Kerala is Known as “God’s Own Country”. the southern Indian state of Kerala has figured in almost all major compilations of ‘must-see’ tourist spots worldwide. Kerala’s stress on ecotourism initiatives, coupled with its lush green tropical beauty and a friendly populace, has transformed the state into a very popular international tourist destination. Some Kerala attractions are like serene beaches, breathtaking forests, beautiful backwaters and lake resorts, scenic mountains and hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and places of historical importance. Experiencing Kerala’s rich and unique culture and traditions is perhaps the best part of the visit. Let us take a quick look at what Kerala has to offer:
Popular Kerala Attractions:
#1 Kerala Backwaters:
Nothing helps you to relax and rejuvenate, quite like Kerala’s backwaters do. Backwaters are unique Kerala attractions. A houseboat ride in Kerala’s backwaters along the palm-fringed shores will give you the best glimpses of Kerala’s natural beauty and culture, which will be etched in your minds for a lifetime. There are also many lake resorts, which offer the best backwater views. If you are visiting during the monsoon season, you might even be able to attend the famous ‘snake-boat race’.
Major Centers of Backwater Tourism in Kerala:
- Alappuzha
- Kollam
- Kottayam
- Vembanad
- Ashthamudi
#2 Kerala Beaches:
Endowed with a 580 km long coastline along the Arabian Sea, Kerala’s beaches are sure to take your breath away! In addition to being picturesque, these sandy beaches are clean and well maintained. Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram is undoubtedly the most popular beach in Kerala.
Popular Beaches in Kerala:
- Kozhikode
- Alappuzha
- Varkala
- Cherai
- Fort Kochi
- Nattika
- Marari
Almost all of them have excellent beach resorts as well.
#3 Hill Stations:
The stretch of the Western Ghats running through Kerala offers some of the best hill stations. Some of these are the hub of tea plantations, while others house some rare and exotic species of animal and plant life. Kerala’s hill stations are extremely popular with both domestic and foreign adventure enthusiasts. The mist-covered peaks and winding lanes add mystery to the scenery. Munnar, known as ‘the Kashmir of the South’ is a very popular destination. Other major tourist favorites include Wayanad, Vagamon, Nelliyampathi, Ponmudi, etc. Srees Tours & Travels offers customized Kerala Tour Packages for some beautiful Kerala attractions like Hill Stations, Backwaters, Beaches, and many other Kerala Destinations.
#3 Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Kerala, with its rich biodiversity, has several protected areas to conserve its wildlife. There are 6 national parks and 14 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. These parks and sanctuaries offer visitors a unique chance to see and experience wildlife in their natural habitat. Wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar (Thekkady), Chinnar, Neyyar, Eravikulam national park, and Thattekkad bird sanctuary are popular destinations.
#4 Places of Architectural Importance:
Most of Kerala’s historical monuments are architectural wonders. While some belonged to ancient kingdoms, others were built by the British rulers before India’s independence. A few important ones are Mattanchery Palace, St. Francis Church, Thellicherry Fort, Bakel Fort etc.
#5 Kerala Waterfalls:
Tourists spend hours gazing at the mesmerizing beauty of Kerala’s luscious waterfalls. Athirappally, Vazhachal, Palaruvi, Thusharagiri, and Thommankuthu are some of the most popular ones. After the monsoon, people come to see waterfalls in Kerala from all over the world.
#6 Ayurvedic Treatment of Kerala:
The government of Kerala has been actively promoting health tourism, mainly on account of Kerala’s reputation as a hub for Ayurvedic treatment. Due to Kerala’s pleasant climate and the abundance of medicinal herbs, many good Ayurvedic treatment centers have been operating in the state. These offer packages ranging from a simple, soothing massage to natural treatment for medical problems.
#7 Kerala Museums:
The rich cultural and historical heritage of Kerala can be gauged from its various museums. There are historical museums, art galleries, visual arts centers, dolls collections, and miniature art galleries. Museum shops provide the best souvenirs and memorabilia to relish your visit.
#8 Kerala Food & Cuisines:
Kerala is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine; especially the seafood delicacies and coconut flavors. Some resorts and homestays even offer cooking classes for guests. Kerala foods & cuisine are really tasty and its dishes are popular amongst the tourists.
#9 Folklore & Traditional Art Forms:
Tourists to Kerala revel in the state’s rich folklore and rituals. A visit to Kerala is incomplete without watching a Kathakali, Theyyam or Mohiniyattom performance. These art forms of Kerala are unique identity of the state.
#10 Travelling to Kerala:
One has to get an Indian visa to travel to Kerala. With an increasing emphasis on the growth of the tourism sector by successive central and state governments in India, Indian visa formalities are quite friendly and smooth. Only some basic supporting documents are required to accompany the visa application. The best time of the year to visit Kerala is from October to March. Kerala’s airports operate flights to all the major places in the world. In particular, Europe is well connected to the state, by air.
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