Travel : Kerala - Best places to visit , best seasons, cuisines

 




Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is a picturesque state in southern India known for its lush landscapes, serene backwaters, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala:

  1. Munnar:

    • Known for its rolling tea gardens, Munnar is a hill station surrounded by misty mountains and stunning landscapes.
    • Attractions include the Tata Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak, and Eravikulam National Park.

  2. Alleppey (Alappuzha):

    • Famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises through tranquil waterways.
    • The Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, and Punnamada Lake are popular attractions.

  3. Kochi (Cochin):

    • A historic port city known for its blend of cultures and architecture.
    • Attractions include the Fort Kochi area, Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, and the historic synagogue.

  4. Thekkady:

    • Home to the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and boat rides on Periyar Lake.

  5. Wayanad:

    • Known for its lush greenery, hills, and forests, with attractions like Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and Pookode Lake.

  6. Kovalam:

    • A beach town renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches and tranquil atmosphere.
    • Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach are popular spots.

  7. Varkala:

    • Famous for its scenic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Papanasam Beach with natural spring waters.

  8. Kumarakom:

    • Offers serene backwaters, bird sanctuaries, and a tranquil ambiance.
    • Vembanad Lake and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are major attractions.

  9. Thrissur:

    • Known for its cultural heritage, the Vadakkunnathan Temple and Thrissur Pooram festival are prominent highlights.

  10. Poovar:

    • A peaceful coastal village known for its pristine beach, backwaters, and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

  11. Kozhikode (Calicut):

    • Known for its historic significance, beaches, and cultural attractions.
    • Kappad Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and the Calicut Beach are worth visiting.

  12. Vagamon:

    • An offbeat destination with rolling hills, meadows, and pine forests.
    • Offers trekking, paragliding, and natural beauty.

Kerala offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit is generally from October to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. Kerala's diverse attractions cater to a wide range of interests, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs, making it a unique and captivating destination.


Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," experiences distinct seasons and offers a rich variety of cuisine that reflects its vibrant culture and diverse geography.




Seasons in Kerala: Kerala has four primary seasons:

  1. Winter (October to February): This is considered the best time to visit Kerala. The weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's ideal for exploring the backwaters, beaches, and hill stations.

  2. Summer (March to May): Kerala experiences a hot and humid summer. While coastal areas can be warm, hill stations like Munnar provide relief from the heat. The summer season is also when many cultural festivals and events take place.

  3. Monsoon (June to September): Kerala receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. While this might not be the best time for outdoor activities, it's a unique experience to witness the lush landscapes and enjoy Ayurvedic treatments during this time.

  4. Post-Monsoon (October and November): After the monsoon, the weather becomes pleasant again. The post-monsoon season is a great time to explore Kerala's natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Cuisines in Kerala: Kerala's cuisine is known for its use of spices, coconut, rice, and seafood. Here are some famous Kerala dishes you should try:

  1. Appam: A soft, rice-based pancake with a crispy lace-like edge, often served with vegetable stew or egg curry.

  2. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is a steamed rice cake, usually paired with kadala curry (black chickpea curry).

  3. Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, often featuring a variety of curries, rice, pickles, and sweets.

  4. Karimeen Pollichathu: A popular dish made with marinated pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.

  5. Fish Curry with Kerala Red Rice: A staple dish where fish is cooked in a tangy coconut-based curry, usually served with red rice.

  6. Prawn Curry: A flavorful dish made with prawns in a coconut-based curry.

  7. Kerala Beef Fry: Spiced and slow-cooked beef, often served with Kerala parotta (layered flatbread).

  8. Kerala Banana Chips: Thin, crispy banana chips fried to perfection, a popular snack.

  9. Payasam: A sweet dessert made from rice, lentils, or vermicelli cooked with milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.

  10. Thalassery Biryani: A unique and flavorful biryani with fragrant rice and spiced meat, popular in the Malabar region.

  11. Ela Ada: A sweet delicacy made from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Kerala's cuisine offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the state's agricultural richness and cultural diversity. Be sure to try a variety of dishes to fully immerse yourself in the culinary experience of Kerala.



Kerala, as a popular tourist destination, enjoys well-developed air, rail, and road connectivity. Here's an overview of the transportation options available in the state:

Air Connectivity:

Kerala is well-connected to various domestic and international destinations through its major airports. The state has three major international airports that serve as gateways for air travel:

  1. Cochin International Airport (COK): Located in Kochi, this is the busiest airport in Kerala. It offers both domestic and international flights and serves as a major hub for travelers visiting different parts of the state.

  2. Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, this airport provides connectivity to various cities in India and select international destinations.

  3. Calicut International Airport (CCJ): Located in Kozhikode, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.

These airports are well-connected to major cities within India and various international destinations. Airlines operating flights to Kerala include both domestic and international carriers. Some of the airlines that typically operate flights to Kerala are:

Domestic Airlines:

  • IndiGo
  • Air India
  • SpiceJet
  • GoAir
  • Vistara
  • AirAsia India

International Airlines:

  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • Etihad Airways
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Singapore Airlines

To find and book flights to Kerala based on your departure city and preferred travel dates, you can use online travel booking platforms, airline websites, or contact travel agencies. Keep in mind that flight availability and schedules can vary, so it's advisable to check directly with airlines or online booking platforms for the most up-to-date information.

Remember to also check for any travel restrictions or requirements related to COVID-19, as they might impact your travel plans.

Rail Connectivity: Kerala has an extensive railway network that connects different parts of the state and provides connectivity to other states as well. Some of the major railway stations in Kerala include:

  • Ernakulam Junction (Kochi)
  • Thiruvananthapuram Central (Thiruvananthapuram)
  • Kozhikode Railway Station (Kozhikode)
  • Thrissur Railway Station (Thrissur)

These stations are well-connected to various cities and towns across India through different train services.

Road Connectivity: Kerala has a well-developed network of national highways, state highways, and roads that connect different parts of the state. The National Highway 66 (NH-66) and National Highway 544 (NH-544) are two of the major highways passing through Kerala. The state's road network is well-maintained and provides convenient access to cities, towns, and tourist destinations.

Intra-State Connectivity: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates a comprehensive bus network that connects cities, towns, and villages within the state. These buses provide both intra-city and inter-city transportation options. Additionally, private bus operators offer services on various routes.

Waterways: Kerala is also known for its extensive network of backwaters and waterways. Traditional houseboat cruises are a popular attraction, especially in places like Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom.

Overall, Kerala's connectivity options make it relatively easy to travel to and within the state by air, rail, and road. The transportation infrastructure is well-maintained and continuously evolving to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers and commuters.

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