KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY
Kerala is a state situated in the peninsular tip of the Indian subcontinent. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India and is blessed with a soul pleasing weather year-round buffered by the Arabian seacoast & the cool green Nilgiri Hills. Kerala is a culturally rich state, where great artistical disciplines like the Kathakali, Theyyam & Mohini Attam originated. It is also home to the knowledge & practice of Ayurveda. You will run into many Ayurveda beauty & wellness centers that offer authentic therapeutic treatments.
HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME
Once you are here, do not miss on the iconic boat races that are conducted during the months of July. These snake boat races continue until September in Alappuzha. The elephant farms in Kodanad lets you feed baby elephants which is equally thrilling & adorable. Other notable wildlife you can encounter in Kerala are the tigers in Periyar Sanctuary. On lazy days, you can just visit a beach and relax under the shade of palm trees with some coconut water. You can try water sports like parasailing or bike through the forest trails of the Western Ghats to satisfy the cravings for some adventure.
FIND MUCH MORE THAN JUST SEAFOOD
Apart from the sumptuous seafood whipped fresh out of the ocean, you will also find classic South Indian delicacies in Kerala like the buttery dosa and payasam, which is a rich rice porridge slow cooked in milk & cream with generous helpings of dried fruit & desiccated coconut. Kerala offers you its own version of Biryani, which cannot be given a miss. The Sadya is a preparatory meal served during festivals. Usually served in a banana leaf, it contains starters, main course, sides and dessert in a single serving and is extremely delicious and fulfilling to feast on.
YOUR KERALA BUCKET LIST
- Wayanad - This lush green forested region beneath the Western Ghats is ideal for adventurous feats like brisk hillside treks and forest bike rides.
- Kannur - An offbeat region in Kerala, it is an ideal location to hunt down secluded beaches and long forgotten villages where people weave rich looms.
- Backwaters - These unique canals should be navigated by every tourist on little boats where you can fry your own fish and lounge on plush little mattresses.
- Munnar - Best place to drop by to watch ladies old and young pick tender tea leaves with delicacy. The Tea Museum in here is the main highlight.
- Periyar National Park - Enjoy thrilling rides on the back of elephants as they tour you through the scenic locations inside the park. The park opens year-round.
- Varkala - This beach is decorated with photogenic cliffs and shady palm trees that present you a beautiful location to relax and have some rejuvenating time.
DO YOU KNOW?
A unique restaurant in Kochi, Kerala named Pappadavada is a must visit for every tourist. The main highlight of this eatery is the fridge that stands outside the premises. This fridge is kept open so that patrons and wellwishers can stock it up with leftovers they do not plan on eating anymore. The homeless drop by and open up the fridge to shell out something to eat and are never disappointed. The owner of the eatery keeps the fridge running 24*7, throughout the year as people pile up the leftovers that get taken out by hungry people free of cost. This unique concept of reducing food wastage and feeding the poor makes Kerala a people-oriented destination, where everyone wholeheartedly participates in mutual upliftment.
NEAREST CHECK-IN POINTS
- Nearest Railway Station – Kerala has nearly 200 railway stations that connect the state with northern destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and more.
- Nearest Airport – Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kochi International Airport, Calicut International Airport
- Nearest Bus/Vehicle Stand – Siliguri Junction Vehicle Stand near Pradhan Nagar
