If you haven’t yet heard of Kerala, India, you’re about to be inspired. This stunningly beautiful place has captured many a traveler’s heart. With its mesmerizing natural landscapes, welcoming people, and relaxed way of life, it’s easy to fall in love with Kerala.
It’s common knowledge that a trip to India will leave you feeling inspired, but a Kerala trip offers something extra. Many people consider this area to be “God’s Own Country” since it represents the “Human By Nature” philosophy. Keep reading to find out why this stunning location is rapidly becoming everyone’s next vacation destination.
Why is Kerala called “God’s own country?”
Kerala’s nickname, “God’s own country,” reflects the widespread belief that this is a blessed area with plenty to offer both visitors and natives thanks to the abundance of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and progressive values found here.
Kerala is known for its natural beauty, with its lush green hills, backwaters, and beaches that attract tourists from around the world. The state is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
It’s also blessed with a high literacy rate, healthcare system, and social welfare programs, which have earned it the reputation of being one of the most progressive states in India.
Despits its progressive nature, Kerala is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back thousands of years. The state has a unique blend of traditions and cultures, and its people are known for their hospitality and warmth, not to mention a delicious and unique cuisine.
Visiting Kerala – what to expect
If you want to experience the essence behind ‘Human by Nature’, Kerala is the place to visit.
A fascinating land of beaches, backwaters, and canals, enhanced by the charming local people makes Kerala a sought-after destination to all wise travelers. People come from all over the world to enjoy a vacation away from the modern, industrialized life we’ve all become accustomed to.
Kerala is ideal to visit during November through March and offers a true break from the busy lives we’ve created for ourselves. There are also plenty of festivals to enjoy throughout the year, Onam is a harvest festival and the state festival of Kerala, as is the Kerala Boat Festival.
How to get to Kerala
Kerala is easy to get to, with several options available to travelers.
If you want to travel to Kerala quickly, your best bet is to take a flight there. Both Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi have major international airports, making it simple to fly into the state from elsewhere.
There are also trains available from the major cities in India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The train is slower, but you can see much more of the countryside as you sit back and relax during your trip.
If you’re visiting other parts of India, accessing Kerala by road is possible as well. Although the drive from Mumbai is over 20 hours, so this is a better option if you plan on a slow road trip.
Where to stay in Kerala
There are a variety of places to stay in Kerala, from houseboats to homestays. Hotels and guesthouses can be found in almost every town and city.
If you choose to stay in the city, Kochi has amazing architecture, markets, and stunning churches to view.
If you prefer the countryside, you’ll find the well-known backwaters and enjoy a real sense of Kerala culture. Alappuzha is a popular town to visit, especially for its snake boat races every August.
Things to do in Kerala
But Kerala has more to offer than boat races.
Cruise the Kerala backwaters
The backwaters are a major source of life in Kerala, with many homes being built right on the edge of the water. This network of lakes and lagoons stretches over more than 900 miles through the inland of Kerala.
Kerala’s backwaters are still used as many of the locals’ main way of transport, with tiny wooden boats carrying passengers from one side to the next. You’ll also see families using these backwaters just as they have for centuries.
Visitors can take a ride in one of the houseboats (also known as kettuvallams) and enjoy a slow trip down the lagoons and canals, stopping at the many villages along the way.
Enjoy untouched nature in Kerala
Kerala is fortunate enough to be home to a diverse range of natural landscapes.
There’s an abundance of untouched earth to enjoy. From the backwater canals surrounded by lagoons to the wide-open tea plantation mountains. The long stretches of palm-lined beaches offer even more natural beauty.
There is also a spectacular collection of wildlife, from elephants to tigers, the sanctuaries and reserves offer ample opportunity to encounter the animals of Kerala.
There are six Kerala nature parks and 14 wildlife sanctuaries to visit while you are there.
Get to know the people of Kerala
One of the most remarkable things that visitors notice about the amazing people is their friendliness. You find smiles around every corner, and strangers become friends in a matter of minutes. Keralites, as the locals are known, live simple yet enriched lives.
The people’s beliefs are as diverse as the landscape, with Christians making up ±20% of the population and Muslims being another ±25%. Hindus are the largest group, consisting of more than 50% of the population. This adds a unified sense of community to the already-friendly location.
The mother tongue of the people in Kerala is Malayalam, but most children are taught English in schools. Tamil is another language spoken by many Keralites.
Experience Kerala’s way of life
Life in Kerala is slow and more deliberate than that of the bigger cities in India. You’ll find people to be more in touch with their surroundings, and enjoying more of the simple things in life.
Kerala was one of the first states in India to have total literacy. They also have free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14, making them the only Indian state where more than 90% of their people are able to read and write.
The food is amazing, with traditional Indian cuisine made with local ingredients and served with a smile. The spices, freshly grown vegetables, and lovingly cooked meats make for a mouthwatering experience.
Experience Kerala “Human by Nature”
Kerala is a brilliant place to visit. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or on a family getaway, this destination is sure to enchant you.
Take some time to enjoy the slower side of travel and embrace the simple life of the Keralites on your next trip to India. We can guarantee you’ll feel the tranquility of the backwaters combined with the warm welcome of the locals.
This article was sponsored by Kerala Tourism.