Kerala, commonly referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a treasure located in the southwest part of India. It is a state well-known for its green landscapes, soothing backwaters, and vibrant culture, which enchants visitors. Kerala offers an amazing experience, from touring colorful festivals to indulging in exquisite cuisine.
This guide will lead you through the Kerala travel guide, places to visit in Kerala, must-have experiences, and useful Kerala travel tips to make your exploration of this stunning area easy.
Ayurveda: A Path to Wellness
Kerala is widely associated with Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical philosophy that emphasizes overall health. A 2020 study from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that an increasing number of individuals are looking at integrative health practices.
Ayurveda is a customized method, as opposed to a short spa treatment. Doctors design a personalized plan according to your constitution and body type. Kerala is the perfect destination to start down this path to wellness because of its abundance of herbal gardens and experienced practitioners. Also, there are many things to do in Kerala, making it the perfect destination for an enjoyable and refreshing vacation.
Extraordinary Stays: Homestays and Tree Houses
Choose a homestay to immerse yourself in the local way of life rather than typical hotels. There are lots of homestays in Kerala where you can live in a typical Kerala house, eat authentic home-cooked meals, and socialize with local people. This presents a special chance to get a personal look at the state’s culture.
Kerala offers an increasing number of treehouse accommodations for the more daring traveler. These experiences will uplift your adventure mood in Kerala travel. Imagine waking up to the view of the Western Ghats and the sound of the wind whispering through the leaves.
The Best Tourist Places in Kerala
1. Munnar
Munnar, a charming hill station, is well-known for its vast tea plantations, foggy mountains, and mild weather. This place offers a relaxing boat ride on Mattupetty Dam, exploring Eravikulam National Park, and visiting the Tea Museum.
2. Alappuzha [Alappey]
Alleppey, often known as “Venice of the East”, is popular for its houseboat excursions across the tranquil backwaters. Explore the traditional coir-making industry, visit Alappuzha Beach, and spend a night on a houseboat.
3. Kochi [Cochin]
A bustling port city with a deep history shaped by British, Portuguese, and Dutch colonization. Specialties involve touring Fort Kochi, seeing famous Chinese fishing nets, and exploring Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town.
4. Thekkady
This area is a sanctuary for those who enjoy the outdoors and wildlife because it is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Remarkable experiences include trekking, bamboo rafting, visiting spice plantations, and going on a boat safari on Periyar Lake.
5. Kumarakom
A serene village on Vembanad Lake, renowned for its luxury resort and bird sanctuary, The scenery at the waterfront resorts, Ayurvedic treatments, and bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary make it one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Things to do in Kerala
Take a houseboat cruise along the backwaters
Riding a houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala is one of the most well-liked tourist activities. These native boats give you a taste of Kerala’s rural life as they navigate a maze of canals, lakes, and rivers.
Enjoy a wildlife adventure
Kerala is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar National Park. You can observe a range of animals in these parks, like deer, tigers, elephants, and lions.
A trek in the Cardamom Hills
The beautiful Cardamom Hills are a mountain range located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Trekkers can explore the network of trails and come across a variety of plants and animals, even the rare hornbill.
Explore the beaches.
Kovalam, Varkala, and Alappuzha are a few of the well-known beaches in Kerala. Swimming, tanning, surfing, and receiving an ayurvedic massage are just a few of the activities available at these beaches.
Discover the culture
Kerala has an abundant cultural history. You can go to temples, museums, and palaces to gain knowledge about Kerala’s past and culture. Additionally, you can watch traditional state performances like Theyyam and Kathakali.
Cuisine
Keralan cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, featuring delicious meals like Appam and Stew, Kerala Sadya, and seafood specialties.
Pilgrim’s Notebook: Kerala Travel Tips
- The best time to visit
The best months to visit Kerala are from October to February because of the beautiful weather that is suitable for outdoor activities and tourism. March to May offers a better time to enjoy the sea and get the best deals on hotels and accommodations. June to September are monsoon seasons, showcasing green nature, water bodies, and calm surroundings.
- Language and communication
Malayalam is the official language of Kerala. The usage of English is also common, making it easy to communicate for international travelers.
- Mode of reaching and transportation
- By Air: There are four international airports to reach India and Kerala, which are located in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
- By Bus: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation SWIFT (KSRTC) serves to and from places such as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
- By Train: Kerala has excellent rail connections, with the main stations located in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode.
- Local transportation: combine public transportation, autorickshaws, and taxis for short distances. Try riding ferries and houseboats for an immersive experience.
You must have items in your bag.
- Light, loose-fitting clothes made of fabrics like cotton or linen, as well as swimsuits for exploring beaches
- Comfortable footwear like Flip-Flops or sandals allows you to enjoy every destination with ease.
- Essential items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella if visiting during the monsoon season
- Additional things like your medications, reusable water bottles, and perfect cameras would make your trip a vibrant one.
Conclusion
Kerala is a destination that people must see in India because of its tranquil beauty, rich culture, and variety of activities. This state promises an amazing experience, whether you’re trekking in the mountains, sailing through the backwaters, or getting Ayurvedic treatments. Plan your journey with this complete Kerala travel guide, explore the best tourist places in Kerala, and then get ready to discover this paradisiacal area.
