Kerala is not just a destination to hang out, but more than that, it is an emotion beyond definition with overflowing heavenliness and a unique cultural legacy. It gives you a feeling of being in heaven with natural wonders like sparkling backwaters, bewitching beaches, spellbinding hill stations, captivating waterfalls, and exotic wildlife, all coming under a single roof. And these make Kerala rightfully be called “God’s Own Country”.
Formed on 1 November 1956, Kerala is one of the most picturesque states in India, which is bordered by Tamil Nadu to the east and south, Karnataka to the north and northeast, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. Captivating backwaters that flow into the majestic Arabian Sea extend virtually half the length of this small state of India. Kerala experiences a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year. This quaint little state is divided into 14 districts, which are home to numerous historical sites and attractions to fascinate tourists.
Thiruvananthapuram, which is commonly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala state. The official and most widely spoken language of Kerala is Malayalam. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India, and the people of Kerala can speak and understand basic English. So, you will find no problem in communicating with the people of Kerala. The ancient legends say that the land of Kerala was reclaimed from the sea by the axe-wielding warrior sage Parasurama, who was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala is truly unique from any other Indian culture and is worthy of praise. And this rich cultural legacy has been reflected in each and every entity that you witness in Kerala. Be it a short trip or a long itinerary, a relaxing stay or an adventure tour, whatever your travel preference, Kerala Tourism Holiday has the right Kerala vacation tours for you to choose from.
What to see in Kerala?
Kerala is soaked in the blanket of greenery, and everywhere you go, you will be greeted with a dozen shades and hues of green. Kerala is full of ancient treasures like architectural monuments, heritage sites and magnificent historical forts and palaces that reflect its long history. The presence of numerous temples, churches, mosques, and the Jewish synagogue shows how spiritual Kerala is. The incredible natural beauty of Kerala can be witnessed in the form of misty mountains and appealing valleys having gushing waterfalls, playful streams, elegant rivers, serene backwaters, sprawling plantations and paddy fields, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife sanctuaries, and breathtaking hill stations.
The vibrant festivals of Kerala, like Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Theyyam, etc, as well as the stunning traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kalaripayattu, need a special mention when you talk about what to witness in Kerala. Tourists also love to be a part of the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every year in Kerala.
What to experience in Kerala?
When you are in Kerala, you will experience a unique lifestyle that perfectly blends tradition and modernity, and beyond that, the unconditional love and hospitality of the people of Kerala.
A houseboat cruise with the view of picturesque sceneries, swaying palm trees and velvety green rice fields offers you a heavenly experience. The golden-red rays of the sunset that transfigure the colour of the sky and sea are a feast for the eyes. A leisurely stroll amidst the rolling tea gardens is an unforgettable experience. Through traditional Ayurveda Therapy, one can experience pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Flavours of Kerala:
Kerala is known for its delicious, spicy, and tangy cuisines. Savouring the authentic Kerala cuisines is the best way to explore the culture of Kerala. Locally-grown aromatic spices and coconut form the main ingredients of most of the Kerala recipes. Therefore, most of the dishes are often hot and spicy and have a coconut-based taste, which is too delicious to eat. Rice and fish are the most common dishes of Keralites.
The traditional vegetarian feast- the Sadya, which is served on a banana leaf, is the hallmark of Kerala cuisine. The Sadya comprises rice, a tantalising assortment of flavours of curries, chutneys, various side dishes, Pappad and Payasam. Kerala is also known for its variety of seafood recipes like fish molly, prawn curry, Karimeen pollichethu, etc. Appam with Stew, Erissery, Aviyal, Dosa, Sambar, Chicken Roast, Idiyappam, Puttu, and Kadala Curry are some of the authentic breakfast dishes of Kerala. Pazham Pori (banana fritters), Paripu Vada (lentil/dal Fritters), pakoras, samosas, banana chips, jackfruit chips, etc, are the variety of snacks you must try. You can also get varieties of tea and coffee like masala tea, ginger tea, masala coffee, etc, in Kerala.
Where to stay:
Kerala offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels, cottages, and homestays, that provide cosy, secure sojourns. For your comfortable stay, you can choose from budget, economy, standard, deluxe, or luxury types of accommodation. For an offbeat experience, you can stay in a houseboat or treehouse and feel the pleasure of being pampered by nature.
Some interesting facts about Kerala:
- Kerala is fondly called “Land of Coconuts” as you can see a lot of coconut trees everywhere in Kerala.
- Kerala ranked eighth on the “12 Destinations to Watch” list in 2017 by the Association of British Travel Agents, and also appeared among the “10 best destinations in the world” by Lonely Planet in 2014.
- The National Geographic in 2012, has listed Kerala as one of the 50 top destinations to be visited in a lifetime and also as one of the ten paradises of the World.
- Kerala is crowned as the best state in India in terms of healthcare performance according to the recent Health Index Report.
- Kerala is honoured as the first “Complete Digital State” of India.
- World’s first Ayurvedic Resort, Somatheeram, is in Kerala.
- Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India.
- Kerala is the abode of the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is the richest Hindu temple in the World.
- Elephants are the beloved symbol of Kerala and are also featured in the state emblems. Keralites’ love for elephants is worth inspiring.
- Kerala produces and exports various spices like cardamom, pepper, clove, nutmeg, star anise, tea, vanilla, etc, and hence is nicknamed the “Spice Capital of the World“.
- The Anamudi Peak in Kerala, with a height of 2695 meters, is the highest point in India.
Way to reach:![]()
Kerala is easily accessible by Air, Rail, Road and Water.
By Air:
Kerala is the only state in India that has 4 International airports. And they are Cochin International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Karipur International Airport and the newly inaugurated Kannur International Airport.
By Rail:
Kerala has around 200 railway stations and is well-linked to all major cities of India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, etc via rail.
By Road:
Kerala has a good network of roadways which directly connects the neighbouring states of South India like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Kerala State Transport buses and private buses also run to and from various parts of the state.
By Water:
One can even reach Kerala via a ship. The prominent history of Kerala speaks about many seaports. The major ports of Kerala are the Port of Kochi and Vizhinjam International Seaport, which serve as the major marine sea routes to Kerala from various countries. Kerala is also known for its picturesque backwaters, which serve as a favourite tourist attraction as well as a popular and old means of transportation. One can make use of public ferry services, houseboats, and speedboats to travel in Kerala. Passenger boat service is operated along the waterway from boat jetties at Kollam, Alappuzha(Alleppey), Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, etc.
