KERALA

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Reaching Kerala, the beautiful state located on the southwestern coast of India, is fairly straightforward, with several options depending on where you're traveling from. Here's how you can get there:

1. By Air

Kerala is well-connected by air, with four international airports and several domestic airports.

• International Airports:
  • Cochin International Airport (COK): Located in Nedumbassery, near Kochi, it’s the busiest airport in Kerala, with flights from major       international destinations.
  • Trivandrum International Airport (TRV): Located in Thiruvananthapuram,       it serves many international routes.
  • Calicut International Airport (CCJ): Located in Kozhikode, it handles flights from the Middle East and other international destinations.
  • Kannur International Airport (CNN): A newer airport in the Kannur district, which has connections to several international cities.
• Domestic Flights: If you’re flying from within India, you can also land at domestic airports like Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Kannur from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Chennai.

2. By Train

Kerala is well-connected by rail to other parts of India. The Southern Railway operates a wide range of trains from major cities to Kerala's key railway stations.

• Popular Train Stations in Kerala:
  • Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC): The capital’s main station,       connecting to several cities across India.
  • Kochi (Ernakulam Junction, ERS): Convenient for       tourists visiting Kochi or the backwaters.
  • Kozhikode (Calicut Railway Station, CLT): Serving northern Kerala, with trains from cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
  • Alleppey Railway Station: Convenient for those visiting the       famous backwaters.

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel across Kerala. You can book tickets via the IRCTC website or at train stations.

3. By Bus

• Long-Distance Buses: Kerala has a well-developed bus network with both      government (KSRTC) and private operators running services between major      cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Goa.
• State Transport Buses (KSRTC): The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses that connect all districts of Kerala with other states and cities.
• Private Luxury Buses: Many private operators run comfortable luxury buses to Kerala from cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Coimbatore.

4. By Car

• Driving to Kerala: Kerala is well connected by road, and  you can easily drive from neighbouring states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. National highways (NH 44, NH 66) connect major cities in Kerala to other parts of India. The roads are in good condition,      but traffic can be heavy in urban areas.
• Rent a Car: If you don’t have your own car, renting a vehicle is a good option for local travel within Kerala. Many car rental services are available, both with drivers and self-drive options.

5. By Taxi

If you're arriving at a nearby city (like Bangalore, Chennai, or Coimbatore), you can hire a taxi for a longer drive into Kerala. Many tourists opt for taxi services when traveling to more remote or scenic locations like Munnar, Wayanad, or the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are certain activities that are exclusive to Kerala only, for instance how many times do you get this opportunity to see a bathing elephant or spending a night on a houseboat, search out for these exclusive activities and mark your days in Kerala with great enthusiasm.

• Stay at Houseboat in Alleppey: Feel like a time traveler while moving in the backwaters of Alleppey. The houseboat stay can take you to a distinctive world away from your wired world.
• Visit a Tourism Village: The District of Wayanad is full of such villages where you can feel the essence of village life and spend a good time with the villagers. These places are just great for detoxification and spa experience.
• Relive your honeymoon in a tree House: Munnar district offer many tree house stays. Most of these treehouse gives you a romantic solitude because you cannot carry excessive baggage in them.

A haven for nature lovers-  You will love the lush greenery spread across most of the places in Kerala. All the hill stations and beaches are scenic and provide calm and a tranquil effect to the mind. 

Delightful food and shopping-  You can shop for gold, handicrafts and souvenirs in Kerala. You can also participate in the folk festivals of Kerala and enjoy the scenic and cultural template of this place. Get a taste of typical Kerala platter in most of the restaurants that is served on a banana leaf.  

Culture of Kerala-  This is one of the distinct cultures amongst most of the Indian States. You can learn about the spices, cuisine, festivals, and folklore that is sewn together that makes Kerala a unique and an exotic destination for travelers.  

Stunning Natural Beauty- The serene backwaters of Kerala are world-renowned. With intricate networks of lagoons, lakes, and canals, places like Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kumarakom, and Kottayam offer an unforgettable houseboat experience, where you can float along peaceful waters surrounded by lush greenery.

Beaches- Kerala boasts some of India’s most beautiful beaches, including Varkala, Kovalam, Cherai, and Bekal, which are known for their golden sands and tranquil settings.

Hill Stations and Tea Gardens- The Western Ghats, which run through Kerala, offer scenic hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady. These regions are famous for their tea estates, coffee plantations, and cool, misty weather.

Waterfalls- Kerala has many stunning waterfalls, such as Athirappilly (often called "The Niagara of India"), Meghamalai, and Vazhachal, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

National Parks: Periyar National Park is a major tourist attraction; apart from it, you can also visit Bandipur National Park as well as other wildlife tours of Kerala.

 Forts, Museums, and Temples: The Padmanabha Temple of Kerala and Kochi fort are two major sites. Kerala folklore museum and Napier Museum can also be termed as attractions.

Kerala is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual sites. Here are some of the major tourist attractions in Kerala, each offering a unique experience:

Alleppey (Alappuzha): Known as the "Venice of the East," Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. A houseboat ride through the backwaters is one of Kerala's most iconic experiences.

Kumarakom: Another beautiful backwater destination located near Vembanad Lake, known for its houseboats, bird sanctuary, and tranquil settings.

Kottayam: Surrounded by lush landscapes and backwaters, Kottayam offers a peaceful escape with picturesque views of the water and paddy fields.

Munnar: Famous for its tea plantations, rolling hills, and misty mountains, Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala. Major attractions includes

Tea Gardens: Walk through the lush tea estates.

Mattupetty Dam: A picturesque reservoir surrounded by hills.

Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offering stunning views.

Anamudi Peak: The highest peak in South India, ideal for trekking.

Cochin (Kochi): A historic area with colonial architecture, including the St. Francis Church, Dutch Palace, and Chinese fishing nets

Mattancherry: Known for the Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace).

Marine Drive: A scenic waterfront promenade offering great views of the backwaters and Kochi's skyline.

Kochi Biennale: A contemporary art festival held every two years.

Wayanad: Located in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is known for its lush green landscapes, wildlife, and waterfalls. Key attractions includes

Edakkal Caves: Prehistoric caves with ancient petroglyphs.

Pookode Lake: A beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forests.

Soochipara Falls: A three-tiered waterfall.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts with opportunities for safaris.

Thekkady: Known for serene nature and adventure.

Periyar Tiger Reserve: Famous for its population of tigers and elephants, and boat safaris on Periyar Lake offer close views of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Spice Plantations: Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations, where you can take guided tours to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and vanilla.

Bamboo Rafting and Trekking: Activities in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offer opportunities for adventure seekers.

Varkala: Known for its cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a laid-back beach destination.

Papanasam Beach: Known for its spiritual significance and stunning views.

Janardhana Swamy Temple: An ancient Hindu temple located near the beach.

Varkala Cliff: A stunning cliff-top area lined with cafes and shops.

Kovalam: A popular beach destination near Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kovalam is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches.

Lighthouse Beach: A landmark beach with a lighthouse offering panoramic views.

Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach: Ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Alleppey (Alappuzha): Famous for its houseboat cruises through the backwaters, where you can stay overnight on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat) and explore the lush landscapes and quaint villages. Visit Kuttanadu, the "Rice Bowl of Kerala," known for its unique farming methods in the backwaters.

Sabarimala Temple: One of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India, Sabarimala is located in the Western Ghats and attracts millions of devotees every year. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, and the temple is surrounded by dense forests and steep hills.

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): The capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum has several cultural and historic sites

Padmanabhaswamy Temple: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, renowned for its architecture and treasure.

Napier Museum: A museum showcasing Kerala’s art and cultural history.

Kuthiramalika Palace: A historic palace with exquisite wood carvings.

Shankhumugham Beach: A beautiful beach near the city with an iconic sculpture of a fish.

Bekal Fort: Located near Bekal Beach in northern Kerala, Bekal Fort is one of the best-preserved forts in the state, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The beach here is known for its beauty and serenity.

Athirappilly: Known as the Niagara of India, Athirappilly Waterfalls is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, located in the Thrissur district. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Kumarakom: Located near Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a great place for bird watchers, particularly during the migratory season (November to February), with species like kingfishers, eagles, and herons.

A network of water bodies connected with the backwaters and rivers of Kerala along with the beaches offers a big playground for watersports activities in Kerala. You can enjoy traditional local water sports along with adventure driven western waters sports as well.

• Surfing at Kovalam: Tides of maximum 2 meters can greet you at the exotic beach where surfboards along with professional trainers are easily available.
• Kayaking at Alappuzha: Explore the village life while trying your hands at Kayaking is this Kayaking hub of Kerala on the palm-fringed waterways.
• Rafting in Bhoothathankettu: Float well in the challenging rapids of Periyar River and experience a proximity to the dense forests that are surrounding.

• You can travel to Kerala anytime in the year as the weather is always pleasing.
• You must carry warm clothes and a few cotton and fleece clothes as the weather is mostly cold in places like Munnar.
• You can find transportation in bus, train, and air from Kochi to any of these destinations in Kerala.
• Carry as less precious jewelry as possible while travelling.
• Avoid water from taps and carry your own water bottle of mineral water.
• Carry your own travel and medicine emergency kit.
• Temples in Kerala follow strict dress code, so wear traditional clothes when entering temples.
• It is a must to carry a driving license if you want to drive in Kerala.
• You can stay at hotels or resorts with a luxury or a moderate budget.
• Kerala is more about sightseeing and activities than shopping.
• Do not travel after 7pm as it can get unsafe and foggy. Keep all of the sightseeing for the daytime and do not loiter alone in the night.

Visit a tribal village, pass through a lush green rainwater forest and cool your heals off right next to a breathtaking fountain, the treks of Kerala presents a variety of universes to explore when you are out to test your endurance on these treks.

• Chembra Peak: An ideal trek for honeymoon couples, recite your love on this Chembra Peak right next to this heart-shaped lake to reignite the passion of love.
• Anamudi Peak: Enjoy this trek inside Eravikulam Park, Anamudi park is the highest peak at a height of 2700 meters. This trek is worth it because of the heavenly sights that it offers.