A Complete Kerala Travel Guide

About Kerala

Kerala is also named “God’s Own Country” Because of its immense beauty, it is considered one of the best places to visit in India. If you talk about some of the best places to visit in Kerala, you have lots of options which you can explore. If we talk about its geographical presence, it is located in South India and is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, Lakshadweep sea to the west. It covers an area of 38,863km and is the thirteenth-largest Indian state by population. Kerala has the highest Human Development Index, highest Literacy Rate and highest Sex Ratio.

3 Main religion are followed by the people of Kerala that are:

1) Hinduism (more than half of the population)

2) Islam

3) Christianity

Kerala follows Aryan and Dravidian culture. 

Best Places to visit in Kerala 

1. Thiruvananthapuram

   The first place in the list of best places to visit in Kerala is  Thiruvananthapuram. It is also known as ‘Trivandrum’. It is home to Kuthira Malik Palace which includes carved horses and displaying collection related to Travancore royal family. This city is full of British Colonial Architecture and many art galleries.

2. Munnar

    It is also known as the birthplace of beauty. It is the best place to visit as this is the place where three rivers meet namely, Kundalay, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni. It is situated at a height of 1524m on the Western Ghats. Munnar is heaven on earth as it includes green landscape, mesmerizing waterfalls, lakes, forests and tea plantation. Adventure lover can go paragliding, trekking and rock climbing here. It is not only one of the best places to visit in Kerala but also one of the best places to visit in India as well.

3. Kumarakom

   It is a paradise for bird watcher’s as it has a 14-acre bird sanctuary. This place is favorite for everyone who seeks to relax body and mind as Ayurvedic Massages are given here. Vembanad lake is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India and is the favorite tourist spot. 

4. Thekkady

    One can find various wildlife species here including elephant, tiger, deer and many more. Elephant rides are also available here. It is the best place for trekkers. Periyar river and Chillarkovil are the main attractions. 

5. Varkala

   The place is mesmerizing as it has the beach and the mountain making the place more attractive. The beach here is less crowded and clean. Edava Beach, Varkala Tunnel, Sivagiri, Papanasam Beach are the places of Interest in Varkala. 

6. Kovalam

    Kovalam is famous for its three enchanting beaches that are:

1) Lighthouse Beach (largest of all)

2) Hawah Beach

3) Samudra.

Kovalam is one of the most sought-after destinations in Kerala. German Bakery, Edakallm, Karamana river are the main attractions. All these things make it the best place to visit in Kerala.

7. Fort Kochi

    This place is influenced by Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese. It is also known as the “Gateway to Kerala” This place is famous for its architecture and historical sites.

8. Kannur

    This place has a perfect blend of beautiful beaches and culture. You can enjoy the Beach house accommodation and can enjoy the view of the beautiful sandy beach.

9. Periyar National Park

    It is located in Thekkady district. This place will offer you Safaris that are carried by boat and elephant rides through the jungle. It also stays open during monsoon season and therefore is known as one of the most popular national parks located in southern India.

10. Wayanad

    The last but not the least place in our list of best places to visit in Kerala is Wayanad. The place is popular as it is surrounded by coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields and lofty peaks. This place has many beautiful and delightful homestays where one can enjoy their holidays. Wayanad is located in the Western Ghats and is surrounded by a green mountainous region.

Best Honeymoon Places in Kerala

1)   Kundala Dam 

This place is located in Munnar. It is Asia’s first Arch dam and is an artificial dam. It is one of the best among honeymoon places in Kerala.

2)   Green Meadows

This place is surrounded by grassy hills, velvet lawns and cool mountain air. It is a perfect place for honeymoon couples. This place is located in Vagamon and has beautiful scenery.  

3)   Tea Gardens

This place has a perfect blend of white mist and sunshine at dawn. This place is covered with mountains with tea gardens all around. This picturesque location is a perfect place for honeymoon couples.  

4)   Treehouse facing Waterfalls 

These falls are located in Athirappilly. This place is a perfect honeymoon destination. This place is best for sightseeing and tourism. There is also a tree house resort here where one can relax and enjoy their holiday.

5)   Chembra Peak

This peak is located in Wayanad and is the highest peak situated in Kerala. This place includes a heart-shaped lake and is known as one of the best honeymoon spots in Kerala. It is a perfect place for couple hangout.

Culture

Kerala has a perfect blend of Aryan and Dravidian culture. Malayali people are rich in culture. Kerala was ruled by many kingdoms such as Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Sankritization of Dravidian ethos, revivalism of religious movements and reform movements against caste discrimination was evolved in the culture of Kerala. Kerala has a unique culture. 

The state is also developed in accommodation, acculturation, and assimilation of various facilities of civilized lifestyle. The cuisine of Kerala also plays an important role in the rich culture of Kerala. Kerala is famous for its multicultural cuisine. Kerala is a perfect holiday destination in India.

Kerala Festivals

1)   Onam

It is a famous Hindu festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and huge devotion. In this festival Kathakali dance, indoor and outdoor games, boat races and several featuring songs are played here. This festival is celebrated when King Mahabali was coming back to home.

2)   Vishu

It is one of the most famous festivals of Kerala which is also known as New Year of Malayali people.

3)   Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple. This festival is famous for its traditional puja, color, music, religion and fire temple works. It is also one of the famous temple festivals. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this festival.

4)   Theyyam Festival

In this festival, cultural dances are performed. This festival is famous for its fun and enjoyment.

5)   Kerala Boat Festival

This festival is the main highlight of the state. This festival is famous for its boat races where you can see the team spirit and great enthusiasm among the participants.

6)   Maha Shivarathri

It is celebrated on the banks of Periyar River with great joy and enthusiasm. Lord Shiva is worshipped during this festival.

7)   Attukal Pongala Festival 

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is hosted by a large crowd of the female. This festival also holds a position in the Guinness Book of World Records.

8)   Temple Festival 

This festival is a major tourist attraction and all the temples have their own significance.

9)   Makaravilakku Festival

This festival is celebrated for seven days. The celebration starts on Makara Sankranti. In this festival, Lord Ayyappa is worshipped.

Kerala famous food

1) Puttu and Kadala curry

2) Appam with stew

3) Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala style Sambhar

4) Idiyappam with Egg Curry

5) Spicy Chicken Fry

6) Kerala Prawn Curry

7) Mussel stir Fry

8 )Naadan Beef

9) Kerala style Fish Molee

Best Time to Visit Kerala 

 Kerala experiences a humid tropical wet climate. Extreme eastern fringes experience a drier tropical wet and dry climate. The best time to visit Kerala is between June and August. 

Tourism

Kerala is located on the Malabar Coast. Keralam is the historical name of Kerala. This place is famous as a prominent spice exporter. Kerala was also ruled by the Chera Dynasty. This place also has the lowest positive population growth rate. The spice trade of Kerala was the main attraction to Portuguese traders. Pepper and Natural rubber are the main products that result in the total national output. Coconut, tea, coffee, cashew and spices are also important in the agriculture sector. The highest media exposure in India is in Kerala. The newspaper is published in nine languages and English, Malayalam are the main languages. This place is famous for backwaters, beaches, Ayurvedic, tourism and tropical greenery and is also a major tourist attraction.

Things to do in Kerala

1)   Bamboo Rafting along the rivers

This outdoor activity is perfect for nature as well as adventure lovers. Periyar Tiger Reserve located in Thekkady is the perfect place for bamboo rafting.

2)   Canoeing and Kayaking

Kerala is the perfect place for both activities. You will enjoy different Kayaking opportunities here and is perfect for adventure lovers.

3)   Mountain Climbing

Chembra Peak located in Wayanad is a famous spot for mountain climbing. This activity is famous for adventure lovers.

4)   Trekking

You can enjoy trekking in the tiger trail located in Thekkady. You can also enjoy not only trekking but you can also cook in the jungle, sleep in the tent. There are many forests of Kerala that are mysterious.

5)   Treadmill Workout

You can enjoy these treadmills in the paddy fields of Kerala. You will enjoy this workout as this will tone your muscles.

6) Backwater River Ride

Catch some amazing sight seen during the backwater river ride in Alleppey.

Interesting facts about Kerala:

1. Kerala is considered as the paradise of the Ayurveda.
2. The Western Ghats in India is home to one of the eight hottest hotspots in the world, which is located in Kerala.
3. Kerala is also the first-ever digital state of India.
4. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India.
5. Kerala is also the largest producer of Banana, ginger, tea, and coffee.

How to Reach Kerala

By Air

You can get a flight to Kerala easily. There are four international airports in Kerala namely, Trivandrum international airport, Cochin international airport, Kannur international airport, and Calicut international airport.

By Train

The train is also one more option to reach this beautiful place. Kerala has almost 200 railway stations across the state. It connects the state from the rest of the nation. You can roam the different corners of this state by train as well.

By Road 

If you want to reach Kerala by road, you can take any of three highway which connects Kerala to the other state of India. These three highways are NH-17, NH-47, and NH-49. 

By Sea

You can even come to Kerala through the seaway. There are two main seaports in Kerala, Cochin and Vizhinjam International Seaport.