KERALA
OVERVIEW
Trade the well-trodden path for the slow, rhythmic pulse of life: glide through the secret canals of Kuttanad on a silent canoe, lose yourself in the misty, myth-shrouded trails of the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, or witness the ancient, hypn/****otic ritual of a Theyyam performance in a village near Kannur. Discover the true essence of serenity on the pristine, silent shores of Marari Beach or while sipping locally-grown tea on a verandah overlooking the rolling plantations of Vagamon.
KERALA Travel guide
Getting to Kerala
Kochi International Airport (COK) in Kochi is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
October to March for pleasant weather; April-June for hot but lush landscapes; June-September for monsoon (heavy rains but verdant greenery and Ayurveda benefits)
Local Food and Drinks in Kerala
- The Sadhya: A Feast on a Banana Leaf: This is Kerala’s ultimate culinary liturgy, a ceremonial vegetarian feast served on a pristine banana leaf during festivals like Onam and Vishu
- Pathiri & Erachi Varutharacha Curry: A stunning combination served with the delicate, flatbread called Pathiri and Erachi Varutharacha Curry – a dark, complex mutton gravy
- Kozhi Porichathu & Malabar Biryani
Aleesa: A hearty, ceremonial wheat and meat porridge, akin to haleem, slow-cooked for hours and garnished with ghee-fried onions and coconut.
- Meen Molee: The quintessential Kerala fish curry.
- Nadan Beef Ularthiyathu / Beef Fry: A slow-stir-fry of beef (or mutton)
Types of Transportation in Kerala
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Uber or Ola.
- Use KSRTC buses.
Things to Remember When Travelling to Kerala
- Small towns and markets prefer cash; keep smaller notes (₹50, ₹100) for autos, snacks.
- Widely available in cities/towns; less so in remote villages – carry cash when traveling offbeat.
- Use public ferries for cheap local transport in Alleppey/Kuttanad.
- FFor long trips, use KSRTC buses, registered taxis, or app-based cabs (Ola, Uber in cities).
- Choose government-approved Houseboat operators.
- Many Hindu temples forbid non-Hindus from entering the inner sanctum; some require men to go bare-chested (dhoti available for rent). Leave leather items outside.
- Only choose certified Ayurvedic Treatments at reputable centers; consult your doctor if you have health conditions.
- Pack appropriately – Light cotton clothes for summer; umbrella/raincoat for monsoon; light woolens for winter hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad)
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the capital of Kerala?
The capital of Kerala is Kochi
- How many hill stations are there in Kerala?
The most popular hill stations in Kerala are
- Munnar (tea plantations, mist),
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
- Vagamon
- Ponmudi (near Trivandrum)
- Idukki,
- Nelliyampathy
- Vythiri
- What are the festivals celebrated in Kerala?
1. Onam
2. Thrissur Pooram
3. Makaravillakku Festival
4. Vishu
5. Pongala
6. Makaravillakku
7. Aluva Sivarathri
8. Asthami Rohini
9. Thiruvathira
- What is the ideal duration to travel to Kerala?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Kochi, Munnar and Allepey, but it is advisable not to club it with other places in Kerala. It is a big state and needs more time to be explored in-depth.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Kerala have?
None
- Which are the two villages in Kerala awarded the Best Tourism Villages?
Kumarakom and Kadalundi