Kerala Tourism

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Kerala Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 4 - 15 days

Best Time: September to February Read More

Major Airports: Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur

Read more about Airports in Kerala

"God's Own Country"

Kerala, India

Nestled in the southwestern corner of India, Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is a land of enchanting beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Lush with tropical vegetation, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and a variety of flora and fauna, Kerala is an ideal destination for honeymooners and families. The famous backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, adorned with houseboats gently gliding on tranquil waters, epitomize the unique charm of Kerala.

Kerala is divided into three distinct regions  – Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore – comprising a total of 14 districts each offering a unique experience. The Malabar region, with its historic spice trade, has a rich cultural heritage. Kochi, a bustling port city, reflects the influence of various colonial powers through its architecture and cuisine. The southern region of Travancore boasts majestic temples and pristine beaches, contributing to the state's diverse charm.

Kerala also boasts thriving wildlife sanctuaries and lush tea plantations. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Western Ghats, offers a haven for diverse flora and fauna.  The idyllic hill station of Munnar is renowned for its vast tea plantations, where emerald-green slopes carpet the landscape. Kerala's cuisine is a gastronomic delight, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes. The traditional meal, known as "Sadya," served on a banana leaf, showcases an array of curries, rice, and accompaniments. The state is renowned for its spices, and the cuisine reflects a perfect blend of aromatic herbs and distinctive flavors. 

The culture of Kerala is deeply rooted in its traditions and arts. The state celebrates Onam, a harvest festival of Kerala, with grandeur, marked by elaborate feasts, traditional games, and vibrant cultural performances. Thrissur Pooram, another major festival, is a spectacular display of colors, music, and fireworks. Kathakali, a classical dance form, and Theyyam, a ritualistic performance art, showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. The traditional martial art form of Kalaripayattu, believed to be one of the oldest in the world, adds another layer to Kerala's cultural landscape.

Kerala's international airports, including Trivandrum, Cochin, and Calicut, facilitate seamless connectivity, welcoming visitors from around the globe. The state is a haven for Ayurveda, with rejuvenating practices deeply ingrained in its culture. Ayurvedic resorts and wellness centers, nestled amidst serene landscapes, offer holistic experiences, blending traditional therapies, herbal treatments, and yoga. The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are at their verdant best. 

Must Know Before You Visit Kerala

Weather & Road Conditions:
  • Monsoon rains can lead to waterlogging, landslides, and road washouts, affecting road conditions across Kerala.
  • Coastal areas like Kovalam, Varkala, and Alleppey may flood, limiting beach activities.
  • Hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad are susceptible to landslides and road closures during the monsoon season. Trekking and outdoor activities may be limited or unsafe.
  • Houseboat operations may be suspended or limited during monsoons.
Entry Restrictions & Permit Requirements:
  • Some tribal areas in Kerala, like Attappadi and Wayanad, have restricted access to preserve indigenous communities and cultural heritage. Visitors may need permits from tribal welfare departments or local authorities.
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as Periyar Tiger Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Silent Valley National Park, may require permits for entry. These permits are usually obtained at the respective entry gates or visitor centers upon payment of the required fees.
Other Useful Information:
  • Alcohol in Kerala is legal but less common and pricier than Goa, except in Varkala where it's widely available; town alcohol shops offer limited purchases of 5 bottles per day.
  • Modest attire, particularly below knee length for women, is customary in Kerala, especially at religious sites; dress codes may be more relaxed in cities like Kochi and beach towns like Varkala.
  • Avoid exchanging currency at Kochi airport due to higher rates; use a currency conversion app or note the rate before flying for a fair exchange, albeit unlikely to match airport rates exactly.
  • The population of wild elephants has significantly declined, making the chance of sighting one in many popular national parks extremely rare.

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Kerala

What's Great about Travelling to Kerala?

Hill station and long beaches within kilometers of each other. Rolling backwaters and amazing amalgamation of cuisine.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Kerala?

Language could become a barrier if you are not a Malayali, though there are a lot of people who can converse in English or Hindi. The summers can be a pain in some parts of Kerala. While the hills would remain cool, the rest would be sweating through and through.

Who should Travel to Kerala?

One would think that Kerala is only for families. Young adults can have a fantastic time in God's own country. If one is all about relaxing and enjoying some fresh sea breeze while getting a holistic Ayurveda spa treatment, this could be the destination. If there is an appetite for adventure, there is plenty of room there too.

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Kerala Reviews

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Rohit Shroff

5 years ago
Kerala is no doubt the most beautiful state in India if you are looking for amazing beaches, culture, hill stations and amazing nightlife. Located in the southern part of India, Kerala can be travell (Read More)ed by local transport quite easily as the train and bus connectivity is great. You can also enjoy great festivals and food here in Kerala.

arpit ThCk

4 years ago
Kerala is beautiful, serene and generally harmonious. Geographically Kerala is heaven of lush greenery which is found in abundance. It's a tourist hot-spot and also one of the top ranked sates in Ind (Read More)ia.

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Popular Questions And Answers on Kerala

Q. I want to stay in Kerala for 1 month to travel all destinations of state.. Do u have any such kind of monthly package?

antharyamin yoga

11 months ago
Yes ,in addition to travelling you can also pick up one or two skills that is exclusive to Kerala like Kalaripayattu or Ayurvedic cooking.
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Q. Are monsoons a good time to visit Kerala? I'm planning a trip around August

Holidify

5 years ago
Kerala experiences heavy downpours during the Monsoon from June to August. This time is not recommended for travellers who plan on exploring all the beauty of God's own Country. Some travellers who e (Read More)njoy the arduous roads to nature at its best can make plans in August, but it is not recommended as a result of the floods and landslides of August 2018.
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