A travel Guide to Kerala

Kerala Tourism

Often called ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is a highly sought-after destination during the holiday seasons. The erstwhile Spice Coast of India is home to diverse geography including the Arabian Sea, the giant Western Ghats, and a riverine system comprising around forty-four rivers. Apart from striking geographical characteristics, Kerala India has several alluring tourist attractions that are bound to mesmerise you.

If you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones or go on a quick romantic getaway with your significant other, Kerala is the best choice. With many memorable places in its kitty, some Kerala tourist attractions include backwaters, piers by the sea, beautiful hills, modern cities with a rustic feel, and much more. Not only does Kerala have amazing places, but it also offers a wide gamut of adventurous activities to the tourists. Camping in the jungles, experiencing local cuisines, and cruising on houseboats are just some of the activities available. Kerala tours surely provide this overall experience.

The picturesque beauty of nature along with the fervour of cultural festivals are bound to make a trip to Kerala a memorable one. So pack your bags and make your way to feel heavenly.

Places to visit in Kerala

1. Kerala Backwaters

One of the most famous aspects of Kerala tourism is its ever soothing backwaters. These comprise a stretch of many lakes, canals, and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. These calming waters are well-renowned throughout the world, attracting people from all around. Some of the best backwaters in the state are the Alleppey backwaters, the Cochin backwaters, the Kozhikode backwaters, and so on. The backwaters of Allapuzha are especially famous for their houseboat cruises, where you can experience nature in its crudest form. Even today, these are some of the most sought-after Kerala tourist places.

2. Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village

If you want to experience true culture and art, Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village is one of the best Kerala tourist places to be at. Located in the village of Iringal, Sargaalaya is the confluence of some of the best artists in the state. There are various huts in the village that have different craftsmen showing their skills. The tourists are treated to live workshops curated by these artists. They provide an intimate insight into the creative work that goes into bringing these pieces to life. Visiting the Sargaalaya village will surely bring you closer to the local culture and also educate you about the life of rural artists.

3. Jatayu Earth Center

One of the best places to visit in Kerala is the Jatayu Earth Center. The giant concrete statue of Jatayu is situated on a rock called Jatayupara. Due to its mammoth size, the sculpture holds the record of being the largest functional bird statue in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records. Apart from the colossal statue, the centre is divided into four hills. The first hill is the ‘Jatayu Rock Hill’ with the statue. The second hill is called the ‘Adventure Rock Hill’ which houses various activities like paintball and team-building games. The third hill is known as the ‘Elephant Rock Hill’ that offers camping, zip-lining, and moonlit dinner with the family. Finally, the fourth hill, ‘Kitchen Rock Hill’ has hospitality services like rejuvenation in natural caves with accommodation facilities. It is one of the newer Kerala tourist places but has gained popularity quite quickly.

4. Trivandrum

If you want a taste of Kerala, the capital city of Trivandrum is the perfect place to visit. Located in the southern tip of the state, the city is both the administrative as well as the cultural hub of Kerala. It is a perfect mixture of beautiful landscapes and sacred places, that gives the tourist an experience like never before. Some of the Kerala attractions here include the Napier Museum, the Kanakakunnu Palace, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and so on. It is also a host to various seasonal festivals that focus on the rich culture of the locals. So, if you want a bite of adventure with a sprinkle of spirituality, Trivandrum is the place for you.

5. Marari Beach

Being a tourist can often be hectic. Sometimes all you need is a place to calm your nerves. Marari Beach does exactly that. Located in the small town of Alleppey, this beach is the perfect spot for relaxation. You might not find many exciting activities to do around here, but you will find a line of luxurious resorts like the Marari Beach resort. This place is still very much away from the eyes of humans and tourists, which maintains its beautiful milieu. This is surely one of the reasons why you should sneak away and enjoy Kerala in its truest nature.

Things to do in Kerala

There are innumerable things to do in Kerala but some of them are just unmissable. These activities are what make the state exciting as well as relaxing.

Houseboat cruising on Backwaters

Since the word ‘backwaters’ is synonymous with ‘Kerala’, it is a must to experience a houseboat cruise. This is one of the most famous Kerala attractions you can come across. Moving along the river banks, being on a cruise means feasting your eyes on the luscious nature, spotting exotic birds, and getting an insight into the village life. Alleppey is a famous destination for such cruising. Therefore, experiencing the backwaters on a houseboat should top the list for a tourist.

Experience the Rural Village

Despite the modern feel of the state, Kerala prides itself on the beauty of the rural villages that it houses. Spotted from the comfort of the houseboats, tourists often fancy a visit to the rustic lands of the rural people. A Kerala travel guide can easily help tourists navigate the various villages. Learning about their cultures and daily lives can be quite enriching and a joyful experience. It is surely one of the unique features of Kerala tourism.

Visiting a Tea Plantation

Munnar is famous for tea production, and rightly so. Endless green patches of land are aesthetically pleasing to view, and tasteful for the taste buds too. Tourists can take various tours with the help of their Kerala travel guide. These visits are a must as the landscapes are to die for.

Indulge in birdwatching

Birding is becoming one of the more famous Kerala attractions for tourists. The state offers you this chance to experience the many bird species that have their home here. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is perfect for a good bout of birdwatching.

Best time to visit Kerala

The best time to visit Kerala is between the months of October-February, and therefore the best season to visit Kerala is Winter. The winter season provides the tourist with the perfect opportunity to experience the calmness and tranquillity of the backwaters and the state as a whole.

How to reach Kerala

Kerala is very well connected and can be reached in many ways. Some of the ways of how to reach Kerala are:

By Air

Kerala has three airports - Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. National and international flights are available from many major cities.

By Train

With around 200 railway stations, Kerala is very well connected to the major cities of India. Some of the important stations include Trivandrum Central, Ernakulam Junction, Kozhikode and Kollam Junction.

By Road

With a well-maintained road network, Kerala is connected to the nearby states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. National Highways 47, 17, 49 connect the state to the other parts of the country.