Referred to as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is a beautiful state in the southern region of India. Located between the lush green Western Ghats and vast Arabian Sea, this tropical paradise has a rich blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modernity. The picturesque landscapes of Kerala are world popular, making it one of the most desirable destinations to visit. 

How beautifully the diverse traditions and cultures exist in Kerala is one of its unique aspects. The state has influence of Indian heritage, colonial rule, as well as global trade, which reflects in its art, festivals, religious practices, and cuisines. The mesmerizing backwaters, golden beaches, mist-covered mountains, and vibrant culture makes it the ideal destination to explore and have an unparalleled experience of life.

The state is committed to practice sustainability and eco-friendly tourism, which attracts more visitors from all over the world. Its progress in the field of education, infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare has made it one of the most developed states in India. This article is going to explore several facts about Kerala and how it is one of the most sought-after destinations to visit by Indian as well as International students. 

Natural Beauty and Landscapes

This southern coastal state in India is blessed with breathtaking landscapes and magnificent views. There are numerous captivating landscapes in Kerala that makes it a major attraction across the globe.

• Backwaters- The magnificent backwaters of Kerala, especially in Alleppey and Kumarakom will provide you the best experience of visiting the state. There are houseboat cruises that allow you to explore lush paddy fields, serene waters, and tranquil villages on the way. If you want some offbeat locations for backwater experiences, then Kollam and Kuttanad are ideal for you. 

• Beaches- Being on a coastal state comes with an advantage of spending time on the beach anytime you want. Kerala has well kept its beaches, most of them providing picturesque views. Kovalam, Marari, Bekal, and Varkala are some of the most renowned beaches in Kerala. The swaying palm trees, golden sand, dramatic cliffs near the beach, and the warm sun makes the beach side in Kerala ideal for relaxing. 

• Hill Stations- If you are not a fan of sun bathing a lot, visit the hill stations to relax in a cooler environment and enjoy the mesmerizing views from the hilltop. Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady are three most visited hill stations in Kerala because they have hills that are covered in the mist and are home to various flora and fauna. They are an ideal getaway for people who want to reconnect with nature as well as adventure seekers looking for some thrilling experience. 

• Waterfalls- The captivating waterfalls are also one of the major reasons why tourists get attracted to Kerala. This coastal paradise is home to some of the stunning waterfalls that provide trekking opportunities, refreshing natural pools,a dn exposure to various flora and fauna. Some known waterfalls of Kerala are- Mennmutty, Soochipara, Atthirappilly.

• Wildlife Sanctuaries- Kerala is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home to a vast range of animals like Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Sambar Deers, Leopards, Flying Squirrels, etc. Periyar National park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries and national park in Kerala, which can be explored by jeet, boat, foot, or rafts. Parambikulam and Silent Valley are also the ideal wildlife reserves to explore a diverse range of animals as well as plants. 

Culture and Traditions

The culture of Kerala is highly impacted and rooted in its classical art forms like music, dance, and festivals. 

• Classical Dance Forms- The two most famous dance forms of Kerala are Kathakali and Mohiniattam. The former one is based on elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling, whereas the later one is popular for its graceful moves. 

• Traditional Music- Sopana Sangeetham is a famous temple music tradition in Kerala, which is deeply rooted in the heritage of the state. There is another tradition of music called Panchavadyam which is a percussion ensemble that adds a rich taste to the musical heritage of Kerala. 

• Festivals- The major festivals of Kerala are Onam, Vishu, and Thrissur Pooram that are celebrated across the state. Onam is the celebration of the grand harvest, Vishu is the new year celebrations, and Thrissur Pooram reflects the vibrant traditions of Kerala with fireworks and grand processions. 

• Temple Arts and Rituals- Temple rituals and art forms are majorly popular in the entire state. Theyyam is a ritualistic performance and Kalaripayattu is an age-old martial art form, both of them being an integral part of the culture of Kerala. 

Yoga Teacher Training and Wellness

Kerala is a haven for yoga enthusiasts across the world and welcomes them to join the yoga teacher training programs organized by various yoga schools in the state. You will be learning authentic yoga from highly experienced yoga teachers who grew up in the traditions and cultures of Kerala. 

Kerala has numerous famous yoga schools located in destinations like Varkala, Kovalam, Trivandrum, and Kochi that offer world-class yoga teacher training programs suitable for beginners as well as advanced yogis. One of such schools is Kerala Yogashala that provides YTT programs accredited by the Yoga Alliance, USA. These accredited programs are important to consider before starting to teach yoga professionally, as they have matched the global standard required for becoming a certified yoga teacher. 

Along with the yoga schools, there are several ashrams and wellness centers that offer health-oriented workshops to provide a holistic approach to overall wellness. These workshops include teachings of Ayurveda, Herbal therapies, Mantra Chanting, and sattvic cooking. The yoga teacher training programs in Kerala have a beautiful combination of traditional philosophies of yoga as well as modern techniques. 

Ayurveda and Wellness Tourism

Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, which makes it an ideal destination to practice the teachings of ayurveda. Relax your mind and unwind from the unwanted stress of life with the ayurvedic treatments and spas in this coastal paradise. Participate in the rejuvenation programs and panchakarma treatments that will detoxify your body completely and will elevate your overall well being. 

There are numerous tourists who visit Kerala especially for herbal therapies and treatments. This helps them to detach from the hustle and bustle of life and concentrate completely on their wellness. These wellness activities allow you to heal and recharge yourself for the fast paced real life. 

Food and Cuisine

If you are visiting Kerala, prepare yourself for the explosion of flavours in your tastebuds and amazing aromas. The cuisine in Kerala is one of the best things about the state and is something you will remember for a lifetime. There are various freshly prepared fish dishes as it is a coastal state, but a lot of vegetarian options are available as well. 

The regional cuisine of Kerala includes Keralan Fish Curry, Malabar Parotta, Pumpkin and lentil Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu, etc. The food here is often served in big banana leaves and are accompanied by homemade dosa bread, rotis, or appam. Sadya is a traditional multi-course vegetarian meal which is a must try if you are in Kerala. Toddy is a traditional beverage in Kerala, which is a locally brewed palm wine and there is a spiced buttermilk drink called Sambharam, that is immensely popular in the entire state. 

Backwaters and Houseboats

Kerala’s backwaters are a major attraction for tourists visiting the state. There are houseboat cruises that allow guests to explore village life, tranquil waterways, and lush landscapes. The backwaters of Kerala are formed by different waterways of more than 900 kilometers, that include lakes, interconnected canals, inlets, and rivers. 

Spend a night in the houseboat to truly have the best experience of this coastal paradise’s backwaters. Alleppey is the most famous backwater destination in Kerala that is also called the Venice of the East and is popular for its stays in the houseboats. Kumarakom is another backwater location that offers luxury houseboats along with a bird sanctuary. 

Wildlife and Eco Tourism

Kerala is a southern state that is also a biodiversity hotspot and is home to numerous wildlife reserves as well as national parks. It has one of the most beautiful national parks called the Periyar National Park, where you can explore the different varieties of flora and fauna. The Western Ghats in Kerala is a paradise for all wildlife lovers and has fourteen wildlife sanctuaries that are surrounded by the trekking trails. There are a variety of bird sanctuaries as well that you can explore by foot, jeep, or boats in Kerala. 

Tea, Coffee, and Spice Plantation

If you are exploring Kerala, make sure to take the spice plantation tours and get insights about its tea industry. Learn about how aromatic regional spices and specialized coffees are grown and have some samples as well. Munnar’s beautiful tea gardens and Tata Tea museum are two most popular places to visit if you are a tea lover. There are coffee plantations and organic farms in Wayanad that will attract you if you are a coffee lover. 

Unique Art Forms and Handicrafts

The deeply rooted artistic traditions in Kerala are reflected through its unique art forms and handicraft items. There is a handmade metal mirror called Aranmula Kannadi, which is a great example of Kerala’s fine craftsmanship. The localities make Coir products which include mats, durable rugs, sustainable handicraft items that are made from coconut husk. The Kasavu Saree is a cultural attire of Kerala that features white fabric with a golden border. This attire is a symbol of grace and is majorly worn by the women during special occasions or regional festivals. 

Religious Diversity and Pilgrimage Sites

Kerala’s culture and traditions are age-old and followed by every localite with immense respect. You can see the diversity in religion and pilgrimage sites at every lane of this coastal city. It is home to some of the most respected religious sites like Sabarimala Temple, that attracts numerous devotees annually. Along with this, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the greatest attractions of Kerala, popular for its spiritual significance and immense wealth. There are churches and mosques in Kerala depicting the diversity in religion all over the state. Historically famous churches like St. Francis church and mosques like Cheramun Juma Masjid have a lot of importance for the localities living in Kerala. 

Unique Experiences in Kerala

During the Onam festival, you can experience the snake boat rides and enjoy the vibrant environment of the entire state. You can also select the treehouse staying options in Wayanad if you want to reconnect and get closer to nature. Have your life’s unforgettable experiences in Thekkady’s tree houses and Poovar island’s floating cottages. 

Film Industry and Literature

The Malayalam film industry is popular worldwide, especially for some of the national award winning films. There are so many legendary directors who come from Kerala and are a massive hit in the Malayalam industry. Writers and Poets like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and O.N.V Kurup have also managed to make the state proud with their impeccable writing skills. 

Modern Infrastructures and Development

Along with the serene landscapes and beautiful environment, Kerala is also famous for its amazing infrastructure and development. The state has reached numerous milestones in terms of development over the years and become one of the best states in India. One of the most groundbreaking achievements is the Cochin International Airport, which is the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. The state has also maintained the highest literacy rate of almost 100% in India consistently over the years. Along with this, Kerala is also a medical tourism hub and attracts seekers from across the globe for the high quality as well as affordable healthcare services. 

Kerala is a top-class destination with a combination of scenic beauty, vibrant culture, ayurveda, and modern development. The state believes in sustainable development which makes it even more attractive and captivating to visit. If you are seeking the perfect balance of sustainability, adventure, ayurveda, and rejuvenation, then Kerala is the ideal location for you. Whether it is about the historical significance, savouring local cuisine, cruising through the breathtaking backwaters, or exploring the rich culture of the state, there are numerous things you can do during your stay in this coastal paradise.