Kerala : Reasons why you should visit Kerala !

Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, diverse culture, and rich heritage. 

Here are some reasons why you should visit Kerala:

Natural Beauty: Kerala is often referred to as "God's Own Country" due to its breathtaking natural landscapes. From serene backwaters and palm-fringed beaches to lush hill stations and cascading waterfalls, Kerala offers a diverse range of picturesque location.

Backwaters: The backwaters of Kerala, particularly in places like Alleppey and Kumarakom, are a major attraction. These tranquil waterways, formed by a network of canals, rivers, and lakes, provide a unique and peaceful experience. A popular way to explore the backwaters is by taking a houseboat cruise.

Ayurveda and Wellness: Kerala is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies. Visitors can indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, spa treatments, and yoga retreats, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Wildlife and Nature Reserves: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as Periyar National Park and Eravikulam National Park. These protected areas provide opportunities for wildlife sightings, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various species of birds.

Cultural Heritage: Kerala has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by a mix of indigenous, Dravidian, and colonial traditions. Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama form, and classical music performances are popular cultural attractions. Additionally, Kerala's temples, palaces, and historical sites offer insights into its vibrant history.

Key Locations and Travel Time:

Kochi (Cochin): Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi is a bustling port city and a popular tourist hub. It is known for its Chinese fishing nets, historic Fort Kochi, and colonial architecture. Travel time from the nearest airport, Cochin International Airport, to Kochi city center is approximately 1 hour.

Munnar: Situated in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations, misty mountains, and waterfalls. It offers a tranquil retreat amidst nature. Travel time from Kochi to Munnar is around 3-4 hours by road.

Alleppey (Alappuzha): Alleppey is famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. It provides a unique experience of floating along the serene canals and lagoons. Travel time from Kochi to Alleppey is approximately 1.5-2 hours by road.

Kumarakom: Located near the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is another popular backwater destination. It is known for its bird sanctuary, luxury resorts, and serene ambiance. Travel time from Kochi to Kumarakom is around 2-3 hours by road.

Kovalam: Situated near the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kovalam is a famous beach destination with pristine beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Travel time from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Kovalam is approximately 30 minutes.

Most Visited Places:

Apart from the key locations mentioned above, other popular tourist spots in Kerala include:

Thekkady: Home to Periyar National Park, known for its wildlife and boat safaris.

Wayanad: A hill district offering lush greenery, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Varkala: A coastal town known for its cliffs, sandy beaches, and Ayurvedic treatments.

Athirapally Waterfalls: A majestic waterfall located near the entrance of the Sholayar Forests.

Thrissur: Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, it hosts the vibrant Thrissur Pooram festival.

Sightseeing: Popular tourist attractions in Kerala include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Athirapally Falls, Varkala Beach, Kovalam Beach, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi.

Houseboat Stay: A unique experience in Kerala is staying overnight on a traditional houseboat (known as a "kettuvallam") while cruising through the backwaters. It offers a glimpse into the local way of life.

Beaches: Kerala boasts beautiful beaches along its coastline, including Kovalam, Varkala, Cherai, and Marari. Visitors can relax, sunbathe, and indulge in water activities.

Cultural Experiences: Kathakali, a classical dance-drama, and Theyyam, a traditional ritualistic performance, are significant art forms in Kerala. Attending these performances is a must for cultural enthusiasts.

Plantations: Tea, coffee, and spice plantations are prevalent in Kerala. Visitors can explore the fragrant spice gardens of Thekkady and learn about the cultivation and processing methods.

Kerala Food and Cuisine:

Seafood: Kerala is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish), Meen Curry (fish curry), and Prawns Roast are popular delicacies.

Appam and Stew: Appam is a fluffy rice pancake served with a creamy coconut-based stew, often made with vegetables or chicken. It is a traditional breakfast dish in Kerala.

Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed rice cake made from rice flour and coconut, often served with Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry). It is a popular breakfast combination.

Malabar Biriyani: Malabar-style biriyani is a flavorful rice dish cooked with fragrant spices, meat (chicken, mutton, or fish), and garnished with fried onions and cashews.

Payasam: Payasam is a sweet dessert made with milk, rice, and jaggery (or sugar). Palada Payasam, made with rice flakes and milk, is a popular variety in Kerala.

Banana Chips: Kerala is known for its crispy and tasty banana chips, made from thinly sliced raw bananas, deep-fried in coconut oil, and sprinkled with salt.

Please note that travel times mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions and mode of transportation.

Enjoy Your Luxury Travel Tourism in Kerala

Kerala offers it all, hypnotizing backwaters, mesmerizing tropical beaches, meandering paths, lustrous green mountains and amazing wildlife'no wonder that it is popularly known as God's Own Country! A journey into this mesmerising land remains incomplete if one does not experience the traditional hospitality offered at hotels in Kerala. With a range of accommodation options available including budget hotels, luxury hotels, home stay options, luxurious resorts and nature retreats, hotels in Kerala would leave you amazed. From tree houses to tiny hutments, from lakeside location to one on a hilltop, from contemporary facilities to ethnic ambience, it's all available. In fact, hotels in Kerala offer as good a holiday experience as the destination itself.

While the entire state is picturesque, two major tourist destinations in Kerala that offer a contrast of experiences are Munnar and Kumarakom. While Kumarakom comprises of a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake and is the most invigorating, fascinating paradise in Kerala, Munnar offers a serene countryside with gorgeous landscape, an unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine mountains valleys, exotic flora and fauna and aroma of spice-scented air. While Hotels in Munnar range from luxury cottages on hilltops to guest houses on plantation estates, hotels in Kumarakom include houseboats on the lake and plush resorts on islands.

Since Kumarakom boasts of a bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres which is a favorite haunt of migratory birds, the resorts and hotels in Kumarakom are sometimes frequented by these birds, making the place an ornithologist's paradise. What's more, this enchanting backwater destination is surrounded by coconut palms, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and mangroves.

As opposed to Kumarakom, Munnar offers picturesque plantations and rolling hills that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks. In an attempt to keep the ethnicity of the region intact, hotels in Munnar take pride in providing traditional hospitality and accommodation options that are in sync with nature. A large number of hotels in Munnar are actually guest houses or resorts set amidst acres of plantations. The ambience and décor of the property is maintained in true Kerala style, so that a hotel in Munnar retains its distinct identity.

While the range of accommodation options varies from region to region, there are a few common features that exist in most hotels in Kerala. Along with traditional Kerala style hospitality, they offer the most delicious South Indian preparations, especially Malabari cuisine, that leave the taste buds asking for more! So while Kerala offers beautiful backwaters and sunny beaches, hotels in Kerala offer delectable spicy specialities and warm hospitality besides a range of contemporary facilities.