In our daydreams, we often imagine ourselves being lost amidst green forests, we desire for soaking ourselves in sun rays by a beautiful beach, and we cannot but long for enjoying the breathtaking views of a hill station. I can tell you about a place where you can fulfill all these fairy tale dreams together. Yes, such a place exists on earth and it is nowhere but in India.
Situated in the Indian subcontinent, Kerala is the place of your dreams. Often titled as God’s own country, Kerala offers you amazing sea beaches, lush greeneries, serene backwaters, splendid hill stations, and what-not. It is also one of the most multicultural states in ‘India’ which showcases the country’s ‘unity in diversity’. Want to know what makes Kerala a place worth visiting once in your lifetime? Here is all you need to know before you plan a trip to this incredible Indian state!
Beautiful Beaches
The Arabian Sea stretched across the western coast of Kerala has gifted the state its beautiful sea beaches. The beaches are blessed with clean sand, tropical sunshine, cool breeze, and swinging coconut and palm trees. They are perfect places for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of beach life. Kovalam is one of the most marvelous beaches here. Some other popular beaches that should be on your list are- Varkala, Marari, Alappuzha, Kappad, Fort Kochin, and Bekkal.
Gorgeous Hill Stations
The wonderful hill stations in Kerala belong to the highlands of Western Ghats. The hill stations are great spots for spending your vacation in nature’s lap.They are famous for their extensive plantations of tea, rubber, coffee, and scented cardamoms. Spectacular waterfalls and rich biodiversity add to the beauty of these hills. Mattupetty, Munnar, Nelliyampathy, Palakkad, Ponmudi, Wayanad, Idukki, Kannur, Kasargod, and Kozhikode are among the most exotic hill stations. Besides natural beauty and serene environment, the hill stations in Kerala are also famous for adventure activities like trekking.
The Beauty Of The Backwaters
A network of several interconnected waterways, inlets, estuaries, natural canals, and lakes exists in the coastal areas of Kerala. These interconnected waterways are famously known as the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters surrounded by coconut trees and dense forests, give you a picture of the slow paced village life and its activities including fishing and coir making. Houseboats and leisurely cruises are the most ideal mediums of traveling through the backwaters. You must visit places like Alleppey, Alappuzha, Quilon, Kumarakom, and Kuttanad to get the real flavor of laid back lifestyle in the backwaters of Kerala.
A land that offers you the true essence of cultural heritage
The cultural heritage of Kerala is dynamic and centuries old. It is a unification of modern Indian and Dravidian culture. The people, different art forms, martial arts, attire, and food portrays the rich culture of this state.
Various Art Forms
Tourists must not miss experiencing the cultural arts performances in Kerala. Mohiniyattam and Kathakali are the two most celebrated classical dance forms of India that originated in this state. The martial arts of Kalyaripayattu also bears the cultural heritage of this land.
Ayurveda Or the Hindu Science of Therapeutics
Ayurveda or the Hindu Science of Therapeutics is almost a 200-year-old practice in Kerala that is used in rejuvenating the body and the mind. In this primitive method, different types of herbs are applied in healing your physical and mental health. It is a method of treatment that is reliable and does not include any side effects. Some great hubs of Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala are- Thrissur, Kovalam, Kollam, and Palakkad.
The Flavor of Festivals
The inhabitants of Kerala belong to different religious backgrounds. So, if you want to explore the true essence of multicultural festivals, you must come to Kerala. Each festival in Kerala has its unique features and they all are celebrated with equal significance and splendor. The primary festivals of Kerala include Onam, Vishu, Thrissur, Pooram, Eid & Christmas to name a few. At the festival of Pooram, processions are arranged, Elephants are ornamented and brought out to the grounds of the temples. Onam, the annual festival of Kerala, is greatly celebrated in the month of September. Elephants, drums, dance performances, and boat races contribute to the festival’s grandeur.
A Unique Language
Malayalam, the language of people in Kerala, comes under the Dravidian family of languages. The people of Kerala who speak in the Malayalam language are called Malayalees.
Traditional Attire
Like most other states of India, Saree is the traditional dress for women in Kerala, but the style of draping it is entirely different from the other parts of India. Men in Kerala traditionally wear Mundu / Lungi.
Fantastic Flavours of Food
Sadhya, the main dish of Kerala consists of vegetarian meals that are served in a plantain leaf. The other delicious delicacies include several types of vegetarian and non- vegetarian dishes. Puttu and Kadala (Grazed Rice with Black Gram Curry), Kallappam (Pancake mixed with a bit of Toddy), Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish) Fry, Chemeen (Prawns) Idiappam (Rice Noodles), and Nandu (Crab), are some of the flavorsome dishes in Keralian cuisine.
If you are still doubtful about whether you should visit Kerala, let me tell you the capital city of the state, Thiruvananthapuram contains some of the most ancient temples in India that convey the native culture and historical significance of this place. Besides these temples, the 16th century old Jewish Synagogue in Kochi is another most famous attraction for travelers. Some of the most marvellous pieces of Indian architecture exist in this state such as the grand wooden palace at Padmanabhapuram. Also, It is the state with the highest literacy rate in India.
Undoubtedly, Kerala is one of the most versatile states in India that contributes to the country’s beauty and glory. The people of Kerala are extremely welcoming and that is what makes the place more special for travellers coming from different parts of the world. To know more about God’s own country, you just need to pack your bags, come, explore and have an ethereal experience of this strikingly beautiful land called Kerala.