Kerala is a beautiful coastal state situated in the southern part of India that is popular for its vast greenery and distinctive wildlife. It is nicknamed ‘God’s Own Country’ as it is blessed with dense forests, calm backwaters, stunning beaches, and dramatic cliffs that make it an amazing place to travel to. Kerala tourism offers travellers a little bit of everything, from cultural sightseeing to camping amidst wildlife. The tropical paradise is ideal to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some quality time surrounded by nature. The climate is also an advantage of visiting Kerala, as the region experiences a cool climate and is never on the extremes. Here is everything needed to plan a perfect Kerala tour to create incredible memories.

Category	Details
Capital	Trivandrum
Location	Southwestern coast of India
Geography	Long coastline, beautiful backwaters, tropical forests, rolling hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries
Population	35 million
Languages	Malayalam and English
Religion	Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity
Festivals	Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Makar Sankranti, and Attukal Pongala
Top destinations	Alleppey, Munnar, Kochi, Varkala, and Wayanad
Best time to visit	September to March
Famous attractions	Backwaters, tea plantations, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattancherry Palace, and Varkala Beach

What Does Kerala Tourism Offer?

Kerala state tourism brims with numerous things that entice tourists from the nooks and corners of the country. Kerala has been an excellent destination for a honeymoon, as it has a romantic vibe surrounded by picturesque landscapes and a serene atmosphere. If you are wondering what exactly makes Kerala an ideal travel destination, here it is.

Adventure & Eco-Tourism

Kerala is known for its natural wonders, which in turn makes it possible for adventures and ecotourism. Right from staying in the midst of forests to hiking to a hidden waterfall, there are activities that attract adventurers and nature lovers.

Trekking & hiking: The hill stations and forests of the region make it a wonderful hiking destination. Agasthyakoodam and Chembra Peak offer stunning views and hiking trails. The trails are usually filled with lush greenery and can be a fulfilling experience.
Adventure: There are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities such as boating, wildlife safari, bamboo rafting, paragliding, and camping. The beaches of Kerala provide tourists with water sports like windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks: Getting a tour of these sanctuaries can be interesting as well as educational. It is the best way to understand the biodiversity of the region and enjoy wildlife safaris, bird watching, and nature walks. It is even possible to spot wildlife, including elephants and tigers.

Backwaters and Houseboats

The iconic experiences offered by Kerala never fail to include houseboats, and it is among the popular ones for honeymoons. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, and Vembanad Lake are generally preferred for spending time on the backwaters.

Houseboats: The Kettuvallams are livable boats that are converted from traditional boats. These have modern facilities, and there are cooks to prepare Kerala cuisine during the stay. As the houseboats sail through the backwaters, travellers can enjoy a picturesque view of the surroundings and embrace the tranquillity.
Boating in Backwaters: There are other types of boating as well, including motorboats and speedboats. This is pretty similar to houseboats, but you wouldn’t have the experience of staying, and the timing is lesser. Sometimes it is allowed to take boats to the islands to enjoy sightseeing.

Cultural & Heritage Tourism

The Kerala tour plan isn’t complete without including the state’s ancient traditions, art forms, and monuments. The region has a rich history and cultural heritage that needs to be explored and understood.

Historical heritage: The influences of colonialism and regional dynasties of the region are still evident through its remnants. Some of the temples, forts, palaces, and churches are well preserved and open to the public for sightseeing. Mattancherry Palace and Padmanabhaswamy Temple are a must-visit.
Festivals and celebrations: As there are diverse religions and communities, the state enjoys lots of different festivals. These festivities are vibrant and colourful, compelling anyone to be a part of them. Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram are some of the most famous festivals to witness decorated elephants, fireworks, and traditional performances.

Beach Tourism

Kerala is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches due to its long coastline along the Arabian Sea. Anyone wanting to escape to a tropical paradise to sunbathe, relax, and play on the sandy shores, Kerala might be a great choice.

Beaches: There are plenty of beaches, each having its own beauty. Varkala has a unique beach where the sea and cliffs meet that gives travellers impressive cliffside views along with beach vibes. Marari Beach, Kovalam Beach, and Cherai Beach are a few of the beaches in Kerala tourists prefer.
Water sports: For both adventurers and leisure seekers, beaches offer excellent activities to engage in. Water sports such as surfing, parasailing, and windsurfing are popular in Kerala. Along with that, people also play beach volleyball and go dolphin watching.

Kerala’s Famous Foods You Can’t Miss

The flavours of Kerala are appetising, and trying them out on your vacation will make you crave more. This Kerala travel guide is sure to pick out the famous Kerala delicacies that are a must.

Kerala sadya: A huge feast that has rice, curries, pickles, and a sweet served on a banana leaf.
Beef fry: Beef is best when cooked spicy and tender with curry leaves and spices. It is savoury when paired with Malabar parotta.
Chemmeen curry: A coconut-flavoured gravy made with prawn and spices and often served with rice.
Appam with stew: A flat and soft rice cake that is mild, served with coconut milk-based stew.
Puttu and kadala curry: Steamed rice cake topped with coconut flakes, which is eaten with spicy black chickpea gravy.

Where to Stay in Kerala

The accommodations determine the type of experience someone can get on a vacation in Kerala. Kerala has multiple types of accommodations catering to various budgets and expectations. This Kerala trip guide can give you a glimpse of the variety of options to choose from.

Luxury resorts: High-end resorts like The Leela Kovalam and Vythiri Village Resort let tourists have a luxurious stay with a unique touch of the region. These are often in hill stations, backwaters, or coastal areas that have incredible views.
Houseboats: The traditional boats turned floating homes are definitely unique stays that give an opportunity to live in the midst of the backwaters surrounded by picturesque islands and sounds of nature.
Homestays: Travellers expecting to experience the authentic ways of life and mingle with locals can opt for homestays. The added advantage is that these are budget-friendly.
Jungle stays: There are options to stay inside wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that give endless possibilities to connect with nature and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Budget Hotels: Affordable hotels with basic amenities can be found in most of the major cities and towns that are perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

Kerala is a destination loved by adventurers, leisure travellers, and honeymooners equally for the ample opportunities it offers for all of them. Imagine a Kerala vacation that has a perfect mix of all the diverse experiences; it can be the dream-come-true type of trip. No matter what, the charm of Kerala is going to stay with you forever. It’s time to say yes to the long-awaited trip to Kerala!