kerala cityscape
Travel Guide

Kerala: God's Own Country

Where Nature Meets Tradition

Kerala, known as 'God's Own Country', is a tropical paradise famous for its backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and rich cultural heritage. The state is renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and Ayurvedic traditions.

Historical Journey

Kerala has a rich history dating back to ancient maritime trade with Arabs, Romans, and Chinese. The region was a major spice trading center and has been influenced by various cultures including Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonizers.

3rd BCE
Ancient spice trade with Romans and Arabs began
1498
Vasco da Gama's arrival in Calicut
1956
Formation of Kerala state

Cultural Heritage

Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey Backwaters

Network of lagoons, lakes, and canals parallel to the Arabian Sea coast

Location: Alleppey

Hours: 24 hours

Best Time: October to March

Munnar Tea Gardens

Munnar Tea Gardens

Vast expanses of tea plantations in the Western Ghats

Location: Munnar

Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM

Best Time: September to March

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi

Historic coastal area with colonial architecture

Location: Kochi

Hours: 24 hours

Best Time: October to March

Festivals & Celebrations

Onam

Kerala's harvest festival celebrating King Mahabali's return

August-September

Duration: 10 days

  • Flower carpets
  • Snake boat races
  • Traditional feast

Thrissur Pooram

Famous temple festival with spectacular elephant processions

April-May

Duration: 36 hours

  • Elephant pageantry
  • Fireworks
  • Traditional percussion

Local Cuisine

Kerala Sadhya

Kerala Sadhya

Traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaf

Malabar Biryani

Malabar Biryani

Aromatic rice dish with distinctive Kerala spices

Getting Around

State Transport Buses

Extensive network covering all major destinations

Tip: Book AC buses for long journeys

Houseboats

Traditional way to explore backwaters

Tip: Book in advance during peak season

Auto-rickshaw

Convenient for local travel

Tip: Use meter or negotiate fare beforehand

Where to Stay

Luxury

Kumarakom Lake Resort

Area: Kumarakom

Price: ₹20,000+

Taj Malabar

Area: Kochi

Price: ₹15,000+

Budget

Fort House

Area: Fort Kochi

Price: ₹2,000-4,000