Kerala's tourism is distinctively unique compared to its larger neighbouring states.
Valiyaparamba Backwaters in Kasaragod
People of the state is called Malayali, they speak Malayalam, mysterious blend of two diametrically opposite languages - Tamil and Sanskrit.
Catholicism and Communism have its deep roots in Kerala’s society. If you are all out to research the origin of Islam in India, start with a small town in central Kerala. This first mosque in India (rather,the first outside arabia) was built in Kodungalloor in AD 629 when Islam as a newfound religion.
It is a few places on earth where four major religions - Islam, Christianity Judaism and Hinduism - met, coexisted and flourished peacefully for centuries. That reflects on the moorings of Kerala society and its attitudes.
The state boasts 100% literacy. Female population outnumbers male. The society is more equitable. An average malayali is proud of the achievements of Kerala, probably, including the trade union movements that drove away the industrialization of the state.
This hyper activism on political front is the hallmark of Kerala. Calling for strike at the drop of a hat, for any mundane reason has achieved artistic perfection in Kerala.
That means your Kerala travel checklist has one more important point to be ticked off.
Check out with the local media if there is any call of strike (typically declared the previous day as a knee-jerk to some incident elsewhere on earth!).
The real attraction of Kerala tour lies in its attitude. People are friendly, curious and helpful. One can travel the state in a casual way and safely.
At the end of your Kerala trip you would have ample reasons to believe that Kerala indeed the God’s Own Country.
Monsoon in Kerala begins by early June and lasts for about 4 months. Though summers are sticky and hot - thanks to the warm sea breeze - winter months are never freezing cold. In other words Kerala has the typical tropical climate.
Attractions in Kerala:
1.Backwaters
2.Beaches : Varkala, Cherai , Kappil , Bekal , Fort Kochi,
3.Hill Stations : Munnar,Wayanad
4.Heritage : Bekal, Kollam,St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Vasco House, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue,Bolgatty Palace, Hill Palace,Kaladi
Kumbalangi Village, Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, Malayattoor Church, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Aqua Tourism at Palaikari
Connectivity The whole state is interconnected with a crisscrossing network of good quality roads. State owned 'KSRTC' and private buses compete to woo passengers.
The railway practically runs through the full length of Kerala, offering good rail connectivity within and other cities of India. This tiny state has four airports with international and domestic connections.
Kerala on a shoestring budget And lastly it is not an expensive affair to travel in Kerala. You can piggyback on the cheaper public transport system. Stay in economical lodges. The food is of course inexpensive. ( See also Kerala backwaters on a shoestring budget )
Splurgy options Also Kerala has some of the most exotic destinations in India , mostly the upscale resorts around backwaters, hill stations, beaches or wildlife sanctuaries.
House boats, one of the popular attractions of Kerala's tourism
A street in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) , the capital of Kerala
Major stations and the rail route map of Kerala
Note the uniqueness of the architectural in stark contrast with other temple architectural styles in the south Indian region.
Kerala has significant rubber growing regions.
Kerala backwaters map showing the locations of Lake, Kayamkulam backwaters, Thottapally Lake, Kuttanad Backwaters, Vembanadu Backwaters, Enamavu backwater, Chettuva Backwater, Ponnani Backwaters, Kavvayi Backwaters, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Padanna Backwaters, Thiruvallam backwaters,Aakkulam Lake,Kadinamkulam backwaters,Edava-Nadayara Backwaters,Paravur Backwaters, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Vattakayal
Meal called Sadhya served on plantain leaf