The Ultimate Kerala Travel Guide

Kerala, A Lucky Bag Of Surprises

"Welcome to Kerala- God's own Country".  Even before finding this hoarding which is mostly seen everywhere, you will feel like you are in a piece of paradise. That is the magnetic beauty of this Indian Coastal State- Kerala. This place with its 14 districts surprises tourists with a wide range of cultural attractions, festivals, ayurvedic spas, historical monuments, dance forms, cuisines, and landscapes. When we speak about the charming landscape; it is mainly the western coastal line that unfolds along the Arabian Sea. Besides, the Western Ghats that is home to beautiful hill towns, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and forest regions, add charm to this fabulous land! Nevertheless, the vibrant backwaters which are made of rivers and lakes, the green paddy fields, and the coconut plantations are all pure treats for sightseers. Besides, Keralites are amazing hosts who make everything possible for your stay exciting. The excellent local cuisines are a treat for your tastebuds too. No wonder, Kerala is God's own Country!

In a nutshell, Kerala has a lot to offer. A plethora of attractions which includes activities, sightseeing, and experiences await you on your Kerala tour. So a detailed plan is much needed to explore Kerala to the fullest. To make it simple and easy for you, the leading travel planners Funday Holidays have decided to come up with a Kerala Travel Guide that helps you to chart your Kerala tour effectively. This guide will help you to choose the places and activities that you shouldn’t miss out on during your tour.

Let us delve into the details. Are you good to go?

Kerala is loaded with attractions and holiday spots. Here, we have only listed the most prominent attractions you should include in your Kerala holiday and there are many more places and attractions in Kerala. To get a detailed understanding of Kerala you check our Kerala tour packages and destinations. This article will help you with the must-visit Kerala destinations and attractions, Must try Kerala Cuisines, the best time to visit Kerala, and more.

The surprise unfolds here… Go ahead,

1. Alappuzha

Alappuzha is known for its backwaters and natural beauty. Besides, this place is known for its cultural heritage and historical monuments as well. Lord Curzon called Alappuzha the ‘Venice of the East' and that is not wondering too! Be it a romantic vacation, or a trip with friends or family, Alappuzha is your ultimate destination. There are different types of boats and packages that help you celebrate your holiday. Be it a full day cruise, night cruise, or half-day cruise, the sightseeing choices are plenty.  The ride through the waterways of Alappuzha allows you to visit attractions including green covered paddy fields, villages, coir museums, chappals, and more. To make your vacation more interesting and eventful, you can laze around, swim or go to an Ayurvedic Spa. You can be assured that Alappuzha helps you to make the best out of your holiday. Check- out Alappuzha to know about the popular places in Alappuzha.

• Best months to Visit: Jan – Mar; Sept-Dec
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
• Alleppey Weather: Pleasant to Humidity

2. Munnar

Munnar is a traveler’s paradise. It has everything you seek for. Waterfalls, mist-covered valleys, cloud-pecking mountains, wildlife, and green. Crowned as the Kashmir of South, Munnar is known for the summer resorts that make your days extraordinary. This destination with fresh air, zig-zagging roads, and sightseeing opportunities attract travelers of all kinds. Solo-travelers, Hikers, Campers, nature-enthusiast, and group travelers can be marveled by the astounding beauty of this stunning place. The must-visit places in Munnar include places like Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Indo-Swiss Project, Pothamedu, Top station, Vattavada, Marayoor, Chinnar, and more. To read more about Munnar here.

• Best months to Visit: All round the year
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Munnar Weather: Pleasant to Cold

3. Kochi

Kochi a.k.a Cochin, the Queen of the Arabian Sea is one of the most stunning places in Kerala. This beautiful township is known for its historical prominence, beautiful landscape, and several interesting things to do. The popular tourist Places in Kochi include Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary/Kaprikkad, Ezhattumugham, Athirapally falls are worth visiting places in Kochi.

• Best months to Visit: Sept – April
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Kochi Weather: Pleasant to Hot

4. Thekkady

Thekkady is one of the most attractive wildlife destinations in Kerala. Known for its mountain trails and aromatic spice plantations, Thekkady is home to a wide range of wildlife including Bisons, Langur, Elephants, and more. This place offers an unending experience of nature and solitude, inevitable for a perfect holiday. The main attractions of Thekkady include Periyar Tiger Reserve, Jeep Safari to Gavi, Tribal Heritage Museum, and night patrolling in the jungles.  Those who are passionate about jungle life should never miss this opportunity to experience it to the fullest. Read more about Thekkady

• Best months to Visit: Oct – June
• Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam at a distance of 114 Kms
• Thekkady Weather: Mostly Pleasant

5. Wayanad

Wayanad offers a mind-blowing countryside experience. This natural beauty is spellbinding with enough and more greenery, mist, waterfalls, and more. If you want to experience culture and nature at a go, never miss Wayanad. The must-visit Wayanad attractions include Thirunelli Temple, Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Muthanga, Tholpetty, Edakkal Caves, and more. The climate of Wayanad is pleasant and suitable for traveling throughout the year. You can read more about Wayanad attractions here.

• Best months to Visit: Sept – June
• Nearest Railway Station: Kalpetta at a distance of 75 Kms
• Wayanad Weather: Mostly Pleasant

6. Vagamon

Vagamon is a synonym for ‘soothing and serene. This is an amazing getaway that attracts sightseers to its enthralling beauty adorned by pine forests, waterfalls, meadows, etc. Trekkers and Campers, solo-travelers, and group travelers prefer Vagamon as a weekend destination. The nearby attractions of Vagamon include  Elaveezha Poonchira, Kurisumala Ashram, Sathram, Parunthumpara viewpoint, and Ramakalmedu. The glory of nature will caress and calm down your nerves.

• Best months to Visit: Jan – June & Sept-Dec
• Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam – at a distance of 64 Kms
• Vagamon Weather: Pleasant to Cold

7. Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram known as the ‘City of Lord Anantha' is a cultural hub that attracts tourists from far and near.  Traditions and attractions of this place stand out grabbing attention from sightseers. Ponmudi, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Kottoor elephant sanctuary, Neyyar, Varkala, etc are the must-visit tourist destinations that lie closer to Thiruvananthapuram. However, the city itself is jam-packed with attractions ranging from zoos, museums, and cafes. This city gives you immense opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh at the best beaches, hilltops, or sanctuaries. The city also provides ayurvedic treatment for ailments and the prevention of diseases. You can choose whatever you like, relax at a high-end resort or a beachside cottage is your choice! However, unlimited fun is promised! Check Thiruvananthapuram to know more about this stunning place.

• Best months to Visit: Sept – April
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International  Airport
• Kovalam Weather: Pleasant to Humid

8. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a familiar name for people around the globe. Travelers who are keen to explore the village life,  taste authentic coastal cuisines, and want to mesmerize in the charm of backwaters should head to Kumarakom for relaxing vacation time. The Vembanad Lake with its majesty invites you to this haven for a royal experience. The most prominent attraction of Kumarakom consists of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is a favorite spot for migratory birds and various other attractive species.  This village is also famous for Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Cruise through Vembanad Lake, Toddy Shops, and Kumarakom Craft Museum. Holidaying at this charming little heaven will take you back to your childhood days.

• Best months to Visit: Jan – Mar; Sept-Dec
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK)
• Kumarakom Weather: Pleasant to Hot

Now, let us look into certain things you might be curious to know about Kerala.

Firstly, good news for Foodies!!!

You have heard about the most interesting and never to miss places in Kerala, right? The activities are also endless. But when in Kerala there are some must-try Kerala dishes too. So remember these names we are listing here and ensure to taste them when you reach here.

1. Puttu-Kadala curry
2. Appam-Stew
3. Idiyappam- Egg Curry
4. Kerala Sadya includes a wide range of dishes and you are going to fall in love with Avial, Puli Inji, Pachadi, etc.
5. Banana chips- there are plenty of varieties
6. Fish Moily
7. Fish Pollichathu (Steamed fish)
8. Payasam

Also, visit any of the toddy shops that are close to your place of stay. You will enjoy the lip-smacking dishes served here. Family-friendly toddy shops are the main attraction of Kerala, so don’t worry about taking your family with you!

A gist about safety!!!

Most of the time, travelers ask us whether Kerala is a safe place for solo travelers. So if you are also curious to know,  the answer is YES! Kerala is one of the safest places for travelers. Keralites are friendly hosts and most of them provide homestays as well, a great opportunity for tourists to experience the local culture closer.

Clothing!!

Now you might be wondering about the clothing you should choose when on a Kerala trip! Relax, there is no particular dress code, you can go for comfortable clothing and cotton material will be preferable.

Kerala is a paradise, isn’t it? A land blessed by nature! This holiday destination is a perfect holiday spot for travelers who seek to forget the routine life and polluted air. Undoubtedly, this place fulfills all your travel dreams effortlessly. Plan a pleasant Kerala trip with Funday Holidays, we promise you a memorable trip- Relax and Celebrate!

Andrew John

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