Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is one of the most beautiful places in India. It is located in the southern part of India and is famous for its green landscapes, backwaters, beaches, and hill stations. Whether you love nature, history, or food, Kerala has something for everyone. In this blog, we will explore everything about Kerala tourism, its famous places, and the best time to visit.
Why Visit Kerala?
Kerala is one of the best tourist destinations in India because of its natural beauty and rich culture. Here are some reasons why you should visit Kerala:
- Beautiful Backwaters: Kerala is known for its peaceful backwaters, where you can enjoy boat rides.
- Lovely Beaches: The state has some of the best beaches in India.
- Tea Plantations: Kerala’s hill stations have green tea gardens that look amazing.
- Wildlife: Kerala has many wildlife sanctuaries where you can see elephants, tigers, and rare birds.
- Ayurveda & Wellness: Kerala is famous for Ayurveda, a natural healing system.
- Delicious Food: The food in Kerala is spicy and full of coconut flavors.
Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Kerala has many beautiful places that attract tourists from all over the world. Here are the top destinations:
1. Munnar – The Queen of Hill Stations
Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, famous for its tea gardens, waterfalls, and cool climate. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. You can visit places like:
- Tea Gardens: Walk through the lush green tea plantations and learn how tea is made.
- Mattupetty Dam: Enjoy a boat ride in the dam surrounded by hills.
- Eravikulam National Park: See the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat.
2. Alleppey – The Land of Backwaters
Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, where you can stay in a houseboat and enjoy the beauty of nature. You can explore:
- Houseboat Stay: Live in a floating houseboat and experience the calm backwaters.
- Alleppey Beach: Relax at the beautiful sandy beach.
- Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India, perfect for bird watching.
3. Kochi – The Cultural Capital of Kerala
Kochi is a mix of old and new, where history meets modern life. You can visit:
- Fort Kochi: A historical area with Portuguese and Dutch influence.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: Large nets used for fishing, a unique sight in Kochi.
- Mattancherry Palace: Also known as the Dutch Palace, it has beautiful murals and paintings.
4. Wayanad – The Land of Adventure
If you love adventure, Wayanad is the best place to visit. It has forests, waterfalls, and caves. Some must-visit places are:
- Edakkal Caves: Ancient caves with old rock carvings.
- Soochipara Waterfalls: A perfect spot for trekking and picnics.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A place to see elephants, leopards, and many birds.
5. Kumarakom – A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Kumarakom is another backwater destination in Kerala. It is known for:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A home for many migratory birds like herons and egrets.
- Vembanad Lake: Enjoy boating and fishing in the lake.
- Luxury Resorts: Stay in some of Kerala’s best resorts with beautiful lake views.
6. Thekkady – Wildlife and Spice Plantations
Thekkady is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see elephants and other wild animals. You can do:
- Boat Safari on Periyar Lake: Watch animals near the water.
- Spice Plantations: Learn about spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves.
- Elephant Rides: Enjoy a fun ride on elephants in the forest.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
Kerala has a tropical climate, which means it is warm and humid most of the year. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do:
- Winter (October to March): Best time for sightseeing and beach trips.
- Monsoon (June to September): Perfect for Ayurveda treatments and enjoying rain-washed nature.
- Summer (April to May): Best for visiting hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad.
How to Reach Kerala
Reaching Kerala is easy as it is well connected by air, road, and rail.
- By Air: The major airports in Kerala are Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Calicut.
- By Train: Kerala has a good railway network connecting it to other Indian cities.
- By Road: Kerala has a good road network, and buses from nearby states are available.
Where to Stay in Kerala
Kerala has many places to stay, from budget hotels to luxury resorts.
- Budget Hotels: Zostel Kochi, Green Ridge Munnar
- Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Abad Plaza, Sterling Thekkady
- Luxury Resorts: Taj Bekal Resort, The Leela Kovalam
What to Eat in Kerala
Kerala is famous for its spicy and coconut-rich food. Some must-try dishes are:
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: A breakfast dish made of rice and black chickpeas.
- Appam and Stew: Soft pancakes served with vegetable or chicken stew.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: A special fish dish cooked in banana leaves.
- Sadya: A traditional feast with many vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala
- Carry light cotton clothes as Kerala has a warm climate.
- Book houseboats in advance, especially in peak season.
- Respect local culture and traditions, especially in temples.
- Try local street food but eat from clean places.
- Carry a raincoat or umbrella if visiting during monsoon.
Conclusion
Kerala is a beautiful state in India that offers everything – beaches, hill stations, wildlife, backwaters, and delicious food. Whether you are an adventure lover, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, Kerala tourism has something for everyone. If you are planning a trip, make sure to visit the amazing places mentioned in this guide. Have you been to Kerala? Share your experience in the comments below!
