Kerala is the number one destination to be in India. Besides the busy city centers, there is Kerala, which seems outdated. However, there you can find God’s country where many temples are built for their grace, and a serious number of people live there without basic amenities or even electricity sometimes.
Being in close proximity to the international airports, you can get there easily and start your stay in India in this beautiful scenery. However, you need to know the rules and regulations of this great spot and respect them for as long as you will reside there. Kerala is the heart of traditional India and the place everyone would like to spend a week of their lives to ensure that they have empathy for others and they know what the real meaning of life is when being in the pure nature around other simple people.
Here Are 10 Reasons Why Kerala is Indeed God’s Own Country!
1. Find the Best Seashores
The first scope would be to find the right beaches. The place is located on the beast shores of the Indian ocean. That’s why many people prefer to stay in Kerala for at least a week and enjoy their daily swims that they cannot find anywhere else in India.
The cost of living is low there, and you can have a lodge and daily nutrition for a very small budget. The local guides will also reveal to you some natural sea shores that only people who live there know. It’s the best experience you will have in your life.
Top Beaches:
- Kovalam Beach: Located about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is famous for its crescent-shaped shoreline and three adjoining beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. It’s a popular spot for surfing, sunbathing, and Ayurvedic treatments.
- Varkala Beach: Approximately 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, this cliff-side beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It’s known for its natural springs, believed to have medicinal properties, and the ancient Janardana Swami Temple.
- Marari Beach: Situated near Alleppey, Marari is a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds. Ideal for a relaxing day by the sea, it’s also close to traditional fishing villages where you can witness the local way of life.
- Bekal Beach: Located in the northern part of Kerala, near Kasaragod, this beach is famous for the Bekal Fort, which overlooks the sea. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying the scenic beauty.
Best Time to Visit: November to March offers pleasant weather for beach activities.
Travel Tips: Each beach offers different experiences, from water sports in Kovalam to the tranquil atmosphere of Marari. Consider staying at beach resorts for a full experience, where you can enjoy sea views and fresh seafood.
2. Enjoy the Religious Festivals
Another reason to visit Kerala place would be to learn more about the religious festivals that are held many times throughout the year. The Kerala festival is known for gathering Hindu people from all around India and the surrounding nations.
You can find many people who worship their Hindu gods come there and send flowers to the temples. You will find it extremely useful to be there as much time as needed to be close to the prays and become one body with the people who believe in the festivities to ensure you get the idea of the real soul of India.
Major Festivals:
- Onam: Celebrated in August-September, Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival. It includes elaborate feasts (Onam Sadya), traditional dances like Kathakali, Pookalam (floral rangoli), and Vallamkali (snake boat races).
- Thrissur Pooram: Held in April-May, this grand temple festival in Thrissur is known for its elephant processions, traditional drum performances, and spectacular fireworks display.
- Vishu: Celebrated in April, Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year. The day starts with the Vishu Kani, an arrangement of auspicious items, and is followed by fireworks and a special feast.
- Theyyam: A unique ritual dance form, Theyyam is performed in temples across North Kerala, particularly in Kannur. It’s held from November to March and involves elaborate costumes and face painting, depicting gods and spirits.
Travel Tips: Festivals can draw large crowds, especially in temples and major cities. Arrive early to secure a good spot and experience the rituals and festivities. If attending Theyyam performances, check the local schedules as they are often held in smaller temples.
Read also: Ultimate Kerala October Travel Destinations
3. Get Acquainted with the Local People
Local people are very generous and friendly in Kerala. That makes you an ideal tourist to come and talk to them and offer them a chance to know your civilization. In exchange, the local people can show you around their villages and give you an idea about their daily lifestyle there.
It’s good also to know some Hindi language since they are more than ready to give you lessons. You may also eat with locals making the visit to Kerala one of the best experiences to chase in India and generally southeastern Asia.
Read also: Discover the Top Places to Visit in South India in October
Interaction Opportunities:
- Homestays: Staying with local families in Kerala’s villages or towns allows you to experience their daily lives, culture, and traditions. Popular homestay destinations include Wayanad, Alleppey, and Fort Kochi.
- Village Tours: Organized tours to villages like Kumbalangi near Kochi offer insights into traditional livelihoods such as coir making, fishing, and farming.
- Local Markets: Visit bustling markets like Broadway in Kochi, Chalai Market in Trivandrum, and Connemara Market in Thrissur to interact with locals and experience the vibrant market culture.
Travel Tips: Learning a few phrases in Malayalam, the local language, can go a long way in building rapport with the people. Keralites are generally hospitable, and engaging with them through homestays or village tours will enhance your understanding of their way of life.
4. Have the Enormous Hospitality Feeling
Hospitality feeling is everywhere in Kerala. That means you are free to go anywhere you like, homes are always open, and the stores are there to give you anything you like whenever you like it. The real hospitality heart of India beats there and gives you more incentives to stay there for longer.
People who were reluctant to meet others and shy to talk could find the best feeling of hospitality that will make them more eager to meet new people and talk to them the soonest as possible. It’s the place that soothes your heart in India and makes you a real caring person.
Where to Experience:
- Homestays: Kerala’s homestays, particularly in the backwaters, hill stations, and spice plantations, are renowned for their warm hospitality. You’ll be treated to home-cooked meals, often prepared with ingredients from the family’s own garden.
- Ayurvedic Retreats: Wellness resorts in places like Kumarakom, Kovalam, and Varkala not only offer Ayurvedic treatments but also emphasize personalized care, making guests feel at home.
- Boutique Resorts: Small, family-run resorts in Kerala often provide personalized services, from arranging local tours to preparing special meals according to your preferences.
Travel Tips: Choose accommodations that offer a personal touch, such as family-run resorts or homestays. Don’t hesitate to ask your hosts for recommendations on local experiences, as they are often eager to share the best of their region.
5. Take Some River Cruises
Rivers are all the way close to and around Kerala. As a tourist, you can find boat captains who have long wooden boats to cross the river. These traditional vessels move with the wind or even have the chance for an external engine to show you around Kerala.
Sometimes they can reach the ocean, but it’s more fascinating to sail around the river flow and see the adjacent jungles and forests. River cruises are easy to book and cost only a fraction of the price you pay for the same service in other distant countries.
Top River Cruise Experiences:
- Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters: Known as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey offers houseboat cruises through its tranquil backwaters. The cruises typically include meals and overnight stays, providing a peaceful escape surrounded by lush greenery.
- Kumarakom Backwaters: Located near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is famous for its bird sanctuary and houseboat cruises. The area is perfect for spotting migratory birds and enjoying serene sunsets.
- Kollam Backwaters: Known for the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam’s backwaters offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Cruises here are less crowded and often pass through traditional villages and coconut groves.
Travel Tips: Houseboats range from budget to luxury, so choose one that fits your needs. An overnight cruise allows you to fully experience the tranquility of the backwaters, including the opportunity to see rural life up close.
6. See the Dense Nature that is Around
Kerala, India, is also known as the place of the Gods since they have given it many forests and dense jungles. You can hire a local guide to show you around the jungles of Kerala. There you can find all the lost Indian wildlife, including lions and tigers.
The dense nature requires you to be close to the guides and ensure that you will stay with the convoy without making risky choices during the trip. It’s the best thing to do when you are in Kerala as you can stay in the rain forests for at least one night and have the time of your life.
Top Natural Spots:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Thekkady, this sanctuary is famous for its elephant and tiger sightings, as well as boat rides on Periyar Lake. Trekking and bamboo rafting are also popular activities.
- Munnar: This hill station is known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, and misty landscapes. Visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and explore the many hiking trails.
- Wayanad: Known for its dense forests, Wayanad offers wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and ancient caves. It’s a great spot for trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring coffee and spice plantations.
- Silent Valley National Park: A biodiversity hotspot, Silent Valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare lion-tailed macaque. The park offers trekking routes that take you deep into the untouched forest.
Travel Tips: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot wildlife. Hire a local guide for treks and safaris to enhance your chances of wildlife sightings and to learn more about the ecosystem.
7. Buy Some Spices for Home
Spices like curcumin and curry are abundant in the Kerala location. It’s better to reach the local marketplace where you can find these spices and many more at the best prices you can ever imagine. Spices are not perishable, and you can buy as much as you like to bring back to your homeland.
Here in Kerala, you can find many types of salt and some peppers that you cannot find at home. It’s in your best interest to find the right spices there, try them in traditional food, and then get some of them in your backpack for future use.
Best Places to Buy:
- Thekkady: The spice plantations here are famous for growing cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Many plantations offer tours where you can learn about spice cultivation and buy fresh spices directly from the source.
- Munnar: Known for tea and spice gardens, Munnar is another excellent place to buy fresh spices. Local markets and shops in town offer a variety of high-quality spices.
- Kochi: Broadway Market and Mattancherry are popular spots in Kochi to buy spices. You’ll find everything from black pepper and turmeric to exotic blends used in Kerala cuisine.
Travel Tips: When buying spices, ensure they are fresh and stored in airtight containers. Purchase from reputed sellers or directly from plantations to avoid adulterated products. Spices also make great souvenirs to take home.
8. Have the Best Food and Beverages in India
If you are a food lover, you can’t miss the Kerala invitation. Many people come here just to eat the best Indian food and drink beverages that they cannot find in Delhi or any other place. Kerala gives tourists all they need for their nutrition as you can enjoy rare veggies and many exotic fruits that do not exist anywhere else in the world.
All this Kerala treat is offered at extremely low prices that every tourist who reaches India can afford. Drinking and eating is the best reason to visit Kerala these days.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Kerala Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals and special occasions. It includes a variety of dishes like avial, sambar, thoran, and payasam (dessert).
- Appam with Stew: A popular breakfast dish, Appam is a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter, served with a coconut milk-based vegetable or meat stew.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: A traditional dish from the backwaters, it involves pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled.
- Puttu with Kadala Curry: Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake, often served with a spicy chickpea curry, making it a favorite breakfast dish.
Travel Tips: Kerala is known for its use of coconut, spices, and seafood. Don’t miss trying the local cuisine at traditional restaurants or homestays. Pair your meals with local beverages like toddy (palm wine) or tender coconut water.
9. Perform Some Meditation
Meditation experts are everywhere in Kerala. Masters who know better how to soothe the pain from your body and soul are there and ready to meet you. It’s better to leave your prejudiced home and come to Kerala with an open heart to accept new remedies for your wounds.
Ayurveda masters and other meditation experts are there for a small fee and give you personalized training. You can bring this knowledge back to your country and meditate as often as you like. Spending more time there gives you more expertise, and then you can meditate on yourself a lot easier.
Top Meditation Spots:
- Varkala: Known for its serene beaches and spiritual vibe, Varkala is home to several ashrams and meditation centers. It’s an ideal place for yoga and meditation retreats.
- Munnar: The peaceful hill station of Munnar offers a tranquil environment for meditation, especially at resorts and wellness centers nestled among tea plantations.
- Wayanad: Surrounded by lush forests and coffee plantations, Wayanad offers a serene setting for meditation. Some resorts and retreats offer guided meditation sessions.
Travel Tips: Many retreats offer structured meditation programs ranging from a few days to several weeks. If you’re new to meditation, opt for a guided session to help you get started. The natural surroundings in Kerala enhance the meditative experience.
10. Get in touch With Multicultural People
Finally, Kerala place is the country of Gods, but it’s also the place Muslims, Christians, and Hindi people come together. There is no reason to believe in the same Gods to come to Kerala. People come there to find their own truth, and Kerala is the place where all people reside happily with each other and give them chances to unite.
A journey in Kerala will make you a lot more conscious and allow you to see the world under new filters. It’s paradise on earth, and you can relieve your anxiety and daily concerns when being there.
Cultural Hubs:
- Fort Kochi: A melting pot of cultures, Fort Kochi is known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, and diverse communities, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, held every two years, is a major cultural event attracting artists from around the world.
- Trivandrum: The capital city is home to a mix of temples, churches, and mosques, reflecting Kerala’s religious diversity. Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world, or the nearby Kovalam Beach to see how different cultures coexist.
- Kozhikode (Calicut): Known for its history as a major trading port, Kozhikode is a great place to experience Kerala’s Muslim culture. Visit the Kuttichira Mosque, the Thali Temple, and sample the region’s famous Malabar cuisine.
Travel Tips: Engage with locals to learn about their cultural practices and traditions. Visit cultural festivals, art galleries, and historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of Kerala’s multicultural heritage.
Find Out More About Kerala:
- 7 Popular Spice Plantations In Kerala
- Kerala 15 Most Popular Treehouse Resorts
- 10 Unique Experiences Only in Kerala
- Top 10 Things To Do In Thekkady
- 10 Best Destinations Kerala to Visit in November
- Kerala Places to See in October
- 8 Must-See Bird Sanctuaries In Kerala
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is Kerala known as “God’s Own Country”?
Kerala is called “God’s Own Country” because of its lush greenery, serene backwaters, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes that make it feel like a paradise on earth.
2. What are the top attractions to see in Kerala?
Top attractions in Kerala include the backwaters of Alleppey, the hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad, the beaches of Kovalam, and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.
3. Why should I visit Kerala’s backwaters?
Kerala’s backwaters offer a unique experience of cruising through tranquil waters surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, giving you a glimpse of rural life in Kerala.
4. What makes Kerala’s beaches special?
Kerala’s beaches, like Kovalam and Varkala, are known for their clean sands, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. They are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports.
5. Is Kerala a good destination for nature lovers?
Yes, Kerala is a haven for nature lovers, with its lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity, and scenic spots like Munnar, Wayanad, and the Western Ghats.
6. What cultural experiences can I enjoy in Kerala?
In Kerala, you can experience traditional dance forms like Kathakali, enjoy the festive Onam celebrations, visit ancient temples, and explore the state’s rich art and craft heritage.
7. Why is Kerala famous for Ayurveda?
Kerala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, which use natural herbs and traditional practices to promote wellness. Many visitors come to Kerala for rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies.
8. What makes Kerala’s cuisine unique?
Kerala’s cuisine is known for its use of fresh coconut, spices, and seafood. Signature dishes like appam, puttu, and Kerala-style fish curry are must-tries for food lovers.
9. When is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
10. How can I experience Kerala’s wildlife?
You can experience Kerala’s wildlife by visiting its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see elephants, tigers, and other native species.
11. What are the unique festivals celebrated in Kerala?
Kerala is known for its vibrant festivals, such as Onam, the harvest festival, and Thrissur Pooram, a grand temple festival featuring elaborate elephant processions and fireworks.
12. Is Kerala a good destination for adventure activities?
Yes, Kerala offers various adventure activities like trekking in the Western Ghats, bamboo rafting in Periyar, paragliding in Vagamon, and surfing at Kovalam Beach.
13. What is special about the houseboat experience in Kerala?
A houseboat stay in Kerala’s backwaters is special because it allows you to float through peaceful waterways, enjoy local cuisine on board, and experience the region’s natural beauty up close.
14. Can I visit tea plantations in Kerala?
Yes, you can visit the tea plantations in Munnar, where you can take guided tours, learn about tea processing, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes of rolling green hills.
15. How does Kerala’s ecotourism stand out?
Kerala’s ecotourism stands out for its focus on sustainable travel, offering experiences like nature trails, village tours, and stays in eco-friendly accommodations that support local communities and conserve the environment.
