Kerala, well-known as the most beautiful state of India, is set amid the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Coconut palms, tropical greenery, serene backwaters and Ayurveda are the key attractions of this captivating state. And, not to miss the fact that Kerala has something for everyone. Be it a family holiday, pilgrimage tour or romantic journey, Kerala promises to give them all a complete feel.
Kerala truly has so many colors to it. These colors can be seen through the different attractions which the place offers. From the golden-sandy beaches, hill stations, pilgrimage sites, wildlife sanctuaries to backwaters, Kerala is a potpourri of beautiful destinations and attractions. There is so much more to share about this destination and we have tried to sum it up in our Kerala Travel Guide below.
Major tourist destinations:
Kumarakom is a famous travel destination in Kerala. It opens arms to travelers from all over the world with its beautiful little islands. It is hard to miss the pristine beauty which it offers.
An irresistible tourist destination, Cochin is a place which is home to a beautiful culture, beaches and backwaters. It promises a memorable and relaxing experience to all.
Love beaches? Kovalam is the place for you. This beach town offers all what you need for a perfect holiday. To get the best of this place, spend some time close to nature at the picturesque locations.
Named as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is a place which assures you with a peaceful holiday away from the maddening crowds. It is a perfect romantic destination and it allures people from all over with its enchanting backwaters and greenery.
The capital of god’s own country, Thiruvananthapuram is a must-visit destination of Kerala. This green city adds a pinch of tranquility and happiness to your trip.
A much sought-after tourist destination, Munnar is an enchanting hill station. This place forms a perfect family holiday destination with so many sightseeing options.
Offering a complete treat to nature lovers, Thekkady is a beautiful travel destination of Kerala. This place is a must-visit for all those who like adventure, wildlife and scenic locations.
Wayanad is set amid the green mountains of the Western Ghats. It is difficult to write down about its enthralling beauty which promises to take you on a journey full of peace and satisfaction.
The coffee plantations, captivating waterfalls, tea gardens and beautiful locations in Idukki are enough to attract people from all across the globe to this place.
How to reach?
Kerala is well-connected to all parts of the country and the world. The state is easily accessible via rail, road and air.
By air: The state has three airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode respectively.
All the three airports are well-connected to other places of the country and the world.
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
- Karipur Airport, Kozhikode
- Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery
By rail: There are more than 200 railway stations in Kerala which connect it to major places in the state and other parts of the country. Some long-distance express trains also connect Kerala with important places in the country like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.
By road: Via road, Kerala is connected to a wide network of highways. National highways 47, 17, and 49 connect Kerala with other places of the country.
When to visit?
Kerala experiences pleasant weather all throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the place is from the month of October to March. These months are usually the peak season for Kerala visit. Though this period is age old, now Kerala is thronged with tourists all year around.
Where to stay?
Accommodation plays a key role in adding comfort to your journey. To make it easier for you, we have listed below some accommodation options in Kerala. We have looked for all these options, keeping in mind the budget and traveling style of every tourist.
Holiday inn
The Malabar house
Coconut Lagoon
Tharavadu heritage home
The Leela
Coconut bay beach resort
Raheem residency
Lake palace resort
Zina cottages
Leisure Inn
The lake village resort
Hotel icon classic
What to do?
In this segment, we have listed a few things which you can’t miss to do in Kerala.
Explore our customized Kerala tour packages
Experience the backwaters journey:
Your trip to Kerala can never be complete if you do not cruise the backwaters on a houseboat. Take back a memorable experience from this backwaters journey.
Go the Ayurveda way:
The best centers offering Ayurvedic treatments are located in Kerala. The climate of the place adds to the healing system of Ayurveda.
Explore the history:
Every place has a history and so does Kerala. Flip back the pages of Kerala by visiting its architectural and historical sites.
Watch a Kathakali performance:
Traditional to Kerala, Kathakali is something which is you really cannot miss in Kerala. Complete your trip by catching this performance.
Take a food tour:
Kerala is a paradise for all the foodies. Treat your taste buds with delicious seafood and authentic south Indian food.
What to munch?
Kerala is not only famous for the beaches, Ayurveda and wildlife, but also for its lip-smacking cuisine. The yummy and unusual cuisine of Kerala forms a key highlight to allure people from different parts of the world. When trying on any dish in Kerala, you are most likely to find ingredients like coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaf, tamarind and asafetida. All these add to the flavor of the dishes.
Sadya
It is a traditional vegetarian meal which is served on a banana leaf. The meal has boiled rice, vegetable Curry (sambar/dal curry/ fish curry), side dishes, savories, pickle and dessert.
Idiyappam
This breakfast dish is also known as noolappam. Idiyappam is prepared using rice flour, salt and water. It is served with eggs or any meat dish.
Rassam
Rassam is a must-try for all those who visit Kerala. It is a clear lentil soup which is made using tomato, lemon, lentils, tamarind and pepper. Rassam is commonly served with rice.
Konchu varuthathu
Konchu varuthathu is a complete treat for prawn lovers. Also known as prawn fry, this dish is something which you can’t just stop eating.
We have listed below some restaurants and cafes which offer the best food.
- Nalekattu, Kottayam
- Fusion Bay, Cochin
- Bait, Kovalam
- Hotel Paragon, Kozhikode
- Krishna Café, Cochin
- Kerala Café, Varkala
- Sarvana Bhawan, Munnar
What to buy?
When it comes to shopping, Kerala promises you with a unique and delightful experience. All the markets in Kerala offer a great variety of items, right from handicrafts and silk Sarees. After wandering the markets of Kerala, you will get closer to the vibrant culture of Kerala.
Like everyone, you too will like to get a few things for yourself and your family from Kerala. There is much to shop in Kerala and we have summed it up in the following points. We hope this helps you!
- Paintings, shawls, tribal artifacts from Tribe India, Cochin
- Vegetables, fruits, spices from Connemara Market, Thiruvananthapuram
- Nilgiri tea from markets of Munnar and Wayanad
- Sarees and dresses from Fort Cochin
- Natural herb dyes and organic oils from Niraamaya
- Designer clothing and jewellery from Cinnamon, Cochin
- Handicrafts from SMSM Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
We believe that it is hard to pen-down everything about this beautiful place. So, it is best to visit Kerala this holiday season to get the best out of it. Planning a tour in Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’, Get exclusive offer on Kerala Tour Packages or customize your own trip.