The 11 Reasons You Must Visit Kerala This Year

Kerala, a small state down south of India is ideal for family vacations and romantic getaways. Famous for its natural beauty, Kerala is often called ‘God’s Own Country. Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, there are many reasons to visit Kerala. From its rich culture to its lush green hills, serene backwaters and pristine beaches, every corner of the state is remarkable in its own way. Apart from these, Kerala is also known for its 100% literacy rate, Ayurvedic treatments, delicious cuisine and its many spice and tea plantations. Here are 11 good reasons why this destination should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

The Serene Backwaters

One of the main reasons to visit Kerala is the serene and beautiful backwaters. Kerala’s backwaters are a network of canals lined with palm trees. Backwaters in Kerala are also home to a unique range of flora and fauna. You can cruise through the backwaters in a traditional Kerala houseboat, or go kayaking or canoeing through them. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kerala! The best places to explore the backwaters of Kerala are Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kasaragod and Kuttanad.

Lush Hill Stations

If you want to head to the cool hill station rather than the sunny beaches, then there are plenty of choices in Kerala. Wayanad is one of the most popular tourist places in Kerala because of its breathtaking nature. It is known for its diverse forests along the Kabini River, as well as its coffee, rubber and spice plantations. Munnar, one of the best hill stations in Kerala is famous for its tea gardens and tea museums. You will also find popular Kerala tourist places like Thekkady which is known for its flora and fauna. At Athirapally, you can see massive waterfalls during the monsoons.

It’s Many Plantations

The coffee, tea and spice plantations in Kerala are very famous. You can find these picturesque places spread across the state, at destinations like Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady. Set amidst lush green hills, they offer picturesque vistas and the opportunity to taste a variety of tea and coffee flavours.

Ayurveda Treatments

The massages and Ayurveda treatment in Kerala are famous all over the world. Literally translating to the “science of life,” Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine and has been practised in India for thousands of years. The majority of the tourists come to visit Kerala for this experience. There are many Ayurveda centres in Kerala, Kottakkal, Ashtamgam, Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala to name a few. Kick back and unwind with therapies that will help you relax, including massages, oils, yoga, and more.

Also read: All you need to know about Kerala Ayurvedic massages

Diverse National Parks

There are over 25 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kerala. They are home to numerous species of wild animals and migratory birds, including elephants, langur monkeys and tigers. The Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Mathikettan Shola National Park, and the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary are just a few of these.

Unique Kerala Culture And Tradition

Kerala has a truly unique cultural heritage, including dance forms, folktales and art that have been well preserved. This includes the famous Kathakali, a 17th century dance form which features elaborate makeup and costumes, and Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art. There is also Chakyar Koothu, a form of comedy satire, Mohiniyattam, a 16th-century classical dance, and Theyyam, a traditional form of worship that includes dance.

A Long Historical Legacy

The history of Kerala is full of ancient treasures that reflect in its long history. Don’t miss Kochi, which is full of fascinating sites such as the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town with its Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers, the Dutch Palace (also known as Mattancherry Palace) with its mythological frescoes, the tomb of Vasco da Gama, and the Gothic-style Santa Cruz Basilica.

Thrissur has the Vadakkunnathan Temple, which holds the annual Thrissur Pooram, one of the grandest temple festivals in the state. You have to visit Kerala to see other important sites like the St Thomas Syro-Malabar Church and Cheraman Juma Masjid. You can also visit the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple with its annual elephant festival, and prehistoric Edakkal Caves.

The Richest Temple In The World

One of the famous temples in Kerala, the Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram in Thiruvananthapuram is another reason to visit Kerala. It is said to be the richest temple in the world and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. You can also visit the many temples nearby, such as Koyikkal Palace, Kanakakunnu Palace, Nanthancode and more.

Pristine Beaches

A trip to Kerala is not complete without chilling at the beaches. Kerala boasts numerous extraordinary and pristine beaches. Some of the best beaches in Kerala can be found at Kovalam, Kannur, Varkala, Bekal, and Kumarakom. If you like the calm, do visit some quiet beaches like Cherai & Marari beaches. Whether you want to engage in adrenaline-pumping water sports or just stroll along the palm lined beaches of Kerala, this is the place for you.

Delicious Food In Kerala

Kerala cuisine is famous for its sweet and savoury delicacies. This is also one of the best ways to explore its culture. The coastal cuisine of Kerala is known for its seafood, such as fish molee, prawn curry, appam with stew, erissery, nadan kozhi varithathu, idiyappam, puttu, and kadala curry. Kerala food style cooking uses abundance of coconut, rice, tapioca, and spices. You can also try the Kerala sadya, a traditional vegetarian meal, especially during festivals and weddings. Do come to visit Kerala to enjoy this elaborate spread served on a banana leaf.

Colourful Festivals

Kerala enjoys lots of vibrant festivities and celebrations during the year. The major two festivals in Kerala are Vishu and Onam, a 10-day harvest festival that occurs around September. Festivals of Kerala also include the annual Kerala boat festival, or Vallamkali that takes place in Alappuzha each July, and Theyyam, an 800-year-old ritual dance dedicated to the gods.

Generally, Kerala weather is pretty humid and hot as it lies in the tropical zone. The best time to visit Kerala is between November and February. But for people who love rain can visit Kerala in the monsoon season (between June and September). During this season many hotels and homestays offer 20-50 % discounts. It’s no surprise that tourism in Kerala is booming throughout the year. What are you waiting for, go book your flights to explore this mesmerizing Malabar Coast? Do share your experience with us in the comment box below.