Kerala, India is one of the cleanest, safest and most beautiful states in the country. Tourists come here to relax by the sea and improve their health with the help of Ayurveda.
General information
Kerala is a state in India, located in the southwestern part of the country. It covers an area of almost 39 thousand square kilometers. The number of residents is 34 million people. At the same time, it recorded the smallest population growth in India, and the percentage of literates is the highest in the country.
The state capital is Thiruvananthapuram and the official language is Malayalam. Despite the large number of people who live here, the state was founded only in 1956, and is inhabited by the Malay people (very few native Indians live here). The name Kerala is translated from Sanskrit as “land of coconuts” or “land of coconut mountains”.
Kerala is bordered by the states of Tamil Nadu (east) and Karnataka (north-east), and is bordered to the west by the waters of the Arabian Sea. The coastline is 590 km long. The state of Kerala can be divided into 3 parts. The first is mountainous, where tea grows and dense forests grow. The second is hilly, most of which is occupied by coffee plantations. And the third is the plain, 90% of which is occupied by agricultural land.
Here are some more interesting facts about Kerala in India:
- 90% of the population is Catholic;
- Communism is very popular here, and on many buildings you can see images of a hammer and sickle;
- one of the favorite historical figures of the locals is Che Guevara (stickers with his image can often be seen on cars);
- There is a “pink police ” working here, which protects girls and women from attacks and violence.
Why come to Kerala
Ayurveda
The birthplace of Ayurveda is Kerala, so if you want to improve your health, it is best to go here. There are a huge number of Ayurvedic clinics, spas and yoga studios here. The most famous ones are:
- Arya Vaidya Sala (Kottakal),
- Padinharkkara Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center (Pallakad),
- Hindustan Kalari Sangam Ayurveda Hospital (Kozhikode).
If you do not want to search for a suitable center on your own, you should contact one of the travel agencies that offer ready-made programs for 14 or more days. Each package includes:
- ayurvedic treatments;
- massages;
- specially designed diet;
- yoga;
- spiritual practices.
Beach holidays
Another popular reason why tourists visit the state is the desire to relax on the deserted beaches of Kerala. Most popular resorts:
- Varkala;
- Kovalam;
- Kollam;
- Alleppey;
- Palakkad.
These are very calm and picturesque villages, where it is good to meditate, admire nature (for example, butterflies, which are very numerous here) and attend spa treatments.
Kerala Cities and Resorts
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala and the most populous city in the state, with a population of 750 thousand people. There are no problems with the tourist infrastructure: there are a lot of shops, cafes and restaurants. There are both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses. There are quite a lot of tourists.
If we talk about a beach holiday in this part of Kerala in India, then it is not very popular here – there is an airport nearby, and the water is not the cleanest. However, locals love these places for their bright sunsets, and recommend visiting Shanghumugham and Puthenthoppu beaches in the evening.
The city of Trivandrum can not be called the most suitable place for Ayurvedic practices in India – after all, it is too noisy and crowded.
Kochchin (Kochi)
Cochin is a port city in the western part of Kerala. There are a lot of tourists here, because in addition to the sea, a lot of architectural and historical sights of Kerala are concentrated here. There are no problems with shops, cafes and hotels – you can find housing for every taste and budget.
You won’t be able to relax by the sea in the city itself – it’s quite dirty here. But in the vicinity there are a lot of picturesque places: Cherai beaches, White Sand and Rajah Beach. The sand on them is golden, and the entrance to the sea is gentle. Rocks and seashells are missing.
As for the centers of Ayurveda, there are a lot of them here. There are both inexpensive hospitals and a real palace of Ayurveda, which looks like a 5*hotel. Tourists from Europe often choose Cochin for recreation and treatment because it is inexpensive (compared to other cities in India) and beautiful nature.
Alleppey
Alleppey, also often referred to as the “Venice of India”, is a small resort village 62 km from Kochi. There are not as many tourists here as in neighboring cities, but there are more than enough shops and cafes.
Most travelers come here to see the water channels – they are located in different parts of the city, and many are so overgrown with plants that at first glance you can not understand that it is water. Tourists also like to visit the local beach. It may be crowded, but it’s not dirty, and the entrance to the water is gentle. There are no strong undercurrents.
On the shore there are many hotels and hospitals, which are waiting for lovers of Ayurveda. Prices here are not high, and the sea air and beautiful nature contribute to a good mood. This picturesque part of Kerala is worth visiting for those who want to restore their vitality with the help of Ayurvedic practices, but lovers of deserted beaches and famous attractions should find another place.
Varkala
Varkala is one of the best places for a beach holiday in Kerala. It is a small village located 36 km from Trivandram. There are the following beaches: Papanasam (the most deserted), Black (the smallest) and North (the most crowded). There is almost no garbage on the beaches, the entrance to the sea is gentle. The only drawback is the large number of people in the evening.
As for Ayurvedic hotels and hospitals, there are also a lot of them here. There are both expensive and very budget options.
Since Varkala is only a village, you will not find a large number of shops and cafes here. But there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses. There are a lot of tourists in Varkala, and if you want to relax alone, choose accommodation on the outskirts of the resort.
Kovalam
Kovalam is the largest and most popular resort in Kerala. There are 4 beaches: Ashok, where locals relax, Samudra, where there are very few people, Gawa, which is considered a favorite place for fishermen, and Lighthouse Beach, which is very popular with tourists. The beaches are regularly cleaned of garbage and sharp stones, so it is comfortable to relax here.
There are few hospitals and hotels that are aimed at Ayurveda lovers, so it is better to find a more peaceful place. There will be no problems with shops and cafes in the resort – there are a lot of them here. The same goes for hotels.
Since there are always enough people at Kovalam Resort, book your accommodation in advance.
Kerala Attractions and Entertainment
Kathakali Dance Theater
Kerala is the birthplace of the vibrant and passionate Kathakali dance that originated here thousands of years ago. This art was born through a combination of ancient Indian beliefs, Hinduism, local folklore and some types of martial arts.
Both today and many centuries ago, it is performed only by men. Boys begin to prepare for performances at the age of 10-11 years, and they enter the stage for the first time only after 5-6 years. In addition to the main actors, an orchestra (3-5 people) and two announcers take part in the performance, who explain to the audience the meaning of what is happening on the stage.
Traditionally, kathakali is performed on a moonlit night, and the sacrament ends at dawn. Of course, things have changed a bit now, and there are daytime shows for foreigners.
Many tourists who have already visited India are advised to arrive an hour before the performance to see how the actors are preparing for the show – they dress up and apply makeup right on the stage.
Tea plantations
Tea plantations are located in the northern part of Kerala in India, high in the mountains. The most famous are the Munnar plantations – they are the most picturesque and easily accessible. It is not for nothing that this mountain resort is popularly called the “City of Tea”.
Interestingly, the local plantations are considered one of the highest in the world, because they are located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level.
A few tips from tourists:
- You can get to Munnar from Kochi either by bus (5 hours on the way), or by minibus. It is better to start the trip in the morning, when the rest of the tourists will still be asleep.
- It is often cold in the mountains, so take a warm jacket with you.
- You can visit the tea plantations either on foot or by jeep. Of course, the second option is more comfortable, and, most importantly, suitable for people with disabilities or the elderly. But if you have the desire and opportunity-it is better to go on foot, because the mountains offer fantastic views of natural attractions.
- If you also want to visit not only a natural attraction, but also a tea factory that is located nearby, you should immediately buy a full tour from a travel agency. Its cost is 900-1100 rupees.
- The best time to visit this attraction is from August to March.
- Many travelers say that one of the most vivid impressions of India is meeting the dawn on a tea plantation. To do this, you must go to the plantation no later than 4 am. Also, it is in the morning that you can take the most beautiful photos of Kerala.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the main attractions of Trivandram. It was built in honor of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and was built in the distant VI century.
Interestingly, in 2011, the temple was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the richest not only in India, but also in the world. According to rough estimates, the museum stores items made of gold, silver, and precious stones worth more than $ 20 billion.
As for the interior decoration of the attraction, it is, without a doubt, impressive. The rooms are semi-dark, and electricity is deliberately not used here, so you can understand how beautiful this place is only 10-15 minutes after arrival – by this time the eyes finally get used to the semi-darkness. Monks say that a person cannot see the whole picture, but even some parts of the temple premises are impressive.
In addition to the main temple, several small shrines dedicated to other deities can be found nearby. For example, the Tiruvampadi Sri Krishna Temple or the Garuda Temple.
Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters of Kerala are a long chain of lakes and small lagoons that stretches along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Their total length is 900 km. The uniqueness of this place lies in its ecosystem-the fresh water of rivers meets the salty waters of the sea. The largest local lake is Vembanad Kayal, which covers an area of 200 square kilometers.
In order to see the most interesting sights, travelers are advised to rent a small boat for 2-3 hours – this time is more than enough to see the most interesting sights.:
- the biggest lakes;
- rice fields;
- local villages;
- backwaters where they raise shrimp.
It is cheaper to rent a boat on the embankment-there are many points for renting equipment there.
If you want to get better acquainted with the local population and its customs, you should buy the eco-tour “House on Water” – a two-day boat trip. Many people call such water trips a real meditation – in addition to the picturesque views, you will enjoy singing mantras at dawn, taste Indian dishes prepared directly on board, and also see the nature reserve from afar.
Poovar Island
Puwar Resort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of Trivandrum. In addition to the convenient location, there is everything you need to relax: cozy cafes, shops with Indian goods, comfortable sun beds on the beach. The main local attraction is a picturesque fishing village located one kilometer from the resort.
90% of tourists come to Puvar in order to improve their health and “recharge” energy with the help of Ayurveda. The resort really has one of the best centers in India. They treat not only bad moods, but also serious chronic diseases.
Puvar Island can only be reached by boat (travel time is 15 minutes), which also helps to create a romantic mood.
The disadvantages include the fact that the only beach that is located on the opposite shore, no one cleans, and it is very dirty.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Antirappilli Falls in Thrissur is the most spectacular attraction in Kerala. There are 4 of them in total, and each one is at least 100 meters high. Locals say that this is the same place that has not changed due to the negative influence of man, and it is still very clean and beautiful.
The waterfall is especially picturesque after the rainy season. Many compare this natural attraction in India to the Niagara Falls in North America.
It is better to come here on weekdays – there are a lot of people on weekends. The most convenient way to get to the attraction is by taxi.
A few tips from people who have visited this landmark::
- Do not wear sandals or flip – flops- your feet should be completely covered, as there are many small stones on the road.
- Do not enter places where there is a warning sign about the danger (and travelers do this very often, which leads to a large number of deaths).
- Take an umbrella with you, otherwise you won’t be able to get out dry.
- Go up to the attraction only on the designated paths-they are relatively safe – but on others you can easily slip and fall.
- Once you reach the top, make sure to take some photos of Kerala in India.
- There are many good hotels nearby, and many recommend staying there for 1-2 days.
Useful tips
- Experienced tourists say that the course of real Ayurveda in India can not last less than 21 days. If you are offered a 7-or 10-day program, know that you are being cheated.
- Kerala is one of the most peaceful states in India, but you still need to carefully monitor your belongings.
- If you are staying at a hotel and want to go on a tour of India, please inform the staff in advance. Most likely, you will receive a free dry breakfast (sandwiches, juice and fruit).
- Many foreigners point out that Kerala is one of the few states where there are practically no annoying merchants.
- There is a “dry law”in Kerala. Alcohol is relatively expensive here and is sold only in restaurants in tourist areas. Therefore, you should not go to this state of India if you are looking for a place of noisy parties.
- If you are planning to visit a temple in India, always wear socks. You can’t go into the sanctuary in shoes, and if you go barefoot, you can catch some skin disease.
- If you want to swim and sunbathe, do not go to Kerala in the summer – at this time of year, very strong waves rise, and the lifeguards who are on duty on the shore will simply not let you into the water.
- Most of the young people in Kerala (especially in the southern part of the state) know English well.
- Take some sheets with you on your trip – hotels usually only give out blankets.
Kerala, India – the most peaceful state in the country, where you want not only to visit excursions, but also to meditate and swim in the sea.
