Kerala

Kerala – God’s own Country 

This God’s own Country is labelled as among the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ by National Geographic. This tiny strip bound by hills in the east and sea on the west is a veritable beauty with verdant hill slopes, idyllic backwaters, serene fishing villages, and palm swaying pristine beaches. There is a distinctive glow in everything about Kerala, be it the tea gardens of Munnar, the lush green paddy fields in Kumarakom, the clear backwaters of Alappuzha, or the golden beaches in Kovalam.

History 

The history of Kerala is closely associated with its agriculture and commerce. Often referred to as India’s Spice Coast, Kerala has been the centre of attraction for traders since ancient times. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arab and Chinese in ancient period, and Portuguese, Dutch, Spaniards, French, and British in the medieval and early modern period have had regular trading contacts with Kerala. Portuguese traveller Vasco da Gama was the first European trader to set foot on Kerala in 1498. 

Present day Kerala after unification of the provinces of Cochin, Malabar, and Travancore came into existence in 1956.  

Kerala: Fast facts 

Area of State               : 38,863 square kilometres

Capital City                : Thiruvananthapuram

Population                  : 3,18,41, 400 (approx. as per 2011 Census)

Languages                   : Malayalam, English

Religion                      : Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam

Climate                       : Tropical with summer from February to May, Monsoon from 

                                      June to September, and winter from October to January

Currency                     : INR (Indian Rupee)

Time                           : GMT +5:30 hours

Districts                      : Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alapphuza,

  Kottayam, Idukki, Emakulum, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram,

  Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod  

Getting there and Away 

By air 

Kerala is served by three international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital in addition to being connected to major Indian cities is also connected internationally to Sri Lanka, Maldives, South East Asia, and Middle East. Though Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital, Cochin International Airport is the largest in state and has flights to and from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. All major domestic carriers have direct flights to Kerala airports from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, Agatti, and Mangalore. 

By train 

There are regular trains connecting different cities of Kerala to neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Direct trains connect Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai and Delhi. 

By Road 

Seven National Highways connect Kerala to different parts of India. NH 17 connects Kerala to Karnataka, Goa, and Mumbai. NH 47 connects Kerala to Salem, Coimbatore, and Kanyamkumari in Tamil Nadu, while NH 49 connects Kerala to Madurai and Rameswaram also in Tamil Nadu. NH 208 also connects Kerala to Madurai via Tenkasi and Punalur. NH 212 connects Kozhikode in Kerala to Mysore in Karnataka. Interstate buses ply between Kerala and Bengaluru. Volvo AC buses travel between Kerala and Coimbatore and also to Bengaluru. 

Within Kerala you could travel by buses, taxis and trains. Bus tickets for long distance buses are available at bus stand counters. Volvo bus tickets are also sold in advance. Superfast and Deluxe Express buses are also available for travelling from one city to another within Kerala. 

Travel Agents and Tour Operators in Kerala 

There are several acclaimed Kerala tour operators located in district cities and important cities of this state. These tour operators and travel agents keep on offering attractive Kerala tour packages from time to time. Honeymoon tour packages in Kerala backwaters are among the most exclusive of Kerala holidays offered by tour companies. 

People, Culture, Festivals in Kerala 

Festivals in Kerala reflect the vibrant lifestyle of local inhabitants. Festivals range from performance of traditional folk dance, display of brilliance in martial art forms, exhibition of team skills, to sombre religious rituals. Kerala cultural tours are an ensemble of colours, exemplary performances, and skilful displays. 

Onam – This is perhaps the biggest festival in this state and takes place over ten days in August – September. Onam is a festival in celebration of a good harvest. Boat races, elephant processions, and fairs are held for this state-wide fanfare. 

Feast of Holy Cross Shrine – This four day festival is held between 12^th and 15^th September and forms an important pilgrimage tour in Kerala. Candles weighing up to 300 kg are lit in obeisance to Lord Jesus Christ’s Holy Blood and Holy Cross. This event is marked by fireworks, processions, and feasts.

Other Kerala festivals that attract tourists are Adoor Gajamela, Pulikali, Thirunakkara Arattu, and Attuvela Mahotsavam 

Kerala National Parks and Wildlife 

Wildlife safaris are a rage among tourists to Kerala. Being in tropical region the vegetation of Kerala is thick and luxuriant. A jungle safari in the wilderness of Kerala is an enthralling experience. The following forests are outstanding for wildlife tours:

• Silent Valley rain forest in Palakkad on Nilgiri Hills;
• Periyar Tiger Reserve;
• Wayanad Forests;
• Malayatoor Forests;
• Nilambur teak forest

A prior permission from Forest Department Headquarters located in Thiruvananthapuram is required to visit these forests. Permission from concerned Forest Range Officers would also serve the purpose. October to March is the best time to visit the forests and national parks in Kerala. 

Kerala Specialities and Attractions 

Kerala Backwaters – Backwaters in Kerala are ethereal recluses for honeymoon couples and peace lovers. Serpentine stretches of backwater canals take you through idle fishing villages, lustrous green paddy fields, and swaying coconut palm groves. 

Kerala Houseboats – This is another unique specialty of God’s Own Country. Backwaters and houseboats are complementary to one another. A backwater tour without a houseboat is unthinkable and incomplete experience in your honeymoon tour to Kerala. Not only average tourists but even celebrity couples dream of spending their honeymoon in Kerala houseboats. 

Kerala Cuisine – With abundant fresh water all around for fish and ample fresh vegetables grown in gardens and farms recipes of Kerala are delicious and wholesome. ‘Sadhya’ is a traditional dish served during festivals. About 24 items including savouries and desserts are served in plantain leaves. ‘Olan’, ‘kaalan’, ‘pachadi’, ‘kichiadi’, and ‘kottukari’ are few recipes of Kerala. Among sweet dishes ‘payasam’, ‘unniappam’, and ‘boli’ are delectable. 

Kerala Performing Arts – Performing arts is a major Kerala tourist attraction. Of their dance forms, Kathakali would surprise you while Mohiniyattam would charm you. Kutiyattam is a dance drama performance depicting mythological events. Chavittunatakom is a musical drama performance. Margomkali is a ritualistic folk dance among Christians in Kerala where performers dance around a lighted lamp. Duffmuttu is a popular group performance among Muslims in times of festivals and ceremonies.    

Kerala Souvenirs – Kerala is a remarkable place to collect souvenirs. Being the spice capital of India you could buy cardamom, pepper, saffron, clove, and turmeric. Sandalwood products, like sandalwood oil, sandalwood powder, and figurines are perfect souvenirs of this south Indian state. 

Must See Places in Kerala 

Thiruvananthapuram – Capital city of Kerala is also the state’s gateway. This gentle city with its narrow streets exudes a feeling of tenderness. A walk down its lanes lined with red tile roofed buildings and pagoda shaped houses, and then along the golden beaches of Varkala and Kovalam would sooth your senses. 

Alappuzha – Your tour to Kerala is meaningless without visiting Alappuzha. This Kerala destination is perfect for honeymoon vacations in houseboats. Long stretches of backwaters along coconut palm groves and fishing villages take you to a secluded environment. 

Fort Kochi – Here you experience an amazing amalgamation of Kerala’s historic past with giant fishing villages resembling those in China, 17^th century Portuguese houses and colonial houses of the British period co-existing in perfect harmony. Fort Immanuel built by the Portuguese in 16^th century reflects the glorious past of Kerala. Thakur House is an excellent example of colonial architecture in Fort Kochi, popularly known as Cochin. 

Bekal – Bekal in Kasaragod district is among the best maintained Kerala forts. Shallow beach surrounding this fort is an exotic location for a Kerala holiday. Tree houses along the beach allow you to enjoy the sea breeze away from the sun rays. 

Kumarakom – Kumarakom, a village comprising a cluster of islands in Vembanad Lake is ideal for a bird watching tour in Kerala. Vembanad Lake Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist’s delight with teals, darters, cuckoo, egrets, herons, wild duck, waterfowls and Siberian stork found in abundant numbers. Backwater resorts and houseboat rides are added tourist attractions of this place. 

Munnar – Away from sea beaches, backwaters, and paddy fields, Munnar offers you a Kerala variety in the form of tea gardens along gentle hill slopes, waterfalls, streams, and colonial bungalows. This hill station at an elevation of about 1600 metres is among the perfect family tours in Kerala. A trek to Eravikulam National Park is invigorating for your senses. The hill slopes of Munnar are enveloped by a carpet of ‘Neelakurinji’, a blue flower that blooms every twelve years. The last blossoming occurred in 2006. 

Other must see places that you should visit in your Kerala tour are Muzhapilangad, Varkala, Thekkady, and Wayanad. 

Health Tourism in Kerala 

Health tourism occupies a place of pride in Kerala travel. Wellness clinics and spas thrive in the exotic locations of Kerala. Masseurs have kept the tradition of ancient Ayurvedic techniques alive. In fact such techniques are a rage throughout the world. Ayurvedic techniques not only provide reprieve for weary minds and body, but also offers treatment for numerous ailments. Different oils, herbs, and spices are used in treating patients. Some of the notable Ayurveda treatment centres in Kerala include: 

• Ayurdhara Ayurvedic Health and Wellness Centre in Thiruvananthapuram;
• Dr. Chandrans Ayurveda Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram ;
• Marari Ayurvedic Centre in Alappuzha;
• Soma Kerala Palace in Ernakulum;
• Chamundi Hill Palace Ayurvedic Resort in Kottayam;
• River Retreat Heritage Ayurvedic Resort in Thrissur 

Adventure Options in Kerala 

Adventure tourism in Kerala includes aquatic activities, trekking the hills of Western Ghats, and exploring different lakes and forests of this state. Diving and snorkelling in the sea beaches, boating in Kerala backwaters and fishing in Vembanad or

Astamudi Lakes are adventures options in this state. Anamudi Peak inside Eravikulum National Park would inspire enthusiastic trekkers.     

Do’s and Don’ts in Kerala 

While visiting Kerala you should make a note of the following:

• October to March is the best time to visit Kerala;
• Comfortable cotton clothing is ideal to be worn in Kerala;
• Light woollens might be required in December and January while visiting hill stations;
• Carry umbrellas as rain occurs in short sharp showers;
• Wide brimmed hats and sunglasses are needed while visiting the outdoors;
• While boarding taxis always negotiate fare before start of journey;
• Even while travelling by auto-rickshaws it is advisable to negotiate before commencing your journey;
• Eat healthy and drink lots of water;
• Always have a travel and health insurance. 

Notifications for Foreign Nationals 

Visitors from outside India need to note;

1. Travel documents such as passport and Visa should always be kept handy;
2. Complete your Kerala tour within Visa validity date;
3. Always carry a local map;
4. Take the assistance of registered guides while going sight seeing;
5. Move around with less cash and try to settle major payments through debit or credit cards;
6. Keep some cash for local transport or spending while travelling;
7. When in trouble contact the local police station or nearest tourist office 

Accommodation in Kerala 

Kerala accommodation is available in the form of budget hotels, bed and breakfast hotels, heritage hotels, and luxury hotels. For best hotel deals in Kerala you might speak to your Kerala tour operator. You might book your accommodation in Kerala hotels depending upon your budget and preferences. Standard hotels in Kerala accept major debit and credit cards.