleasure of wading up and down the shoreline on the sand. It is also a spiritual visit because of the natural spring believed to have curative powers. Reduced to the present-day interests one has to admit that Janardhana Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine that would be a valuable object of study for those who are interested in ancient Indian culture.

Kumarakom

Among Kerala’s Kottayam districts, Kumarakom is the top place to visit in Kerala and has a reputation for being a serene, rich avian, and a reproduction of the inherent backwaters with plenty of vegetation. It owns the large lake Vembanad that is the largest one in Kerala which is actually a good place for hopping on houseboats. Another major attraction of Kumarakom is the Bird Sanctuary which is also famous for world tourist attraction, especially during the tourists’ season for bird migration. The environment together with the breathtaking views brews the perfect ambiance that is perfect to those seeking vacation from the noises of the community. The Keralan Ayurvedic massages are provided for tourists where one can also try the Keralan cuisine and go on village tours. Simply put, Kumarakom has something to offer everyone and for anyone who is interested in nature, photography or Kerala’s cultural heritage it is a feast.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum is the capital city of the God’s own country- Kerala and has become a wonderful place of travel destination for exploring South India’s flora and art. Overwhelmingly traditional, christened as the Trivandrum city is a treasure trove of the good old, new dressed up in a classy form. Of all the structures that are particularly dear to the people of Kerala, some of the most famous are located in the city, for instance the Padmanabhaswamy Temple famous for debonair architectural and religious importance. For the historical and traditional buffs, the Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace enlightens people with the royal history of the region. Varkala and Kovalam beaches are easy driving distances away, which are excellent places for a nature retreat. Trivandrum also has a rich vegetation cover; the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary will be an ideal retreat for conservation enthusiasts.

Kochi

Kochi has a younger avatar in Cochin and this city is one of the most beautiful and famous cities of Kerala. This is a very popular site in India because it depicts a unique blend of culture, tradition and history. The part of the city now referred to as the old town was defined by the colonial influence of Portugal, Dutch, and Britain. Fort Kochi can be a place where tourists may just stroll around narrow roads and be embraced by the sunlight, buildings, cafes, galleries. In particular during the evening, views of the Chinese fishing nets that are popular along the coast are truly spectacular. Also, Kochi houses a number of historical places like the Jewish Synagogue, oldest among commonwealth still in use, and the Mattancherry Palace famous for its majestic architectural murals.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a must-visit place in Kerala which is a peaceful and picturesque place of tourism in the northern part of Kerala that offers tourists the best combination of nature adventure and cultural tourism. Being located in the Western Ghats, Wayanad has attracted thousands of tourists for its lush green hills, rising mists and sprawling tea and coffee plantation areas. Deep woods, echo brimming waterfalls such as Meenmutty and Soochipara falling and animal sanctuaries including Wayanad animal sanctuary where living menus such as tiger, elephant etc are seen. The trekkers will enjoy the challenging tracks, which are available to reach Edakkal Caves, where prehistoric rock engravings are found and Chembra Peak. The place becomes more appealing for tourists due to the presence of cultural heritage in Wayanad which comprises ancient monuments like Thirunelli Temple, art forms, and tribal areas.

Kozhikode

Some might know Kozhikode by its former name of Calicut – Kozhikode is considered to be top tourist destination in Kerala which is an intriguing location in Kerala found along the Malabar Coast. This medieval city offers its guests a combination of unique historical heritage and unblemished nature. It used to be a centre of spice trade especially the cardamom and black pepper. Observe pristine beaches such as Kappad, Kasaragod, and others, watch beautiful backwaters, cruise through history visiting Tali Temple, and the Pazhassi Raja Museum waiting for you. Taste the special Malabar Parotta and the famous Kozhikode Biryanis, and also go shopping for spices and handloom products at the bustling markets which offer a real flavor of local lifestyle. Also, it offers a gateway to the Western Ghats which has trekking points and is full of good landscape shootings.

Top Things to Do Discover & Experience in Kerala Tour

Kerala Tourism - Top Things to Do in Kerala

Kerala is a wonderful place that attracts tourists from all over the world with a welcoming, inviting and fascinating attitude.

Kerala Beaches

Every lover of the beach must pay a visit to Kerala because this state is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in India. It has long strips of shoreline and several nice beaches to enjoy sun and sand or fun filled watersports in the state of Kerala? Kovalam Beach which is a must-visit beach is a rather popular place that offers golden sand and a shallow curved coast, therefore travel for swimming and for sunbathing. Away from other beaches of Kerala, Varkala Beach is famous for its unique combination of sea views and religious vibes with cliffs above the Arabian Sea. For instance, there is worship in Papanasam Beach that offers pilgrims a faith of holy bath which is the best thing to do in Kerala. Alappuzha beach is very famous for its celebrations, but Marari beach is a little more serene, less crowded, perfect place to rejuvenate one’s mind.

Kerala Hill Stations, Waterfalls & Lakes

Kerala epitomizes nature’s beauty and adventurous tourism which are the top tourist attractions in Kerala. The process of reaffirmation of the state can be seen in the beautiful topographical locations including Munnar, Wayanad and the Thekkady which involves astounding hills covered by green fog, excellent for trekking, adore and nature walkage, adventure and photography. Every single hill station has its own appeal with the gates open to fascinating tea gardens, spice gardens and wildlife sanctuaries. The cascades such as the Athirapally and Meenmutty extend beauty to Tourism, offering superb scenes and perfect sites for having picnics near the waterfalls. On the other hand, the still waters like Vembanad and Ashtamudi set for backwater houseboat holidays which lets the tourists relax on a floating cottage in the midst of palm-fringed backwater. The untouched nature of Kerala guarantees an amazing experience for each tourist as the state owns both picturesque and adventurous places.

Kerala Wildlife

Kerala tours provide a special chance to discover the region's abundant biodiversity, which includes serene backwaters and deep woods. Visiting the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do activity. Here, you may go on exhilarating vehicle safaris or bamboo rafting expeditions to see tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species which is a popular point of interest among the youth. The national parks of Wayanad and Silent Valley offer outstanding trekking opportunities as well, with luxuriant vegetation and uncommon animal sightings. The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in areas like Kumarakom, provide a tranquil boat trip along with the chance to see migrating birds in their native habitat. Kerala's beaches, such Kovalam and Varkala, are great places for those interested in marine life to learn about coastal ecosystems and maybe even glimpse dolphins. Kerala's wildlife encounters provide visitors with a very natural connection.

Yoga & Ayurveda

Tourists are not only able to grasp the essence of Kerala’s Ayurveda and Yoga but also give themselves the chance to explore the roots of these two values deeply rooted in the state. Kerala has a completely overfilled array of Ayurvedic-oriented treatment centers and recreational platforms for the guests offering them a system of treatment and rest. Guests are offered individual cleansing procedures, aromatherapy and restorative massage, Ayurvedic treatments. Kerala also provides Ayurveda alongside yoga vacation which is a serene location where guests can perform yoga and Meditation for sound mind and body. Apart from leisure, these meetings provide meaning connecting tourists with the natural and cultural heritage of Kerala. Many wellness establishments offer personalized wellness treatments that involve Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation as a health enhancing treatment solution.

Religious Places in Kerala

Kerala, is a well-liked travel destination for travelers looking for both spiritual advancement and breathtaking natural scenery. Many religious sites increase religious tourism in Kerala to explore and provide a profound sense of serenity and devotion. One of the most renowned is the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, a historic Dravidian and Keralan style temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. The Lord Krishna-focused Guruvayur Temple, where thousands of devotees come every day to offer prayers, is another important location. For those who are interested in both religion and history, it is also worthwhile to visit the St. Francis Church in Kochi, which is among the oldest European churches in India.

Houseboats & Backwaters Retreats in Kerala

Kerala is also famous for its silent backwaters and the eye-catching houseboat cruises which is the special attraction and brings adventure tourism in Kerala. There are many lakes, rivers and canals forming extensive backwaters, which gives a relief from the busy life. Thus houseboat tours provide a scenic method of transport for moving around the backwaters giving the tourists a delightful look at the green landscape of the state, local village and variety of wildlife. Earlier known as ‘Kettuvallams,’ the houseboats are fitted with modern amenities, thus providing people with a luxurious yet real feel. The rich surroundings such as coconut trees, paddy fields or the birds found within the vicinity can be keenly sighted because the cruise was slow.

Forts, Palaces & Monuments in Kerala

Famous for its Backwaters and houseboats, Kerala has many forts, palaces and monuments that tell the historical story of the state. While on the tour in Kerala, the tourists can find such a place as the Bekal Fort, which is a wonderful 17th-century structure with a stunning view on the Arabian Sea. For anyone who wants to brush up on maharajas and maharanis, the Padmanabhapuram Palace is a remarkable example of craftsmanship and Keralan wood carved palaces. Another important place is the Mattancherry Palace, more commonly already called the Dutch Palace. It has quite an interesting number of murals and antique pieces on display that showcases the diverse culture of the area. Dutch design is also reflected in the primary school buildings and the famous Bolgatty Palace is another beautiful example of this kind of structure tourists can visit.

Fairs & Festivals in Kerala

Kerala – the wonderful-bound land known as “God’s Own Country” there is a number of the yearly fairs & festivals to capture tourists’ imagination. These joyous and vibrant celebrations present a unique perspective of the lifestyle in the region and are securely rooted in the cultural, social and religious of the state of Louisiana. Kerala has feasts which are very beautiful, the Onam feast in which rituals are performed with pomp including arranging sumptuous meals and colourful dances and boat races; Theyyam dances, wherein actors wearing colourful costumes ‘become’ gods. Some other temple celebrations in the state like ‘Thrissur pooram’ exhibits an awesome parade of caged elephants with fireworks and pailu – the traditional drum roll. Furthermore, it contributes to the fact that people all over the world visit the occasion of snake boat races held during the monsoon period.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala Tourism - Best Time to Visit Kerala

It is also possible to distinguish several periods that are convenient for a tourist to visit Kerala: winter, lasting from October to March. This season is considered to be the best due to its minimum precipitation and fairly okay temperatures for touring around and enjoying the backwaters for which the state is well famed for. The humidity levels are also a little low, making it more comfortable during the number of visits we make to the coastal region.

The winter is however great for outdoor things such as trekking in the western ghats, visiting wildlife sanctuaries or sunbathing on the soil of beautiful Keralian beaches. It is also a good time for cultural attractions because several celebrations, including the renowned Thrissur Pooram, fall during many of the aforementioned months. Furthermore, people are eager for Ayurveda treatments, and the climate is believed to be perfect for revitalizing treatments. It is during this season that tourists in general and to Kerala in particular interested in beautiful sceneries and rich culture can get the best of it, both in as far as scenery is concerned and also the culture.

How to Reach Kerala?

Kerala Tourism - How to Reach Kerala
  • By Road : The roads in the state are in reasonable conduction and hence it is interesting to drive around the region especially for the people with their own cars. Once you are in Kerala, all the tourist sites such as backwaters, beaches, and hill stations are easily accessible either by scooters for rent, car for rent or by fair means public transport.
  • By Air : Flying directly into Kerala from many regions of India or overseas is made easier by the state’s four major international airports: Trivandrum/Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin/Kochi, Calicut/Kozhikode, and Kannur. There are several flights to these airports, and one can easily hire buses or taxis to reach the desired destinations.
  • By Train : If you prefer to use trains, then you have no problem because Kerala is well connected to major cities of India through Indian Railways and many trains ply from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and other important places to Kerala every day. Train transport is sometimes cheaper and you get to see wonderful views of the countryside from the train. State highways link Kerala with other states, and from time to time, there are often buses coming from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Kerala is endowed with all the typical tourism packages to attract tourists which enhances its tourist attractiveness by adding high values. Kerala will suit every kind of traveler – adventure lovers will enjoy their food and the festivals; backwaters lovers will enjoy their stay in Kerala backwaters and the hill lovers will love the region. The commitment of the state to green transport ensures that its beautiful views and culture are made accessible to future generations. In as much as one may be searching for fun, leisure, or the experience of art, embracing the touristic sites in the state offers one an experience of a lifetime and gives an insight of the stunning nature endowed beauty and warm people of the state of Kerala.

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