Exotic Beaches, Beautiful Landscape, Lush Tea Gardens, Fragrant Spice Plantations, Serene Mountains, Peaceful Backwaters, Vibrant Culture – Kerala Is Truly God’s Own Country.

Weather in Kerala is tropical mostly.

Winter season between September to March is the best time to visit Kerala. This is the time when Kerala has a comfortable climate and pleasant weather with less humidity.  From June to August, is the main rainy season.

Food in Kerala offers a multitude of dishes, ranging from traditional sadya to seafood delicacies. The famous foods in Kerala do include global favourites such as Sadhya, Ghee Roast Dosa, Idli and Sambhar, Palappam, stew, Puttu and Iddiyappams.

Some of the famous items include wooden masks, intricately carved sculptures of boats, wall hangings, and pottery pieces. One can also purchase homemade chocolates, fragrant local teas, spices, dry fruits and coffee beans here.

Malayalam is the most spoken language in Kerala because it’s their mother tongue. Other than it, English and Hindi are the other popular languages you came through.

1. BACKWATER

The scenic backwaters of Kerala comprise serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The backwater regions of Kerala are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience. Alappuzha, known as the ‘Venice of the East’, is especially popular for its houseboat cruises where you can soak in nature at its finest form.

2. BEACHES

Kerala is home to a number of spectacular beaches that will take your breath away. As Kerala is a coastal state, some of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala are beaches like Kovalam, Varkala, Chowara, Chavakkad, Nattika, Cherai, Kizhunna, Poovar and the list goes on and on.

3. HILLS

Kerala brings to you a magical tryst with nature through its various hills and hill stations. A majority of these places in Kerala are situated on the windward side of the majestic Western Ghats. Enjoy the long chain of lush mist-clad hill stations of Kerala and explore the various plantations, wildlife, flora and fauna that comprise an integral part of this experience.

4. WILDLIFE

There are a number of popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala housing exotic and rare species of flora and fauna. Nestled in the elaborate forest of the majestic Western Ghats or Sahyadri Ranges in Kerala are  fourteen wildlife sanctuaries and two tiger reserves. Kerala also has six national parks containing protected and endangered species like the Indian Sloth-Bear, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Indian Bison, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

5. FORTS AND PALACES

Famous historical fort and palaces of Kerala are Padmanabhapuram Palace, Bekal Fort, Thalassery Fort, Bolghatty Palace, William Fort, Hosdurg Fort, St. Thomas Fort at Tangasseri, Pallipuram Fort, East Fort, Rock-Cut Temples, Edakkal Caves, Gundert Bungalow and Ambalavayal Heritage Museum.

6. HOUSEBOATS

Few experiences in Kerala can rival the appeal of a houseboat stay and cruises. Travelers can check into traditional wooden houseboats in Kerala equipped with modern amenities to sail through the backwaters while enjoying onboard meals and some beautiful moments with their loved ones.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)

• Western Ghats

1. MUNNAR

Popular among honeymooners, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners. Munnar is famous for its tea estates, greenery, blankets of mist forming natural-view points. While traversing through Munnar, you must glimpse Mattupetty dam, Anamudi, and Pothamedu point. They offer sceneries right out of a fairy-tale.

Munnar is a haven for shopping for tea and spices. Cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, coffee and a variety of homemade chocolates can be bought from the number of shops spread across the hill town.

Places to visit in Munnar: Munnar Tea Plantations, Atukkad Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station (the highest point in Munnar), Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park, Kundala Dam & Lake, Echo Point, Rose Gardens

2. ALLEPPEY (ALAPPUZHA)

Kerala’s very own Venice – Alappuzha, is a charming town blessed with a repertoire of canals, backwaters, lagoons, and beaches. There are plenty of houseboats, homestays, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts that make staying in Alleppey brilliant. The houseboats pass through the serene backwaters, where you can catch glimpses of green paddy fields, choir-making activities, and witness the life of locals in Kerala. Be sure to catch a traditional snake boat race in the months of August and September and try out some toddy (palm wine) at a local toddy shop for adding a touch of authenticity to your travel experience in Alleppey.

Places to visit in Alleppey: Backwaters, Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, Krishnapuram Palace

3. KOCHI

Kerala’s financial capital, and bustling port city – Kochi, is a symphony of local and foreign influences on Kerala tourism and culture. A gaggle of islands interconnected by ferries, this cosmopolitan town has upmarket stores, art galleries and some of the finest heritage accommodations. In a true vintage-meets-future fashion, restaurants and shopping hubs crowd Ernakulum, Jew Town and Fort Kochi along with palaces, beaches, temples, and heritage sites. Kochi is also an important place to see Kathakali and Kalarippayattu performances and the annual Biennale Festival.

Places to visit in Kochi: Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Jewish synagogue, Fort Kochi, Bolgatty Palace, Marine drive, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing Nets, Lulu Mall, Folklore Museum

4. GURUVAYUR

A small town in the district of Thrissur, Guruvayur is the most famous for the Guruvayur Temple – India’s third-largest temple housing Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 most divine Vishnu temples in the world. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India along with the likes of Tirupati and Sabarimala.

Places to visit in Guruvayur: Sree Krishna Temple, Punnathurkotta Elephant Palace, Mammiyoor Shiva Temple, Parthasarthy Temple, Institute of Mural Painting

5. THEKKADY

Home to the country’s largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. There are many resorts near the national park and an early boat safari within the sanctuary is a must to be able to spot wild elephants, bisons, wild boars, various kinds of birds, etc.

Periyar National Park, being a major attraction, is one place where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travellers can also experience night trek in the wilderness of Periyar.

Places to visit in Thekkady: Periyar National Park, Periyar Tiger Trail, Periyar Lake, Ayurvedic & Spices Plantation, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (a renowned centre of the traditional form of martial arts)

6. WAYANAD

Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad.

Wayanad is best known for the wildlife reserves – Wayanad wildlife reserve which is home to an exquisite variety of flora and fauna. Wayanad wildlife reserve is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve peacefully located amidst the serene hills of Western Ghats.

Places to visit in Wayanad: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Dam, Chembara Peak, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Kuruva Island, Sulthan Bathery, Pookode Lake, Chain Tree, Vythiri

7. KOVALAM

Famous for its esorts and ayurvedic massage centre, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach. All these three beaches are crescent-shaped shallow water and low tidal beaches.

Places to visit in Kovalam: Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Haylcon Castle, Velliyani Lake

8. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TRIVANDRUM)

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind – today, Trivandrum is an expensive metropolis with quaint urban charm and plenty of architectural and historical places to visit. In addition, Trivandrum is a gateway to nearby popular beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala.

Places to visit in Trivandrum: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanakakunnu Palace

9. JATAYU EARTH’S CENTRE

Jatayu Nature Park is a rock-themed park which got opened on November 25, 2017. Built to promote mythology and adventure tourism, the tourism centre boasts of 6D theatre, a digital audio-visual room, cable car and Ayurvedic cave resort. It is also home to umpteen adventure activities including paintball, laser tag, archery, bouldering, rock climbing, air-rifle shooting etc. The primary attraction of the park, however, is the world’s largest stone-cut bird sculpture replicating Jatayu, the mythical bird from Ramayana.

10.POOVAR

Poovar is a small rustic town situated 27 kms from Thiruvananthapuram with unspoilt, unexplored golden sand beaches and beautiful backwaters of Kerala. Also known as a fishing village, the tranquil Poovar Island lies between the Arabian Sea and the Neyyar River.

Places to visit in Poovar: Poovar Beach, Thirparappu Falls, Vizhinjam, Fishing Village

11.KOZHIKODE

Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district with the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make Kozhikode a popular tourist destination. Vasco da Gama had set his foot on the remote beach of Kappad in Kozhikode in 1498 and ‘Discovered India’ and established spice trade routes with the west.

Places to visit in Kozhikode: Backwaters, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Waterfall, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kappad Beach, Beypore, Kakkayam, Beypore Beach, HiLite Mall

12. BEKAL

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourist spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It’s one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district.

Places to visit in Bekal: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Kappil Beach, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Chandragiri Fort, Nileswaram or Nileshwar (an idyllic patch of backwater in North Kerala)

13.KUMARAKOM

Located at a distance of 16km from Kottayam in Kerala and located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of many small man-made islands reclaimed from the lake.

Known for paddy fields, fishing, a network of backwaters, delicious local cuisine, traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) houseboats and luxury and budget resorts.

Places to visit in Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwaters, Kumarakom Beach, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Kumarakom Craft Museum

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