Kerala, also known as “God’s own Country”, is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in your lifetime and compiling 7 reasons to visit Kerala is just not enough. Located along the Malabar Coast in the southwestern side of India, the name Kerala indicates an abundance of coconut trees in the place. It comprises of fourteen districts and the capital of the state is Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala is one of the hottest tourist spots today, that draws millions of explorers from all over the world. It boasts of a considerable share of the land preserved for forests and has plenty of wetlands as well. The world’s most expansive teak plantation farm is also located in Kerala.
Apart from the lush green views of this state, its striking biodiversity also adds up to the most fascinating aspects of Kerala. It has a brilliant variety of different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and freshwater fishes. Another reason to visit Kerala has to be its culture and traditions which are nothing short of amazing.
If you are searching for reasons to visit this amazing place, there are ample grounds why you must visit Kerala in the upcoming vacations.
The top 7 reasons to visit Kerala are –
Table of Content
1. Backwaters in Kerala
2. Hill stations in Kerala
3. Wildlife in Kerala
4. Art and Culture in Kerala
5. Festivals in Kerala
6. Cuisines of Kerala
7. Beaches in Kerala
1. Backwaters in Kerala
Kerala is quite famous for its pristine backwaters in Alleppey. The backwaters comprise a number of lagoons and small lakes that lie parallel to the Arabian Sea. And the most striking feature is that in the midst of all this landscape, there are a number of towns.
Backwater cruises, houseboats, and boat rides are available for the tourists to experience serenity. A trip to Kerala must include a night in the backwater resort or a houseboat. There are ferry services available as well, which connect the banks and is a cheap mode of transportation to explore around. Backwater rides are unique to Kerala so one of the primary reasons to visit Kerala.
2. Hill stations in Kerala
The famous hill stations that you must check out during your Kerala tour are Munnar, Idukki, Wagamon, and Wayanad. You can explore the place through walks, wildlife treks, rock climbing, and other activities. You will be thrilled by the experience that you obtain while doing this.
The peaks of the Western Ghats are also home to a large number of species of birds, flora, and fauna. You can also explore plantation farms that cultivate aromatic spices and tea.
3. Wildlife in Kerala
The evergreen rain forests in Kerala are a haven for wildlife. You can spot Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, giant squirrels, leopards, Indian sloth bear, giant tail macaque and many other wild animals in their natural habitat here.
There is a variety of reptiles also that you can view if you visit Kerala, such as crocodiles, turtles, and snakes including pythons. Kerala also hosts a large group of migratory birds every year and is home to many species of ducks and exotic mountain birds that flock to this land. Wildlife in Kerala is another reason to visit Kerala.
4. Art and Culture in Kerala
The culture of this state is best reflected in its various forms of art, dresses, and the customs followed by the people. The 300-year-old classical dance form, known as Kathakali originated in Kerala.
Other dance forms that are widely famous all around the globe like Krishnanattam, Kolkali, and Thullal are also native to this place. An ancient form of martial arts, known as Kalaripayattu, is still practiced by many in this state.
Kerala will also fascinate you with its elaborate and intricate exhibition of art and craft. Handicrafts are also an important part of the Kerala tourism itinerary. So, you can get a souvenir back home, from this land of a rich and deep-rooted culture.
5. Festivals in Kerala
There are a number of grand festivals and events that take throughout the year and are worth witnessing them during your Kerala tour. The main events include the Kerala Boat Festival, Theyyam, and Onam.
These festivals also depict the cultural heritage and traditions of the people in this state. For instance, Onam, the Malayalam New Year, is celebrated for 10 days to mark the season of harvesting, which is the harbinger of prosperity and happiness.
Make sure to mark your calendars according to these festivals and should be a reason to visit Kerala and experience this state in its full glory.
6. Cuisines of Kerala
The mouth-watering dishes of Kerala offers a delectable assortment of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options. Due to an abundance of coconut trees all around the place, you will find this fruit integrated with most of the local dishes.
A delicious option to complete your breakfast could be Idiyappam with egg curry, which will definitely keep you full till your lunch. During lunch, you can try their staple rice with any of the tasty dishes prepared from freshwater fishes.
Yet another famous dish in this state is the Malabar Biryani. The Biryani is well-known for its exotic flavors and spices and tastes best with raita that is made by blending cucumbers, onions, coriander, and chilies with some curd.
7. Beaches in Kerala
There are a number of sprawling and stunning beaches in Kerala. Situated along the coastline facing the Arabian Sea, each of these beaches is unique in their own ways.
A few of the beaches that you must visit during your trip to Kerala include the Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, Marari Beach, and Kappad beach. The Kappad beach is the very same place where Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed in India for the first time in 1498 AD.
The Bekal beach offers exquisite scenery and has a three-hundred-year-old fort on the beach. This fort is known as the Fort of Kasargod.