Explore Kerala: Your Ultimate Tourist Guide to Paradise

Kerala is a small piece of tropical paradise that has drawn travellers from all over the world with its lush tea gardens, languid backwaters, and verdant coasts. Kerala offers something for everyone, whether you want to explore the bustling streets of Kochi, a mash-up of Indian and colonial customs, or enjoy a peaceful cup of tea at Munnar, the state’s most popular hill station. You can even just stroll down the gorgeous, palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam while enjoying seafood! 

See:

Kochi

Once the hub of India’s spice trade, the bustling port town of Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a singular fusion of the ancient and the modern. Discover the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth by strolling through the meandering lanes of Kochi’s old Jewish Colony, which is adorned with colorfully painted homes. The Mattancherry Synagogue is one of these buildings. Alternatively, see the Chinese Fishing Nets near Fort Cochin. Unlike typical nets, these are permanent land installations that are unique to Kochi and are located outside of China. They serve as a permanent reminder of the cordial ties that formerly existed between the rulers of Kochi and the Chinese emperors. 

Munnar

Some of South India’s biggest tea estates are located in the gently undulating hills of Munnar. Spend some time away from the more well-known beaches of Kerala and visit the 1.5-kilometer-outside-of-town tea museum, or just unwind with a freshly brewed cup on a peaceful tea plantation. Munnar, in Kerala, is a dream honeymoon destination because of its outstanding topography and stunning scenery.  

Alappuzha

Alappuzha, or Alleppey as it is more widely known, was once a tiny fishing town and is now one of India’s most well-liked tourist sites. It is home to the well-known backwaters of Kerala. Steeply perched atop a complex web of backwaters and inland canals, Alleppey offers a lazy way of life that is best enjoyed from a houseboat or a stroll down Alleppey Beach.

Kovalam

Kovalam, the most well-known beach in Kerala, may be a bit overrun with tourists—small children running towards the water with ice cream in hand, families visiting for the weekend from Kochi, wallahs with beach umbrellas accosting you everywhere you go—but it still has a certain allure. You may visit the headland’s lighthouse or catch the sunset at a café by the sea.

Do:

At Alleppey, take a houseboat ride

Without a leisurely ride on a kettuvallam meandering through Alleppey’s serpentine backwaters, a journey to Kerala isn’t complete. These boats, which were once used to carry rice and spices to and from the port, are now luxury vessels that may be rented.

Take a Periyar River cruise

Langurs, bisons, sambars, and tigers can be found in the jungles of Periyar, one of India’s most well-known wildlife reserves. To see some wildlife, join the Forest Department and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) on a 1.5-hour cruise!

Attend a show at Kochi’s Kathakali Centre

The ancient dance narrative art known as kathakali was developed in Kerala in the seventeenth century. At the Kathakali Center, take in a captivating dance performance that will transport you back in time. The Center also hosts exhibitions of Kalaripayattu, one of the earliest styles of martial arts, if you’re up for an exciting adventure. 

What to Eat There?

Appam with Stew

The ideal pairing for appams is a flavorful stew consisting of meat or vegetables. Appams are fluffy, light rice pancakes with crispy borders and juicy inside.

Kerala Beef Fry with Malabar Porotta

One of Kerala’s signature meals, this dish consists of chunky, fried beef pieces cooked in a spicy masala mix served on light, flakey Malabar paratha.

Prawn Moilee

Without seafood, what would Kerala be without prawn moilee? Don’t leave Kerala without having the moilee, a curry prepared from coconut and kokum, a local fruit used to give curries a sour taste. Everything from the karimeen to the lobster is wonderful.

When to Go

October to February

Although there are many visitors all year round, October to February is the ideal time of year to visit Kerala for winter travel. The pleasant (17–30 degrees Celsius) weather is ideal for beachcombers. For the ideal vacation, gather your spouse or children and pack your luggage and head to those breathtaking beaches.

March to June

Kerala’s summers can be extremely humid, which makes it even more enjoyable to take a plunge in the ocean! Since this is off-season, summertime hotel rates are usually more favourable. Everything that you could possibly need, from food to lodging to travel, is incredibly affordable. This is the perfect moment to haggle and get some incredible deals on the hotels and airfares you were willing to purchase.

July to September

The monsoon season is a wonderful time to visit Kerala since it displays the state in all of its verdant splendour. These two months bring forth the best of nature. It’s monsoon season in Kerala between June and September, so pack accordingly for the unexpected downpours. You should also bring an umbrella and waterproof clothes.

Getting There:

• By Air: All major cities are well-connected to Kochi International Airport. To get about the city, you can hail a cab from the airport.
• By Train: Cochin has excellent train connections to all of India’s main train terminals. The Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station are where most trains stop.
• By Bus: Volvo buses are operated by Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to and from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.

Getting Around:

• Bus: There is a vast bus network in Cochin that connects you to all of Kerala’s main towns. They are government-run and inexpensive.
• Rickshaw: In most cities, cars are accessible.Although they are inexpensive, they frequently take advantage of tourists, so be sure to request a rate card.
• Boat/ferry: Ferries are an excellent mode of transportation, particularly in and around the Fort Cochin region.

What to Pack:

• If you’re travelling in the summer or during the monsoon, choose light cotton clothing because of the high humidity levels.
• Beachwear and sunscreen.
• Comfy shoes for city walking and flip-flops for the beach.
• Use insect repellent, particularly if you intend to visit Periyar.