Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country.” This enchanting state is filled with views of serene backwaters, lush green landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious South Indian cuisines. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or someone looking to unwind, Kerala has something unique for everyone.
Let’s read this article and embark on a trip to explore the attractions, cuisine, and culture that make Kerala one of the most preferred tourist destinations.
Exploring Kerala’s Attractions
Kerala is filled with various tourist attractions to visit, such as:
1. The Backwaters of Alleppey
One of Kerala’s most iconic attractions, the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha), offer a unique experience of cruising through a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lagoons. A houseboat stay here is a quintessential Kerala experience. Many Kerala tour packages include houseboat stays, ensuring you don’t miss out on this serene adventure.
2. Munnar’s Rolling Hills
Munnar, a hill station in Western Ghats, is popular for its picturesque landscapes dotted with tea plantations. Visitors can explore tea factories, hike through scenic trails, and visit attractions like the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
However, the cool climate and lush greenery make Munnar a refreshing escape from the heat. Kerala tour packages often feature Munnar as a key destination, allowing you to witness its natural beauty.
3. The Beaches of Varkala and Kovalam
Kerala boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in India. With its dramatic cliffs and mineral springs, Varkala Beach offers relaxation and adventure. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or paragliding while enjoying the stunning coastal views.
Kovalam Beach, another popular destination, is famous for its crescent-shaped coastline and lighthouse. The vibrant beach shacks serve delicious seafood and refreshing drinks, making it a perfect spot for evening relaxation.
4. Fort Kochi’s Historic Charm
Fort Kochi is a mix of colonial history and vibrant culture. Key attractions include the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church), and the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace. The annual Fort Kochi Carnival is a lively celebration featuring colorful parades, music, and dance performances.
Kerala’s Mouth- Watering Cuisine
Kerala’s cuisine is a delightful mix of spices, fresh seafood, and traditional cooking techniques; fish and seafood are significant in its culinary offerings. Some of them are:
1. Appam and Stew
Appam is a pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It’s soft and fluffy in the center with a crispy edge. Appam is typically served with a hearty stew made from vegetables, chicken, or fish, simmered in a coconut-based gravy. This combination is a beloved breakfast choice for locals and visitors alike.
2. Kerala Sadya
Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast on a banana leaf which is prepared especially during festivals and weddings. It consists of an array of dishes like rice, sambar, rasam, avial (a mixed vegetable curry), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), pickles, and payasam (a sweet dessert). The variety of flavors and textures makes Sadya a culinary experience to remember.
3. Seafood
Kerala’s coastal regions offer an abundance of fresh seafood. Dishes like fish curry, prawn fry, and crab masala are popular. Malabar biryani is another must-try, a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated meat or seafood and cooked with spices. Using coconut, curry leaves, and many spices give Kerala’s seafood dishes their distinctive taste.
4. Tapioca and Fish Curry
Tapioca (known locally as “kappa”) is a staple in Kerala cuisine. It’s often paired with spicy fish curry, making for a simple yet flavorful meal. The combination of the starchy tapioca with the tangy, spicy curry creates a balance of tastes that is both satisfying and delicious.
Embracing Kerala’s Rich Culture
Kerala’s culture is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, art forms, and festivals that reflect the state’s diverse heritage. Experiencing this cultural richness is a highlight of any Kerala tour package.
1. Traditional Dance Forms
Kerala is home to several classical dance forms that are captivating and expressive. Perhaps the most famous is Kathakali, a dramatic dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and storytelling through expressive gestures and facial expressions.
Mohiniyattam, a graceful dance performed by women, emphasizes fluid movements and gentle rhythms. Theyyattam, another traditional dance, often portrays stories from Hindu mythology and local legends.
2. Ayurveda and Wellness
Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments, which focus on holistic wellness using natural herbs, oils, and therapies. Many travelers visit Kerala to experience rejuvenating massages, herbal treatments, and yoga sessions. The serene environment of traditional knowledge offers a perfect setting for relaxation and healing.
3. Festivals and Celebrations
Kerala celebrates a lot of festivals with great enthusiasm and fervor. Onam, the harvest festival, is the most significant, marked by elaborate feasts, flower arrangements (pookalam), traditional dances, and boat races. Vishu, celebrating the Malayalam New Year, is another critical festival characterized by colorful rangolis and the preparation of the Vishu Kani (auspicious sight).
The Thrissur Pooram, a grand temple festival, is famous for its spectacular elephant processions, fireworks, and vibrant cultural performances.
4. Handicrafts and Art
Kerala’s rich tradition of handicrafts includes intricate woodwork, coir products, and vibrant textiles. The state is famous for its handwoven fabrics, including the kasavu saree with its distinctive gold border. Traditional art forms like mural painting, pottery, and brass work are also prevalent, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans.
Practical Tips for Travelling to Kerala
Here are a few tips that you can follow while traveling to Kerala,
1. Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Kerala is between September and March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and beach activities. The monsoon season, from June to August, brings lush greenery but may limit some outdoor activities. When booking your Kerala Tour packages, consider the best time to maximize your experience based on your preferences.
2. Getting Around
Kerala has a well-connected transportation network. Trains and buses are affordable and reliable transportation options between cities and towns. Consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for a more scenic journey. Houseboats are the best way to explore the backwaters, offering a unique and leisurely mode of transport.
3. Accommodation
Kerala offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. There’s something for everyone, from luxury resorts and heritage hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and homestays; for a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional houseboat or a plantation bungalow in the hill stations.
4. Local Etiquette
Respecting local customs and traditions is essential when visiting Kerala. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering temples and homes. Additionally, it’s polite to greet locals with a “Namaskaram,” a traditional greeting with palms pressed together.
Conclusion
Kerala captivates the heart with its natural beauty, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. Whether cruising through the serene backwaters, savoring spicy seafood, or immersing yourself in traditional dance forms, Kerala offers an unforgettable travel experience. Its harmonious mix of tradition and modernity makes it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.
