KERALA
Overview
This small state in the southwest of India is not only a sunseeker’s paradise but equally has its lush greenery where spices and herbs grow the hill country where tea and coffee plantations flourish and the expansive backwaters to appreciate its abundance of natural beauty.
Add to that its long history and heritage, exquisite culinary choices, and deep-rooted culture and festivals it is no wonder Kerala is known as the ‘God’s Own Country’ and it is an ideal place for total relaxation in harmony with nature.
Long Beaches and Much More
The long coastline known as the Malabar Coast with golden sandy beaches and swaying coconut trees almost reaching Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent is an ideal place to ease up to the calming sounds of the Arabian Sea waves.
The Kerala backwaters are a network of brackish lagoons, canals, lakes, and rivers, lying parallel and not far from the Malabar Coast. There are houseboats to spend a night or two or even more in total isolation and serenity on the backwaters.
The Western Ghats, a long mountain range and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with world-acknowledged biodiversity hotspots that contain a very large proportion of India’s flora and fauna. Visit the breathtaking mountain range with an experienced guide.
Wellbeing
Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated more than 3,000 years ago based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness.
Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment. It has been acknowledged globally that Kerala is the epicentre of Ayurvedic treatments.
Kerala Cuisine
Kerala cuisine offers a numerous variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The land is gifted with lush vegetation including exquisite spices a coastline stretching 600 km, and vast inland waterways Kerala is spoilt for choices when it comes to vegetarian and seafood dishes and there are meat dishes too.
Coconut is a staple ingredient in Kerala cuisine. When in Kerala for lunch one must try ‘Kerala Sadya’ a vegetarian meal with over fourteen side dishes and accompaniments served on a banana leaf and you will remember that ‘Sadya’ for a very long time to come.
Places to visit in Kerala
MUNNAR
Munnar a hill station in Kerala is the place to become one with nature. From sprawling tea plantations to green hills and cascading waterfalls, everything in Munnar is a treat for the eyes. A road trip to Munnar is a great way to enjoy scenic views on the way. Lying in the Western Ghats at just over 5,200 feet, it is one of the most sought-after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst honeymooners.
Once the summer resort of the British Raj, the main reason to visit Munnar is to explore the vast tea plantations, the exotic flora, and fauna, the Eravikulam National Park, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Munnar is also famous for being home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
It is also an ideal place for trekking, camping, paragliding, and boating, Jeep safari is also a popular activity to experience
The hill station is a haven for shopping for tea and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, nutmeg, coffee, and a variety of homemade chocolates that can be bought from the number of shops spread across the hill town.
KUMARAKOM
The National Geographic Magazine (an internationally popular periodical) has listed Kumarakom as one of the must-see places in a lifetime. Kumarakom is a sleepy little village on Vembanad Lake the largest backwaters in Kerala State situated about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive south of Kochi, the capital.
Its mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields, coconut trees with waterways, and canals with white lilies and a variety of flora would captivate any visitor.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on the banks of Vembanad Lake which spreads across 14 acres. The main attractions are local birds like waterfowl, koel, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and kite, as well as the migratory gull, teal, tern, flycatcher, and other birds, which are seen here during their respective migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from Siberia.
Houseboats are one of the unique features of Kumarakom and the majority who visit here take a trip in these houseboats enjoying the beautiful backwater and the cool air around the waters. One could choose to have a cruise through the Vembanad Lake and Alappuzha backwaters. Experience the typical Kerala cuisines while having a calm and relaxing voyage through the backwaters.
Visit 'Pathiramanal' Island and Aruvikuzhi Waterfall 40 minutes away from Kumarakom. The 100 ft tall waterfall is one of the best spots for trekking.
KOCHI
Kochi became a seaport in 1341 when a village called Pattanam (now a major archeological site) a thriving port dating back to 1st century AD in Kodungallur 28 miles north of Kochi was swept away by a devastating flood caused by the swelling of the nearby River Periyar.
Kochi (The British Raj called it Cochin) has always been an important trading centre. Syrian Christians, Arab Muslims, Jews, and Chinese came here in search of spices, gems, and teakwood and most importantly black pepper was also known as “black gold” at that time.
The city has been a trading post for centuries and the Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences remain evident along with major influences of Christianity and Islam.
Kochi includes an archipelago of various islands, from large to very small. The major islands in Kochi are Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Island, Willingdon Island, and Vypin. The Indian Navy’s Southern Command is headquartered in Kochi.
Go on a guided Heritage Walk of Fort Kochi the best way to know the area and its important landmarks, colonial history, and the events that shaped Kochi
Walk through Mattancherry a multicultural old neighbourhood in Fort Kochi full of colonial buildings. Mattancherry Dutch Palace is an attraction built by the Portuguese and presented to the Raja of Kochi in 1555, then renovated by the Dutch in 1663. In the evenings the temples in the area are illuminated with lamps and their bells ring an experience to enjoy.
The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum - To learn about Kerala's culture, it's worth making the journey to this museum on the outskirts of Ernakulam. Packed full of interesting artifacts related to the state's heritage. Its architecture is magnificent, with the entrance made from the remnants of a temple the wooden carvings are worth having a look. Kerala art and dance forms are a focus, with stage performances taking place at 6:30 p.m. daily.
Watch Kathakali dance performance. This is a very unusual and ancient form of dance-drama tradition in Kerala. The dance movements are subtle, yet they tell a meaningful mythological story, while the look of the performers, with red bloodshot eyes, borders on horrific and appealing costumes The performers go through intense training, including hours of eye exercises when learning the art of Kathakali. Try the Cochin Cultural Centre, Kerala Kathakali Centre, or Greenix Village to catch a show.
Take a Cooking Lesson, Kerala is renowned for its cuisine, featuring delicious seafood and coconut flavours. A memory to cherish, what you learn here can be easily replicated when you get back home as almost all ingredients are now available in the UK.
Make time for Ayurveda Treatment, Kerala is probably the cradle of Ayurveda which translates to “knowledge of life”. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.
Try the Chinese Fishing Nets, these iconic Chinese Fishing Nets are undoubtedly Kochi's most recognisable sight. The nets have been there since the 14th century and are remarkably still in use today. Take a turn at the net, as the local fisherman will show you how they're operated in return for a small fee. You could also buy their fresh catch and get it cooked at a nearby shack and enjoy eating at the seafront.
Go On a Sunset Cruise – Cruise in the inland backwaters of Kochi and enjoy the spectacular scenery as sunset as its backdrop.
WAYANAD
The name Wayanad is derived from Vayal Nadu which means the land of paddy fields. It is a picturesque plateau situated at a height between 700 meters and 2100 meters above the mean sea level nested among the mountains of the Western Ghats on the Eastern portion of North Kerala and the sides of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka States. The district was carved out from the then Kozhikode and Kannur Districts. About 350 sq. miles of the area is under forest. The culture of Wayanad is mainly tribal-oriented. Though considered backward, this District is perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the State, with its production of cash crops like pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices, and other condiments.
VAGAMON
Vagamon is a quiet and picturesque hill station at a height of about 4,000 above sea level and is one of the popular travel destinations for nature lovers. The district is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve nestled amidst the Western Ghats (a mountain range) perfect for spending time with nature and indulging in adventures an ideal retreat for relaxation with its scenic surroundings.
The greenery and the beauty of the hills, the mists clouding the roads, numerous waterfalls, and uninhibited wildlife will keep you in tune with nature. Trekking is the lure for adventure enthusiasts, whereas the charming treehouses enchant honeymoon couples.
Attractions include Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a trek to Chembra Peak one of the highest peaks in the region, Meenmutty Falls, Ayurveda Yoga Villa, Muthanga Wildlife Safari, and treehouse stays are a few to mention.
KOVALAM
Described as one of India’s most beautiful beaches and one of the best places to visit in Kerala situated just 15 miles south of Thiruvananthapuram the capital of Kerala State and under 50 miles Northwest of Kanyakumari the southern tip of India.
There are reputable Ayurvedic centres and resorts in the area for Ayurvedic Treatments. There is a choice of seafood restaurants that serve some exquisite Keralan seafood dishes in Kovalam.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Thiruvananthapuram about 60 miles northwest of the southernmost point of the Indian subcontinent Kanyakumari was built on seven hills is the capital of Kerala State and has a population of about one million people. ‘Kerala’ is the name given post-British independence to the two merged princely states of Travancore (Thiruvancore) and Kochi. Thiruvananthapuram was the capital of Thiruvancore State and remained the capital of the merged states.
It is a historical as well as the cultural hub of the state in addition to being a modern metropolis. The city has many attractions, including temples, gardens, palaces, museums, beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, and many more. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Siva called Padmanabhaswamy (another name for Lord Siva) Temple stands here and is claimed to be one of the richest temples in the world.
The Temple has been referred to in the “Sangam period” literature several times. The “Sangam Period” or age, particularly referring to the third Sangam period, is the period of the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh States, and Sri Lanka dating back to the 3rd century CE. However, the main deity now is not Lord Siva but Brahma, there is no written history available as to when and how the deity changed. A school of thought suggests that this may be to do with a community called ‘Brahmin’ mainly in Southern India, a migratory people from the Central Asia region centuries ago.
There are reputable Ayurvedic treatment centres and resorts in the area. A natural history museum and an art gallery are some of the places to visit.
