A Beginner’s Guide to Kerala

Kerala, also known as ‘God’s Own Country’ is a paradise of nature. It is state blessed with a treasure of rich tradition and culture. Beauty and intelligence are spread across the land, making it a state worth a visit. So, why not book a Kerala Tour Package and get going?

Kerala is the very well-known state in South India, situated at the South-west direction leading to the Arabian Sea. It is famous for its palm trees and tropical stretches. Being a coastal area along the Western Ghats, it has magnificent greenery and lush vegetation. Culturally, it is the seat of Mohiniyattam and Kathakali the two great art forms it also hosts awe-inspiring architectural wonders. Kerala tour will lead you to some of the best places in the world to explore Ayurveda and Yoga. The native food is unquestionably delectable with mild and soothing flavours. Kerala is a nature’s work of art, to experience this beauty first-hand you must visit Kerala once.

Climate

It is more of a hot area with summers from mid-February to mid-May. Mid-May to early September is the monsoon season with heavy rain showers. Rains continue from the end of September to early November owing to South-East monsoon’s retreat. In months from mid-October to early February, you can face the mild winter season. No snow formation occurs, but it can get misty and cold at high altitude regions. The best months to visit Kerala for a tour are from December to February, so that you can visit the coastal hotspots like the beaches. To get a taste of Kerala’s tradition and culture, August to October is a more suitable time as it has a filled schedule of religious festivals like Onam and cultural activities like snake-boat races.

Transport

  • Stepping foot into Kerala

    There are flights available to Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum, and cities like Kozhikode and Kochi. You can also travel by trains as there are trains to many major locations. Plan out your routes for vacation and select the best option.

  • While in Kerala

    Taxi: Ambassador and Indica Taxis are pretty much common in here and are very good but pricey on the pocket for short travel. Also, remember to bargain the price before you get in.

    Bus: KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transportation Corporation) is always at your service with buses taking you to almost everywhere in the state. Duration of travel is more and is the least comfortable transport, but they are always there and punctual. You can also avail private buses which are more comfortable but pricier and less punctual.

    Train: Best transport to travel between towns and cities.

Places to Visit

Kovalam: It is a splendid beach with low current waters that are safe for swimming. It is in a sheltered cove which makes it a great place to relax. There are several restaurants around the beach too.

Periyar National Park, Thekkady– The National Park is home to elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and monkeys. Try out the pre-booked tours to visit this primaeval forest. Sources say that a one-day safari jeep with food will cost around Rs. 2500.

Munnar: This is, the popular hill station along the Western Ghats with hilly sceneries and tea estates. The places you must visit here are Nayamakad, Attukal, Devikulam and Eravikulam National Park, etc. Look around the place and breathe in fresh air enjoying the serene nature.

Alappuzha: This place is known as the ‘Venice of the East’, and this is owing to the lagoons, lakes and water channels interconnected with each other. When you are there, you must have the eclectic food offered in a variety of cuisines and also the speciality of Alappuzha, its seafood. The Nehru Snake Boat Race is conducted here, especially because of the lovely backwaters and lush paddy fields of rice. Get to Ketuvallam here for the backwater cruise along the water channels surrounded by coconut trees.

There are many other places in Kerala that can be included in the must-visit list.

Bed and Breakfast

Homestays, hotels, and resorts are in abundance at Kerala with the perfect surroundings of serene backgrounds, coconut fringed bounties of culture and scenic nature. To experience the comfort and familiarity of your home, you must try out the homestays which are supposed to be your home-away-from-home.

Food and Shopping

Kerala has the best quality and variety in spice. If you have the passion for cooking and trying different dishes, you must get equipped with these spices.

Kerala’s food has a Thai twist and abundance of coconut in most of its dishes. Masala Fort, Zam Zam, Kerala Houseboats and Toddy shops are all a must try when you are at this heavenly place. Toddy is a palm drink derived from the coconut; it is fresh and natively called Kallu.

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Abide by the dressing rules in all religious places and elsewhere too.
  • Ensure less friendly interaction with strangers while travelling, though it is fine if it is with families.
  • Do not drink alcohol in public.

Multicultural, scenic, healthy, clean, tropical are some qualities of our very own tiny little paradise. If you haven’t visited this beautiful place, then you should definitely visit Kerala your next vacation!

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