Exploring Kerala is as thrilling as its multiple features of being. The southernmost state is infused with so many nature’s wonders that it will captivate you. Kerala is striking with all kinds of natural phenomena – from the wildlife-filled national parks, sloping hills to the long sandy beaches and lakes.

It is one of India’s 28 states and what makes this state exquisite is its biodiversity and ecosystem. Kerala with its marvellous places will satisfy your wanderlust. In this article, we discover the essence of this picturesque Indian state and some of its breathtaking places.

Best time to visit

Kerala, on average, has a humid tropical climate. The Winter season between October and February is the peak time when most tourists, both international and local, come to witness Kerala’s alluring beauty. 

The summer in Kerala is hot and humid, and you may not be comfortable taking part in outdoor activities. Still, the season is definitely a perfect time to visit hill stations.

The monsoon season in Kerala witnesses heavy rainfall and gives you less opportunity to go outside. A lot of visitors come to Kerala during this season for the ayurvedic spa, for which Kerala is an ideal place.

Every season in Kerala has its speciality and something unique to offer. No matter what season you’re coming in, Kerala will make you fall in love with its every kind of charm.

Beautiful Places to Visit

Serene beaches on the Arabian coast, tea plantations on the hill slopes, houseboats in the Backwaters of Alappuzha, and dense forests in the lap of Western Ghats are the features of this beautiful state that attracts millions of visitors each year. High mountains in the east and the spectacular beaches in the west create an incomparable escapade for travellers. No wonder why Kerala is called God’s Own Country.

Backwaters

The one thing that distinguishes Kerala from the rest of India is its backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala encompass rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats, man-made and natural canals, lakes, and lagoons. Most of them fall into the Arabian sea as they are located close to it. The water is pure and clean, and many small marine creatures are seen there. Backwaters are definitely one of the best places to visit in Kerala.

Cruises on Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, sometimes referred to as houseboats, is one of a kind experience that is only possible in Kerala. Spending time on houseboats feels like living in the lap of nature.

These interlinked canals, rivers, and lagoons of Kerala are known worldwide and are probably the first thing that comes to mind when one mentions Kerala. There are many backwaters to explore in Kerala. Kozhikode Backwaters, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters, Kavvayi Backwater, and Cochin Backwaters are some of the finest places to hop in a houseboat. Among all the backwaters of Kerala, Alappuzha is the most visited one. Its houseboats are world-renowned and have earned it the title ‘Venice of the East.’

Hill Stations

Hill towns of Kerala are among those renowned locations that make Kerala a truly magical place. Hill slopes aligned with tea plantations and small trails are the most picturesque things to find here. A road trip to any of Kerala’s hill stations offers a great panoramic view of the Western Ghats and the whole town.

Renowned hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Idukki are some of the fabulous places to visit in Kerala. Most of the hill towns are located close to and in the Western Ghats, and it has become one of the prominent tourist destinations in India.

Beaches

Being located on the southwestern tip of the Indian peninsula on the Malabar coast, Kerala has one of the largest seashores in India. Its coastline stretches almost 600 kilometres, facing the vastness of the Arabian Sea.

Kerala, for its parallel location to the Arabian sea, finds itself immersed in serene beaches. Most appealing of them to visit are Kovalam Beach, Kozhikode Beach and Varkala Beach, among many more. The long Arabian coastline makes Kerala a one-stop destination for beach lovers.

Western Ghats

Western Ghats in the eastern region of Kerala is the centre of its biodiversity. The Western Ghats, UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs along the Arabian coast through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamilnadu. The national parks, forest reserves, and biodiversity hotspots that dwell within the mountain range are mostly found in Kerala. Among all the states the western Ghats covers, Kerala is probably the best place to make the most of Western Ghats. 

Anamudi peak, the highest peak of Western Ghats, is located in Kerala. Many mountain ranges in Kerala are the ideal place for camping, hiking, and trekking. Bird sanctuaries and waterfalls in the mountain range of Western Ghats are one-of-a-kind places not only in Kerala but in India. A day inside the dense forest of Western Ghats is definitely worth spending.

National Parks

Jostling between the Western Ghats and the Arabian coast, Kerala has one of the richest biodiversity in Asia. Its national parks are full of unique and endangered species and wildlife. Some of Kerala’s best national parks include Silent Valley National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, and Pampadum Shola National Park.

Conclusion

It’s not only the hill stations, beaches, and backwaters that make Kerala bewitching, the scenic paradise is also known for producing great culture and culinary experience. One of the celebrated Indian classical dance forms, Kathakali, originates from here. The culture of Kerala is an amalgam of modern-day ethos and Malayali tradition, presenting an opportunity for every visitor to explore God’s Own Country in their own way. Whether you want to camp and trek in the Western Ghats or sunbathe on the pristine sandy beaches of the Arabian coast, Kerala is ready to serve its visitors with its magical vibrations.