With one of the richest biodiversity in India, Kerala is renowned as “God’s Own Country”. The abundance of natural beauty, majestic landscapes of the Western Ghats, pristine beaches, tranquil environment, and year-round foliage makes this tropical paradise a popular destination amongst tourists. Also known as the ancient spice capital, this beautiful destination has become the pride of Incredible India mostly due to its exceptional beauty, ancient culture, and the most comfortable weather.
Have you ever wondered why Kerala earned this nickname? Delve into the facts about this majestic state and get to know the reasons why Kerala constantly has its place in every traveler’s heart and mind.
Abundant Natural Beauty
This tropical paradise in India is a land of breathtaking landscapes, picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, stunning views of Western Ghats, mist-covered forest trails, a wide range of different flora and fauna, and a rich culture. From mesmerizing backwaters to the most gorgeous waterfalls, Kerala has it all. The rich biodiversity of this destination makes it a haven for all nature lovers.
Places like Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kumarakom showcase the lush areas of tea plantation, abundant wildlife, and several varieties of different flora and fauna. Varkala and Kovalam are majorly popular for their golden sand beach stretched by the Arabian Sea. The hilly areas are mostly preferred by the tourists for their cool temperature and a peaceful escape from the crowd.
Ayurveda and Wellness Tourism
Kerala is known to be the birthplace of Ayurveda and is home to numerous wellness treatments. With the help of several age-old therapies and herbal treatments, this tropical paradise is the best destination if you wish to have a complete body and mind rejuvenation. You can join detox therapies like Panchakarma, traditional ayurveda treatments, yoga sessions, and sattvic cooking workshops to understand the world of this ancient Indian system of medicine. Kerala is a wellness sanctuary and haven for people who wish to elevate their overall wellness.
Mythological Significance
Kerala’s traditions and history is deeply rooted with the Hindu Mythology. In our ancient textbooks and sacred books, it is mentioned that Lord Parasurama threw his axe into the sea because of which the land of Kerala was formed. Lord Parasurama is said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The reputation of Kerala which is built because of this divine origin story truly makes it “God’s Own Country”. The state’s traditions and rich heritage is extremely interesting and if you are someone who likes getting spiritually connected to the place they’re exploring, then this is the best destination for you.
Thriving Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Kerala’s rich biodiversity is one of the main reasons behind its massive popularity globally. The wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, trekking and hiking trails, mist-covered mountain ranges, and vast tea plantation areas showcase the diverse array of different species of flora and fauna in this tropical paradise. There are protected areas in these wildlife sanctuaries which are home to rare species of animals especially tigers and elephants. The entire state has committed to preserve its wildlife areas which makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure-lovers.
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Silent Valley national park, and Eravikulam national park are home to exotic species of birds as well as other flora and fauna. Western Ghats in Kerala are the biodiversity hotspot according to the UNESCO World Heritage and protects numerous endemic plants and animals species.
Rich Cultural Heritage and Traditions
The vibrant culture of Kerala will provide you an amazing experience and will allow you to understand the ancient traditions better. The cultural heritage of this state is included in their art forms as well as spiritual practices. Classical dance forms like Mohiniattam and Kathakali showcase the rich culture and history of Kerala in the most interesting ways. The temples and other religious sites in the state depict the importance of the ancient traditions. The local residents of Kerala celebrate several cultural festivals over the year, which adds to the spiritual essence of the state.
Enchanting Backwaters
Backwaters in Kerala are the most popular reason why people from all over the world are excited to visit the state. It is one of the most defining features of Kerala, especially the stunning backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. The tourism at these two destinations are at their peak, especially during the Winter season. You can choose houseboat cruises which are traditional as well as luxurious and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to you. If you wish to have a picturesque retreat with peaceful moments and want to detach yourself from the chaos in your regular life, then staying in the houseboat cruises and enjoying the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala is the best opportunity for you.
Religious Harmony
Kerala is a state where people from all religions coexist peacefully. It is a shining example of living a harmonious life and existing with tranquility. The state is home to numerous old churches, temples, as well as mosques which are extremely popular and significant. Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India which is reflected in the progressive minds of the local residents. Religious places such as Padmanabhaswamy Temple, St. Francis Church, and Cheraman Juma Mosque are few of the significant spots in Kerala, which makes it a sacred land.
Exquisite Cuisine
The cuisine of Kerala is a major attraction amongst the tourists and is as delightful as the landscapes. The use of fresh, local ingredients make the dishes stand out from the crowd. The aromatic spices, coconut based dishes, and other authentic ingredients makes the local food extremely flavourful. The seafood of Kerala is a speciality and if you are a non vegetarian, then you are going to have the best experience of your life with food. Along with this, the vegetarian options like Appam, Sadhya, and Puttu makes this state a paradise for all food enthusiasts.
Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Practices
Kerala sets a great example to the world in terms of responsible tourism and promoting sustainability. There are eco lodges, conservation drives and programs, and nature-friendly hotels that promote sustainability all around the state. You can witness the community based tourism that are initiatives involving local people who ensure the preservation of their culture along with providing economical benefits. The minimal environmental impact by several hotels and resorts inspires the tourists to follow their footsteps, which ultimately boosts cleanliness in the state.
Accessibility, Affordability, and Hospitality
Kerala’s well connected routes makes it accessible for tourists from all over the world. The warm hospitality by the locals of the state is the highlight amongst all visitors. Since Kerala is a popular tourist destination, there are numerous high-end as well as affordable staying options according to your budget constraint. Along with this, you can pick the sustainable staying options and places that are closer to nature, which will help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life and allow you to rewind peacefully.
Plan your trip to the stunning landscapes of Kerala and have an unparalleled experience. You will realize that the divine views, serene beaches, majestic Western Ghats, and vibrant culture justifies the state’s title as “God’s Own Country”.
