Top 10 reasons to visit Kerala

Well, there are numerous reasons to visit Kerala but these are the most important one and by reading this you’ll get to know why Kerala should be your next travel destinations. And it’s obvious that in August, you should not miss the chance to have a visit to this beautiful land.

The Backwaters

The beautiful backwaters are the very essence of Kerala. A cruise on the lovely backwaters is a must for every visitor coming to this part of the world. Watercrafts traveling at a leisurely pace along narrow shady canals and palm-fringed lakes provides a close-up view of rural Kerala. Daily backwater tours are conducted by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The most popular backwater tour is from Kollam, situated between Ashtamudi Lake and the Arabian Sea to Alappuzha on the edge of Vembanad Lake. Traditional kettvallams or ‘boat with knots’, earlier used for transport and cargo have been converted into exotic houseboats for leisure trips. These houseboats have all the comforts of a good hotel and are becoming very popular among tourists.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

With more than 25 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Kerala is an ideal place to spot wild animals, migratory birds, and raw nature while on a wildlife safari. Some familiar places are the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Mathikettan Shola National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Tour the Spice, Coffee and Tea Plantations

The spice, coffee and tea plantations in Kerala offer scenic views and delicious flavors. There are numerous coffee, tea and spice plantations spread across the state, with the best ones at Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady. You can taste different teas or enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee while soaking in the natural beauty.

Beach Happenings

Kerala claims many sprawling, pristine beaches with extraordinary views. Laze around, take a romantic stroll, indulge in water sports, and enjoy the mesmerizing sunsets. It’s all a perfect backdrop for photographs. The best beaches in Kerala are at Kovalam, Kappad, Kannur, Varkala, Cherai, Marari and Bekal.

Rich Art and Cultural Heritage

There’s more to Kerala than ‘just’ real beauty, though. Kerala has a well-preserved art and cultural heritage, such as Kalaripayattu (traditional folk art) and Kathakali (17th-century classical dance) which can be observed at Kerala Kathakali Center, Kerala Kalamandalam, Folklore Museum or Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre. Chakyarkoothu (comedy satire) can be witnessed at temples in Kerala. Mohiniyattam, a 16th-century classical dance, and Theyyam, a thousand-year-old form of prayer, are frequently staged in the temples of North Kerala in front of the village shrine. Greenix Village in Fort Kochi hosts Mohiniyattam dances, Theyyam performances, and kalarippayattu martial art.

Historical Legacy

God’s Own Country is brimming with antique treasures. Highlights comprise the 1568 Paradesi synagogue in Jew Town, Kochi, appreciated for its spectacular Chinese tiles, Belgian chandeliers, and period furnishings; Gothic-style Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi; and the Dutch Palace (also known as Mattancherry Palace) in Kochi, highlighting murals and frescoes of scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Strengthen and Relax with Ayurveda

Ayurveda, “The Science of Life” is India’s natural system of medicine. The contribution of Kerala to the theory and practice of Ayurveda is enormous. The celebrated Ashta VAidyans, who belonged to the Namboothiri community is still active in the field. The Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, at Kottakkal, about 12 kms from Mallapuramm attracts patients from all over the country and abroad. The Kerala ayurvedic physicians have earned a high reputation in the field. Quality Ayurvedic treatment, including massage with herbal oils, is available at many hotels and resorts. The state has em, emerged as a popular destination for health motivated travelers.

Explore the Hill Stations

When you’ve had plenty of beaches, head up to the more relaxed hill stations. In Wayanad, you can spot an unusual diversity of flora and fauna, plus take a tour of the tea, coffee, rubber and spice plantations. Munnar is famous for its rolling tea gardens, the tea museum that portrays the history of tea farms in Kerala, and neelakurinji, a flower that blossoms once every 12 years. In Athirapally, observe the beauty of 80-foot high waterfalls. At Thekkady, go for a nature walk through the varied habitats or take the Jungle Jeep Safari to explore the diverse forest.

Enjoy Colorful Festivals

Kerala enjoys celebrations and enjoyment throughout the year. Make sure to observe one of the many festivals that the state holds annually. Highlights include the Kerala boat festival (July-September), which is all about team spirit; Onam (August-September), a 10-day harvest festival celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, who brought prosperity and happiness under his rule; and Theyyam (April-December), an 800 year old ritual dance of the gods, in which the mythological stories and tales of India are depicted. All of these festivals depict the state’s rich culture, tradition, and beliefs.

Picture-Perfect Photo Opportunities

Kerala is brimming with different scenery. Be prepared with your DSLR or smart-phone while cruising the backwaters, hiking in the hills, or relaxing on a beach. The sunsets are particularly magnificent.