God's Own Country
Be it backwaters, beaches, Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga or just intrepid travel, a trip to Kerala is famous for countless tourist attractions in South India. Popularly called as ‘God’s Own Country’, it is a hotspot for photography lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, back-packers.
Exploring the green pastures of dense forests through casual strolls in solitude or just experiencing the beauty of backwaters with your beloved, makes it a romantic destination in India. It is also famous for hill-stations and tea plantations.
More than anything, what really drives the tourists to Kerala is the distinct style, cuisine, culture and festivals of the state, that make it stand apart from the rest. In short, strikingly different from the other states of South India, the identity of Kerala cannot be surpassed.
Following are the tourist attractions in Kerala
Kerala Backwaters
Exploring the pristine, calm and scintillating backwaters of Kerala with Kettuvallam or houseboat is the most important tourist attraction of Kerala. With unlimited options of luxurious to budget houseboat stays available, backwater tourism is opted for those searching for leisure travel, romantic destination and even an off-beat destination.
Five major lakes are inter-connected with brackish lagoons, feeding the backwaters. One can also spot low barrier islands as well as villagers busy in rubber plantation or coir-making while exploring the backwaters on houseboats. One can also choose to spend a night on the houseboat, experiencing the beauty of sound of water, softly gurgling.
Fort Kochi
One of the important travel hotspots in Kerala, it is popularly also called as ‘Old Kochi.’ One can spot the rich blend of Portuguese, Chinese, British, Dutch and Arab cultural influence. It is also called as the ‘Gateway to Kerala.’ Tourists also opt for touring the city on foot or by cycle—both the ways are equally adventurous.
The main tourist attractions include Jew Town, Mattancherry, St Francis Church, Princess Street, Kerala Folklore Museum and Ayurvedic treatments. Do not miss to spot the distinct architectural style of the buildings in Kochi, quite different from the other destinations in Kerala.
Munnar
The famous ‘hill-station of Kerala’, it is known for tea-plantations. One can witness the entire process involved in tea production, starting from plucking the tea leaves in the sprawling gardens. It is located at the confluence of three important streams—Kundala, Nallathanni and Mudrapuzha.
History of Munnar reveals that it was a popular summer resort right from the time of British India. Even now, flawless holiday facilities, winding lanes and picture-book towns make it irresistible. The other tourist attractions in Munnar include the Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary and Anamudi.
Varkala Beach
Endowing solitude, peace and salubrious ambience, this beach is more sought after than the commercial counterparts. Along with being a romantic destination, it has also been chosen by intrepid travellers, photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Thekkady
Adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, look no further. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located at Thekkady is the prime tourist attraction of Kerala. So, is it the Indian Tiger or the endangered elephant, it can be spotted within this national park. It is also a paradise for bird lovers. Explore colourful butterflies, rare birds and animals with a nature walk in the Periyar Reserve.
Kovalam
A popular beach town of Kerala, it is embroidered by the Arabian Sea and is known for its picturesque vistas. Popularly called as the ‘Paradise of South India’, it is located 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Famous cuisines of Kerala
Popular dishes include Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam with Stew, Dosa Ghee Roast, Idiyappam with Egg Curry, Spicy Chicken Curry, Mussel Stir Fry and Kerala Prawn Curry.
Festivals of Kerala
Festivals are celebrated with a lot of pomp and show in Kerala, as they revive the age-old culture of the state. The popular festivals include Visha (April), Thrissur Pooram(April), Onam (August), Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August) and others.
Excursions in Kerala
Tourists can explore the nearby destinations from Calicut such as Beypore Beach (11 km), Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (19 km), Lakkidi (106 km).
When to Reach
The best time to indulge in Kerala Travel is from November to February when the weather is quite pleasant and comforting.
How to Reach
Air: The two international airports in Kerala are location at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
Rail: With more than 200 railway stations, travelling Kerala gets very convenient and comfortable, especially to the other states of South India.
Road: Inter and intra-city buses are available for regular road transport.
So, get going for Kerala Tour this season and explore the best of South India.