Discovering the Hidden Gems of Kerala: Must-Visit Places on Your Tour
Introduction
From the vast deserts of Rajasthan in the North to the gorgeous beaches of Goa in South, India is a country teeming with cultural diversity and beauty. But Kerala, perched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on India’s southwestern coast, stands out as a destination like no other.
Kerala is a stunning region full of natural beauty, history and culture. From its lush jungles and winding rivers to its fascinating art forms—such as Kathakali (a classical dance-drama form popular in southern India)—Kerala is a must-see destination. And its cuisine is just as varied!
Let’s take a look at what makes Kerala so special with this blog post. We’ll explore some of its historic monuments, golden beaches, vibrant culture and more! So come along with us on an unforgettable journey through Kerala—the Land of History, Nature & Culture.
Overview of Kerala
Kerala is one of India's most beautiful states, and for good reason. It is home to a variety of natural sights, captivating culture and interesting history. From the stunning backwaters to lush green mountain ranges, there's something here for everyone. Whether you're looking for some adventure or a peaceful getaway, the tropical state of Kerala has it all.
Kerala is renowned for its top-notch wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Among these are Periyar National Park, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Whether you are an animal-lover or an outdoor enthusiast, you'll find something here to spark your interest.
The palm-fringed beaches of Kerala will leave you mesmerized by their beauty. There are plenty of activities to do in these areas such as soaking up the sun at Marari Beach or checking out the many seafood restaurants in Kovalam.
Kerala also offers a unique cultural experience with its many temples, monuments and festivals — from Onam festivals to sacred ritual performances like Theyyam — any visit to Kerala would be incomplete without taking this into account as well!
If you're looking for a memorable trip that combines history, nature and culture, head on down to Kerala!
Top Tourist Attractions in Kerala
Historical Sites
Padmanabhapuram Palace - Located at the southern tip of Kerala, this 16th century palace is known for its stunning architecture and artwork.
Fort Kochi & Mattancherry - These forts were built during the rule of Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers. They are perfect spots to explore India's colonial heritage.
Bekal Fort - Located near Kasaragod, this fort was built by Sivappa Nayak in 1650 and boasts spectacular views over the Arabian Sea.
Natural Wonders
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - This sprawling sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna such as tigers, leopards and elephants.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - This reserve is perfect for taking wildlife safaris on foot or via boat rides across Lake Periyar.
Athirappilly Waterfalls - One of Kerala's most beautiful waterfalls, you can either go for a dip in its cool waters or just admire its beauty from a distance.
Cultural Experiences
Kathakali Dance Performance - Watch mesmerizing dance performances based on Hindu mythology that blend music and colorful costumes.
Cuisine Tours - Explore local markets and sample traditional dishes like Idli, Dosa, Chickpe
Best Time to Visit Kerala
Have you decided to plan a trip to Kerala? Kerala is so beautiful throughout the year, you can honestly make the call based on what you prefer. However, if you want an optimal experience and the best of everything the state has to offer, then the best time to visit Kerala is during its winter season – December to February.
During this time, there’s cool weather in most parts of Kerala, ranging from 20°C-320°C (or 68°F-86°F). This makes it perfect for indulging in outdoor activities like trekking or elephant rides. You will also get to experience some of the state's signature festivals such as Onam or Pongal.
But if you don’t mind dabbling with rainy days, then Monsoon season is also a great time for exploring many of Kerala's hidden gems and lush natural beauty. The rain brings out some truly stunning landscapes that are worth capturing with your camera!
To sum it up: winter season brings cooler temperatures and outdoor activities, whereas monsoon season gives a glimpse into nature’s beauty -- so pick whichever one suits your fancy!
Cuisine of Kerala
Kerala has an incredibly diverse cuisine that simply must be experienced. Here are some of the most well-known dishes:
Appam and Stew
A hallmark of Kerala cuisine, Appam is a lentil-based pancake commonly served with stew, made of vegetables or meat. It can also be enjoyed with coconut milk or jaggery for sweetness.
Sadya
Sadya is a traditional Kerala feast, served on festive occasions such as weddings and temple festivals. It consist of a delicious array of up to 25-30 dishes, which are served on a banana leaf and typically include rice, sambhar (a lentil-based dish), pachadi (yogurt based dish), kootan (vegetable dish), payasam (dessert) and more.
Seafood Dishes
Being surrounded by the sea and blessed with abundant seafood, it's not surprising that seafood dishes are popular in Kerala's cuisine. A few popular seafood dishes you should try out at least once include Fish Molee (fish cooked in coconut milk) and Meen Peera (tuna fish cooked with spices). If you have vegetarian friends in your group, don’t worry – there are plenty of veg options as well!
For those who'd like to spice their meal up, worry not: Kerala's cuisine is well known for bringing the heat! So if you're one for adventure when it comes to food, go ahead and order one of the famous spicy dishes – ularthiyathu or kaalan – for example. Enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary experience in Kerala!
Shopping in Kerala
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Shopping in Kerala is an experience like no other. From quality art and antiques to the famous handicrafts from Kerala, you can shop for a wide range of items at the street markets, local stores, and regional bazaars. From beautiful pieces of traditional clothing to intricately crafted lamps and furniture, you can find something unique to add to your home or wardrobe.
Kerala is also renowned for its jewelry and textiles. The people in Kerala still make their clothing by hand, incorporating striking embroidery and intricate detailing which is unique to this region. You can find a variety of jewelry such as gold sets with rubies and emeralds, or stunning sarees with intricate designs.
But the real shopping experience lies in the outdoor markets that line many streets in the cities. These markets are made up of talented local artisans who create stunning pieces from wood, stone, and textiles – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends back home! The vibrant atmosphere complemented by the friendly smiles of the sellers make shopping in Kerala one of its best experiences.
Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion pieces or something more traditional and unique – Kerala has it all! With reasonable prices and an array of options to choose from, you’ll soon be bringing home a part of this beautiful land!
How to Reach Kerala
Once you’ve decided to visit the magical terrain of Kerala and everything it has to offer in terms of culture, nature and history, you might be wondering how to reach the destination. Well, there are three main ways of reaching Kerala: via air, land or water. Let’s take a look at each option:
By Air
This is a great way to reach Kerala from anywhere in India or the world. Kochi International Airport is one of India’s major international airport, connected with flights from all parts of the country and the world. The airport also has an integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights.
By Land
Kerala is well connected with neighboring states via roads and railways, allowing for various points of access depending on your starting point. You can either take a bus (sleeper or AC busses are available) or rent a car/bike to get here.
By Water
The backwaters of Kerala are world renowned and make for an experience like no other – you can take a ferry ride across to reach many parts on this beautiful terrain! Additionally, there are ferries connecting Kochi with Lakshadweep Islands that operate regularly.
Kerala culture
Kerala is one of those places in India that is enriched with culture from all directions. It is a melting pot of the old and the new, and the people here are well-known for their hospitality and warmth. Kerala culture can be traced back to its early days as a trading port, where merchants from across the region brought their customs and cultures to this land.
As you explore Kerala, you'll find amazing things that make it so unique:
Art: From stunning murals to traditional hand-woven saris, Kerala has an incredible amount of art that showcases its distinct cultural identity.
Cuisine: From traditional dishes such as puttu and appams to fiery stews like avial, there's something here for everyone!
Music & Dance: Kerala is home to many types of traditional music and dance, including classical Carnatic music, kathakali theater performances and kolkali folk dances.
Customs & Rituals: Whether it's Hindu weddings or Buddhist festivals, people in Kerala celebrate their customs with great enthusiasm and joy!
No matter what your interests are, there's something to enjoy in Kerala because it is a destination rich with history, nature, culture and adventure.
Most popular tourist attractions in Kerala
Kerala is known all over the world for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and its welcoming atmosphere. It's no wonder why Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. If you're planning a trip to Kerala, here are some of the most popular tourist attractions that you should check out:
Beaches
Kerala's long coastline offers stunning beaches where visitors can relax, swim and sunbathe. Some of the must-visit beaches in Kerala include Varkala Beach, Muzhappilangad Beach and Alappuzha Beach.
Historic Places
Kerala is a land steeped in history, and there are some truly amazing historic sites to explore here. The Padmanabhawswamy Temple in Trivandrum, Hill Palace Museum in Kochi and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam are among the most popular spots that you should not miss!
Wildlife Sanctuaries
If wildlife is your thing, then Kerala has plenty to offer. Periyar National Park is home to elephants and tigers; Thattekad Bird Sanctuary near Kochi has over 500 species of birds; and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve near Munnar consists of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
These are just a few of the popular tourist attractions that will make your trip to Kerala unforgettable. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday or an adventurous wildlife experience — there's something for everyone in this southernmost state of India!
Ancient history of Kerala
Kerala's ancient history is nothing short of fascinating. It has been said to be one of the oldest civilizations in world, with archeological records dating back to 3000 BC. Many rulers have called Kerala their home, including the first Chera Dynasty and the Nair Warriors. Kerala is home to a plethora of world-renowned monuments such as Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Guruvayoor Temple and many more magnificent works of art!
Kerala's historical roots also run very deep, with some historians tracing its earliest human settlers back to several thousand years ago. With its dense forests and vibrant coastal life, it has been an ideal home for many indigenous inhabitants throughout time. The culture that formed as a result of these combined influences is truly unique and can be seen in many aspects of daily life in Kerala today.
Some examples include:
Traditional Indian music and dance styles like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu martial arts
Cuisine featuring flavors from around the world such as fresh seafood dishes, coconut rice recipes and sweet desserts like payasam
Handicrafts such as wood carvings, coir products and intricate gold jewelry designs
Rituals like Ayurvedic treatments for mind & body healing or spiritual pilgrimages along the majestic River Ganges
Kerala's long history has left behind much more than just monuments—it has left behind a rich culture that continues to evolve even today!
Conclusion
Kerala is an incredible place that is bursting with culture, nature and history. Whether you are looking for a place to relax, explore, or just take in the sights, there is something for everyone in this beautiful Indian state. From the breathtaking backwaters and lush green landscapes to the picturesque islands and ancient temples, Kerala offers something for every traveler.
While it is difficult to see it all in one visit, there is no doubt that you will be able to create lasting memories of your time in Kerala. Whether you choose to explore the traditional culture of the locals, wander through the backwaters or dive into the incredible history of the state, take advantage of all that Kerala has to offer. A visit to this beautiful Indian state will leave you with lasting memories and a deep respect for the land of history, nature, and culture.
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