Kerala: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Kerala is a state located on the southwest coast of India, known for its unique cultural identity, beautiful landscape and rich history. It is often called "God's own country" due to its natural beauty with lush mountains, tranquil backwaters and pristine beaches. Kerala is known for its high literacy rate, progressive social development and vibrant cultural heritage. It is also famous for nature, in which people here remain connected with nature.

Cultural and Social Fabric:

Kerala has a long history of diverse religious practices, with significant populations of Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

The state is known for its traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam and Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art.

There are also some vibrant festivals, including Onam, Vishu and Thrissur Pooram, which reflect the cultural diversities of the state.

language

The main language spoken in Kerala is Malayalam, which is the official language of the state. Malayalam is a Dravidian language, with its own script, and is widely spoken by the people of Kerala as well as in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

top places to explore in kerala

Kochi (Cochin) – History and Culture.

Kochi (Cochin) Located on the southwestern coast of Kerala, Kochi is a cosmopolitan port city known for its unique blend of cultures, colonial architecture and diverse history. It is known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea" as it was a great trading port in ancient times and has a rich cultural heritage.

 Kochi has a deep historical legacy as it was one of the major trading centers for spices, especially pepper, between the 14th and 17th centuries. The city attracted traders from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Athirappilly – Waterfalls

Athirappilly Waterfalls are one of the most spectacular and famous natural attractions in Kerala. This has been termed the "Niagara of India" as it resembles the former in its magnificence and beauty. Located in Thrissur district, Kerala, this waterfall is a must-visit for nature lovers, adventure freaks, and all photographers. This is a waterfall on the Periyar River that emanates from the Western Ghats. It falls from a height of 80 feet (24 meters).

Alappuzha (Alleppey) – Backwaters and Houseboats

AlleppeyAlappuzha or Alleppey is a beautiful city in the state of Kerala, famous for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. Alappuzha is often called the "Venice of the East" and is an important tourist destination, a land of beautiful canals, lagoons and beaches. It has a hotel-like hotel. You get breakfast, lunch and dinner here.

Munnar – Tea Plantations and Hill Stations

Munnar is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats of Kerala, known for its lush green tea plantations, cool climate and breathtaking landscapes. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and those looking for peaceful relaxation.

Varkala – Beaches and Cliffs

Known commonly as the "Pearl of the Arabian Sea", Varkala is one of the most enchanting coastal sites in Kerala offering a breathtaking array of beaches and cliffs. As the cliffs are dramatically rising to the sky right above the ocean, and even the beaches - it is ideal for both peace and adventure activities. Here comes a close up view of Varkala Beaches and Cliff by a Tourist.

Wayanad – Nature and Adventure

Wayanad is a stunning district in the Western Ghats of Kerala, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Known for its lush landscape, wildlife, waterfalls and trekking trails, Wayanad offers a perfect escape into the wilderness. Here is an overview of the nature and adventure that Wayanad has to offer.

Thekkady – Wildlife and Spice Plantations

Thekkady, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, is a famous tourist destination for its wildlife sanctuary and spice plantations. Nestled on the banks of the Periyar River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, Thekkady offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure and culture, making Thekkady a must-visit place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Here is an overview of Thekkady's wildlife and spice plantations from a tourism perspective.

Kumarakom – Backwaters and Bird Sanctuary

It is a beautiful tourist destination in Kerala, India. Kumarakom is known for beautiful backwaters and a great bird sanctuary. This is what makes it distinctive and popular. Here is a detailed description of what makes it unique. Located on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom gives an incredibly idyllic feel to the backwaters of Kerala. It is a network of lagoons, lakes and rivers surrounded by coconut palms and villages. Visitors can experience this peaceful environment through:

Alappuzha (Alleppey) – Backwaters and Houseboats

AlleppeyAlappuzha or Alleppey is a beautiful city in the state of Kerala, famous for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. Alappuzha is often called the "Venice of the East" and is an important tourist destination, a land of beautiful canals, lagoons and beaches. It has a hotel-like hotel. You get breakfast, lunch and dinner here.

Hiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) – Temples and Beaches.

Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum as it is locally known, is the capital of Kerala. The city is an excellent blend of cultural heritage, temples, beaches, and natural beauty. A laid-back feel pervades Thiruvananthapuram, which houses a mix of architectural marvels, spiritual experiences, and coastal charm.

Kollam – Backwaters and Scenic Views

Kollam is known for its backwaters, which are a chain of peaceful lagoons, lakes, and canals passing through the land, making it an ideal location for houseboat cruises and exploring the natural beauty of Kerala.

Idukki – Hills and Wildlife

Idukki, located in the heart of Kerala, is a beautiful district known for its lush green hills, dense forests and wildlife. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, wildlife and adventure seekers. The district is a treasure trove of beautiful landscapes, serenity of hilly terrain and diverse flora and fauna

Bekal – Forts and Beaches

Bekal, a small seaside town in the northernmost part of the state of Kerala, in the Kasargod district, is known for its forts, beaches and scenery. The town has history, culture and natural beauty, so it is ideal for travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation.

Sabarimala – Pilgrimage

Sabarimala is one of the greatest and most sacred pilgrimage destinations. It is in Idukki district, Kerala, India. The deity in the temple is the Lord Ayyappa, an important Hindu deity worshipped mainly in South India. The temple attracts millions of devotees per year; hence, it is a significant religious and cultural center, especially for those who come on a spiritual journey. The temple is known for its strict pilgrimage practices, scenic beauty, and the profound spiritual significance associated with it.

Kottayam – Pilgrimage and Nature

Kottayam lies in the heart of Kerala: a beautiful town known for its pilgrimage sites, lush landscapes, and a pertinent role in Kerala's cultural and religious heritage. It is a perfect blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty, attracting visitors who seek both inner peace and outdoor adventure.

history of kerala

The history of Kerala spans thousands of years and is marked by a rich blend of cultural, political, and social developments. It has been home to several ancient civilizations and was ruled by various dynasties, most notably the Chera dynasty, which thrived from around 300 BCE to 1200 CE. Its strategic location on the Malabar Coast facilitated trade with Arabia, Europe, and other regions, making it a prominent center for spice trade.

During the medieval period, feudal kingdoms had their rise in Kerala, such as Venad, Kochi, and Kozhikode. In that period, Middle East traders, Chinese traders, and European traders started coming to the region, which brought diverse cultural influences, including the influence of Islam. During the 16th century, Portuguese arrived followed by Dutch and British, who extended their colonial power over the rulers of Kerala, especially the Kingdom of Travancore, which enjoyed partial independence under British suzerainty.

The 19th and 20th centuries have been quite momentous, socially, as movements against caste oppression were spearheaded by Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali, among others. Kerala also had a vital role in the Indian independence struggle; many people were involved in revolts in the region.

The state of Kerala became unified, incorporating all regions that speak the Malayalam language, through the States Reorganization Act in 1956. The state continued to boast relatively high literacy and social policy liberalization as well as robust politics, particularly at the beginning of its communist-led state governments in mid-20th century.

Contemporary Kerala finds its recognition regarding its cultural differences, social achievements, and life standards as high as the highest states in the Indian union.

best time to visit kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is based upon what kind of experience you desire. Kerala basically has a tropical climate with several distinct seasons, especially the monsoon season, winter, and summer.

• For general sightseeing and outdoor activities: November to February (Winter) is the best time.
• For Ayurveda and wellness tourism: June to September (Monsoon).
• Budget travel: Summer- March to May.
• For cultural experiences: August to September (Onam).

how to reach kerala

Kerala is well connected to the rest of India and the world by air, rail, and road. Here's a detailed guide on how to reach Kerala, depending on your location and preferred mode of travel:

 By Air:

Major airports in Kerala are well-connected with domestic and international destinations. The international airports in the state can accommodate flights from major cities worldwide.

By Train:

Kerala is very well connected by trains within the state and to other parts of India. Travelling by trains is economical and comfortable too.

Major Railway Stations

Ernakulam Junction (ERS) - Kochi

Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) - Thiruvananthapuram

Kochuveli (KCVL) - Thiruvananthapuram

Kozhikode (CLT) - Kozhikode

Aluva (AWY) - near Kochi

By Road:

 Kerala is also very well connected by road to all the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. You can easily reach Kerala by bus or private car or even by renting a car if you are planning to drive yourself.

By Waterways:

Kerala has a lot of backwaters and lakes, though it is rarely used as a transport route for any long distance travel, you can reach parts of the state by ferry or boat.

From Lakshadweep: Passenger ferries are available from Lakshadweep islands like Kavaratti to the coastal towns of Kochi and Kollam.

Backwater Cruise: If you are already in Kerala, you can travel between Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi and Kollam by traditional houseboats and ferries along the backwaters.

most famous food of Kerala

1.Sadya

Sadya is the pinnacle of vegetarian feasts in Kerala. Traditionally, it was eaten on a banana leaf, mainly during festival days, such as Onam. It forms a spread of several dishes that might include:

Rice, mainly served

Sambar-a type of vegetable stew, made of lentils

Avial-a mixture of vegetables with coconut and yogurt

Kalan-a type of curry made from yogurt and vegetables

Thoran-stir-fried vegetables mixed with grated coconut

Pachadi: Yogurt-based dishes with vegetables, usually containing cucumber or pineapple

Pickles: Tamarind or mango pickle

Payasam: Sweet dessert of rice or lentil

2. Avial

Avial is a classic dish of Kerala. It's prepared with numerous vegetables cooked together in a combination of coconut and yogurt and flavored with curry leaves and mustard seeds. It goes well with rice and is the primary component of Sadya.

3. Thoran

Thoran is a dry, stir-fried dish prepared with vegetables like cabbage, beans, or carrot and grated coconut. It is seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sometimes green chilies, giving it a unique, flavorful taste. Thoran is a common side dish in Kerala meals.

4. Pachadi

Pachadi is another curry made on sour yogurt by any combination of grated cucumber, pineapple, carrot with a great array of fresh ginger, green chili, curry leaf, mustard which serves cooling contrasts after too much chili eating in any dishes.

5. Kalan

Kalan is a curry prepared with vegetables, normally yam or raw banana, in a spiced yogurt and coconut gravy. This makes it one of the most distinct and tasty vegetarian dishes from Kerala's kitchen.

6. Kadala Curry

Kadala Curry is one of the favorite Kerala dishes. It is made with black chickpeas in a rich, spicy coconut gravy. It's usually served with Puttu or appam. The dish is both nutritious and flavorful.

7. Puttu

Puttu is a traditional breakfast item prepared from steamed rice flour and grated coconut. It is combined with various things like Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry) or banana. It is light yet filling, mainly preferred in the morning time.

8. Idiyappam

Idiyappam is nothing but string hoppers, or long thin steamed rice noodles. It can be combined with coconut milk or vegetable curry. It is light and healthy and mostly taken for breakfast or at night.

9. Vegetable Stew (Ishtu)

A light curry using carrots, potatoes, and beans cooked in coconut milk. The curry is soft and comforting in nature, so usually served with Appam (soft rice pancakes) or Idiyappam.

10. Olan

Olan is a traditional Kerala dish made with white pumpkin and black-eyed peas cooked in coconut milk, flavored with curry leaves and ginger. It's usually served as part of Sadya but can also be enjoyed as a light, wholesome curry with rice.

11. Cheera Thoran (Spinach Stir Fry)

Cheera Thoran is a simple stir-fry made with spinach, coconut, and a variety of spices like mustard seeds and turmeric. It's a healthy, flavorful dish commonly served as a side with rice.

12. Sambar

Sambar is a staple lentil stew cooked with vegetables and tamarind, flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a variety of spices. While it's typically served with rice, it’s also commonly enjoyed with dosas, idlis, or vadas.

13. Appam

Appam is a soft, bowl-shaped pancake that is made using fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Though this can be had with both veg and non-veg curries, this is usually had with vegetable stews or coconut milk for a light meal.

14. Uppumanga

Uppumanga is the pickled raw mango, salt, and green chilies mixed together. This pickle is popularly served as a side dish with rice during traditional Kerala meals.

15. Kerala Style Vegetable Biryani

This is a vegetarian biryani, made flavorful and aromatic by basmati rice and various vegetables, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It is mostly served with raita or salad.