Kerala
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Kerala

Kerala, India

Kerala: Where Lush Landscapes Meet Tranquil Backwaters Embrace the "God's Own Country," Kerala, a haven of emerald backwaters, spice-laden air, and ancient traditions. Nestled in southwest India, this tropical paradise o…

#South India#Coastal#Backwaters#Spices#Cultural
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kerala.

Top Hotels in Kerala

Top Flights to Kerala

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kerala.

Tours

Athirappilly Waterfalls Visit

Witness the majestic Athirappilly Falls, the largest waterfall in Kerala, also known as the 'Niagara of India'.

Varkala Beach Relaxation

Unwind on the beautiful Varkala Beach in Kerala, known for its stunning cliff views.

Eravikulam National Park Visit

Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, this park offers stunning views and rich biodiversity.

Kovalam Beach Excursion

Visit the picturesque Kovalam Beach, renowned for its unique crescent-shaped coastline.

Traditional Kathakali Performance

Experience the rich cultural dance form of Kerala at a Kathakali show.

Backwater Cruise in Alappuzha

Explore the scenic beauty of Kerala's backwaters with a traditional houseboat ride in Alappuzha.

Shopping

Shopping at Kochi Jew Town

Discover antique shops and spice markets in the historic Jew Town of Kochi.

Spice Market Tour in Thekkady

Explore the vibrant markets of Thekkady known for fresh and aromatic spices.

Outdoor

Munnar Tea Gardens

Visit the lush tea plantations in Munnar and learn about the tea-making process.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the diverse flora and fauna of Kerala at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kerala.

Currency
₹ | INR | Indian Rupee
Population
34.8 million
Languages
Malayalam, English, Tamil, Tulu

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kerala.

What people love

Kerala, located in southern India, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant climate. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Kerala:

  1. Backwaters: Kerala is famous for its serene backwaters, a network of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes, and inlets. A houseboat cruise through the backwaters is a unique and relaxing experience, offering picturesque views of lush greenery, coconut groves, and traditional villages.

  2. Beaches: Kerala boasts of beautiful and pristine beaches along its coastline, such as Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari. These beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, and offer breathtaking sunsets.

  3. Hill Stations: The hill stations of Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady offer a cool and refreshing escape from the heat of the plains. These hill stations are known for their tea and spice plantations, lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking opportunities.

  4. Cultural Heritage: Kerala has a rich cultural heritage with vibrant performing arts such as Kathakali dance, Mohiniyattam, and classical music. Visitors can also explore traditional art forms, handicrafts, and ancient temples and palaces.

  5. Ayurvedic Wellness: Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats. Travelers can rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul with Ayurvedic massages, therapies, and yoga sessions in tranquil settings.

  6. Cuisine: Kerala is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of delicious dishes such as appam, puttu, fish curry, and coconut-based dishes. The state's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences and abundant seafood.

  7. Wildlife: Kerala is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Periyar Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can go on safaris to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and a wide variety of bird species.

Overall, traveling to Kerala offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, wellness opportunities, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching experience.

What to know

Traveling to Kerala, located in the southern part of India, offers a unique and beautiful experience. However, like any travel destination, there are some potential cons to be aware of:

  1. Monsoon season: Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), which can disrupt travel plans, cause flooding, and lead to road closures. It may not be the best time to visit if you prefer sunny weather.

  2. Humidity: Kerala has a tropical climate with high humidity levels throughout the year. This can be uncomfortable for some travelers, especially if they are not used to such conditions.

  3. Mosquito-borne diseases: Kerala is known to have cases of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria. Travelers should take necessary precautions such as using mosquito repellent and wearing appropriate clothing to prevent bites.

  4. Crowded tourist spots: Some popular tourist destinations in Kerala, such as Munnar and Alleppey, can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. This may affect the overall experience and lead to longer waiting times at attractions.

  5. Language barrier: While English is widely spoken in Kerala, especially in tourist areas, there may still be instances where communication barriers arise, especially in more remote areas.

  6. Traffic congestion: In cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, traffic congestion can be a common issue, leading to delays in travel and difficulty navigating the streets.

  7. Limited nightlife: Kerala is not known for its nightlife compared to other Indian cities. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene with clubs and bars, you may be disappointed.

Overall, while Kerala is a beautiful and diverse destination with a lot to offer, it's essential to be aware of these potential cons to have a more informed and enjoyable travel experience.

Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India, boasts a rich and diverse history characterized by its unique geography, vibrant cultural amalgamation, and significant historical events.

Ancient and Medieval History

  1. Early Settlements and Chera Dynasty: The history of Kerala dates back to the ancient Tamil Sangam period around 3000 BCE. The region was ruled by the Chera dynasty, which was one of the prominent Tamil dynasties of ancient south India. They were known for their trade relations with distant lands, including the Roman Empire.

  2. Trade Relations: Kerala had long-standing trade relationships with various civilizations. The ancient port of Muziris (near present-day Kodungallur) was a major trading center where spices, especially black pepper, were exported to the Middle East and Europe.

  3. Religious Influence: The advent of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam had a significant influence on Kerala. The arrival of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, around 52 CE is traditionally believed to have introduced Christianity. The Cochin Jewish community, which traces its origins to the time of King Solomon, is among the oldest Jewish communities in the world. Islam arrived in Kerala through Arab traders.

  4. Medieval Period: The region saw the rise of several powerful kingdoms, including the Zamorin of Calicut, the Kingdom of Travancore, and the Kingdom of Cochin. The Zamorin was a dominant maritime power during the medieval period.

Colonial Era

  1. Portuguese Arrival: The arrival of Vasco da Gama in Calicut (modern-day Kozhikode) in 1498 marked the beginning of European colonialism in India. The Portuguese established trading posts, but their influence waned with the arrival of the Dutch.

  2. Dutch and British Rule: The Dutch captured Cochin in 1663, but their rule was short-lived as the British East India Company gradually extended its influence over Kerala. By the late 18th century, the British had established control over most of the region.

  3. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan: Parts of Kerala faced invasions by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan of Mysore, which led to significant political turmoil.

Modern History

  1. Struggle for Independence: Kerala played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. The Malabar Rebellion of 1921 and the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946 were notable events.

  2. Formation of Kerala State: Post-independence, the state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, merging the Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile states of Travancore-Cochin and Madras State.

  3. First Democratically Elected Communist Government: In 1957, the Communist Party of India (CPI) won the first elections in Kerala, forming the world's first democratically elected communist government.

Cultural and Historical Landmarks

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Located in Thiruvananthapuram, it is one of the richest temples in the world and a significant religious site in Kerala.

  • Fort Kochi: Known for its colonial architecture, Fort Kochi highlights the Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence on Kerala.

  • Bekal Fort: This massive fort in Kasaragod is a popular tourist spot and a reminder of the region's historical significance.

  • Munnar: Known for its tea plantations, Munnar is a hill station that reflects the colonial history and natural beauty of Kerala.

Notable Historical Figures

  • Sree Narayana Guru: A social reformer who worked towards the upliftment of the lower castes and advocated for social equality.

  • Ayyankali: An influential social reformer and leader of the Dalit community, he campaigned for the rights of the oppressed classes.

  • Vasco da Gama: His discovery of the sea route to India paved the way for European colonialism.

Kerala's history is a tapestry of cultural and historical events that have shaped its unique identity as a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.