Kerala: A Trip Through Calm, Tradition, and Taste in God’s Own Country
Kerala, a verdant oasis known as God’s Own Country, lies tucked away along the Malabar Coast in southern India, and with good cause. With its serene backwaters, golden beaches, undulating tea plantations, and rich cultural legacy, Kerala provides a unique fusion of culture, flavor, and nature.
Kerala offers something magical for all types of tourists, whether they are looking for adventure, relaxation, or spiritual enlightenment. This is your carefully chosen travel guide to one of the most fascinating places in India
Places to Visit in Kerala
Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Venice of the East
Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey) is a charming city nestled along the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Renowned for its scenic backwater cruises, the city offers mesmerizing journeys through a serene network of canals and lagoons aboard traditional houseboats. Alappuzha Beach, home to the iconic 19th-century lighthouse, provides a tranquil coastal escape. The Mullakkal Temple, with its classic Kerala architecture, adds to the city’s cultural appeal. One of Alappuzha’s most celebrated events is the annual snake boat race held on Punnamada Lake, drawing visitors from around the world.
Munnar – Misty Hills & Tea Estates
Munnar is a town in the Western Ghats mountain range in India’s Kerala state. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, it’s surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered mountain goat Nilgiri tahr, is home to the Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails and 2,695m-tall Anamudi Peak.
3. Kochi (Cochin) – Where Cultures Collide
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India’s coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship.
Thekkady in Idukki district is a town near Periyar National Park, an important tourist attraction in the Kerala state of India. The name Thekkady is derived from the word “thekku” which means teak and “adi” meaning bottom.
5. Varkala & Kovalam – Sun, Sand, and Spirituality
Varkala and Kovalam are both popular coastal towns in Kerala, India, known for their beautiful beaches. Varkala is famous for its unique cliffside beaches and natural springs, while Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches and vibrant atmosphere
Best Time to Visit Kerala
October to March is the ideal time to experience Kerala’s lush beauty with pleasant, cool weather—perfect for sightseeing, wildlife tours, and backwater cruises.
Summer (April to May): Great for hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad, though coastal regions can be humid.
Monsoon (June to September): Ideal for Ayurveda treatments and lush green scenery, but expect heavy rains.
Best Restaurants in Kerala
Enjoy seafood with a view on a luxury boat restaurant. Try the prawn curry and Syrian Christian fish stew. This waterfront hotel restaurant in the style of a rice boat serves Keralan & global seafood dishes.
A backpacker favorite serving flavorful Kerala meals and Arabic-influenced dishes. Raspy’s is a no-frills food place that serves piping hot Kerala food at most reasonable rates.
An elegant colonial setting offering both authentic Kerala and Continental cuisine. Fine dining South Indian & world food restaurant at a boutique hotel serving seafood specialties.
️ Paragon Restaurant – Calicut (Kozhikode)
Legendary for its Malabar biryani and spicy meen curry (fish curry). A must-stop for foodies.
Bars & Nightlife in Kerala
Chic rooftop bar with panoramic city views, creative cocktails, and great music.
High Bar at Crowne Plaza – Kochi
Sophisticated ambiance perfect for an evening of cocktails and skyline views.
Note: Kerala has specific alcohol regulations. Always check local laws and hotel policies, as availability may vary by district. Kerala has specific regulations regarding alcohol sales and consumption. It’s essential to be aware of the local laws and hotel policies, as availability can vary by district. While some restrictions exist, Kerala has also recently implemented policies to support tourism, including allowing alcohol service in certain establishments during specific events.
Wrap-up
Kerala is a tapestry of unforgettable experiences — where houseboats float past coconut palms, where spices scent the air, and where hospitality comes from the heart. Whether you’re wandering through tea gardens, enjoying a coastal sunset, or feasting on seafood curries, Kerala promises a journey like no other.
