Kerala

This lush and green southern coastal state is sometimes referred to as god’s own country. This becomes immediately apparent when traveling the Kerala backwaters or relaxing in one of the many beach towns. Kerala is filled with both cultural and natural beauty and is a must visit when planning a trip to India. Kerala has a vibrant history of ancient kingdoms and empires and it is here that the first Europeans, the Portuguese, arrived and began trading with the various Indian kingdoms in the 1400s.

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Kochi

Kochi, sometimes referred to as Cochin, is the largest city in Kerala. It is located on a coastal network of islands and peninsulas. Here, visitors can enjoy the night life, visit the Mattancherry Palace, take a cruise in the bay or visit the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568. There are many historical and cultural attractions to be discovered.

Trivandrum

Also known as, Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala. Here one can explore multiple palaces, temples and museums. Notably the Dravidian Sri Padmanabhaswami temple and the Ramanayar Palace Museum. Trivandrum can also serve as a launching point for visiting the beautiful Malabar coast or the Kerala backwaters.

The Backwaters

These brackish waters form a huge network of lakes and lagoons that run parallel to the Malabar coast. Travelers can go on day trips or overnight stays on house boats that slowly navigate the serene tropical backwaters. These tours can are launched from all over, however cities like Kochi and Alappuzha have many options available.

Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve

Periyar National Park is an extremely popular national park in southern India. It is located in Thekkady in south eastern Kerala. Most tourism of this park takes place by boat safari. Adventurers may spot elephants, gaur (Indian Bison), wild pigs, deer, monkeys, birds, dhole (wild dogs), leopards and of course, if you are lucky, a tiger.

Varkala

Kerala boasts of many beautiful beach destinations and Varkala is one of the highlights. Varkala is a scenic beach town of yellow sand, palm trees and iconic red cliffs. It is located north west of Trivandrum and is a backpackers paradise.

Kannur

Kannur is a coastal city in northern Kerala that was once a significant port in the Portuguese, and later, the English spice trade. Kannur is famous for its many temples and its ancient Theyyam festivals and art. It can provide travelers with a window into Kerala’s folk culture.

For further study and details about Kerala:
A Survey of Kerala History, by Prof Sreedhara Menon
Lonely Planet South India & Kerala (Regional Guide)

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