Introduction
God’s own country, Kerala, is a beautiful coastal state located in South India, known for its tropical greenery, backwaters, beaches, ayurvedic massages, and diverse cultures. A trip to Kerala offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life into its serene environment. From lush hill stations to divine temples surrounded by palm trees and paddy fields, Kerala promises myriad experiences that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Munnar – Queen of Hill Stations
Located at an altitude of 1,600 meters in the Idukki district, Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Munnar was once the summer resort of the British in the colonial days in South India. Some key aspects of Munnar:
- Scenic beauty: Munnar is surrounded by rolling hills, tall grasslands, and terraced tea estates which present photo worthy scenes everywhere. The refreshing climate and the picturesque natural beauty make Munnar a visual treat.
- Tea plantations: Munnar is famous for its large tea estates, which stretch for miles. The refreshing aroma of fresh tea leaves and the lush greenery of the plantations is very soothing to the eyes. You can go for morning or evening walks across the plantations.
- Top activities: Some of the top things to do in Munnar include trekking to nearby peaks like Mattupetty, Kundala, and Rajamala for breathtaking views. Lakkam waterfalls are a beautiful spot to spend time in nature. Sita Devi Lake is a popular picnic spot.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Munnar is between September and May when the weather is cool and pleasant. June to August should be avoided as it will be hot and humid.
Wayanad – The unspoiled wilderness
Nestled in the Western Ghats and located at an average altitude of 700-1300 meters above sea level, Wayanad is known for its rugged, beautiful landscape and unspoiled wilderness. Some key highlights:
- Wildlife: Wayanad is home to wildlife sanctuaries like Muthanga, Tholpetty, and Kurichiyarm, which are habitats for elephants, deer, and exotic birds. Trek through forests and spot indigenous species.
- Hill stations: Picturesque hill towns like Vythiri and Kathirupathy give postcard views of sweeping landscapes. Soak in the bracing climate and tranquility.
- Plantations: Organic coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations dot the hills, offering scenic walks. Visit a plantation for an educational tour.
- Lakkidi viewpoint: A favored spot with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. Ideal for photography.
- Best time to visit: October to March is the ideal season to visit Wayanad when the weather is pleasant. Summers from April to June will be hot.
Kochi – Queen of the Arabian Sea
Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi has a rich historical past and natural attractions. Some highlights:
- Backwaters: Explore the serene backwaters of Kochi by boat to witness daily life along the canals. Houseboat stays are a unique experience.
- Historic buildings: Stunning heritage buildings like the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and Chinatown reflect Kochi’s vibrant history and diverse cultures.
- Beaches: Cherai beach is a quaint village beach popular fordolphin spotting. Fort Kochi beach has laidback beacheside shacks.
- Festivals: Festivals like Kathakali performances, boat races, and temple festivals like Ernakulathappan give glimpses of local heritage.
- Cuisine: Sample fresh seafood, coconut-flavored payasams, and banana chips – specialties of Kochi’s local cuisine.
Best time to visit is between October to February when weather is pleasant. Summer months can be hot and humid.
Alleppey – Backwaters and houseboats
With its serene network of lakes, lagoons, and canals intersecting the town called backwaters, Alleppey is a top spot to experience Kerala’s famed backwater region. Some highlights include:
- Houseboat stays: Cruise through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey in traditional houseboats for a memorable overnight experience on the waters.
- Backwater activities: Try canoeing, boating, or fishing with locals to experience daily village life alongside waterways.
- Beaches: Tranquil beaches like Alappuzha Beach make for peaceful walks along the coast amidst swaying palms.
- Birds: The backwaters host over 60 mammal species, including otters and birds, including rare migratory birds. Watch for them early in the morning.
- Nehru Trophy Boat Race: Watch an exciting snake boat race held annually in Punnamada Lake from August to September.
- Best time: October to February when backwaters are experientially at their best sans summer rains.
Thekkady – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the base of the Western Ghats, Thekkady is renowned for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters diverse flora and fauna. Some key attractions:
- Wildlife: Spot wild elephants, sambar deer, tigers, nilgai, and various exotic bird species. Jeep/trekking safaris are organized to experience the wilderness.
- Scenic trails: Trek along trails surrounding the sanctuary lakes for scenic views and chance wildlife sightings.
- Boating: Take a boat ride inside the sanctuary along the huge man-made lake for scenic views and to spot wildlife congregating at the water’s edge.
- Surroundings: The town of Thekkady offers ayurvedic treatments, tribal museums, and spice plantation tours in the periphery.
- Best time: Winter months like December-January when vegetation is sparse, making animal spotting easier. Summers can be hot and wet.
Varkala – God’s Own Country’s gorgeous seaside escape
Located near Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala is a quaint beach town popular for its serene surroundings and spiritual ethos. Some top attractions are:
- Papanasham beach: A beautiful mile long white sand beach with azure waters is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or long walks along shore.
- Cliffs: Imposing red laterite cliffs on one side offer spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and Arabalayam lighthouse.
- Thermal springs: Natural hot springs where locals take a dip for their healing properties located near the beach.
- Hindu temple: Ancient JanardhanaSwamyTemple across the cliffs is the center of pilgrimage and lively festivities.
- Cafes and shacks: A chill destination with hippy cafes, ayurvedic massages, and beachside shacks serving fresh seafood.
- Best time: September-March for its temperate weather. Summers will be hot, while monsoons bring rain.
Experiencing Backwaters, Hills, and Culture
Through this article, we explored some of the most scenic and culturally rich destinations in Kerala, spanning its varied landscapes from misty hills and tranquil backwaters to aromatic spice plantations and coastal regions. Visiting Kerala offers a wonderful escape into nature, history, and the local way of life. Some ways one can experience it fully are:
- Stay in local homestays or heritage resorts to experience Kerala’s famed hospitality. Many homestays provide experiential stays to truly immerse in local culture.
- Explore less commercial areas by local transport to discover hidden gems and interact with people in regions like wildlife reserves, tribal hamlets, and village backwaters away from crowds.
- Learn local art forms likeTheyyam, Kathakali, and Moorat performances as well as yoga, ayurveda, and martial arts of Kalaripayattu to understand Kerala’s rich performing arts and wellness heritage deeply.
- Participate in annual festivals to experience unique traditions like boat races during Onam, temple festivals, and ceremonial art forms.
- Visit local markets and interact with farmers in plantations, fishermen along backwaters, and tribal settlements to understand Kerala’s diverse economic activities and relationships with its natural bounties.
- Savor home-cooked Kerala cuisine over multi-course meals for a memorable, authentic culinary experience. Popular dishes are seafood, such as moilee, chicken stew, banana chips, payasam, and snacks.
- Respect local customs, minimal pollution initiatives, and support responsible tourism practices to conserve Kerala’s natural beauty for generations to come.
FAQs about visiting Kerala
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
Generally the best time to visit Kerala for most activities and sightseeing is between September to May when the weather is pleasant and warm. June to August months should be avoided due to heavy rains and high humidity levels.
How to travel within Kerala?
There are several modes of transport available – state run buses are efficient for travelling between towns. You can also opt for private buses, taxis or self driven car rentals. Within destinations, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws or local boats are commonly used.
What are the major festivals of Kerala?
Some of the major festivals are Onam (Aug-Sep), Krishna Jayanthi, Vishu, Durga Puja, Christmas, Easter, and several temple festivals with rituals, processions, art forms like Theyyam and temple feasts.
What is the food of Kerala famous for?
Some specialty cuisines include traditional Kerala sadhya thali served during festivals, coconut-based curries, seafood preparations like meen pollichathu and fish molee, Payasam desserts, Banana chips, appam, idiyappam and Kerala porcelain rice.
What are the must-buy souvenirs from Kerala?
Popular souvenirs include spices and produce like pepper, cardamom, vanilla, coconuts, handloom fabrics like cotton mundu, Kerala silk and banarasi saris, wood carvings, Theyyam masks, Ayurvedic products and books on culture/arts. One can also buy souvenirs made by local artisans like mats, baskets and handicrafts.