Wedged between the towering Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, Kerala is India's tropical paradise. With nearly 600 kms of pristine shoreline and a vast network of interlocking rivers and backwaters, it offers a deeply peaceful, soul-soothing travel experience.

History & Culture: According to Vedic texts, Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. Historically, Kerala was a major spice trading hub, attracting Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese explorers—most notably Vasco da Gama, who landed on the Kozhikode coast. This rich history is visible today in the diverse architecture of places like Fort Kochi.

Whether you are planning a relaxing houseboat stay in Alleppey, a romantic honeymoon amidst the tea gardens of Munnar, or an Ayurvedic retreat, Kerala is where mother nature chose as her home—earning the title “God’s Own Country”.

The weather in Kerala is pleasant and tropical throughout the year, but the experience changes drastically depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (September - March): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is comfortable, cool, and perfect for exploring Munnar and taking backwater cruises.
• Summer (February - May): Summers can be intense and humid, especially near the coast, but it is a great time to retreat to the cooler hill stations like Wayanad.
• Monsoon (June - August): While heavy rains can disrupt sightseeing, this is actually the best time for Ayurveda Treatments, as the cool, dust-free climate is considered highly favorable for therapies.

How to Get There

• By Air: Kerala is extremely well-connected to Mumbai and Delhi via three major international airports: Cochin (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), and Kozhikode (CCJ).
• By Train: Kerala is connected to all major Indian cities. Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam (Kochi) handle the major share of tourist train traffic.
• By Road: Kerala is well-connected by National Highways. If you plan on driving or renting a car, be extremely cautious as the winding, two-lane coastal and hill roads require careful navigation.

Kerala's cuisine is a magnificent reflection of its history as the "Spice Coast of India." Rich in coconut milk, curry leaves, tamarind, and mustard seeds, the food here caters beautifully to both pure vegetarians and seafood lovers.

Must-Try Local Kerala Food

• Appam with Ishtu (Stew): A classic breakfast! Fluffy, lace-edged rice pancakes served with a mild, aromatic coconut milk stew (can be veg or chicken).
• Kerala Sadya: The ultimate traditional vegetarian feast served on a fresh banana leaf, featuring over 20 items including avial, sambar, pachadi, and sweet payasam.
• Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in rich spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and pan-roasted. A massive hit in the Alleppey backwaters.
• Malabar Biryani: A highly fragrant, lightly spiced biryani made with short-grain Khaima rice, originating from the northern Malabar coast.

Vegetarian Food Availability

Indian tourists traveling from Mumbai or Gujarat will find Kerala exceptionally accommodating. Every town features "Udupi" style hotels and local restaurants serving excellent Pure Veg dosas, idlis, meals, and North Indian thalis.

• Backwater Houseboat Cruise – Spend a night floating on Vembanad Lake in Alleppey.
• Tea Gardens & Museums – Walk through the endless, manicured green estates in Munnar.
• Ayurveda Treatments – Rejuvenate with authentic, centuries-old massage therapies available statewide.
• Kathakali Performance – Watch this mesmerizing, ancient classical dance drama featuring elaborate makeup and costumes.
• Kalaripayattu – Witness the incredible agility of Kerala’s ancient martial arts in Thekkady.
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Take a boat safari or elephant ride to spot wild elephants in Thekkady.
• Chinese Fishing Nets – Photograph the iconic, massive wooden fishing nets at sunset in Fort Kochi.
• Snake Boat Race – A thrilling, high-energy boat race held during the monsoons (August) in Alleppey.

Cochin (Kochi)

Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” was the starting point of the colonization of India more than 600 years ago, and today it is the commercial capital of the state. It is famous for its multicultural heritage. Visitors flock to Fort Kochi to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, the historic Jewish Synagogue, and the Dutch Palace, making it a dream destination for history and architecture lovers.

Munnar

Located around 100 kms from Cochin in the Western Ghats, Munnar sits at 1,600 meters above sea level. Once the summer resort of the British Raj, it is now globally famous for its endlessly rolling, manicured Tea Plantations. It is blessed with the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, and is home to the Eravikulam National Park, where you can spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr.

Thekkady

Thekkady is the gateway to the world-famous Periyar Tiger Reserve. Unlike many other parks, Periyar remains open throughout the year, even during the monsoon. The biggest attractions here are the serene boat safaris on Periyar Lake (where you can spot wild elephants drinking water), elephant rides, and tours through the region's highly fragrant spice plantations.

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Widely known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is the hub of Kerala's famous backwaters. Located between Vembanad Lake and the Arabian Sea, the ultimate experience here is renting a traditional Kettuvallam (Houseboat) for an overnight cruise through the lush, palm-fringed canals. Alleppey is also famous for the thrilling Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race held every August.

Wayanad

This pristine green paradise, located high in the Western Ghats in northern Kerala, is about 76 kms from Kozhikode. Wayanad offers a cooler climate, spellbinding natural beauty, and a vast opportunity for adventure. Popular spots include the ancient Edakkal Caves, the stunning Soochipara Waterfalls, and extensive wildlife trekking routes.

Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)

As the majestic capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum effortlessly blends its deep royal heritage with modern city life. It is famously home to the awe-inspiring Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, renowned worldwide for its intricate Dravidian architecture and immense historical wealth. Art and history enthusiasts love exploring the grand Kuthiramalika Palace and the sprawling Napier Museum. Just a short drive from the city center lies the internationally acclaimed Kovalam Beach, famous for its iconic lighthouse, crescent-shaped shorelines, and vibrant surf culture.