Kerala has long been a hidden tropical gem for travelers and has become a prominent tourist destination in India in the past couple of decades. Called ‘God’s own country’, the land is truly gifted by nature with its diversity of landscape that includes serene beaches, hill stations, and picturesque backwaters. It has also gained a reputation for medical tourism with increasing interest across the world in Ayurveda therapies and wellness retreats.
Kerala has a big coastline suitable for ports and harbors and has been an important maritime region for the Indian peninsula throughout centuries. It possibly had trading links with ancient civilizations like Greek, Babylonians, Egyptians, Romans, Arabs, and Jews and continues to have important ports in modern times as well. A combination of a balanced climate with ample rainfall makes it perfect for growing spices and medicinal herbs.
There are many places to visit in Kerala, but some destinations that must not be missed are
- Alleppey
Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, beautiful canals and paddy fields. A stay in a backwater-houseboat for one night is a must-do even if you are on a short visit to Kerala. Most Kerala tour packages include this as a mandatory part of their itinerary. You can enjoy a serene view of the small villages as your houseboat passes through the canals and close the day with a dinner of Kerala specialities cooked by your on-boat chef.
- Thekkady
Situated near the Periyar National Park, Thekkady is your best chance to see the Kerala elephants in action. The place, even though busting with tourists, still maintains thick forests and is home to wildlife such as Elephants, Sambar deer, Tigers, Gaurs, and Nilgiri langurs. Thekkady Lake is an artificial lake formed due to the dam built on the Periyar river and is a popular spot for wildlife to drink water. Boat rides across Thekkady lake will give you a different perspective to see this wildlife.
- Munnar
Called the ‘Kashmir of the South’, Kerala tourism Munnar is most popular among honeymooners. Its endless hills covered with tea plantations and misty valleys will enthrall any visitor. You can visit tea plantations here and explore the short walks across its lush green cover.
- Kumarakom
Located near the famous Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom backwaters are for the leisure traveler who is on a Kerala vacation to relax and drown himself into luxury. You can plan to stay on a houseboat or any one of the luxurious resorts located here. The place is also famous for the Kumarakom bird sanctuary which is home to birds like waterfowls, cuckoos, egrets, herons, and Brahmani kite and also hosts migratory birds like the Siberian crane, lark, and flycatcher that come here from as far as the Himalayas and Siberia.
- Kochi
Kochi or Cochin has always been a very important trading port since ancient times where Keralites traded their spices with traders from across the world for various items. Hence it is also called ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. Cochin international airport is well connected to important airports across the world and hence usually the starting point for most Kerala tour packages. Fort Kochi, Cherai beach, St. Francis Church and Basilica of Santa Cruz are some of the tourist attractions here before you move on with the rest of your Kerala tour.
- Wayanad
Wayanad is a comparatively unexplored region of Kerala that attracts forest-lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The place is famous for its treehouse resorts and forest trails that offer visitors engrossing-yet-easy walk through the forest exploring the beauty of nature in the serene atmosphere. Trekking and hiking during monsoon are some favorite activities here.
- Varkala
Located near Trivandrum, Varkala beach is a stark contrast to the gradual plains of other beaches in Kerala due to its sudden cliff drop near the sea. The beach itself is not very crowded while the cliff has many restaurants and shops to enjoy Kerala cuisine and handicraft. Varkala is also famous in Kerala tourism for its ayurvedic retreats where one can relax and rejuvenate themselves away from the hustle of city life. On an odd day, you can see a few people practicing yoga on the beach in the backdrop of setting sun which makes for a tranquil atmosphere that will relax even the most tired of souls.
- Poovar
Poovar makes for relaxing vacations with its many luxury resorts with private beaches. A small island village located where the Neyyar river joins the Arabian sea, Poovar is a tranquil tropical paradise that is the perfect getaway destination for a day or two.
- Thrissur
Also called Trichur, Thrissur is all about temples and cultural celebrations in Kerala. No wonder, it is called the ‘cultural capital of Kerala’. Festivals are celebrated with much grandeur here, the most important one being the Thrissur Pooram – a temple festival that takes place every year during April – May. The festival sees participation for all main temples across Thrissur, with over 200 musicians playing traditional music. The main attraction is the exchange of colourful umbrellas by two groups of people (representing temples) sitting atop colourfully decorated elephants.
- Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta is the centre of spiritual Kerala tourism. It is called the land of Lord Aiyappa and is the main hub where thousands of pilgrims from across the world come for their pilgrimage to Sabarimala temple. But apart from the pilgrimage, one must also visit the place to see the abundant flora and fauna that thrives in its thick forest cover and the various aromatic spice plantations.
Kerala has two international airports at Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) which are well connected by air to all major cities in India and across the world. Kerala is also easily connected by rail to all major railway stations in India. There are many fast trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani connecting Trivandrum to major cities in India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The roads in Kerala are in good condition which makes internal travel within Kerala very convenient by a taxi or bus.
The best time to visit Kerala is between September to March, during the dry winters when the weather is pleasant and cool and not much rain.
WildVoyager 