Kerala Travel Guide (Southern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Kerala

Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is a state located in Southern India. It is famous for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, serene mountains, and diverse wildlife. The state has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a unique cuisine that is sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore different aspects of Kerala from the culturally important attractions to hiking and biking trails. We will also recommend the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around. Whether you are a solo traveler or with family and friends, Kerala offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala has many popular tourist destinations, and here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Mattancherry Palace: A Portuguese palace that dates back to the 16th century and is now a museum showcasing Kerala’s culture and history.
Jewish Synagogue: Another popular tourist attraction in Kochi, built by the Malabar Yehudan people in the late 16th century and features beautiful hand-painted Chinese tiles and antique chandeliers.
Fort Kochi: A historic town with colonial buildings, beautiful churches, and a picturesque beach. It is also famous for its Chinese fishing nets.

Natural Attractions of Kerala: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Munnar: A beautiful hill station known for its tea plantations, scenic views, and pleasant weather.
Alleppey: Known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is famous for the backwaters and houseboats. It is a perfect place to enjoy Kerala’s natural beauty.
Wayanad: A travel destination favored by adventure seekers and nature lovers owing to its lush green landscapes and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kerala

Kerala offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in India. Here are some popular routes:

Meesapulimala Trek: A challenging trek that takes you to the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The trek offers stunning views of the majestic mountains and beautiful tea plantations.
Periyar Tiger Reserve: A nature lover’s paradise offering fantastic trekking paths through dense forest filled with wildlife.
Sholayar Dam to Valparai: A popular biking route that offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats.

Best Things to Do in Kerala: Activities and Tours

Backwater Houseboat Tours: A must-do tourist activity that lets you explore the backwaters and enjoy the rustic charm of Kerala’s villages.
Elephant Sanctuary Visit: Visit one of the many elephant sanctuaries in Kerala to meet and feed the gentle giants.
Kathakali Performance: Watch traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali, a dance-drama that tells mythological stories through colorful and intricate makeup and costumes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kerala

If you have seven days to explore Kerala, the following itinerary is ideal:

Day	Destination
1	Kochi
2	Munnar
3	Thekkady
4	Alleppey
5	Kovalam
6	Wayanad
7	Kochi

Food and Drink Scene of Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala is famous for its spices, coconut, and seafood. Here are some dishes and drinks that are must-tries:

Must-Try Dishes

Puttu and Kadala Curry: A breakfast combination of steamed rice cakes served with chickpea curry.
Appam and Stew: A traditional Kerala breakfast that consists of rice pancakes served with coconut milk-based stew.
Malabar Parotta and Beef Fry: A popular street food combination that consists of flaky flatbread and spicy beef fry.

Local Beverages

Tender Coconut Water: A refreshing and hydrating drink perfect for hot and humid days.
Karikku: A sweet coconut water drink mixed with lime juice, ginger, and other spices.
Toddy: An alcoholic beverage made from fermented coconut palm.

Where to Stay in Kerala: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kerala offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some top picks:

Vivanta by Taj - Malabar: With stunning location and luxurious amenities, Vivanta by Taj is an excellent choice for travelers who want to indulge.
Zostel Hostel: An affordable and comfortable hostel chain located across Kerala.
Homestays: Many families across Kerala offer homestays, a chance to experience the local culture.

What to Buy in Kerala: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kerala offers plenty of souvenirs for tourists. Here are some items to consider bringing back home:

Spices: Kerala’s spices are famous and make excellent gifts for your foodie friends.
Nettipattam: A traditional elephant headgear worn during festive occasions.
Kasavu Mundu: A traditional dress for women made of handloom cotton with gold embroidery work.

Local Culture and Customs of Kerala

Families in Kerala celebrate festivals and life events with traditional art forms and gatherings. The traditional dance forms of Kerala, such as Mohiniyattam, Kathakali, and Theyyam, are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural history.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala has a tropical climate, with monsoon seasons between June and August and again from October to December. The best time to visit Kerala is from August to February, with pleasant weather and festivals like Onam and Christmas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kerala

Do:

Dress modestly and cover your head while visiting temples and other holy places.
Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
Try local foods and interact with the locals for a unique experience.

Don’t:

Don’t wear shoes or footwear inside temples and other holy places.
Don’t take photos of people without their consent.
Don’t litter and take care of the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kerala

Kerala is a relatively safe state for travelers. However, it is always best to take the necessary precautions when traveling.

Health in Kerala

Kerala is an entirely safe destination from a health perspective. It is essential to drink only bottled water and take precautions against mosquito bites.

Getting to Kerala: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kerala is well-connected by air, land, and water. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach Kerala:

Airports Near Kerala

Cochin International Airport
Trivandrum International Airport

Bus Stations Near Kerala

Kochi Bus Station
Kozhikode Bus Station

Other Options

Train: Kerala has an extensive rail network connecting major cities and towns.
Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.

How to Get Around in Kerala

Kerala has an excellent transportation system with buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. However, hiring a car or a bike gives you more flexibility to explore the state at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Kerala: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kerala is surrounded by many other travel destinations that one can explore. Some popular ones include Goa, Hampi, and Pondicherry.

Conclusion

Kerala has everything that one could ask for in a travel destination. From majestic mountains, serene backwaters, tropical greenery to vast tea plantations, Kerala has something for everyone. This comprehensive tour guide will help you to explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Kerala.