A Journey Through God's Own Country, Kerala
One of the must-see destinations of the world, Kerala, rightly known as God’s own country situated on the southern tip of India, can easily become your favourite vacation spot where a visit once may not be enough to gather the wonders of this beautiful coastal state by the Arabian Sea.
Kerala is situated on the southwest coast of India. This place is a heaven on earth. The lush green landscapes, exquisite sceneries, serene backwaters, breathtaking mountain views, emerald beaches, architectural wonders, deeply ingrained Ayurvedic traditions moreover its cultural diversity, attract tourists from all around the world. Kerala is also known for its richness in spices and luscious cuisines.
The list of places can be as long as the state’s coastline, stretching hundreds of kilometres along the Arabian Sea, and would surely make you wonder if only by chance you landed on paradise itself.
Travellers visiting India should not miss this enchanting place. This article is all about a journey through the enchanting Kerala.
You require an India e-Tourist Visa (eVisa India or Indian Visa Online) to witness the amazing places and experiences of a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa for a business visit and also want to do some recreation and sightseeing. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online (India e-Visa) rather than visiting the Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
Must-See Places in Kerala
Munnar
Located on the greenest cover of India on the southern tip of the country, Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, hiking trails and national parks constituting many endangered species.
Munnar is also famous for the strophanthus flowers called ‘Neelakurinji’ in Kerala. This flower blooms once in 12 years. If the travellers are lucky enough, they can witness strophanthus during their visit.
Munnar was famous as a resort town at the time of British rule in the country and as a popular destination among the British elite. Witnessing the beautiful greens of Munnar is simply a rejuvenating experience, with some of the gorgeous drives through the mountains and waterfalls being a heavenly sight.
Either camp in the open greens of the Western Ghats or stay in gorgeous tea estates, both ways offer a great experience of the landscapes of southern India.
A Ride of a Kind
The famous Asian elephant from south India can be witnessed up close at an elephant junction in Thekkady, with a full day offering an elephant ride along with a visit to nearby plantations, a tour of cardamom processing and on-site tea gardens.
As an additional perk, you can even bathe an elephant and get the joy of feeling a close bond with one of the largest mammals on earth!
Alleppey/ Alappuzha
Alleppey which is popularly known as Alappuzha is famous for its Backwaters. Kerala's backwaters are a system of interconnected labyrinths, lakes and waterways expanding more than nine hundred kilometres parallel to the Arabian Sea. Often compared to the North American Bayous, the backwater of Kerala is a must-see sight on a visit to this state of India.
Popular with houseboats and little villages dotted on its banks, a house boating trip through backwaters is the best-known way to engage in this mesmerising experience. Travellers can stay in houseboats for days enjoying the backwaters. Also, the travellers can enjoy mouthwatering seafood made with Kerala special spices.
For a deeper understanding of the state’s people and agriculture, even a visit to Kumbalangi village organised by Kumbalangi Village Tourism to present the place as the country’s first tourist village, is one great way to immerse in the state’s local culture and cuisine.
For the ultimate houseboat cruise experience, Alappuzha or Alleppey, a charming city located by the Laccadive Sea, is the one place to look for.
The city’s rustic view of backwaters, lagoons and pretty beach is located by the famous 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse. For a closer glimpse of the state’s art, Punnamada Lake’s snake boat race is an annual event hosted in the coastal city.
Allepey is a must-visit spot for thalassophiles. From Alappuzha beach to Marari beach Alappuzha is home to so many varieties of beaches. Visit Alleppey from August to February. If you want to witness the grandeur of the ‘Boat race’ (Vallamkali in the Malayalam language), Then you should visit Alappey during August & September.
Wayanad
Wayanad is another breathtaking hill station. This place is filled with beautiful lakes, mysterious caves, astounding waterfalls, and aromatic spice gardens. The visitors can witness strophanthus flowers here as well. The flow of visitors can be seen from October to February. Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal caves etc are some of the must-see sites of Wayanad. The climate of this place always remains cool due to the abundance of wood.
Kochi
Kochi, also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is an emerging urban centre of the Indian state of Kerala. On one side the city of Kochi, also popularly known as Cochin, is bustling with its urban life and skyscrapers, defining the state’s modern face, while on the other hand, the culture and deep-rooted history with the natural charm of its own in the best way presents Kerala's diverse geography which could keep a traveller engaged in exploring the city for days.
The city of Kochi with its world-class harbours located by the Laccadive Sea, was once a centre for spice trade inviting European and Chinese explorers to its shores, with their influence being still represented in monuments and structures of the place.
The main places to visit in Kochi include everything from the plain terrains of the cities to beautiful coastal places like Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, hilly areas, backwaters, and small islands.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram also called Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Trivandrum is famous for both historic & modern life. The travellers can witness Palaces, Museums, Zoo, Beaches, Waterfalls, and so many historic sites.
The World’s Richest Temple ‘ Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple’ is situated in the heart of Trivandrum. Travellers can also enjoy roadside bars, cafes and luxurious resorts.
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Foreign nationals coming to India on e-Visa must arrive at one of the designated airports. Both Kochi (or Cochin) and Trivandrum are designated airports for Indian e-Visa with Kochi being a designated seaport as well.
Varkala
Varkala is for those people who love both Mountains & Beaches. This place offers breathtaking views of sunrises & sunsets. Varkala has beautiful mountains, beaches, holy sites and natural sceneries. Plan the trip from October to February. Varkala Beach, Odayam Beach, Mangrove Forest Kayaking, Edava Beach, Kappil Beach, and Ponnumthuruthu Island etc are the must-visit spots at Varkala
Thrissur
Thrissur is the cultural capital of the state. This place is famous for plenty of things. Especially, ‘Thrissur Pooram’ a massive festival that is celebrated during April. Thrissur is home to the famous ‘Athirappilly Waterfalls’, the Niagara Falls of India. Athirapilly waterfalls have been a part of so many Hollywood movies including Escape from Black Water. Thrissur is also famous for so many religious sites, zoos, museums, cultural centres etc. Travellers, especially those who are cultural enthusiasts must visit this place.
Ayurveda - An Ancient Therapy
With more than 5000 years of heritage, Ayurveda therapy having its roots in ancient India, can be found in its most original form in the Indian state of Kerala, with the presence of the state’s warm climate and medicinal plants of the region complementing the natural treatment.
Shirodhara, a treatment involving dripping warm oil on the forehead, is one of the most natural healing processes for problems like insomnia, neural and other disorders.
Kerala is a centre for natural ayurvedic spas, where a range of natural treatments including several days-long detox therapies is sure to leave you renewed with the experience.
India boasts spas and Ayurvedic therapies that not only provide immediate calm but also contribute to long-term well-being. Preserving ancient traditions, these sanctuaries offer a perfect retreat for troubled souls. Located in serene surroundings with lush greenery, Ayurvedic resorts in Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala are renowned for their healing atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
November to March are the ideal months to visit because of the comfortable warmth, end of the rainy season, and excellent animal viewing. Kerala is one of the top summer locations in the nation because it is generally not as hot as most other parts of India, even in the summer. Generally speaking, you can visit any time between November and May, but it's best to avoid the monsoon season, adventurous people love to travel during the rainy monsoon months as well. The Indian government & Kerala government are promoting monsoon tourism in Kerala.
Art Forms of Kerala
Kerala is famous for its artistic and cultural expressions, which include martial arts, rituals, religious arts, folklore, and classical arts. Kerala's artistic traditions have been recognized and honoured in numerous international exhibitions, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to Kerala to realize their creative aspirations. In addition to Kathakali, Kalarippayattu, Drum Processions, and other internationally recognized art forms, UNESCO has acknowledged Kerala's Koodiyattam as a distinct art form. The mythological past and legendary tales that most art forms have to share with the world explain the history of the area and humankind.
Kalarippayattu
Kerala is the birthplace of this martial arts form. The ancient artistic martial art forms in the world.
There are two types of Kalarippayattu.
- Vatakkan, also known as the "Northern,"
- Thekkan, also known as the "Southern."
Vadakkan is again divided into 3 Arappukkai, Pillattaanni, and Vatteel tirippu. Even though Thekkan is the most significant one, Vadakkan has more weapons & styles.
Kathakali
Kerala is the birthplace of this exquisite & oldest art form. Kathakali is a type of group performance where dancers assume different characters in stories that are typically inspired by Hindu mythology, particularly the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Kathakali's intricate makeup code is one of the most fascinating features of this art form.
Thullal
Kerala's traditional dance style, thullal, is just one more exquisite piece in the state's extensive performing arts repertory. It has always been popular with both laypeople and experts since, in contrast to forms like Koodiyattam, Krishnanattam, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam, it doesn't require any prior knowledge to react to it intelligently. Even without any prior exposure or broad knowledge, one can readily respond to and enjoy Thullal. It's called the 'poor man's Kathakali' since it was written in simple language. The Dravidian language family contains the word Thullal, which means "jumping”.
Theyyam
In north Kerala, the Theyyam is a widely performed traditional dance. Another name for it is Theyyattam. It is typically a depiction of a mythological hero or deity and is among Kerala's most magnificent and ancient temple arts. It is a live performance that encompasses nearly all castes and classes of the Hindu community in this area and has centuries-old rituals, customs, and traditions. Theyyam is a perverted word for daivam, or God. It is a unique fusion of music and dance that captures key aspects of tribal culture.
Kerala has a wide variety of Art Forms such as Mohiniyattam, Oppana, Margamkali, Koodiyattam, Chakyarkoothu, Krishnanaattam, Kolkali, Vattappaattu, Thiruvathirakkali, Chavittunaatakam and more.
The travellers are encouraged to witness the Art forms of Kerala which mirrors the history and culture of Kerala. The visitors are allowed to witness these art forms performed in the cultural centres.
Kerala, God’s own country is a gateway for all the tourists. Explore Kerala with all your hearts. It will be an amazing experience for all the travellers.
Have a happy holiday!
FAQs on Places to Visit in Kerala
What are the must-visit backwater destinations in Kerala?
Kerala is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, and Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a must-visit destination. The intricate network of canals, lakes, and rivers offers a serene experience. Houseboat cruises through the backwaters provide a unique glimpse into the local way of life.
Which hill stations are worth exploring in Kerala?
Munnar is a popular hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, known for its lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and diverse flora and fauna. The scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and various trekking opportunities make it a favorite among nature lovers.
What are the iconic beaches in Kerala?
Kovalam Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala. With its golden sands and clear blue waters, Kovalam attracts both domestic and international tourists. The beach is known for its lighthouse, providing panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Which cultural destinations should not be missed in Kerala?
Fort Kochi, with its rich history and multicultural heritage, is a cultural hotspot in Kerala. The area is dotted with colonial-era buildings, diverse art galleries, and the famous Chinese fishing nets. The Jew Town and Mattancherry Palace are also significant cultural attractions in Fort Kochi.
Are there any wildlife sanctuaries that are a must-visit in Kerala?
Periyar National Park, located in Thekkady, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and various species of birds. The Periyar Lake within the sanctuary offers boat safaris, providing visitors with a chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
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