Kerala also known as God’s Own Country in Southern India is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, mouthwatering cuisines, heritage, and wellness. You can enjoy a tranquil cruise on houseboats through the backwaters, roam in the lush tea gardens, and encounter amazing wildlife. Every corner of the state has something exquisite to offer and a story to tell.
A Little About Kerala
Location: Nestled in the Western Ghats, bordering the Arabian Sea, it is situated in the southwestern part of India. It boasts of 600km of coastline with an intricate network of lakes, rivers, canals, and famous backwaters.
Biodiversity: UNESCO has listed several biodiversity hotspots in the state, where nature lovers from around the world visit the wildlife sanctuaries.
Cultural Crossroads: Kerala has been the centre of the spice trade for centuries, with merchants arriving from Europe, China, and Arabia. This has resulted in a civilization, architecture, cuisine, festivals, and culture that is influenced by Arab, Christian, Jewish, Portuguese, British, and Dutch settlers.
The Tradition of Wellness: Kerala is internationally known for its wellness hospitality and as the birthplace of Ayurveda. There are authentic wellness and yoga retreats that offer services and training courses.
Places In Kerala
There are several famous places to visit in Kerala. Each place has its own heritage and uniqueness. Some of our top picks are:
Alleppey- Alappuzha Beach
The beach is known for its captivating charm and intrinsic beauty that is a confluence of many waterbodies. It is sandwiched between the Punnamada Backwaters and the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy a breathtaking sunset on the 139 old pier, and visit the 140-year-old Lighthouse. Check the calendar for Sand Art Festival, Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Alappuzha Beach Festival.
Timing: 5 AM to 7 PM
Peak Season: May to October
Kochi- Bolgatty Palace
Built by the Dutch in 1744, one of the oldest Dutch palaces still standing outside Holland. Architecture combines Dutch and Indian styles creating unique Kochi-style construction. Discover architectural beauty, ancient heritage and culture. Visit Kochi International Marina KTDC and Bolgatty Event Centre
Timing: 24 hours
Peak Season: October to April
Thekkady- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to rare and extraordinary flora and fauna. One of the country’s prestigious biodiverse hotspots offering bird’s-eye views of natural beauty. Known for it’s unmatched natural beauty, where you can see sights of animals, flora and fauna, elephant reserve, tiger reserve, and Periyar boat safari.
Timing: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 7 PM
Peak Season: October to June
Wayanad- Edakkal Caves
Known for the stone Age archaeological site on Ambukhti Hill about 1,300 meters above sea level. It boasts of pictorial landscape, stunning petroglyphs, stone age carvings, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Soochipara falls, and a unique trekking spot.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM
Peak Season: October to March
Munnar- Mattupetty Dam
Primary contributor to Kerala tourism success with cascading streams, mist-laden hills, rolling grasslands and captivating valleys. Catch glimpses of rare birds and wild animals, Mattupetty Dam boating, trekking in Shala Forest, Eravikulam National Park, Cattle Village, Echo Point and more.
Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
Peak Season: October to February
Thiruvananthapuram- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the 108 Divya Desams. Gold-plated, mentioned in Bhagavad Gita. Discover the marvelous architecture, paintings and murals. You can also visit nearby places like Kovalam Beach, Napier Museum, Kowdiar Palace, Kerala Science & Technology Museum and more.
Timing: Morning: 3:30–4:45 AM; 6:30–7 AM; 8:20–10 AM; 10:30–11:10 AM; 11:45 AM–12 PM | Evening: 5–6:15 PM; 6:45–7:20 PM
Peak Season: Any time of the year
Some Places With Hidden Facts in Kerala
- Only Drive-in Beach in India: Enjoy a four-kilometre ride on Muzhapiilangad beach.
- India’s Longest Lake: Vembanad Lake and its famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
- World’s Oldest Synagogues: Jew Town in Kochi is a functioning synagogue.
- World’s Unique & Endangered Species: Silent Valley is the only home to endangered species like lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten, Ceylon Frogmouth, and rare dragonflies, fish frogs, toads, orchids, and flowers.
- Below Sea-Level Farming: Witness Kuttanad farming that happens only in Kerala, which is like the Netherlands’ polder.
- Oldest Martial Arts: Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s own martial arts, is one of the world’s oldest.
What You Can Do In Kerala Besides Visiting Tourist Places?
Get Rejuvenated With Ayurveda
Heal yourself with the purest form of Ayurveda. It is the ancient tradition of healing that is rooted in the Vedas. There are several resorts and Ayurveda centres in Kerala that offer personalised and soothing massages in the lap of nature. Most of the Ayurvedic treatments are designed to restore the energy and balance of the body, mind, and soul. So, if you want to destress, detox and reconnect with yourself and heal your body, like thousands of travellers from around the world, Kerala should be your next destination for holidays.
Enjoy Local Cuisine/Food
Kerala has been influenced by the food of Arab traders, Portuguese and British settlers, and even the Chinese. All these have been combined with the traditional indigenous food culture and have been developed into modern Kerala cuisine that is unique. You can indulge in its fresh seafood, bold spices and different uses of coconut in almost every dish; the state’s food is delectable. You can try from their spicy fish curries to Malabar biriyani and fluffy appam, all served on traditional banana leaves.
Immerse In Epic Stories Through Dance Forms
Kerala is world-famous for Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. This form is exclusive to Kerala. The dancers wear bold costumes and paint their faces with vibrant colours. During the dance, the facial expression and moves will mesmerise you. On the other hand, Mohiniyattam dancers wear a white saree with golden jasmine flowers on the head. The dancer showcases gentle, feminine movements with grace. Subtle facial gestures and emotional expressions are emphasized. Both narrate India’s epic tales.
Where and when can you see it?
- Monthly performances at various temples in Kerala, like Asramam Sri Krishna Swamy Temple, Kollam.
- Attend the week-long Nishagandhi Dance Festival at Kanakakkunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, in January.
- National Kathakali Festival at Kerala Kalamdalam, Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur in December.
Witness Speed, Strength & Spirit of Kalaripayattu
Kalariapayattu will surely mesmerise you with its power. You can watch one of the ancient martial arts of the world that is indigenous to Kerala. Watch the warriors spin, leap, and use their power and grace that showcases years of discipline and centuries of culture. If you are a martial arts enthusiast or want to see something unique, you can visit the following places to see Kalariapayattu.
- Thekkady Kalari Centre, Kumuly, Idukki – Every day between 6 and 7 PM
- Kadathanadan Kalari Sangam, Manathavady, Wayanad – Everyday between 4 and 7 PM.
- Fort Kochi & Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kochi – Everyday
- C.V.N. Kalari, Thiruvananthapuram & Kozhikode – Training centre and demonstrations take place early morning, late afternoons or evenings.
- Kalari Kshethra, Munnar – Generally between 6 and 7 PM. Before this, Kathakali performances are held from 5 PM to 6 PM
NOTE: Please contact the centres to know the timings and the dates since these can change.
Festive Kerala – Festivals That Add Life
See Kerala in a different way and attend the Keralites’ distinctive festivals. Here are our top picks.
Festival of Elephants – Thrissur Pooram
Place: Thrissur.
Time: April - May
As the name suggests, you will see elephants parading through the city with bright and colourful parasols. Elephants are decked up with headgear, jewellery, paints and flowers. Thunderous are played with fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a sight to behold.
Harvest Festival – Onam
Place: Throughout Kerala
Time: August- September
The harvest of rice is celebrated, but the festival of Onam is on another level. Large feasts are held with places and roads decorated with flowers and flower carpets. It’s an age-old tradition that is celebrated.
Fiesta in Backwaters – Snake Boat Race
Place: Alappuzha and Aranmula
Time: July/-September
Enjoy the famous backwaters of Kerala like never before with this enthralling and thrilling boat ride competition. The long boats are rowed at a loud rhythmic chant that will even make your adrenaline pump.
Spiritual Encounter of the Divine – Theyyam
Place: Kasaragod and Kannur
Time: October - April
Held at village shrines where the entire village gathers. The ancient legend deities of North Kerala come alive through the performers. Pounding drums, colourful and vibrant costumes, towering headdresses and intricate face paints are worn by the performers. It’s a powerful, raw and unforgettable experience.
World’s Largest Women’s Cooking Festival – Attukal Pongala
Place: Thiruvananthapuram
Time: February - March
It’s a spiritual gathering of women where they cook together to offer food to Goddess Attukal Amma. The streets of Thiruvananthapuram become open kitchens where festivals, community, and faith merge together.
NOTE: If you want to experience these festivals, please check the calendars for the exact month and date since they change.
When To Visit Kerala?
October to March (Winter to Early Spring) – The weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It also hosts most of the cultural events and festivals during this time.
March to May (Summer) – Ideal time for tourists who want to visit the hill stations like Wayanad and Munnar. The coastal areas are hot during this time.
June to September (Monsoon) – Enjoy the lush green hills and valleys with misty hills and waterfalls, while rejuvenating in the rain and Kerala’s wellness retreats.
How Much Will It Cost To Visit Kerala?
Several factors like the time of the trip, duration of the trip, the packages and places you visit and stay will determine the cost of the trip in Kerala. However, a short budget trip package, i.e., for 3-4 days, can be from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 per person.
Why Visit Kerala?
Why not embark on a new adventure in Kerala every sunrise will be enchanting. Enjoy the mist-kissed hills, emerald backwaters on houseboats, whispering palms, soul-soothing traditions, and rejuvenate yourself at their world-famous wellness centres.
Contact us today to book your Kerala trip, and we will plan it for you and help you to find solace in God’s Own Country.
