Kerala
God's Own Country
Kerala, on India's tropical Malabar Coast, is famed for its tranquil backwaters, lush tea and spice hills, Ayurvedic wellness traditions, and rich cultural heritage.
About Kerala
Overview
Kerala is a narrow coastal state on India's southwestern Malabar Coast, wedged between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. Its capital, Thiruvananthapuram, anchors a state famed for its labyrinthine network of backwaters — lagoons and canals best explored by traditional kettuvallam houseboats around Alleppey and Kumarakom. Kerala boasts India's highest literacy rate and a long tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, drawing wellness travellers from around the world. The hill towns of Munnar and Wayanad are blanketed in tea and spice plantations, while Periyar Tiger Reserve and other Western Ghats sanctuaries protect exceptional biodiversity recognised by UNESCO. Fort Kochi's colonial-era Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture reflects centuries as a global spice-trading hub, and classical art forms like Kathakali and boat races during Onam showcase Kerala's distinctive cultural identity.
- Alleppey & Kumarakom backwater houseboat cruises
- Munnar's tea-carpeted hills
- Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady
- Western Ghats (Kerala sub-clusters, UNESCO World Heritage)
Top Destinations in Kerala
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Culture & Heritage
Kerala's culture is distinguished by classical art forms such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, its centuries-old Ayurvedic medical tradition, and a legacy of maritime trade with Arabs, Chinese and Europeans that shaped Fort Kochi's multicultural heritage. The state boasts India's highest literacy rate and a strong tradition of matrilineal social structures in parts of its history.
- Kathakali & Mohiniyattam Classical Dance
- Ayurvedic Medicine Tradition
- Snake Boat Races (Vallam Kali)
- Fort Kochi's Colonial & Trading Heritage
Famous Festivals
- Onam — August / SeptemberKerala's principal harvest festival, celebrated with flower carpets (pookalam), the Sadya feast and snake boat races.
- Thrissur Pooram — April / MayA spectacular temple festival featuring decorated elephants, percussion ensembles and fireworks in Thrissur.
- Vishu — AprilThe Malayali New Year, marked by the Vishukkani ritual arrangement of auspicious items viewed first thing in the morning.
Food of Kerala
- Appam & StewLacy fermented rice pancakes served with a mild coconut-milk vegetable or meat stew.
- Kerala SadyaAn elaborate vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with numerous curries, typically for festive occasions.
- Puttu & Kadala CurrySteamed rice-flour and coconut cylinders served with a spiced black chickpea curry.
- Malabar BiryaniA fragrant short-grain rice biryani from northern Kerala, distinct from other regional biryani styles.
Travel Information
How to Reach
- Four international airports — Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur — serve the state.
- Well-connected coastal rail line linking Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur.
- National highways run along the coast and into the Western Ghats, connecting all major towns.
Nearest Airports
- Cochin International Airport (COK) — Kochi
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) — Thiruvananthapuram
- Calicut International Airport (CCJ) — Kozhikode
Travel Tips
- Book Alleppey/Kumarakom houseboats in advance during peak season (Dec–Jan) and around Onam.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep) is intense but is also the traditional season for Ayurvedic treatments, considered most effective then.
- Visit Munnar and other hill towns with a light jacket even in summer, as evenings can be cool year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
September to March is ideal, avoiding the June-August monsoon (though monsoon season is popular specifically for Ayurvedic treatments).
A week allows a relaxed pace across Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters; add Kovalam or Kochi for a longer trip.
Its backwaters and houseboats, tea plantations, Ayurveda, and a mix of beaches, wildlife reserves and spice-scented cuisine.
Kochi (COK) is most convenient for Munnar, Thekkady and the backwaters; Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) suits a Kovalam-focused trip.
Yes, houseboats and Munnar’s viewpoints are comfortable and low-effort, making Kerala one of South India’s most accessible states for relaxed group travel.