Kerala is a small piece of tropical paradise that has drawn travellers from all over the world with its lush tea gardens, backwaters, and verdant coasts. Kerala caters to all tastes; you can stroll through 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 while enjoying seafood on the beautiful, palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam.
What to See in Kerala?
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 church in the Commonwealth by strolling through the meandering lanes of Kochi’s old Jewish Colony, which is adorned with colourfully painted homes. The Mattancherry church is one of these buildings.
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Munnar:
Some of the biggest tea estates in South India are located in the undulating hills of Munnar. Spend some time away from the more well-known beaches of Kerala and visit the 1.5-kilometre-outside-of-town tea museum, or just unwind with a hot brew on a peaceful tea plantation. Munnar, in Kerala, is a dream honeymoon destination because of its outstanding topography and stunning scenery.
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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.
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Kovalam:
Kovalam, the most well-known beach in Kerala, maybe a bit overrun with tourists—small children running towards the water with scoops of ice cream in hand, families visiting for the long 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 cafe by the sea.
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What to do in Kerala?
At Alleppey, take a houseboat ride:
A leisurely Kettuvallam ride through Alleppey’s twisting backwaters is a must-do activity for any visit to Kerala. These boats, which were once used to carry grain and spices to and from the dock, 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 Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and Forest Department on a 1.5-hour cruise!
Attend a show at Kochi’s Kathakali Centre:
Kerala gave birth to the ancient art form known as kathakali, which is storytelling via dance, in the seventeenth century. At the Kathakali Center, take in a captivating dance performance that will transport you back in time. One of the earliest styles of martial arts, Kalaripayattu, is also performed at the Center if you’re feeling particularly daring.
What to Eat in Kerala?
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:
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:
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.
Best time to Visit Kerala:
October – February:
Although there are many visitors all year round, October through February is the best time of year to visit Kerala for winter. 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 drive to those breathtaking beaches.
March – June:
Kerala’s summers can be rather muggy, but that just makes it more enjoyable to take a plunge in the ocean! Since this is off-season, summertime hotel rates are usually more favorable. Everything that you could possibly need, from food to lodging to travel, is incredibly affordable. Now is the ideal moment to haggle and receive some incredible savings on the hotels and airfares you were ready to reserve.
July – September:
The monsoon season is a wonderful time to visit Kerala since it displays the state in all of its verdant splendor. 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.
How to Reach Kerala?
By Air:
All major cities are well-connected to Kochi International Airport. To get to the city, you can take 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 Transport Corporation to and from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
Things to Pack on the Kerala Trip:
- Lightweight clothing for hot and humid weather
- Sunscreen to protect from the strong tropical sun
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
- Swimsuit for beach visits or water activities
- Umbrella or raincoat for sudden tropical showers
- Hat or cap to shield from the sun
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memorable moments
- Portable charger/power bank to keep devices charged
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Travel-size toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Travel adapter for charging electronic devices
- Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
- Travel guidebook or map for navigation and information on local attractions
