Kerala

Kerala – The Garden of Eden Tranquil backwaters, manicured tea estates, enchanting forests, and beguiling mountains – these are just a few of the many beautiful aspects of Kerala tourism. Kerala is like a Van Gogh masterpiece, painted in shades […]

Kerala – The Garden of Eden

Tranquil backwaters, manicured tea estates, enchanting forests, and beguiling mountains – these are just a few of the many beautiful aspects of Kerala tourism. Kerala is like a Van Gogh masterpiece, painted in shades of emerald, turquoise, and chestnut. Each city in this southern state has its own unique charm, offering a perfect blend of romance, beach fun, serene trails, and peaceful solitude. Rich in history and vibrant with culture, Kerala is a destination that captures both the mind and heart, leaving visitors eager to return for more.

Kerala Tourism: A Quick View of the State

• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• Official Language: Malayalam
• Dial Code: 471 (Thiruvananthapuram)
• Population: 37.312 million (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 38,863 square km

Highlights of Kerala Tourism: Explore, Engage, Experience

Alappuzha

Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Alappuzha (Alleppey) is a charming town known for its intricate network of canals, backwaters, lagoons, and pristine beaches. The Alappuzha Lighthouse, with its candy-cane red and white stripes, offers a panoramic view of the town. The Alappuzha Beach is a hub of activity, hosting the famous sand art festival and offering a scenic view of the Arabian Sea. The historic Krishnapuram Palace, with its Kerala-style architecture, is home to the stunning Gajendra Moksham mural – a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Wayanad

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a district of lush, green mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, and scenic vistas. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers a glimpse of Kerala’s rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and deer. Trek up to Banasura Hill, one of the tallest peaks in the region, and enjoy breathtaking views of rolling green landscapes and misty mountains.

Kochi

As Kerala’s financial capital and a bustling port city, Kochi is a melting pot of cultures and histories. Visit St. Francis Church, where explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried, or see the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, a gift from Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan. Cherai Beach is perfect for an evening of relaxation. To dive deeper into Kochi’s rich heritage, explore its numerous museums, including the Hill Palace Museum and the Indo-Portuguese Museum.

Varkala

Known for its unique cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a favorite destination for backpackers. The Varkala Beach is believed to have holy waters that wash away sins. Explore Anjuthengu Fort, built by the British in 1696, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the Janardanaswamy Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Munnar

Munnar is synonymous with tea. Its emerald hills are home to sprawling tea estates that stretch for miles. The Lockhart Tea Museum offers a deep dive into the history of tea production in the region. As you travel through Munnar, visit the Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, and Pothamedu Point for stunning, picturesque views of the Western Ghats.

Interesting Facts about Kerala Tourism: Golden Nuggets for the Mind

• Kerala is the second cleanest state in India, just after Sikkim.
• The world’s first ayurvedic center, Somatheeram, is located in Kerala.
• Kerala consumes 20% of India’s gold, which is especially visible in its bridal attire.
• Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India, at 93.91%.
• Kerala has been featured in National Geographic’s list of 10 paradises in the world.
• It is one of the top 5 states in India with the highest alcohol consumption.

Location

Kerala, also known as the Spice Coast of India, is located on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. It shares its borders with Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the south and east, and is flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west.

Timings: Best Time to Visit Kerala

The ideal time to visit Kerala is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are comfortable. For those interested in Ayurvedic treatments, the monsoon months of June to August are perfect as the rainfall rejuvenates the body. Choose your season based on your preferences.

How to Reach Kerala: Your Transport Itinerary

• By Road: Kerala is well connected to neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu via National Highways 17, 47, and 49. The scenic road journey is a treat for travelers.
• By Rail: Kerala has direct rail connectivity with major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Most trains stop at Kochi, the main junction.
• By Sea: Cruise ships are available from Mumbai, Goa, Lakshadweep, Colombo, and Male, offering travelers a beautiful sea journey.
• By Air: Cochin International Airport is the main airport, well connected to major cities in India and abroad. The city center is just 29 km from the airport.

History of Kerala: Past Glories

Kerala’s history is rich with the influences of many cultures. Prehistoric archaeological finds suggest that Kerala was home to the Neolithic, Mesolithic, Megalithic, and Palaeolithic periods. During ancient times, Kerala’s spice trade attracted many global powers like the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Assyrians. The first major dynasty in Kerala was the Cheras, followed by various other dynasties and kingdoms such as the Kulasekhara, Venad, and Samuthiri. By the end of the 18th century, the British had annexed Kerala. After India’s independence, Kerala was formally formed as a state in 1956, as we know it today, through the States Reorganisation Act.

From its lush green landscapes to its rich history and diverse culture, Kerala offers a unique experience that captivates every traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a cultural dive, Kerala promises to leave you enchanted.

Cochin, also known as Kochi is a portion of Ernakulum. This port city lies on the West Coast of India. The ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ is a must-see destination in Kerala. It has brought travellers from far and away. Over the years, Kerala tour packages have gained popularity among tourists from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat. With Ocean6 Holidays, you can customise your Kerala tour packages as per your needs without going over budget. 

Colonialism is still omnipresent in Kochi in the form of various architectural structures. It is a perfect blend between everything local and the glimpses of the erstwhile European past. Kochi has outstanding beaches and backwaters, spice markets, architectural splendours and lots more. This vibrant city provides breathtaking sceneries. The Backwaters are the most popular tourist destination in our Kerala tour packages. You can customise our affordable Kerala tour packages to spend as much time as you want in the backwaters.

Kochi is a small town but it packs a punch when it comes to tourism. The culture, food, history and its people make Kochi a very flamboyant and favourable tourist destination. Ideally, the best time to visit Kochi is during its winter months i.e. from October to February. 

You can go Snorkelling at Thiruvankulam during your trip to Kerala. It is a suburb of the port city which has numerous lagoons and canals close by. With Ocean6 Holidays, you can customise your Kerala tour package to stay at the best hotels of your choice. Our affordable tour packages are popular among tourists from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat. 

Top 3 Attractions in Kerala

Fort Kochi: This is an attractive seaside area that is dotted with British, Dutch and Portuguese architectural splendours. This is an unmissable tourist spot during your Kerala trip. Cherai Beach: This beach is situated on the northern side of Vypin Island. Cherai is one of the most visited beaches in the beautiful state of Kerala. This is a popular destination for those booking our customisable Kerala Honeymoon packages. 

St.Francis CSI Church: One of the most ancient European Churches in the country. It was built in 1503 and is situated in Fort Kochi. 

Chinese Fishing Nets: The Chinese Fishing Nets are also called Cheenvala. They are used by the fishermen of Kochi. Perhaps it was Zheng He, the renowned Chinese traveller who introduced it some 500 years ago. This will be an unexpected experience during your next trip to Kochi. Our Kerala tour packages also include a visit to the Mattancherry Palace.

Top 5 Restaurants in Kerala

Dhe Puttu: They have tried to bring different types of Puttu under one umbrella. The restaurant has a beautiful set-up and serves some delicious foods. In a way, Dhe Puttu has re-invented the concept of Puttu. You will be reminded of the conventional tastes of Puttu in every mouthful. While our Kerala tour packages include breakfast, we highly recommend you to try out these places for your lunch and dinner. 

Solar Café: This place provides traditional food in a historical place. This is in proximity to the ferry and walking distance from the Kochi Biennale venue. The rates are very reasonable. The café also has some old books for the customers to read. The speciality of this café is its organic food. 

Sky Grill Lounge Bar & Restaurant: For an amazing dining experience during your Kerala trip, visit Sky Grill Lounge Bar & Restaurant. You will get a spectacular view of Kochi city as well as the backwaters as this restaurant is located on the 16th floor. Sandwiches, burgers, barbecues, etc. are the speciality of this eatery. 

Palaaram: Palaaram provides tasty treats. The décor is classy and the ambience is great. This traditional eatery offers mouthwatering dishes whether it’s a snack or full course meal. Don’t miss out on the local cuisine during your trip to Kochi. 

Kashi Art Café: Amidst several art pieces, awesome ambience, and great music, you will find some delectable breakfast and lunches at Kashi Art Café. Your weary soul will be rejuvenated with their sumptuous food. Our Customisable Kerala tour packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat ensure that you stay at the best hotels in Kerala. 

Munnar – Customised Kerala Tour Packages

Munnar is Marvellous, Munnar is Majestic and Munnar is Magical. This verdant green hill station is Kerala’s pride. This is the highlight of our Kerala honeymoon packages. Munnar will make you feel refreshed in the lap of mother nature. It has startling greenery amidst the reclusive nature. It has rolling hillocks which are marked with abundant tea plantations. Munnar is very often known as the ‘Kashmir of South India’. This idyllic tourist location is a haven for peace lovers. Tourists from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat customise our tour packages to spend ample time in this gem of a place.

Alleppey

Alleppey is also called Alappuzha. This is undoubtedly one of the neatest cities in India. The beauty of Alleppey lies in its scenic backwaters. The city is located on the Laccadive Sea in the gorgeous state of Kerala. The houseboat cruises along the backwaters are some unforgettable events in one’s life. You can customise our Kerala tour packages to stay overnight on a houseboat. This is an integral part of our Kerala Honeymoon packages. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey has palm-edged canals and serene lagoons.

There are many Ayurvedic Resorts in Alleppey in which one can revitalise oneself. In Alleppey, one can witness the green rice fields, the avifauna, and choir making activities. The Alleppey Beach is a gem of a beach along the Malabar Coast. The 137-year old pier is a must-see here. If you are travelling in August and September, do not forget to watch the snake boat race. Alleppey is a picturesque postcard. Other attractions include Haripada Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, and St. Andrew’s Basilica.

Kovalam – Highlight of Kerala Honeymoon Packages

Kovalam is one more gem in Kerala. This scenic beach town is located by the Arabian Sea. There are a plethora of coconut trees in Kovalam and that is why Kovalam translates to a grove of coconut trees. This destination is the famous world over and has three half-moon shaped beaches. Beach loving couples spend quality time here with our affordable Kerala Honeymoon packages. The calm water of this massive bay is just perfect for bathing.

There are many leisure choices available on these beaches ranging from sun-bathing, herbal body toning massages, swimming to catamaran cruises and cultural programs. Accommodation options are plenty in Kovalam and equally at the beach. From five-star to budget hotels to Ayurvedic health resorts, you can choose the best hotel with our customisable Kerala tour packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Gujarat. 

Poovar

The town of Poovar is in Neyyattinkara, almost at the southern end of Thiruvananthapuram. The backwaters, the golden sand beaches, and the calm environment are some of the attributes of this place. Poovar also has a good amount of exotic wildlife. This beautiful place is located at the junction where Neyyar River connects with the Arabian Sea.

This laidback location is largely unexplored. This idyllic place beckons the weary souls to relax and rejuvenate. This tropical paradise is marked by swaying coconut trees, rich vegetation, and crimson sunsets. The breathtaking Poovar Beach with pristine waters is a sight to behold. Accommodations are aplenty with floating cottages, land cottages, ayurvedic resorts, and hotels. Do not forget to do boating in the bewitching backwaters. 

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a beautiful hamlet on Vembanad Lake. Boating, fishing, flora, avifauna, etc. make up this paradise. Lots of migratory birds are also seen here like the wild duck, Siberian stork, etc. The palm trees, the lavish houseboats are the special features of Kumarakom. This scenic place is also laced with canals. Kumarakom has achieved the feat of being called one of the must-see locales in your lifetime. Visit this place with your friends and family with our Kerala tour packages.

The popular Vembanad Lake is home to a wide variety of marine life. Nature has gifted this amazing place with verdant paddy fields, mangrove forests, and every shade of green. Monsoon makes Kerala look stunning and Kumarakom is no exception. Watching the rains from your cosy houseboat is a great experience. You can customise our Kerala Honeymoon packages to stay overnight on a houseboat. 

Thekkady

Thekkady is famous for its Periyar National Park. Located on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the famous sanctuary is covered with savanna grasslands and lush green deciduous forests. Lots of animals are found in the park. Some of them are Nilgiri langurs, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, sambar, gaur, and tigers. Your children will have a great time spotting different animals during your trip to Kerala.

This is India’s biggest wildlife sanctuary. A 120 years old dam which is built across Periyar is a prime tourist spot. This scenic spot is full of endangered species. A prolific tribal culture also thrives here. Thekkady has a height of 300 meters over sea level and it is very well-known for its abundant nature, wildlife and adventure sports. Take a ride on the ferryboat along the course of the river and enjoy the surroundings during your Kochi trip. The coolness of Thekkady will refresh your body and mind. 

Athirapally

Athirapally is situated in the Thrissur district of Kerala. This scenic place is filled with verdant green forests, cascading waterfalls and meandering rivers. Athirapally Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in Kerala. The Athirapally Waterfall amidst the green foliage and Sholayar ranges has a height of 80 feet and is 330 feet wide. This is a bird-lovers paradise. Four rare species of Hornbill can be spotted here. The trekkers find this place exhilarating though the path is a little risky. You can customise our Kerala tour package to make time for trekking and other adventure sports. Regular Jungle Safaris are also conducted by The Tourism Promotion Council.

The major attractions are the Athirapally falls, Kauthuka Park, tea gardens, Thumboormuzhy Dam, Vazhachal falls and Butterfly garden. Famous movie songs like “Barso Re Megha” from Guru starring Aishwarya Rai Bacchan and “Jiya Jale” from the movie Dil Se starring Priety Zinta were shot here. Many other movies were shot here along with ‘Bahubali’. Movie lovers from various cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Surat and Chennai love visiting this location. 

Varkala

Varkala is a palm-filled town with red laterite cliffs all around. There are gorgeous Varkala beach and many other places of attractions. Varkala has a 2018 years old temple known as the Janardana Swami Temple. Sivagiri is also a popular place in Varkala which sits atop a hill and was built by Sree Narayana Guru. It is believed that the waters splashing against Papanasam beach has healing powers. The natural setting of Varkala is a bag packers paradise. This scenic beach town has lots of accommodation for all types of pockets. You can customise our Kochi Honeymoon packages accordingly. Varkala also has lighthouses and forts. A number of water-sports activities are available on the Varkala beach.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a rustic district in Kerala. It is an integral part of Kerala tourism. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a luxuriant forested area. Wayanad takes pride in the sole Lava Kusha Temple and the only mirror temple called Vythiri in Kerala. Wayanad is tucked away in the surroundings of pristine mountains and is dipped in rich history and culture. This glorious place has tall ridges, rough terrain, entangled jungles, and profound valleys. Wayanad is also replete with pouring waterfalls and historical caves. It is just so fulfilling to embark on a trek to historic caves. You can catch a glimpse of many wild animals. This paddy field area dates back to the 8,000-year-old Paleolithic civilization. The flora-fauna can very well thrive here due to the suitable climate. The biggest bee-eater bird in the world, the Blue-bearded Bee-eater is found here in Wayanad. 

Kollam

Whenever I think of Kollam, I think of Malabar Mutton. It’s a very tasty dish. The history behind the name Kollam has supposedly come from the Sanskrit word Kollam which means pepper. Coming back to Kollam, it is on the Malabar Coast. This age-old sea-port is a strong commercial hub. Kollam is popular for its coir making and cashew processing. It is the largest exporter of processed cashew. It is very densely populated. The city has a political, cultural and commercial history. Some illustrious places include St. Thomas Fort, the Thangasseri lighthouse, Trevally Palace, etc. Kollam or Desinganadu is often called the dreamland of Kerala. Kollam’s beauty lies in expansive green forests, water bodies such as lakes, seas, streams, rivers; of course the backwaters and in the mountains and plains. 

Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake is a scenic backwater in Kollam that receives most visits in Kerala. It has got eight channels or arms from which it has got its name. It is the entry to the world-famous backwaters of Kerala. Ashtamudi Lake is encircled by swinging palm trees and luxuriant greens all around. A cruise ride from Kollam to Allepey is considered one of the best trips in the backwaters. Lots of aquafauna and flora flourish under the waters of Ashtamudi Lake. This happens to be the second largest lake in Kerala with a length of 16 km. Our Kerala tour packages from Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai gives you the best experience of the backwaters. 

Trivandrum – Kerala Tour Packages

Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Peppered with British architecture, Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram also houses the Kuthira Malika Palace. Mahatma Gandhi called Trivandrum the ‘Evergreen city of India’. Trivandrum is noteworthy for its research and academic centres. Trivandrum has an unmatchable vibe. The city which is built on seven hills is a plush metropolis that is charming and scenic. There are a lot of things to see in Trivandrum which includes museums, temples, palaces, and exotic beaches. The Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple or simply the Padmanabhaswamy temple was built using two types of architecture: Keralan and Dravidian and thus it’s a very unique characteristic feature of this striking temple. 

How to Reach Kerala – Customised Kerala Honeymoon Packages

Our Kerala tour packages include transportation to Kerala from every major city in India like Mumbai, Chennai, Gujarat and Kolkata. As per your wish, we can arrange for your travel by flight or train.