blooms twice a year. Southwestern coastal state, Kerala is known as “God’s own country” and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries. The state also boasts a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional arts, music, and dance forms which are practised by art troupes across the state. 

Kerala is also famous for its houseboats along with other attractions. Attractions include unique eco-tourism sites, sprawling tea plantations, Ayurvedic treatments, magnificent architecture, and memorable culinary experiences. The climate here is pleasant throughout the year which makes it a favourite destination for all tourists coming to India.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala is a state situated in South India and it is considered to be one of the most exotic places. It should be noted that there are many different climates within Kerala and the monsoon season also varies from region to region.

• Winter Season: During the winter, Kerala is very pretty with its misty plains, colonial churches, and quaint markets. The green hills of Alleppey, Munnar, Kumarakom, and Wayanad are especially breathtaking during this season. There are celebrations of Christmas and New Year that add to the ethereal beauty of the landscapes.
• Summer Season: Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkady, and Ponmudi are picturesque hill stations that make for great summer vacations. The humid weather of the southern states can be escaped by visiting these cool hilltops. One can indulge in adventure activities like trekking, hiking, picnicking, and biking amidst natural scenery.
• Monsoon Season: The monsoon season brings a smile to the people of Kerala. The weather is perfect for a number of exciting activities, including boat races, boat cruises, spice and coffee tours, enjoy in boathouses, eco-tourism villages and ayurvedic spas. The moderate rainfall allows one to enjoy all these activities with little wait time.

How To Reach Kerala

Have you ever wished to travel to heaven on earth which is affordable and fulfils all your dreams! All you have to do is book a ticket for the next flight, bus or train to one of the most beautiful places in India; Kerala.

• By Air: There are 4 operational international airports located in Kerala; Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kannur International Airport, Cochin International Airport and Calicut International Airport. These airports are well connected to both domestic and international cities. After your arrival, you can book a taxi or cab to your holiday destinations. Or, you can take public transport like the bus from the airport for a cheaper journey.
• By Rail: If you need an adventurous trip amidst the lush green valley of hills, on top of long or wide range rivers, amazing bridges, then you can plan a trip to your favourite place in Kerala via train. There are about 178 railway stations and out of which there are five main railway stations in Kerala; Calicut, Trivandrum Central, Ernakulam Junction, Trivandrum Kochuveli and Thrissur. These railway stations are well connected to both within and outside the cities of Kerala for the convenience of the passengers.
• By Road: The roads of Kerala are magnificent and offer spectacular views all around. This south-Indian state is directly connected by road to its neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. You can reach this amazing state via road by bus, taxis or your own vehicle.

Top 8 Places to Visit in Kerala

• Munnar: Perched on the plantation-filled hills of Kerala is the charming town of Munnar. The once-colonial summer town is today a lush, vibrant region where exotic teas and spices are grown, authentic rustic village life still exists, and nature thrives in myriad shapes and colours.  Munnar is a beautiful hill station and picturesque destination that promises experiences like cycling through tea and spice plantations, spotting animals at Eravikulam National Park, boat riding at Mattupetty Dam, bird watching on the hilltop,  and picnicking at Hydel Park. Couples or families looking for a getaway should visit the Tea Museum in Munnar to sample the local culture.
• Alappuzha: One of the most beautiful and unique natural habitats in the world is the backwater landscape of Alappuzha. Backwaters are a special ecosystem and allow visitors to travel by boat through pristine waters surrounded by tropical palm trees and other plants. You can stay on a houseboat for several days or just one night. Alappuzha is also home to significant landmarks, like St. Mary Forane Church, one of the oldest churches in India. Alappuzha Beach is another lovely spot, where you can spend a day sunbathing and playing in the sand. 
• Kochi: Kochi, the cultural epicentre of Kerala, is beautifully covered with natural beauty and a wide adventure forest. This place has a mix of history and spectacular architecture as well as the beauty of nature in all its glory. A bustling food scene, heritage arts and crafts, beautiful sacred sites — it has everything that makes travel such an enlightening experience. Don’t miss out on popular sightseeing spots in Kochi like Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and Paradesi Synagogue. These sites bring you back in time to a city that has been historic since its beginning.
• Kovalam: The beautiful crescent-shaped seafront stretch of Kovalam is made up of three beaches, namely Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Each of them with its own special way of mesmerizing you with a tropical vibe. Golden sand, water sports, swaying palms and hammocks; secluded spots with stunning views for you! And if that’s not enough, you can also visit Halcyon Castle, Neyyar Dam, Rock Cut Cave Temple, Vellayani Lake and Shri Chitra Art Gallery beyond the beach to enjoy your trip.
• Jatayupara Earth’s Center: Spanning over 65 acres across four rolling hills, this monumental statue resting high up the hill catches your attention even from afar on your way to Chadayamangalam. It is also a towering tribute to Nature, sustainable eco-tourism and women’s safety. Jatayupura is a monument in Kerala that spans 65 acres across four hills. It was built as a tribute to sustainable eco-tourism, lush greenery and women’s safety. The statue resting on the hilltop offers an amazing view on your way to Chadayamangalam.
• Kumarakom: Kerala has a variety of holidays that include harvest festivals, Easter and Christmas celebrations. The beautiful district of Kumarakom in Kerala is a great place to visit during these special events. In this region, backwaters cut through lush farmlands, paddy fields and coconut groves, providing excellent scenery and the solitude to truly enjoy them. The Kumarakom region in the state of Kerala has a lot to offer in terms of activities and experiences. In addition to being the perfect place to stay on a houseboat, you can also try your hand at yacht racing on Vembanad Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes.
• Wayanad: Wayanad is known for its lush greenery, coffee plantations, and tea estates. The place offers opportunities to explore the pristine mountainsides and hillsides, as well as ancient monuments with a rich history. If you’re looking for something a little different, head to Wayanad. Here, in the Western Ghats, you can discover why this area is one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. Trekking, rock climbing and hiking are popular activities here and hills offer breathtaking views with verdant forests teeming with exotic wildlife.
• Kozhikode: Kozhikode has been a significant location on the historic map of Kerala in India. Once a bustling trade port, Kozhikode is now best known for its unique ambience, which blends nature with history. With its beautiful countryside, historic sites, serene sandy beaches, wildlife and rivers, this city has a variety of things to offer. Its unique culture and friendly atmosphere have made it a popular destination for both natives and guests alike.

Other Popular Attractions in Kerala

• Hill Stations in Kerala: The state of Kerala is most known for its stunning backwaters and appealing destinations. The lovely place of Kerala boasts spectacular views and definitely attracts its visitors. It also has around 50 beautiful hill stations filled with all-encompassing tea and coffee estates, endless spice fields, and an all-encompassing view on the fog clad hills. These hill stations offer travellers plenty of opportunities for exciting and unforgettable trips with family or on a romantic getaway. 
• Wildlife & Forest in Kerala: Known as the Western Ghats of India has several wildlife sanctuaries that house exotic flora and fauna species. The southern state of Kerala has more than 14 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 tiger reserves, where you can spot exotic species like elephants, tigers, leopards and other rare birds and animals. The six national parks in Kerala, India offer a scenic view with meticulous beauty and lush green valleys. And, give visitors a chance to spot Indian sloth-bear, migratory birds, lion-tailed macaque, Indian bison, Bengal tiger, Nilgiri tahr and more.
• Beaches in Kerala: Kerala is a state located in Southern India along its beautiful coastline. With the Arabian Sea as its backdrop, this state has some of the most amazing beaches that draw huge crowds to explore and enjoy.  There are about 26 beaches in the state, each of which uniquely represents its scenic beauty and surroundings. You can find people swimming or relaxing on the beach; there are also water activities for thrill-seekers.
• Temples in Kerala: According to legend, Kerala was created by a warrior sage named Parasurama. It is known as the “Land of the Gods” as it has the largest number of temples. This southernmost state of India is replete with legends and stories which are evidence of its authenticity. Kerala has about 104 temples that are more than 2000 years old, which explains the beautiful stories of rich culture and history. Religious places make Kerala an incredible religious tourist destination in India!
• Waterfalls in Kerala: Kerala is famous for its majestic waterfalls, which lies in a lush green valley surrounded by hills. It has 27 waterfalls representing an iconic view to the visitors. These breathtaking waterfalls are some of the most popular picnic spots in the state. The waterfall attracts tourists from all over the world due to its incredible beauty.
• Forts in Kerala: Kerala is known for its rich heritage which has contributed to shaping the image of India. While there are many imposing forts across Kerala, they are most famous for their wonderful craftsmanship and historical architecture. 7 Amazing Forts of Kerala Amazingly defining the culture and lifestyle of old Kerala. They have an eventful history with many rulers occupied over the centuries and were important centres of political activity through the ages.
• Lakes in Kerala: Over the years, Kerala has been a centre of attraction for tourists from all over the world. Blessed with vast stretches of serene backwaters, lakes and canals, the state has immense beauty that is enough to entice travellers from all over the world. There are more than 34 lakes in Kerala, many of which are popular for fishing, while others offer opportunities to go in for water sports or participate in annual boat races.

Things to do in Kerala

• Watch Neelakurinji In Bloom: For lucky visitors, a trip to Kerala promises a rare natural sight that can be witnessed only once in every 12 years for the “Blooming of Neelakurinji flowers”. When the western hills of Munnar are surrounded by a magnificent carpet of these purple native flowers.
• Try Many Exotic Teas: From hilltop tea gardens to roadside tea vendors, sample the many flavours and varieties of tea grown and produced across Kerala, especially in Idukki. With every decoction comes a splendid sight.
• Stay In Houseboat: Very few vacations give you the chance to stay on a houseboat, on the splendid backwaters. This unique happening cannot be forgotten. So plan your Kerala trip accordingly or opt for a Kerala tour package that includes an exciting houseboat stay.
• Watch Snake Boat Race: The Snake Boat Race held in the backwaters of Alleppey is a great time to book a Kerala trip between August to September, featuring colourful Onam celebrations, as well as amazing snake, carved boats swaying in the water.
• Live In A Treehouse: Houseboats are not the only exclusive accommodation that you can find in Kerala. Many resorts and lodges offer treehouses that are charmingly rustic but modern in finishing. Kerala travel is one of those many experiences that leave you in the lovely lap of nature.
• See Theyyam: Add an artistic touch to your trip by admiring a beautiful performance of Theyyam. This northern Kerala tradition is worth a visit, which includes art, music, and dance. Discover local customs and legends, all packed into one wonderfully extraordinary event.

What to Eat in Kerala

• Puttu and Kadala Curry: It is the main breakfast dish which is eaten all over the state. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake baked in a mould of grated coconut. It is usually served with Kadala curry, a black gram dish made of chickpeas, spices and coconut milk, which can also be served with ripe bananas and grated coconut.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: It is one of the traditional dishes of Kerala. The Karimeen or Pearl Spot Fish is a spotted fish commonly found in the backwaters of this state. It is traditionally a Syrian Christian dish but has become a part of the rich cuisine of Kerala. Pearl spot fish is marinated, cooked and wrapped in banana leaves in a mixture of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and other ingredients, which gives it a unique flavour.
• Malabar Paratha with Kerala Beef Curry: Originating in the Malabar region called Parotta, flaky flatbread is made by kneading flour, egg, oil/ghee and water. It is then eaten with beef curry – pieces of beef are boiled in a curry made from tomatoes, several spices, onions, and garlic such as bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and star anise.
• Erissery or Pumpkin and Lentil Curry: It is a popular curry prepared in Kerala from raw bananas or chopped yams. It also includes a slightly sweet pumpkin that has been boiled in water with salt, chilli or pepper, dried lentils, grated coconut, turmeric powder, cumin and garlic, served on a bed of rice. It appears on most menus in religious festivals like Onam.
• Palada Payasam (Sweet): Sweet rice pudding is made from dumplings in almost all the households of Kerala during the festival of Onam and many other occasions. It has many variations, however, the recipe uses only common ingredients such as milk, rice, sugar and ghee.
• Kerala Prawn Curry (Kemen Curry): It is a signature dish – a shrimp curry from the Malabar region made with a mixture of fenugreek, black mustard and fennel, coconut milk and green chillies. It also contains a special ingredient called kudumpuli (brindleberry) to give it a sour taste, as well as the use of pickled prawns, raw mangoes and drumsticks to give it a spicy and tangy taste.
• Thalassery Biryani: Rice Biryani is the most common dish of the Muslim community in Kerala. Thalassery Biryani uses a unique, aromatic, short-grain, thin rice variety called Kaima. Biryani masala and cooked rice are arranged in layers inside the dish. The meat is cooked over low heat with spices and layered with rice before sealing the lid of the container with flour. Hot coals or charcoal are then placed over the lid.
• Fish Moilee: A well-known Kerala fish stew made from coconut milk is a Syrian Christian dish. Typically, the curry is prepared with traditional manchatti (earthen pot), fish lightly fried in coconut milk and fresh green chillies cooked with spices such as turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves to give it a spicy flavour. The fish is marinated with oil, turmeric, lemon juice, red chilli powder and salt for at least 30 minutes before being used in curries.
• Banana Dumplings (Sweet): Pazam Pori or Ethakka Appam are juicy banana dumplings served as a traditional tea-time snack – simply ripe bananas wrapped in plain flour and fried in oil.

Shopping in Kerala

• Spice Market
• Connemara Market
• Asparagus
• Pulickatti Handicrafts
• LuLu Mall
• Centre Square Mall
• Oberon Mall
• Focus Mall
• The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival

Most Popular Kerala Tour Packages with Travanya

A state located in South-West India, which is known for its natural beauty and traditional arts. If you want to delve deeper into the culture of Kerala, choose one of our Kerala Tour Packages!! With over two decades of expertise in organizing Kerala tourism, Travanya is considered to be the best tour and travel agency in India. Our tour consultants are experts in recommending the most spectacular sightseeing spots and Kerala tour package deals.

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We ensure that all our guests have a wonderful and satisfying trip to Kerala. Guest satisfaction is our priority, and we strive to meet their holiday expectations at affordable prices with our cheap Kerala packages. All these qualities make our organization one of the most sought after travel planners in Kerala. Plan your trip to Kerala with the best-selling Kerala tour package ;and customize the itinerary as per your requirement and budget. Show less