Kerala – God’s Own Country

Nestled in the lush southwestern corner of India, Kerala is a land where nature, culture, and tradition intertwine seamlessly. Famously known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala enchants travelers with its serene backwaters, golden beaches, misty hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east, Kerala is a paradise for nature lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you seek a tranquil houseboat cruise through Alleppey, the aroma of spices in Thekkady, or the cool mountain breeze in Munnar, Kerala offers an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most beautiful landscapes.

A Glimpse of Kerala’s History

Kerala’s history is as rich as its natural beauty. Once a major center for the spice trade, Kerala attracted merchants from Arabia, China, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. This long history of global interaction gave the state a unique cultural and architectural legacy.

The word “Kerala” is believed to have originated from “Kera,” meaning coconut tree—a fitting name for a land where swaying palms stretch along its scenic coastlines. Over the centuries, Kerala evolved into a melting pot of cultures, religions, and art forms that coexist harmoniously to this day.

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala’s diversity makes it one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Kerala that capture its essence.

1. Munnar – The Hill Station of Tea Gardens

Perched at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Munnar is one of Kerala’s most enchanting hill stations. Rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations, mist-covered valleys, and cascading waterfalls make Munnar a must-visit.

Major Attractions:

• Eravikulam National Park (home to the Nilgiri Tahr)

• Mattupetty Dam

• Echo Point

• Kundala Lake

• Tea Museum

Activities: Trekking, tea tasting, and photography

2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Venice of the East

Known for its tranquil backwaters and houseboats, Alleppey offers one of the most unique travel experiences in India. Cruising through the palm-fringed canals on a traditional houseboat is pure bliss.

Major Attractions:

• Alleppey Backwaters

• Vembanad Lake

• Alappuzha Beach

• Krishnapuram Palace

Activities: Houseboat stay, canoe rides, village tours

3. Kochi (Cochin) – The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Kochi is a vibrant coastal city where history meets modernity. It’s a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art.

Major Attractions:

• Fort Kochi

• Mattancherry Palace

• Chinese Fishing Nets

• Marine Drive

• Jewish Synagogue

Activities: Art café hopping, shopping, boat cruises

4. Thekkady – The Land of Wildlife and Spices

Thekkady is home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephants roam freely amidst lush forests. It’s also a hub for spice plantations and nature treks.

Major Attractions:

• Periyar Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary

• Murikkady Spice Gardens

• Elephant Junction

• Bamboo Rafting in Periyar

Activities: Jungle safaris, trekking, spice plantation tours

5. Wayanad – The Green Paradise

Tucked in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a nature lover’s haven. It’s famous for its waterfalls, ancient caves, and wildlife reserves.

Major Attractions:

• Edakkal Caves

• Soochipara Waterfalls

• Pookode Lake

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities: Trekking, camping, cave exploration

6. Kovalam – The Beach Capital of Kerala

Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and calm waters. It’s a paradise for sunbathers and surfers alike.

Major Attractions:

• Lighthouse Beach

• Hawa Beach

• Samudra Beach

Activities: Surfing, sunbathing, Ayurvedic massage

7. Varkala – The Coastal Cliff Retreat

Varkala stands out for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It’s a peaceful destination for yoga enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Major Attractions:

• Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach)

• Janardanaswamy Temple

• Varkala Cliff Market

Activities: Yoga, meditation, beach walks

8. Kumarakom – The Backwater Paradise

Situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a peaceful village famous for its bird sanctuary and luxury resorts.

Major Attractions:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

• Houseboat cruises

• Pathiramanal Island

Activities: Bird watching, canoeing, and spa retreats

9. Athirappilly – The Niagara of India

Known for its majestic waterfall, Athirappilly is a must-visit for nature and film lovers. Surrounded by dense forest, the falls offer breathtaking views.

Major Attractions:

• Athirappilly Waterfalls

• Vazhachal Waterfalls

• Charpa Falls

10. Thiruvananthapuram – The Capital City

The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, blends cultural richness with urban life. It’s also the gateway to famous beaches and temples.

Major Attractions:

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

• Napier Museum

• Kovalam Beach

Kerala’s Unique Culture and Traditions

Kerala’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its history, festivals, art forms, and social harmony. The people of Kerala—known as Malayalis—take pride in preserving their rich traditions while embracing modernity.

1. Languages and People

Malayalam is the official language, but English and Hindi are widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

2. Festivals of Kerala

Kerala’s festivals are colorful and vibrant, celebrated with great enthusiasm.

• Onam: The harvest festival marked by traditional feasts (Onasadya), flower carpets, and Vallam Kali (boat races).

• Vishu: New Year festival symbolizing prosperity.

• Thrissur Pooram: A grand temple festival with decorated elephants and percussion music.

• Christmas and Eid: Celebrated across communities with equal fervor.

3. Art and Dance

Kerala is home to several classical and folk art forms.

• Kathakali: A classical dance-drama known for elaborate costumes and expressions.

• Mohiniyattam: The graceful dance of the enchantress.

• Kalaripayattu: The ancient martial art form of Kerala.

• Theyyam: A ritualistic dance form showcasing divine stories.

4. Cuisine

Kerala cuisine is a treat for food lovers. It’s characterized by the liberal use of coconut, spices, and rice.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Kerala Sadya (traditional feast served on banana leaves)

• Appam with stew

• Kerala Parotta with beef curry

• Puttu and Kadala curry

• Malabar biryani

• Fish molee and prawn curry

Seafood enthusiasts will find Kerala’s coastal dishes irresistible!

Kerala Backwaters – A Journey Through Tranquility

The backwaters of Kerala are a unique network of canals, lagoons, and lakes that stretch across the coast. Cruising on a traditional houseboat (Kettuvallam) through these backwaters offers a serene view of paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life.

Top Backwater Destinations:

• Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Kumarakom

• Kollam

• Kuttanad

Best Experiences:

• Overnight houseboat stay

• Sunset cruises

• Village and toddy shop visits

Wildlife and Nature in Kerala

Kerala is blessed with abundant forests and wildlife reserves, home to elephants, tigers, and exotic bird species.

Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Silent Valley National Park

• Eravikulam National Park

These sanctuaries are perfect for jungle safaris, bamboo rafting, and nature walks.

Kerala Ayurveda and Wellness Tourism

Kerala is globally renowned as the birthplace of Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic healing. Travelers from around the world visit Kerala for rejuvenation therapies, yoga retreats, and herbal treatments.

Popular Ayurvedic Destinations:

• Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

• Kalari Kovilakom

• Kairali Ayurvedic Village

Common treatments include Panchakarma, Abhyanga (oil massage), and stress-relief therapies.

Adventure and Eco-Tourism in Kerala

For adventure seekers, Kerala offers plenty of outdoor activities.

Top Adventures:

• Trekking in Wayanad and Munnar

• Paragliding in Vagamon

• Bamboo rafting in Periyar

• Kayaking in backwaters

• Jeep safaris in Idukki

Kerala is also a pioneer in eco-tourism, with destinations like Thenmala and Gavi focusing on responsible travel.

Shopping in Kerala

Kerala’s markets are filled with local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Best Things to Buy:

• Spices (cardamom, pepper, cloves)

• Coir and bamboo products

• Handloom saris (Kasavu)

• Kerala handicrafts

• Traditional jewelry

Popular Shopping Places:

• Broadway Market, Kochi

• Chalai Bazaar, Thiruvananthapuram

• Connemara Market, Trivandrum

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The best time to visit Kerala depends on the experiences you seek.

How to Reach Kerala

Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

1. By Air

Major airports: Cochin International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport, and Calicut International Airport.

2. By Train

Kerala has a strong railway network linking it to major Indian cities.

3. By Road

National Highways and well-maintained state roads connect Kerala to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Accommodation in Kerala

Kerala offers a range of stay options to suit every traveler’s budget.

Luxury Resorts:

• Taj Bekal Resort & Spa

• Le Méridien Kochi

• The Zuri Kumarakom

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Abad Hotels

• Treebo Trend Properties

Budget Stays:

• Homestays in Fort Kochi and Alleppey

• Backpacker hostels

Travel Tips for Kerala Visitors

1. Carry light cotton clothes; the weather is humid.

2. Keep insect repellent and sunscreen handy.

3. Book houseboats and resorts in advance during peak season.

4. Respect local customs at temples and rural areas.

5. Try authentic Kerala cuisine at local restaurants for a real taste experience.

Why Visit Kerala?

Kerala’s charm lies in its diversity. Whether it’s the tranquil backwaters, lush green tea gardens, traditional art forms, or spicy cuisine, every corner of Kerala tells a story of harmony between man and nature.

From sunrise on the beaches of Varkala to sunset on a houseboat in Alleppey, Kerala offers an experience that touches your soul. It’s no wonder it’s often called the most beautiful state in India and one of the top travel destinations in the world.