KERALA is known locally as God's Own Country. This narrow strip of land on India’s south western corner has a rich and diverse past reflecting its place as a trading centre through many centuries. Influences are varied and include one of the world’s oldest Christian communities- the disciple Thomas arrived in Kerala as early as 52AD — as well as a thriving Jewish community in Cochin whose synagogue was built in 1568. Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences are all visible today. Kerala's population reflects this long and continuous contact with its neighbours and there is a relatively even split among Christians, Muslims and Hindus, all of whom live side by side in harmonious coexistence.
- lush, verdant tropical vegetation;
- the famous backwaters with their luxury houseboats
- deserted beaches of the Malabar coast
- intriguing remnants of Chinese, Portugese, Dutch and English influences
- performing arts
- mouth-watering cuisine
- old colonial British hill stations
- Periyar wildlife sanctuary with its elephants, big cats and abundant bird life
- trekking in unspoilt nature reserves and rainforests around Wayanad
Climate
Kerala is unique in that it gains the benefit of both monsoons- the result being lush, verdant greenery which lasts right through the dry winter months. The best time to visit Kerala is from October to April. Monsoonal showers begin in May; the heaviest falls are June- August, with the rains tailing off around September.
Performing Arts
Kerala is home to a variety of forms of artistic expression- Kathakali Dance is perhaps the best known. The dance involves the enactment of an episode from one of the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The performers convey moods, emotions and inner sensibilities by facial expressions and gestures. The costume of the Kathakali dance is a striking sight. The elaborate facial paint made from rice power treated with various colours is an indication of the nature of the character being portrayed. The heroes have green faces; the villains red or black, while the holy men and female characters have yellow faces. Before each performance, you can observe the intricate processes involved in applying make-up to each dancer.
In the north of the state, the less well-known but equally fascinating Theyyam is the dominant dance form. This form is uncommercialised; performances can be seen in small villages in the Cannanore district, and the setting and presentation little changed over many centuries. Kerala also has a traditional form of martial arts Kalari Payattu- this can be seen in demonstration form in Cochin. To see the extensive training which these performers must undergo to attain the highest levels of skill, you can visit the Kerala Kalamandalam, a school for performing arts at Cheruthuruthy. Here you can spend a morning observing the masters and pupils in the course of their training.
Backwaters of Kerala
This vast network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and small waterways is one of the treasures of South India. Surrounded by rice paddies and lined with coconut palms along much of their length, the backwaters support a huge number of villagers as well as an array of water birds. The best way for visitors to experience this unique environment and the lifestyle of the people is a cruise on board a private houseboat. These converted rice barges have a bedroom with a Western bathroom, a covered area for dining and an open viewing deck. Larger boats with two or more bedrooms allow groups to enjoy this experience together. While on board you will be served freshly cooked traditional Keralan food.
Cuisine
Keralan food is absolutely delicious and unique- yet another reflection of the area's absorption of a myriad of influences.
Fish and seafood are plentiful, and inventive use of staple ingredients such as banana and coconut gives an exotic touch to the cuisine. As well as onboard houseboats, another way to experience Keralan cuisine and hospitality is at any of the homestay and plantation retreats.
At beachside towns and resorts, you can enjoy a meal of freshly caught seafood, cooked to your specifications.
Beaches of Kerala
The long coastline of India's southwesternmost state is home to dozens of golden sand beaches, lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. From the world-famous Kovalam and Varkala in the south, the luxury resort at Marari near Alleppey through to the little-visited Malabar Coast in the north there is a beach experience here to suit all tastes
Cochin
This historic port city has been a focal point for trade on the 'Spice Coast' for centuries and the myriad influences of Chinese, Jewish, Dutch, British and Portuguese traders can be seen in the religion, culture and architecture of Cochin to this day. A full or half-day sightseeing tour can take in the Chinese fishing nets on the harbour's edge, the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church and Mattancherry Palace, Indo Portuguese Museum and a visit to the bustling spice market. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a sunset harbour cruise followed by a display of Keralan performing arts, or a fine meal at one of the many great restaurants in the city. There are many wonderful boutique heritage hotels in the historic Fort Cochin area and you may wish to make one of these home for a few days.
Munnar
Formerly a British hill station, Munnar is set at an altitude of 6,000ft amidst an area of breathtaking beauty; a haven of peace and tranquillity, Munnar is one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in Kerala. With long vistas of tea plantations, pristine valleys and mountains, and exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, Munnar has all these and more. The nearby Eravikulam National Park is the last refuge of the endangered Nilgiri Thar, a mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats. Also close by is Raja Malai, the highest peak in the area and a prime region for trekking.
Periyar (Thekkady)
This is one of the first areas of the Ghats to be opened to tourism, is popular with locals and visitors alike. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary with its unsullied grasslands and "Blue Mountains" is home to scores of species of wildlife including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer and birds of all kinds. This is one of the most important National Parks in India. The sanctuary is spread across 777 sq km, of which much is thick evergreen forest. The splendid artificial Periyar Lake adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can view wildlife from a boat on the lake. Details about trekking and wildlife viewing in Periyar can be found on the Wildlife and Outdoor Activities Page.
Wayanad
As a less visited natural region of the south, Wayanad retains much of its pristine beauty. The Kerala section of the massive park which stretches from Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudamalai in Tamil Nadu, this area provides many opportunities for trekking. The vegetation is different from the neighbouring states, however, with patches of rainforest and bamboo forest. As this area has been more recently opened for tourism, wildlife viewing facilities are less developed, but equally the number of human visitors is lower. The Eddakkal Caves near Wayanad is a remarkably well-preserved example of 10000-year-old rock carvings set high in the Western Ghats and can be reached by a drive through scenic countryside and a short climb up a well-defined path.
Northern Kerala
North of Cochin there are a variety of lesser-known destinations including the backwaters around Calicut, the deserted beaches of the Malabar Coast and the historic town of Cannanore. This area will appeal to those who enjoy journeys off the beaten track, with a sense of discovery waiting at every turn.
Things to do in india
Top Trending Packages in India
Why Indian Panorama
- Experience: Over 25 years of expertise in customizing India tours.
- Personal Touch: Every tour is carefully crafted to meet your individual preferences and interests.
- Sustainability Commitment: We actively promote and practice sustainable tourism, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and maximum benefit to local communities.
What Our Customers Say About US
tbe serivice from driver and helper is very good and tbey are love kin...
17 th Sep 2024 23:05:20 PM
-Mr. Thomas (Hungary)
Over All Excellent Service 👌 jayanna is professional Driver, His ...
17 th Sep 2024 20:59:02 PM
-Dr. Prassanna (India)
The driver was very helpful and polite made the over all travel very e...
17 th Sep 2024 20:20:57 PM
-Mr. E VIJAY KENNADY(India)
Excellent driver. Rooban is courteous and helpful. Patient and knowled...
17 th Sep 2024 19:53:10 PM
-Dr. Chandran Abraham(Malaysia)
Excellent
17 th Sep 2024 19:04:06 PM
-Mr. Poornasundaram Pillai Arum...
We were really happy with all the arrangements. It was a blessing to h...