Want to know about India’s beautiful southern state rich in culture and natural beauty? Head to Kerala, nestled between Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on the southwestern coast of India. With its misty hills, pristine backwaters, sun-kissed beaches, verdant landscapes, variety of flora and fauna and rich culture and heritage, embodies Kerala as an exquisite place to visit.
Kerala is not only about exploring, but the soul stirring experience it offers through nature’s most serene masterpiece. Every place you visit in Kerala is unique and has something to offer. Visiting Kerala in South India is one of the must-have experiences, and with the tips and advice of the Travel Agents in India.
A Land Sculpted by Nature
The first impression you have about Kerala when you browse the net or go through a travel magazine is its abundance of greenery. The state is known for its backwaters, dense forests, acres of land of rice paddy fields, tea and spice plantations blanket the land. Due to its rare beauty, the Western Ghats are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ecosystem of Kerala is in fact one of the world’s most biodiverse, hills that are the birthplace of many waterfalls, rivers and streams that meander through valleys creating backwaters, before arriving at the Arabian Sea.
The backwaters in Kerala are a complex network of water channels or a network of brackish lagoons and lakes parallel to the sea. This common sight adds to the beauty of Kerala. Some of the popular backwater tourist destinations in Kerala are to Alappuzha or Kumarakom, allowing travelers to drift on houseboats (kettuvallams).
You will have a luxurious experience while slowing drifting along with the rhythm of water. As the boat glides past the coconut groves, coastal fishing villages and Chinese fishing nets, travelers take a journey to unknown world.
In your India Tour Packages, you must definitely include the backwaters of Kerala for a taste of unique and relaxing experiences.
The Hill Stations: Munnar and Beyond
There are beautiful hill stations in Kerala. Surprising right? But it’s true; the terrain of Kerala keeps on changing dramatically. So be ready to visit the beautiful hill stations of Kerala and explore its wildlife.
Munnar is one of the charming hill stations in Kerala, situated at a height of 1,600 meters above sea level. Its beauty and pleasant weather captivated the attention of the colonial rulers as well. It was once the summer retreat of British colonists. Today, it’s rolling misty hills, green tea estates and picturesque landscape offers tranquility and the perfect way to escape the heat and enjoy the pleasant and cool weather.
For a wildlife exploration in Kerala, visit Eravikulam National Park, as it is endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the famous Neelakurinji flowers 9which blooms only every 12 years), covering the slopes in heavenly blue colors.
If you love caves, waterfalls, dense forests and know about the tribal’s of the state, head to Wayanad. If you want to visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for being close to wild, head to Thekkady. Here spot wild animals like tigers, elephants, bison, etc.
Travelers who want to have both adventurous and cultural experience can, with the tips and advice of Travel Agents in India, plan your trip to these places.
The Allure of Kerala’s Coastline
Since Kerala has a long coastline that stretches over 580 kilometers, you will be happy to relax in the less crowded beaches in India. Some of the popular beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Varkala, and Bekal.
• Kovalam beach is crescent-shaped and has a lighthouse.
• Varkala beach is situated on a red laterite cliffs and overlooking the sea.
• Bekal has the historic sea-facing fort and is one of the serene and peaceful beaches.
Cultural Splendor and Spiritual Heritage
Kerala is rich in culture and tradition, and has many temples. The temples are known for their stunning architectural design and intricate carvings. The most revered pilgrimage centers in Kerala are Guruvayur and Sabarimala.
With the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle, back in 52 AD, you will find many people in Kerala are Christians as well. Here you will find many old churches belonging to the colonial era like St. Francis Church in Kochi and the Parumala Church.
Ayurveda and Wellness
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda and renowned around the world for Ayurveda, as an ancient Indian system of holistic healing. People from around the world come to visit Kerala for its holistic healing. There are many Ayurvedic resorts and treatment centers, mainly in Palakkad, Kovalam, and Thrissur.
Visitors can opt for Abhyanga (oil massage), Panchakarma detox, etc, depending on individual body types (doshas) or as per Ayurvedic philosophy.
With your customized India Tour Packages, book a trip which includes all the experiences. And for that always book from the experts who have in-depth knowledge to help plan your trip to Kerala.
Cuisine: A Gastronomic Adventure
Kerala is known for its spices that balances the taste. Some of the common ingredients used are coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and tamarind. Since it is located near the coast, seafood is a major cuisine served here. Some of the popular dishes include:
• Chemmeen curry (it is prawn curry)
• Meen moilee (made of fish in coconut milk)
• Karimeen pollichathu (made of pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves)
• Sadya, a feast served on a banana leaf especially during the festival time like Onam. The thali comprises of curries, pickles, chutneys, and desserts like payasam
Festivals and Celebrations
Kerala is the land of rich culture and tradition, here many festivals are celebrated. Some of the popular festivals of the state include:
• Onam: It is the harvest festival, accompanied by floral decorations (pookkalam), dance performances, grand feasts and boat races (vallamkali)
• Thrissur Pooram: It is known as mother of all temple festivals, accompanied with elephant parades, percussion ensembles, and fireworks.
• Vishu: It is Kerala’s New Year
• Then there are other celebrations like Eid, Christmas, and the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha
Responsible Tourism and Sustainability
Kerala’s natural beauty invites tourists from around the world to explore. It has been actively responsible tourism, focusing on community participation and environmental conservation. Some of the popular places where eco-tourism is encourages are Kumarakom and Wayanad. Eco-tourism is also thriving in Periyar wildlife sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Are you ready for a Soulful Experience to Kerala? It is more than a destination, letting you explore the natural wonders, visit the spiritual places, be a part of its rich traditions, and be welcomed by the warm-hearted people.
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