Tourist information about Kerala
Kerala, known to be among the ten paradises as considered by National Geographic Traveler, has significantly advanced. It is due to its great ecotourism, coupled with backwaters and the unique culture and tradition of the state that attracts the travelers the most. It is rightly among the most visited tourist destinations in the world that have plenty of hidden gems to offer to the travel enthusiasts.
Location of KeralaÂ
Kerala is located on Southwestern Malabar Coast. To be precise, it is between the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, extending over almost 580 kilometres in area. Being in the tropical region, it experiences a humid and wet climate during most of the time of the year.
Best time to visit KeralaÂ
September to March is the ideal time to experience Kerala at its best. The hill stations and beaches are best to witness during these months. For the backwaters, winter is a suitable time.
How to reach Kerala?
- By air –Travel through three international airports that are located in Kerala. Kochi is in the central part of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is towards the southern part and Calicut is towards the north. So, it is easy to reach Kerala through airways.
- By roadways –Offers easy road connectivity from different parts of the country through facilities of National Highways 47, 17 and 49. Roads connect Kerala directly to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, including other big cities, making it easy to travel through roadways to Kerala.
- By train –Interconnected with almost 200 railway stations, avail direct trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and other big cities.
- By sea– Take ships from Kochi towards Lakshadweep Island, and it shall take you to the backwaters of Kerala.
What is Kerala famous for?
Kerala offers plenty of reasons for the tourists, and some of them are enlisted in the following part.
Scenic beautyÂ
The valleys, coupled with the hills, offer great scenic beauty of the place. Adding to this, the gushing waterfalls, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, forts, beaches are great to visit Kerala.
Ecotourism
Kerala tourism is its uniqueness, which is becoming popular these days. It offers plenty of exciting reasons for travelers to visit Kerala.
Beautiful HouseboatsÂ
Kerala is famous for its aesthetic and beautiful houseboats. Take a ride in the beautiful houseboats and explore the beauty of Kerala at its best.
KathakaliÂ
The famous dance form is a must-watch for travelers. Knowing the intricate and unique dance form is sure to catch the attention of the travelers. The vibrant eye makeup and the dance steps are sure to amaze you.
Serenity of beachesÂ
If you are yet to experience the jaw-dropping serenity and beauty of Kerala beaches, you are missing out on something great. Some of the famous beaches include Kovalam, Varkala and Kappad that are enough reasons to visit Kerala more than just once.
Tasty cuisine of KeralaÂ
Kerala cuisine is sure to surprise you. Things you should miss checking out are Thalassery Biryani, Seafood and of course Mapllah Biryani.
Things to do when traveling to KeralaÂ
- Cruising in backwatersÂ
Cruising in backwaters on a houseboat is something to treasure for a whole life. The lush greenery, wildlife, villages and houses in which the backwaters are lined up are great to watch. Book a hotel and experience the serenity of the place.
- Visiting the tea plantations
Tea plantations are hidden in the wonderful landscapes of Western Ghats. It offers a great view of the plantation to the travelers. Amidst a never ending route of rolling green hills, one can enjoy the fresh tea and its extensive range of plantations here.
- Opt for hiking in MunnarÂ
For adventure lovers, Kerala has options to indulge in. Being a great outdoor option, it offers rewarding trek options to travel enthusiasts. For the adventurous souls, Idukki Forest Walk and Kannan Devan Hills trail should not be missed out.
- Visit different beachesÂ
For a relaxed time and enjoy the beauty, visit the beaches located on the Arabian Sea. To enjoy the best party atmosphere, Kovalam is the ideal option. To find some serenity and relax with your partner, Marari beach is the suitable choice.
- Explore beauties of Fort KochiÂ
Being one of the greatest historical cities, one can witness the famous fishing net in this place. To know about the grandeur and richness of the state, this fort speaks a lot. Here, the beautiful Portugese churches are sure to catch attention.
- Watch Kathakali showÂ
After a hectic day and knowing about the richness of the forts, it is time to witness some greatness of the dance form of Kathakali. This is good evidence to get the rich cultural taste of Kerala coupled with vibrant colors, makeup and interesting use of costumes.
Places to visit in Kerala
- Alleppey
Popular for backwaters, this place speaks of the great natural beauty that Kerala offers to travelers. Staying in the boathouse should not be missed out. One can experience paddy fields, lakes, chapels and other beauties of the place.
- Periyar National Park
Located in Thekkady district, it is among popular National Parks in south India. One can visit it even during Monsoon time. The 30 minutes wild elephants through this national park are great to experience. Also, safaris are carried in boats during the sunset making the full journey more enjoyable.
- Kovalam
One of the happening beaches in Kerala, which is just 40 minutes from Trivandrum. Its main beach has plenty of options for hotels to stay in.
- Eravikulam National Park
Situated in the Western Ghats in Idukki districts, the park is spread over an area of 97 kilometers. A two day trip to this place is perfect for exploring its beauty. November to January and again from June to August is considered to be the best time to visit.
- Marari BeachÂ
To visit a peaceful beach and take a break from tasting the adventures of Kerala, Marari beach is the one to visit. From simple homestay options to plush resorts, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- VarkalaÂ
Setting of the beach is excellent coupled with the long stretch of the cliffs. Adding to this, the paved footpaths, beach shacks, hotels, coconut palms, together make the place a great one to visit.
Famous festivals at Kerala
- OnamÂ
Ten-day festival is exciting to know about the state when it enjoys a four day holiday. Celebrated to hail Vishnu along with Mahabali and commenced with a parade on the first day of the festival known as Atham. Until the festival is over, people of the state indulge in dancing, preparing special dishes, boat races and others.
- Theyyam FestivalÂ
Festivals are mostly popular in North Malabar, Kolathunadu and Kudagu areas. This cultural dance form has 400 different types in which human beings disguise themselves in different forms. It takes place during December and it is great to explore the historical importance of the place for ages.
- Kerala boat festivalÂ
Other than having a pristine coastline, it enjoys a boat festival, which is a symbol of teamwork. One can witness different sizes of boats run by people together. The sight of the boats in the sea is something great to watch.
- Vishu Festival
Known as Bisu in Karnataka, this takes place in the month of April. It is a holy ritual of Vishukkani which means that followers should only see prosperity soon after waking up in the morning.
- Attukal Pongala Festival
A ten-day festival,taking place in February or March, in which Goddess Attukal Devi is worshipped. People visit famous temples in Trivandrum. One can notice a huge gathering at the Attukal Devi temple at the time of the festival.
Food culture of Kerala
Kerala cuisine is significant in the historical, geographical and cultural richness of the state. It offers plenty of options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. As a coconut grows in abundance in the state, the milk and cream are widely used in most of the dishes prepared.
Adding greatness to the taste, the fishing industry of the state has also advanced greatly in recent times. Try tasting rice and cassava that is known to be the staple food of Kerala. Due to the weather of the state and the species available, the cuisine contains spicy food with black pepper and hot chillies as one of the main ingredients.
