Why is Kerala tagged as 'God's own Country'? What is so special about this tiny little state in India that
makes tourists from all around the world flock over? Why has Kerala been accepted as a true paradise by leading
travel institutions world over? There is only one answer- it deserves to be! Not a single person who has seen or
known the charm of Kerala will contend such a claim. The sheer beauty and diversity of the state just blows your
doubts away and lights up the want for more and more of this heaven.
It is not only the natural beauty that makes Kerala special for tourists- the rich cultural heritage, historical
prominence, and most of all, the people of the State. You will not see such socially aware and friendly people anywhere
in the world. The centuries old traditions and customs of the Indian society is best reflected through the people of
Kerala.
About Kerala Tourism
Kerala, a small state in South India is a lush green narrow strip of land sandwiched between a 600 kilometres long coastal
line and the majestically high Western Ghats. Bordered by the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and South, and Karnataka
to the North, and Arabian sea to the West, Kerala is known for its unique terrain comprising of mountains with tea
plantations and cardamom estates, backwaters and the coconut grooves on its shore, acres of plantations of different
spices, and highly developed villages and serene cities. Kerala is famous for its unique cultural aspects, be that
in dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Chavittunadakam, or in literature, famous as the land of Kumaranasan,
or Arundhati Roy in the modern times. Being the most literate state in India, the development indices of the state are
more compared to the highly developed western nations than to other states of India. The unique culture of Kerala also
assures that there is peace, even when the region has all kinds of diversity, be it in religion, or in political beliefs.
Elected as one of the 50 places to visit before one dies, and as one of the “ten paradises of the world” by the National
Geographic Magazine, people flock to Kerala for different tourist alternatives, be it the ayurvedic spas, the religious
monuments of the religions of the likes of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and the old relics of Jain and Buddha beliefs,
or the terrain options ranging from majestic high mountains, pristine sandy beaches, lush green backwaters, or the pitch
dark tropical rain forests. Kerala tourism offers everything to each and every visitor.
Kerala is divided into Malabar, Central Kerala, and Travancore.
Malabar Region
Malabar, famous for its historicity, opens up a different way of life to the visitors. Its heritage, food, and historic
monuments make it one of world’s most historically important unrecognized sites. The city of Kozhikode, or Calicut, famous
as the site where the imperialism in India began, with the coming of Vasco Da Gama, belongs to the Malabar region. This
clean and friendly city is also one of the oldest trading hubs of the world. Other places to visit in Malabar are Kannur,
Wayand, and Bekal.
Central Kerala
Central Kerala is mainly famous for the city of Kochi, a major harbour known as the Queen of Arabian sea. Kochi,
considered as the capital of Kerala tourism, is an ecumenical city with a high standard of living as well as a place
that offers much to a tourist, be it in sight seeing or in shopping. Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala is also
in Central Kerala. Culturally important monuments like Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahithya Akademi, Lalitha Kala Akademi,
and Muziris, are all in Thrissur. Moreover, Thrissur is famous for its jewellery, chit funds, as well as a centre for
banking. Food basket of Kerala, Palakkad is also in Central Kerala. A visit to Thrissur during Thrissur Pooram will
change your mind for the better and your opinion about tourism in Kerala will change for the best.
Travancore
Travancore can be divided into Northern, where the backwaters and famous churches are, Central, where the high ranges
of Kerala are and Southern region, where the capital city of Trivandrum and the world famous Kovalam and Varkala are.
Northern Travancore is famous as the writing house of Kerala as the city of Kottayam, that has the highest number of
printing presses and highest number of publications are in this region. Kumarakom, the land of backwaters is also in
this region. Alappuzha, the Venice of the east, a place famous for its natural maze of canals is also in this region.
Central Travancore is famous for Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar Tiger Reserve and a few other Kerala tourism options. Southern
Travancore is where Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is. A city famous for its beaches like Kovalam and Varkala,
historical monuments like palaces, Padmanabhaswami Temple, and educational and research institutions, Trivandrum is a must
see place to visit to get the fullness of Kerala tourism. Other famous city in Southern Travancore is Kollam, famous for
the cashew and coir industries.
Kerala is a large region and it is better to select cities to visit rather than plan a pan Kerala tourist visit. Kerala
has a unique climate and has 8 months of monsoon rain. It is advisable to carry and umbrella throughout the year. Summer
is between March and May, Monsoon between June and September, and winter between mid October and January. Kerala is well
connected by road, rail and air (3 international airports in Trivandrum, Kochi, and Calicut). Main port of Kerala is Kochi.
