Top Five Reasons to Visit Kerala India

First-time travelers to India will often rush first to the Mumbai’s, New Delhi’s, and the Taj Mahal’s of the world. These, however, are not all that the country can offer to its visitors. A state located on the southwestern tip of India is also a great place to start. Famously known as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is a hidden gem that is definitely included on the list of must-see places in the beautiful country of India.

Let's dive into the top five reasons why this place is one of a kind destination:

Natural Sceneries and the Great Outdoors

Kerala offers a multitude of beaches, forests, and tropical greenery to boast its rich natural environment. It offers pure and untouched views that will surely leave visitors in awe. The state is vastly painted with green and lush trees, a rare outlook in tourist destinations nowadays.

Wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala also provide tourists with a unique opportunity to witness rare creatures like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and the Nilgiri Tahr, among others, in their raw and natural habitat. Trekking, camping, water sports, safari-hopping, and bird-watching, are also some of the outdoor activities that can be done in Kerala.

Rich Culture

It is no secret that India is well-known by many as a nation of rich cultural heritage and tradition. Kerala is indeed a cultural hotbed on its own. Friendly people, good food, traditional dances, and art performances also make up the customs that it has to offer. The drama-based theater performance of Kathakali and a variety of Indian dance forms like Mohinattam, Koodiyattam, Chakyarkoothu all originated from the state. Carnatic classical and Sopana Sangeetham are the more popular musical forms that are featured in a number of festivals in Kerala.

Also known as the “Home of Ayurveda”, Kerala showcases its local ayurvedic massages that are sure to be relaxing. The state presents a number of ashrams and rejuvenation therapies and treatments to tourists. The locals also promote traditional Ayurveda methods including yoga, meditation, massage, and the use of herbal oils for good health and well-being. Medicinal plants and herbs are also scattered throughout many parts of the state that are used by the Indians to cure various sicknesses.

Delectable Cuisine

Kerala is famous for its spice plantations which contribute to the overall brand and identity of their local cuisine. The state’s culinary plates are usually filled with hot and spicy tones that are often mixed with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wayand, Siruvani, Attappadi, and Vandiperiyar, are local places known for cultivating the spices. If you are not a spicy food eater, local eateries also incorporate the use of coconut oil, milk, and different kinds of fish into their dishes.

Did you know? The place was already known to have rich spices dating back centuries. It was long sought-after by many colonizers around the world including the Ancient Romans and Greeks who cherished the state’s spices, especially pepper.

Picturesque Landscape and Views

Kerala is one of the few destinations wherein every corner of the place looks like a page taken out of a National Geographic magazine. The backwaters of Kerala are already a staple spot to go to. These are the interconnected networks of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and canals that run from the different coasts of the state. Long wooden houseboats are being used to traverse the course of the bodies of water, to which you can enjoy a jacuzzi bath coupled with a personal chef on board.

A vast number of hill stations also dot the plains of Kerala. These hilltops offer a cooler climate, misty woods, breath-taking waterfalls, and flower-filled meadows. Well-known hill stations include Munnar, Thekkady, Ponmudi, Wayanad, Ramakkalmedu, and Nelliyampathy which are situated approximately 1,000-2,500 meters above sea level.

The beaches in Kerala are also known to attract tourists all year round. The 580km coastline combined with a tropical climate of around 29-33 degrees celsius combine for a great beach getaway. Notable mentions are the Kovalam beach, Papasnanam beach, Shankumugham beach, Poovar beach which are all found in the state’s capital of Thiruvananthapuram while Mundakkal beach and Kollam beach are both situated in the port city of Kollam.

Escape to Tranquility

Crazy traffic, populous marketplaces, and stinking pollution is a common scene in the bigger cities of India. However, Kerala begs to differ from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Despite being the 13th most populous state in the country, Kerala still manages to maintain a peaceful and serene vibe. It is also located in one of the more remote parts of the country, making it even more attractive to tourists who are looking for great rest and recreation. The majority of the state is still undiscovered by many, and it's a must to visit Kerala before it hits the mainstream travel scene. It is also more often than not that you’ll find more local Indian travelers than foreigners!

To give you more idea about Kerala, please watch this video.

This article is by Kerala Tourism.