Kerala

God’s Own Country of India

Kerala lies along India’s southwestern coast, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The state is known for calm backwaters, palm lined beaches, misty hill stations, rich wildlife, and deep rooted traditions. Kerala blends nature, wellness, culture, and slow travel better than almost anywhere else in India.

Lush green landscapes, flowing rivers, quiet villages, and a relaxed pace of life make Kerala ideal for peaceful and meaningful travel.

Lush green backwaters and natural beauty of Kerala

Major Highlight

Top National Park

Kerala is famous for its backwaters, rainforests, and protected wildlife reserves. The Western Ghats here are a UNESCO World Heritage region and one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world.

Wild elephant in forest area of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Western Ghats near Thekkady, Periyar is one of India’s best known wildlife reserves. It is famous for boat safaris on Periyar Lake and its healthy elephant population. The forest is rich in birdlife, deer, wild boar, and occasional tiger sightings.

Dense rainforest landscape of Silent Valley National Park in Kerala

Silent Valley National Park

A pristine tropical rainforest in the Nilgiri hills, Silent Valley is known for untouched nature and rare species. It protects one of the last remaining tracts of evergreen forest in India and is ideal for nature lovers and researchers.

Nilgiri tahr in grasslands of Eravikulam National Park Kerala

Eravikulam National Park

Located near Munnar, this park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Rolling grasslands, misty hills, and cool climate define the landscape. During rare blooming seasons, the park turns pink with Neelakurinji flowers.

Elephant in forest of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad offers dense forests, hills, and river valleys. The sanctuary supports elephants, leopards, deer, and many bird species. It also connects wildlife corridors between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Coastal Destinations

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Known as the heart of Kerala Alleppey is famous for houseboat stays, canals, and quiet village life.

Kumarakom

A calm backwater village near Vembanad Lake, known for birdwatching, peaceful, relaxed travel.

Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town known for cliff side beaches, a calm atmosphere, clean shores, beautiful sunset views.

Kovalam

One of Kerala’s destinations, with calm waters, crescent shaped beaches, and Ayurvedic wellness centers.

Hill Stations & Scenic Landscapes

Munnar

A cool hill station known for tea gardens, misty viewpoints, waterfalls, peaceful drives, fresh mountain air.

Wayanad

A green hill region with forests, waterfalls, caves, and tribal villages, ideal for nature lovers and quiet stays.

Vagamon

A calm hill station with open meadows, pine forests, and gentle landscapes, perfect for slow travel and scenic walks.

Religious & Spiritual Centers

Chottanikkara

A well known temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. Many visit for spiritual healing faith based rituals.

Sabarimala

One of India’s most important pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

Guruvayur

A famous Krishna temple town known for devotion, rituals, and daily temple life. Guruvayur attracts pilgrims from across South India.

Heritage & Cultural Towns

Decorated elephants during traditional temple festival in Kerala

Thrissur

Often called the cultural capital of Kerala. Famous for Thrissur Pooram festival, temples, and classical arts.

Coastal city view of Kozhikode along the Arabian Sea

Kozhikode

A historic coastal city known for spice trade history, traditional markets, beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Historic streets and heritage buildings of Mattancherry in Kochi

Mattancherry

Home to the historic Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Narrow streets, markets, Kerala’s trading past.

Cultural Experiences & Traditions

Kerala has a strong cultural identity shaped by nature and tradition.

  • Classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam
  • Martial art Kalaripayattu
  • Snake boat races and temple festivals
  • Village life, fishing culture, and local markets

Traditional art, music, and festivals are deeply connected to daily life.

Traditional Kerala dance and cultural performance
Traditional Kerala food and handmade local handicrafts

Cuisine & Handicrafts

Cuisine

Kerala food uses coconut, spices, rice, and fresh seafood.

  • Sadya traditional vegetarian meal
  • Appam and stew
  • Puttu and kadala curry
  • Fish curry, prawn roast, and Malabar biryani

Flavors are balanced, fresh, and comforting.

Handicrafts

  • Coir products and coconut based crafts
  • Kasavu sarees
  • Wood carving and metal lamps
  • Traditional spice products

 

Best Time to Visit Kerala

October to April

The best season for travel with pleasant weather. Ideal for beaches, backwaters, wildlife, and sightseeing.

March to May

Warm months with fewer crowds. Hill stations and coastal stays work well.

June to September

Monsoon season brings lush greenery. Perfect for Ayurveda treatments and scenic landscapes, though outdoor travel may be limited.

Highlights of Kerala showing backwaters hills wildlife and culture

Why Visit Kerala

Kerala offers calm travel, rich nature, and deep cultural roots. From quiet backwaters and green hills to wildlife forests and spiritual towns, the state invites travelers to slow down and enjoy simple moments. It is a place where nature and daily life move together, gently and beautifully.