Often called "God’s Own Country," is a tropical paradise in southern India known for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, hill stations, and rich culture.

Overview

• Location: Southwestern coast of India

• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

• Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather)

• Famous For: Ayurveda, Houseboats, Spices, Kathakali dance, Tea plantations

Top Tourist Places

1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)

• Known as the Venice of the East

• Highlights: Houseboat cruises, backwaters, coconut lagoons

• Must-Do: Stay overnight on a houseboat

2. Munnar

• A hill station famous for tea plantations and cool climate

• Highlights: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point

• Must-Do: Tea estate tour and trekking

3. Kochi (Cochin)

• A vibrant port city blending modern and colonial influences

• Highlights: Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace

• Must-Do: Kathakali dance performance

4. Kumarakom

• Tranquil backwater village near Vembanad Lake

• Highlights: Bird sanctuary, luxury resorts, canoe rides

• Must-Do: Sunset cruise

5. Thekkady

• Famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Highlights: Elephant safaris, spice plantations

• Must-Do: Bamboo rafting, nature walks

6. Wayanad

• A scenic district with forests, waterfalls, and caves

• Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Banasura Sagar Dam

• Must-Do: Wildlife spotting, trekking

7. Varkala

• A coastal town with cliffside beaches

• Highlights: Varkala Beach, Janardana Swami Temple

• Must-Do: Ayurvedic massage, surfing

8. Kovalam

• Popular beach destination with calm waters

• Highlights: Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach

• Must-Do: Water sports, seafood dining

9. Thrissur

• Known as Kerala’s cultural capital

• Highlights: Thrissur Pooram festival, temples, cultural shows

• Must-Do: Witness traditional art forms

10. Bekal

• Famous for Bekal Fort and less-crowded beaches

• Highlights: Scenic coastal views, historical fort

• Must-Do: Photography, sunset watching

Local Cuisine

• Must-Try Dishes: Appam with stew, Kerala Sadya (banana leaf meal), Fish curry, Malabar Parotta, Puttu, Kerala-style prawns

• Sweets: Payasam, Unniyappam

Unique Experiences

• Houseboat stay in Alleppey/Kumarakom

• Ayurveda spa and wellness retreats

• Watching a Theyyam performance (ritual art form)

• Snake boat races during Onam festival

Kerala

KERALA