Kerala Travel Information

Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is a popular tourist destination in India that offers a mix of lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and rich cultural heritage. Here is a complete guide for first-time foreign tourists visiting Kerala

Kochi (Cochin)

What to See:

  • Fort Kochi: Known for its colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and charming streets.
  • Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue: Explore the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, surrounded by antique shops and spice markets.
  • Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): A palace with beautiful murals and a fascinating history.
  • St. Francis Church: The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was initially buried.
  • Kerala Kathakali Centre: Watch traditional Kathakali dance performances

Munnar

What to See:

  • Tea Gardens and Estates: Visit Tata Tea Museum, tea plantations, and factories.
  • Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
  • Attukad Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Top Station: Offers panoramic views of the valley and neighboring state of Tamil Nadu.
  • Echo Point: A popular spot for its natural echo phenomenon

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

What to See:

  • Backwaters: The main attraction is a houseboat cruise through the serene backwaters.
  • Alleppey Beach: A beautiful beach with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea.
  • Marari Beach: Known for its pristine sands and tranquil environment.
  • St. Mary’s Forane Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala with beautiful architecture

Thekkady (Periyar)

What to See:

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: A haven for elephants, tigers, and various bird species; offers boat rides on Periyar Lake.
  • Spice Plantations: Visit pepper, cardamom, and coffee plantations.
  • Mangala Devi Temple: Located in the dense forest and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area

Kovalam

What to See:

  • Lighthouse Beach: The most popular beach, known for its scenic lighthouse and water sports.
  • Hawa Beach: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
  • Samudra Beach: A quieter beach, ideal for relaxing

Wayanad

What to See:

  • Edakkal Caves: Ancient caves with rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area with elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
  • Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India, known for its scenic beauty.
  • Chembra Peak: Ideal for trekking and offers a heart-shaped lake en route

Food Delicacies of Kerela

Kerala, known for its rich culinary heritage, offers a wide array of delicious and flavorful dishes that reflect its diverse culture and traditions. The cuisine of Kerala is characterized by the generous use of coconut, spices, curry leaves, and rice. Here are some of the must-try food delicacies of Kerala. 

Sadhya

  • Description: A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals and special occasions like Onam. It consists of 20-28 dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, kichadi, papadam, banana chips, pickles, and various payasams (desserts).
  • Key Ingredients: Rice, vegetables, coconut, yogurt, lentils, spices.
  • Where to Try: Traditional restaurants and during festival celebrations

Appam with Stew

  • Description: A popular breakfast dish, appam is a soft and fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter, typically served with a vegetable or meat stew. The stew is made with a creamy coconut milk base and flavored with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, coconut milk, yeast, chicken/mutton/vegetables.
  • Where to Try: Keralite restaurants, especially in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

Puttu and Kadala Curry

  • Description: Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake layered with grated coconut, often served with spicy black chickpea (kadala) curry. It is a popular breakfast dish in Kerala.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, coconut, black chickpeas, spices.
  • Where to Try: Local eateries and roadside stalls across Kerala

Karimeen Pollichathu

  • Description: A signature dish of Kerala, especially in the backwaters region, it is a pearl spot fish marinated in a blend of spices and wrapped in a banana leaf, then grilled or pan-fried to perfection.
  • Key Ingredients: Pearl spot fish, banana leaves, coconut oil, spices.
  • Where to Try: Backwater houseboats, seafood restaurants in Alleppey, and Kumarakom

Thalassery Biryani

  • Description: Unlike other biryanis in India, Thalassery Biryani is made with a unique type of rice called “kaima” or “jeerakasala,” and the meat is cooked with a delicate blend of spices and herbs.
  • Key Ingredients: Kaima rice, chicken/mutton, ghee, spices.
  • Where to Try: Restaurants in Thalassery and Kannur

Fish Molee

  • Description: A mild and creamy fish curry cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and fresh green chilies. This dish is known for its subtle flavors and is often served with appam or rice.
  • Key Ingredients: Fish (often seer fish or kingfish), coconut milk, green chilies, turmeric.
  • Where to Try: Seafood restaurants in Kochi and coastal regions

Kozhukatta

  • Description: Steamed rice dumplings filled with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, flavored with cardamom. It is a popular tea-time snack in Kerala.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, coconut, jaggery, cardamom.
  • Where to Try: Local homes and tea shops

Palada Payasam

  • Description: A sweet delicacy made from rice ada, milk, sugar, and ghee, garnished with cashews and raisins. It is a favorite dessert in Kerala, especially during festivals like Onam and Vishu.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice ada, milk, sugar, ghee, dry fruits.
  • Where to Try: Traditional sweet shops and during Sadhya meals

Banana Chips and Sharkara Varatti

  • Description: A popular snack made from thinly sliced raw plantains deep-fried in coconut oil and lightly salted. Sharkara Varatti is another variation, coated with jaggery and spices.
  • Key Ingredients: Raw plantains, coconut oil, salt, jaggery, spices.
  • Where to Try: Local markets and shops

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Kerala Fried Chicken)

  • Description: Chicken marinated in a blend of spices and fried until crispy. It is usually served with parotta or rice and is a popular dish in Kerala homes and restaurants.
  • Key Ingredients: Chicken, spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder), curry leaves.
  • Where to Try: Local eateries and roadside stalls

Kappa and Meen Curry (Tapioca with Fish Curry)

  • Description: Kappa (tapioca) is boiled and mashed, served with a spicy and tangy red fish curry made with coconut milk and Kerala spices. It is a staple food in Kerala, especially among coastal communities.
  • Key Ingredients: Tapioca, fish, coconut, red chili, tamarind.
  • Where to Try: Traditional eateries in coastal Kerala

Ada Pradhaman

  • Description: A traditional dessert made of rice ada (rice flakes), jaggery, coconut milk, and flavored with cardamom, ghee, and dry fruits. It is a type of payasam (pudding) often served during festivals and special occasions.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice ada, jaggery, coconut milk, ghee, dry fruits.
  • Where to Try: Served during Sadhya meals and in sweet shops

Idiyappam with Egg Curry

  • Description: Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is a popular breakfast item made from rice flour dough pressed into noodle-like strands and steamed. It is often served with a spicy egg curry.
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, eggs, coconut milk, spices.
  • Where to Try: Local restaurants and eateries

Activities for Tourists in Kerala

Kerala offers a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests, from serene backwater cruises and adventurous treks to cultural experiences and relaxing beach time. Here’s a comprehensive list of activities for tourists in Kerala

1. Backwater Cruises

  • Description: Experience the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat (kettuvallam). The cruise takes you through lush paddy fields, quaint villages, and serene waterways.
  • Popular Locations: Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom, Kuttanad.
  • Best Time: October to March.

2. Ayurvedic Treatments

  • Description: Kerala is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Enjoy rejuvenating massages, therapies, and wellness programs at certified Ayurvedic centers.
  • Popular Locations: Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala, Munnar.

3. Beach Activities

  • Description: Relax on the picturesque beaches of Kerala, enjoy water sports like surfing and parasailing, or take a leisurely swim in the Arabian Sea.
  • Popular Beaches: Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Cherai Beach, Kannur Beach.

4. Wildlife Safaris

  • Description: Explore Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks on safaris. Spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species in their natural habitats.
  • Popular Locations: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park.

5. Tea Plantation Tours

  • Description: Visit tea estates in Munnar and Wayanad to learn about tea cultivation and processing. Enjoy scenic views of rolling tea gardens and sample freshly brewed tea.
  • Popular Locations: Munnar, Wayanad.

6. Trekking and Hiking

  • Description: Embark on trekking adventures through the Western Ghats and explore lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
  • Popular Trails: Chembra Peak, Agasthyakoodam, Meesapulimala, Echo Point.

7. Cultural Performances

  • Description: Witness traditional Kerala art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Theyyam. Enjoy folk performances and cultural shows showcasing the state’s rich heritage.
  • Popular Locations: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kalady.

8. Visit Historical and Cultural Sites

  • Description: Explore Kerala’s rich history and culture through its temples, forts, and museums.
  • Popular Sites: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Vypin Island.

9. Spice Plantation Tours

  • Description: Tour spice plantations to see how spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are grown. Learn about their cultivation and processing.
  • Popular Locations: Thekkady, Wayanad, Munnar.

10. Cooking Classes

  • Description: Learn to prepare traditional Kerala dishes in hands-on cooking classes. Discover the secrets of Kerala’s unique spices and cooking techniques.
  • Popular Locations: Kochi, Munnar, Varkala.

11. Boat Rides and Canoeing

  • Description: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride or canoeing in serene backwaters, lakes, and rivers. It’s a great way to explore Kerala’s natural beauty.
  • Popular Locations: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake.

12. Visit Hill Stations

  • Description: Escape to the cool climate of Kerala’s hill stations and enjoy scenic views, trekking, and nature walks.
  • Popular Locations: Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon.

13. Explore Art and Craft

  • Description: Visit local markets and workshops to see and purchase traditional Kerala arts and crafts, such as hand-woven textiles, brassware, and wood carvings.
  • Popular Locations: Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur.

14. Yoga and Meditation

  • Description: Practice yoga and meditation in serene settings, with sessions led by experienced instructors. Kerala is known for its wellness retreats and holistic practices.
  • Popular Locations: Varkala, Kovalam, Rishikesh (though not in Kerala, it’s close by).

15. Visit Forts and Palaces

  • Description: Explore historical forts and palaces that reflect Kerala’s royal heritage.
  • Popular Locations: Bekal Fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Dutch Palace (Mattancherry).

16. Participate in Festivals and Local Events

  • Description: Engage in vibrant festivals and local events that showcase Kerala’s culture and traditions.
  • Popular Festivals: Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Nehru Trophy Boat Race.

17. Shopping

  • Description: Shop for traditional Kerala items such as silk sarees, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Popular Markets: Kochi’s Lulu Mall, Thiruvananthapuram’s Chalai Market, Munnar’s local shops

Tips for Visiting Kerala

These activities offer a well-rounded experience of Kerala’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique traditions, making your visit to this enchanting state truly memorable

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Kerala

Kerala offers a rich variety of souvenirs that reflect its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and traditional craftsmanship. Here are some popular souvenirs to buy when visiting Kerala

Spices

  • Description: Kerala is known as the “Spice Garden of India,” and you can find a variety of spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and turmeric. These spices are fresh and fragrant, making them ideal souvenirs.
  • Where to Buy: Spice markets in Kochi, Munnar, Wayanad

Kathakali Masks

  • Description: Traditional masks used in Kathakali, the classical dance-drama of Kerala. These masks are intricately designed and painted, representing various characters and emotions.
  • Where to Buy: Art shops in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Handicrafts

  • Description: Kerala’s handicrafts include wooden artifacts, brass and copper items, and intricate carvings. Look for items like elephant figurines, traditional lamps (Nilavilakku), and brass idols.
  • Where to Buy: Handicraft stores in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and local markets

Coir Products

  • Description: Products made from coconut coir, such as mats, rugs, and baskets. Coir products are eco-friendly and durable.
  • Where to Buy: Coir factories and local markets in Kochi and Kollam

Kerala Sarees and Mundus

  • Description: Traditional clothing items like silk sarees, cotton sarees, and mundus (a traditional garment worn by men). These garments often feature beautiful handwoven patterns and embroidery.
  • Where to Buy: Textile shops in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Munnar

Jewelry

  • Description: Kerala is known for its exquisite gold jewelry, including intricate designs inspired by traditional motifs. Look for jewelry pieces such as necklaces, bangles, and earrings.
  • Where to Buy: Jewelry shops in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and major cities

Ayurvedic Products

  • Description: Herbal and Ayurvedic products such as oils, soaps, and lotions made from natural ingredients. These products are often used for wellness and personal care.
  • Where to Buy: Ayurvedic stores and wellness centers in Kochi, Kovalam, and other major towns

Kerala Tea and Coffee

  • Description: Freshly packed tea and coffee from Kerala’s plantations. Kerala’s tea and coffee are known for their rich flavors and aroma.
  • Where to Buy: Tea estates in Munnar and Wayanad, local stores

Bamboo and Wooden Crafts

  • Description: Handmade bamboo and wooden crafts, including furniture, utensils, and decorative items. These crafts are eco-friendly and showcase traditional craftsmanship.
  • Where to Buy: Artisan workshops and local markets in various parts of Kerala

Ayurvedic Products

  • Description: Herbal and Ayurvedic products such as oils, soaps, and lotions made from natural ingredients. These products are often used for wellness and personal care.
  • Where to Buy: Ayurvedic stores and wellness centers in Kochi, Kovalam, and other major towns

Coconut Shell Art

  • Description: Art and crafts made from coconut shells, including bowls, vases, and keychains. These items are eco-friendly and uniquely crafted.
  • Where to Buy: Craft shops and local markets in Kerala

Traditional Paintings

  • Description: Traditional Kerala paintings, including mural art and Tanjore paintings. These artworks often depict cultural and mythological themes.
  • Where to Buy: Art galleries and souvenir shops in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

Banana Chips and Spiced Snacks

    • Description: Kerala’s famous banana chips and other spiced snacks make for tasty and practical souvenirs. They are available in various flavors and are packaged for easy transport.
    • Where to Buy: Local markets and specialty stores across Kerala

Kettuvallam (Houseboat) Miniatures

  • Description: Miniature models of Kerala’s traditional houseboats. These make for unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Kerala’s backwaters.
  • Where to Buy: Souvenir shops in Kochi and Alleppey

Handmade Pottery

  • Description: Traditional Kerala pottery, including clay pots, vases, and figurines. These items are handcrafted and often feature intricate designs.
  • Where to Buy: Pottery workshops and local markets

These souvenirs offer a glimpse into Kerala’s vibrant culture and traditions will be a memorable souvenirs for your visit.