Kerala, fondly called “God’s Own Country”, known for its lush green landscapes, tranquil backwaters, Ayurvedic wellness, and rich cultural heritage.

Overview

Capital: Thiruvananthapuram

Best Time to Visit:

October to March – Cool and pleasant (ideal for sightseeing & houseboats)

June to September – Monsoon (lush, romantic, ideal for Ayurveda)

Languages: Malayalam (official), English widely spoken

Famous For: Backwaters, beaches, hill stations, spices, Ayurveda, Kathakali, and temples

Top Tourist Destinations

Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Backwaters & Houseboats

Houseboat cruises on the Vembanad Lake

Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach

Village walks, toddy tapping, paddy fields

Munnar – Hill Station & Tea Gardens

Rolling hills, tea estates, and cool climate

Eravikulam National Park – Nilgiri Tahr & Neelakurinji (blooms every 12 years)

Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station

Kumarakom – Backwaters & Birdwatching

Peaceful alternative to Alleppey

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Luxury resorts and Ayurvedic spas

Thekkady (Periyar) – Wildlife & Spice Plantations

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Boat safaris to spot elephants, bison

Spice plantations (cardamom, pepper, vanilla)

Bamboo rafting, elephant rides, martial arts shows (Kalaripayattu)

Kovalam – Beach Bliss

Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach

Water sports, sunbathing, and Ayurveda resorts

Varkala – Cliffside Beach Town

Famous for Papanasam Beach & red cliffs

Surfy vibe, yoga centers, shacks, and natural springs

Janardhana Swamy Temple

Thiruvananthapuram – Heritage Capital

Padmanabhaswamy Temple (richest Hindu temple in the world)

Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Palace, Shankhumugham Beach

Kochi (Cochin) – Historic Port City

Fort Kochi – colonial charm, art cafes, spice markets

Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Jew Town

Kerala Kathakali Centre, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace)

Offbeat & Nature Escapes

Wayanad – Forests, caves, waterfalls, and wildlife

Athirapally Falls – “Niagara of India” (seen in many films)

Ponmudi Hills – Near Trivandrum, quiet hill retreat

Bekal Fort & Beach – In Kasaragod, northern Kerala

Ayurveda & Wellness

Kerala is a global hub for Ayurvedic treatment & rejuvenation

Authentic experiences at government-certified centers in:

Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thrissur, Palakkad

Art & Culture

Kathakali – Traditional dance-drama with elaborate makeup

Kalaripayattu – One of the oldest martial arts

Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Temple festivals with elephants

Handicrafts: coir products, mural paintings, sandalwood, spices