The Land of Coconut Trees, turquoise Backwaters also known as God’s own country. It lies in the South - Eastern part of India and is much known for its exotic wildlife, herbs, emerald green hill stations and the crystal clear Arabian Sea along its coast.  It's an easily accessible, affordable and perfect place to have some leisure trip. Kerala indeed offers the most scenic backdrop. A horde of coconut trees making its ways amongst the turquoise blue waters will surely take your breath away. Kerala is the cleanest state after Sikkim with all the necessary facilities in every nook and corner. Kerala is the only state to have provided banking facilities and hospitals in its remotest locations, thus increasing its overall development. Not just that, it has the highest  literacy rate in our country 93.91% . Literacy is the backbone of Kerala and the major reason for development. Also, it is the first state that achieved 100 % primary education through Athulyam, its literacy program. This place is blooming with lush greenery all year. The fragrance of coconut will definitely make you go drool over it. But we do not recommend you to plan during the monsoon, which peaks June-Aug with incessant torrential rain and widespread flooding in the state. Meanwhile, the best time is December to january. Also here is the tip, avoid on weekends due to crowds of day tourists

 How precious it is! It’s the epitome for female to male ratio and Ayurveda. Kerala has 1084 females per 1000 males with a rate of 1.084 which is higher than the national figure of 0.940. This state is known as a pioneer in medication using Ayurveda as its treatment method. Nowadays Ayurveda seems to be more popular though and is being used to treat arthritis. Ayurveda is the primary mode of medicine in Kerala.

Without any doubt this place is known for gold Kerala consumes about 20% of the country's gold. Brides to be in Kerala can be seen submerged in gold from head to toe. 

Not just that, it has the highest  literacy rate in our country 93.91% . Literacy is the backbone of Kerala and the major reason for development. Also, it is the first state that achieved 100 % primary education through Athulyam, its literacy program. It is the  only state with the highest number of festivals being celebrated. A very good example of diversification too. Kerala is known for its diverse forms of religion. It serves as an excellent example of people belonging to different religions living together in harmony and peace. You can also find Herbs with medicinal properties abundantly such as turmeric, Cinnamon, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Amalaki, Bharangi, and Phyllanthus Amarus etc. even in terms of politics wise it is the least corrupt state and more awakened I India. It is the 4th largest rubber-producing country in the world. Kerala produces more than 90% of the total rubber in the country. Around 5.45 hectares of land in Kerala is being used for rubber cultivation.  It is also listed as India’s paradise in the Traveler Magazine of National Geographic. The state animal of Kerala is the elephant which also features in its emblem and plays a major role in religious celebrations and festivities. Apart from that since the time of jews it is also known as the spice coast of India. You can experience it through the fragrance of local cuisine.

Best time to explore and experience the tropical beauty of kerala: 

you can plan your kerala trip according to your weather preference. Because this place is blooming with lush greenery all year. The fragrance of coconut will definitely make you go drool over it. But we do not recommend you to plan during the monsoon, which peaks June-Aug with incessant torrential rain and widespread flooding in the state. Meanwhile, the best time is December to january. Usually flooded by tourists during that time. Some areas may be inaccessible and houseboats cannot fuel your bravery to go in those deep waters.  Also, post monsoon is considered the ideal tie too as the rain has turned forests, mountains and waterfalls to levels of lusciousness. To be honest you don’t need editing in the pictures too. It's extraordinarily exquisitely emerald and perfect for hiking in the woods. The best time for viewing elephants is during the hotter months of March and April, when they spend the most time in the water. Periyar  national park is open the whole year. And the most popular time to visit is during the cold weather. But drier months from October to February is fine too. It is particularly vibrant just after monsoon, and the crowd is less. Also here is the tip, avoid on weekends due to crowds of day tourists. February until May are also lovely, although a lot more humid. Places like Munnar, Thekkady, Ponmudi and Vagamon offer lush green escapes, high up in the hills, away from the heat. It’s a must visit for all the travellers and tourists. You can also experience Ayurvedic spa which will truly make you rejuvenated. During this time the backwaters are at their best and the outdoors are more enjoyable. Another tip,  if you are going to go during winter, book your Kerala tour package and plan your itinerary in advance.

Where to go in kerala: 

Thiruvananthapuram-

this is the capital city of kerala. It is one of the best places to explore in kerala. Perched on seven hills, the pleasant city offers interesting sights that are worth a look. It is a historic as well as the cultural hub of the state in addition to being a modern metropolis. There are many tourist attractions in the city, including temples, gardens, palaces, museums, beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and many more.

 Here are few of the key highlights of where to go:

1. The golden shri Padmanabhaswamy revered temple of the city after which it gets its name.

2. The historic wooden Puthe Maliga Palace

3. The Napier Museum

4. Natural History Museum and art gallery

5. Pray at the holy Attukal Temple

6. Kowdiar Palace

7. Vellayani Lake

8. Palkulangara Devi Temple

9. Veli Lake and Tourist Village

Alleppey the Venice of east: 

the most famous for backwater tours, in kerala. The houseboats you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam word, ‘Kettu’, means living structures and ‘Vallom’ means boat. In the olden days, kettuvallam or boat with a thatched roof that covers over wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices. The days modern houseboats are equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room like air conditioners, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. An uninterrupted view of life in the backwaters fringed with coconut trees can be enjoyed from a houseboat. A perfect place to unwind with its laidback canals and lush greenery. The Alappuzha beach with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea and an old 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese. Doesn’t it sound like a perfect vacation place?

Key highlights of the places you must go: 

1. Alappuzha Beach

2. Krishnapuram Palace

3. Marari Beach, home to local fishermen and their villages

4. Revi Karunakaran Museum

5. Marari Beach

6. Punnamada Lake

7. Pathiramanal Island

8. Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha

9. The Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is another crowd puller.

Munnar:

known for the waterfalls, tea plantations, rare flora and fauna etc.  It is a beautiful tea town in Idukki district of Kerala easily accessible from Kochi and Coimbatore. Munnar got its name from its strategic location at the confluence of three rivers – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala Rivers. 'Moonu' means 'three' and 'Aru' means 'river'. The region is placed at a height of around 1,500 m to 2,695 m above sea level and was once the summer capital of the British in South India.  Munnar is known as one of the most romantic places and highly favoured by honeymooners. It has huge Lush sprawling tea plantations, aromatic spice plantations, lovely lakes, mountain streams, rolling hills, etc. you can also indulge in certain activities like cycling through the plantations, animal spotting at Eravikulam National Park, boat riding at Mattupetty Dam, picnicking at Hydel Park and sampling local culture at the famed Tea Museum. you can also go trekking, cycling, mountain biking, mountaineering, etc.

Key highlights of the place you must explore are:

1. Eravikulam National Park, the exclusive home of Nilgiri Tahr in the lush Western Ghats

2. Mattupetty Dam

3. Anamudi Peak

4. Tea Museum

5. Attukal Waterfalls

6. Cheeyappara Waterfalls

7. Top Station

8. Marayoor Dolmens

9. Indo Swiss Dairy Farm

10. Kundala Lake

11. Lockhart Gap

Kumarakom: 

it is one of the most famous and instagrammable spot where the backwaters cut through lush farmlands, paddy fields and coconut groves. The abundance of heritage resorts offering Ayurveda make it one of the top places to visit in Kerala. It is highly preferred by the tourists who love to avail some typical Indian herbs.  Enjoy yourself while cruising in a houseboat, enjoy the Ayurvedic treatments and spot birds in their natural habitat. The tranquil ambiance is perfect for relaxing vacations. Kumarakom is one of the top reasons for holidays in Kerala being favored by travelers and honeymoon couples from around the world. You can also experience exciting activities like yachting at Vembanad Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. Experience the varied culture and traditions through cultural tours of local heritage sites like Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, St. Mary’s Church, Jama Masjid, and the Shiva Temple.

The key highlights of the places you must explore: 

1. Kumarakom Beach

2. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, one of the best bird watching spots in India

3. Vembanad Lake

4. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls

5. Bay Island Driftwood Museum

6. Pathiramanal Island, haven of birds, especially the migratory ones.

Wayanad: 

It is another famous hot selling destination of kerala. It is known for its breezy paddy fields, thriving tea, coffee and spice plantations, pristine mountainsides, vibrant history, and varied culture. It is also counted as one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots in the western ghats. This place is in the bucket list  of all the nature lovers, wildlife admirers and without any doubt photographers and adventure seekers. The emerald beauty of the hills of Wayanad will definitely sway you away in its lap. It has pleasant climate throughout the year. It also shares its borders with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is the only earth dam in India. It is also the second largest earth dam in Asia. The only pine forest of Kerala is Chandanathope at Mananthavady in Wayanad district. You can enjoy trekking up the hills taking in the scent of pine. Pulpally in Wayanad boasts of the only Luv Kush Temple in Kerala. The temple named 'Sita Lava Kusha Temple' is believed to be inhabited by Sita Devi once. Wayanad has the only mirror temple (Kannadi Ambalam) in Kerala. The temple is located in Vythiri Taluk and it is a Jain temple.

Doesn’t it sound perfect for nature lovers as well as culture explorers? 

Here are some of the highlights to explore the places: 

1. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

2. Chembra peak, one of the highest peaks in the region

3. Heart shaped lake that is enroute the trek to Chembra Peak

4. Meenmutty Falls

5. Ayurveda Yoga Villa

6. Edakkal caves, prehistoric caves that are one of the oldest in the world

7. Kuruvadweep , island on the Kabini River, also a popular eco-spot

8. Banasura Sagar Dam

9. Wayanad Heritage Museum

10. Kanthanpara Waterfalls

11. Karapuzha Dam

12. Muthanga Wildlife Safari

Thekkady: 

Thekkady in the Western Ghats of Kerala is known for the hub of wildlife adventure. The Periyar wildlife national park in the area is a major tourist destination for wildlife lovers. the lands with abundant flora, fauna and adventure. The Periyar Lake  in the national park is particularly of interest amongst the adventure seekers. Wildlife safaris on boats are only available here. You can spot some Asian Elephants, Tigers, rare species of birds and other animals unique in the Western Ghats. So make sure that your itinerary is well planned to cover such not so missing destinations. Make sure to go on elephant rides and you can dwell deep into the forests and enjoy the thrilling experience of sighting wildlife.  The forest areas around Thekkady is strictly uninhabited by the Forest Department to preserve Mother Nature. The nearest town to Thekkady is Kumily, which is 4 kilometer apart. You can plan a calm walk though this town. This town is also a place for shopping. You can shop here for handicrafts, spices and clothes. You can also find several luxury hotels, resorts and homestays. So, you will not find any difficulty in accommodation.

Here are some of the highlights to explore the places:

1. Wildlife safari on the top of elephants as well as on jeep

2. Boat safari on the Periyar Lake aboard a bamboo raft

3. Jungle patrolling and nature walks

4. Visit to spice plantations of Thekkady,

5. Stay at homestays and eco-friendly resorts.

Kovalam:

Kovalam is made up of three beaches, namely Lighthouse, Hawah and Samudra and these three are very picturesque in their own natural ways. It is also the first choice of tourists in Kerala when it comes to beaches. Sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising are some of them.  You can find many Ayurveda massage center’s. You can Spend time walking along the sandy shores, indulge in water sports, get a luxurious massage, and relish on finger licking sea food. You can also visit and explore Halcyon Castle, Rock Cut Cave Temple, Neyyar Dam, Vellayani Lake, Napier Art Museum & Gallery and Shri Chitra Art Gallery. With so much to offer, Kovalam surely deserves to be part of your Kerala trip. Here you will definitely get involved in some adventure sports too. The beach lures families, honeymoon couples and even solo backpackers seeking to enjoy the sand, sea surfing and so much more.

Here are some of the highlights to explore the places:

1. Lighthouse beach with the ancient lighthouse

2. Hawah beach

3. Samudra Beach

4. Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort

5. Karamani River

6. Vellayani Lake

7. Halcyon Castle

8. Valiyathura Pier

9. Vizhinjam Village

10. Surya Samudra Kovalam, one of the popular resorts to indulge in Ayurveda treatments.

Kochi: 

the epicentre of kerala. You can dig in some history, explore spectacular architecture, nature in all its glory, a bustling food scene, heritage arts and craft, beautiful and sacred sites with religious importance. Did you know India’s first European church was established here? St. Francis Church is said to have been established by the Portuguese in the year 1903 and is the oldest European church in the country. The Only Place To Witness Chinese Fishing Nets at Cheenavala. These massive nets are said to have been introduced in Kochi several centuries ago by Chinese traders. Today, these beautiful nets are major attractions of Kochi amongst photographers. Kochi is the only city in Kerala which boasts of having three railway stations. The Ernakulam Junction is the biggest and busiest railway station here. With 6 platforms and 12 tracks, it receives about 28,000 passengers every day. the Vasco House is said to be one of the oldest Portuguese houses in the country. It has historical significance with European glass windows and beautiful verandahs, it attracts several architecture lovers too. Hence, it is a must-visit destination in Kochi for every traveller. Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in Kerala. It has a length of about 97 km and is spread over an area of about 2033 sq km. Thousands of tourists come to Kochi to witness the grandeur and the natural beauty of the lake. From boating to lazing by its banks, there is a lot to do here.

Here are some of the highlights to explore the places: 

1. Vypeen Island Zone

2. Fort Kochi, one of oldest heritage sites in Kerala

3. Paradesi Synagogue, ancient place of worship for Jews

4. The beautiful stretch of Marine Drive overlooking the Arabian Sea

5. Santa Cruz Basilica

6. Chinese Fishing Nets

7. Mattancherry Palace also known as Dutch Palace

8. Kerala Folklore Museum

9. Vallarpadam Church

10. Museum of Kerala History

11. Kerala Kathakali Centre

12. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

13. Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum

14. Bastion Bungalow

Kozhikode: 

known For it is where famed explorer Vasco Da Gama first landed here. Here you can witness spectacular fusion of the city, with nature and heritage co-existing to form its own unique ambience. You can spend your holidays in Kerala on quaint beaches, old historic temples, the wild mangroves, or a craft village. The town has played a very important role in shaping up the colonial era of India. The Dutch and the British colonial era have left strong influence on the city. And when in Kozhikode, you must relish on some authentic malabar food. The cuisines are definitely mouthwatering and must be given a try. But because of one of the major city you need to make reservations in advance.  

Here are some of the highlights to explore the places: 

1. Mananchira

2. Conolly Canal

3. Hilite Mall

4. Kallayi, Tali Temple

5. Kappad Beach

6. Kozhikode Beach

7. Thusharagiri Waterfalls

8. Sargaalaya

9. Payyoli Beach

10. Kozhippara Falls

11. Matri Dei Cathedral

Local food and delicacies you must try: 

Inspired by a fusion of Malabari, French, and Arabian influences and enhanced with a touch of Kerala’s unique culture with its authentic spices. You can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Rice, fish, and coconut are the most common ingredients of almost all Kerala famous food. The flavours are enhanced with chillies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric tamarind, black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, cinnamon, and asafoetida. Kerala Sadya prepared during festivals and celebratory ceremonies, is vegetarian and also it is one of the traditional dishes. You can find the essence of coconut in every dish here. Make sure to have the best gastronomic experiences at cheapest costs. Some of them are:

Idiyappam With Curry, is made of rice flour, salt and water with a number of thin strands or sevai . You can have it with all kinds of curries, but it tastes best with Egg Curry. It costs just 80 bucks at Saravana Bhavan, Jasmine Bay. 

Erissery, is one of the famous dishes of Kerala. And it is found and savoured in every household. It is made with sweet pumpkins with salt, chillies or pepper, dried lentils, grated coconut, turmeric powder, cumin seeds and garlic, and is served on a bed of rice once cooked. It is most famous at Kashi, Mezban at just 400 rs.

 Puttu and Kandala curry is enjoyed by people of Kerala and is one of the popular traditional Kerala dishes. It is one of the famous breakfast options here. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake that is cooked in a mould with grated coconut. It can be served with ripe bananas, grated coconut, and kadala curry. You can try it in Saravana Bhavan, Mezban for just 70 bucks. 

Appam with stew, one of the traditional Kerala dishes which is flavoursome. It is a famous food of Kerala, made from fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water with a tint of sugar. The stew is is made from coconut milk, cinnamon, cloves and shallots, and sometimes also mango pieces and vegetables. also, you can experiment it with chicken or lamb. You can find it in Villa Maya, Varsha, Ariya Nivaas for just 175 bucks. 

Ela Sadya , is the king of all Kerala food items. Its a huge platter which you can mind majorly during religious and ceremonial occasions like festivals, wedding ceremonies. It is served on a huge banana leaf and it includes many dishes like pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, olan, sambar, varavu, thoran, aviyal, payasam, served with hot steaming rice. You can have it in Hotel Bharath, Chakra for 500rs. 

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry), is considered as the national food of kerala. It is spicy chicken fry or Kerala style prawn curry Served with onion, spices, garlic, and vinegar on a banana leaf, Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu is fried chicken made with a generous amount of spices. One can have it with chapatis, Kerala Porotta. And the best place to have it is Spice Village, Fusion in 775 rs. 

Prawn curry of Kerala, if you are a non vegetarian lover you must try it here. It is cooked in whole coconut milk with spices and jaggery before it is finally garnished with curry leaves. One can have it hot with steaming rice or chapatis. You can have it in Adam’s Teashop, Fort House Restaurant in 725 bucks.

Accessible routes for Kerala:

Via airways:

 Undoubtedly it is very well connected across the nation. There are four international airports located across the state, which also see domestic arrivals. Make sure for your trip to Kerala, you should fly into Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or Cochin International Airport, from all major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore, Chandigarh, Jammu, Goa and Pune.

Via railways:

 You can also take scenic routes via train. There are numerous trains running to various cities and towns across Kerala, from all over the country. This spectacular coastal stretch is considered one of the most picturesque train journeys of India. 

Within the city:

While travelling within the city , Public transport is available to take you around Kerala, such as local trains, buses, and taxis. It depends on how long a journey you wish to make. Most hotels offer car and driver services to make sightseeing and other trips convenient. You can also hire a car at the airport itself.