Located in the southern part of India, renowned as ‘God’s own country,’ Kerala offers a variety of tourist attractions, from sea beaches to hills, waterfalls, jungles, and national parks, with delicious Malabar cuisine. Kerala is also famous for its rich Ayurvedic treatment, like therapy, spas, and other treatments. Many travellers from abroad used to come to Kerala to experience the beauty as well as for this ayurvedic treatment. Some prefer quiet and serene destinations for their holidays; for them, there are some places and experiences to explore and enjoy:
Vagamon: Vagamon, an artistic hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, is a less popular and unexplored gem in the Western Ghats. This place is the hub for its cool climate, lush greenery, rolling meadows, and mist-covered valleys. Vagamon provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This picturesque destination is ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, making it a perfect holiday spot for those seeking tranquillity.
The primary sources of revenue for Vagamon come from tea plantations and tourism. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the tea estates, where they can experience and learn about the cultivation and processing of tea.
Vagamon offers tourists trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, and cycling. The Kerala Tourism Department and the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (AASTA) conduct the International Paragliding Festival in Vagamon every year, much to the delight of adventure sport enthusiasts.
Nelliyampathy Hills: Known locally as the ‘Queens of Palakkad,’ Nelliyampathy is situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and serves as an eco-tourism destination. This area is a true paradise and a must-visit location during any tour of Kerala. Nelliyampathy is famous for its green tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations, as well as its orange farming. It offers an incredible experience for tourists from around the world.
In addition to its natural beauty, Nelliyampathy hosts the vibrant festival of Nenmara Vellanghy Vela, celebrated with great enthusiasm every year in April. Nearby attractions include the Seethargundu Viewpoint, Nemmara village, Kesavanpara, Pothundy Dam and Reservoir, Palghat Gap, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nelliyampathy itself.
This region is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity. Tourists can observe a variety of flora and fauna, including wildlife species such as elephants, leopards, tigers, Indian gaurs (bison), and various types of deer. The hills are also a home for bird watchers, with numerous endemic and migratory bird species to be seen.
Urumbikkara Hills: This tourist destination especially attracts adventure lovers as it has many trekking trails, hikes, and climbs. It is situated in the Idukki district of Kerala. This holiday destination is famous for its green hills, waterfalls, flora, and fauna. Visitors also experience some activities like a bonfire, barbeques, fishing, etc. Nearby attractions include Madammakkulam, Vadakemala, Pappani, and Velappara waterfalls. The best time to visit is from October to March.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: This beach is 5.5 km long and renowned as Asia’s longest drive-in beach. Adventure lovers can enjoy activities like paragliding, parasailing, microlight flights, and water sports like power boating and catamaran rides. This beach hosts a festival every April that involves car and bike stunt enthusiasts, cultural events, and lively crowds, making it a must-visit.
Athirappilly Waterfall: This most iconic waterfall is featured in the famous Bollywood movie “Baahubali.” Referred to as the “Niagara of South India,” it is also the longest waterfall in Kerala. It is situated in Athirappilly Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District, Kerala. Some nearby attractions are Sholayar Dam, Thumboormuzhi Dam & Butterfly Garden, Charpa Falls, and Vazhachal Falls. Apart from these, tourists can enjoy activities like trekking, nature walks, and jungle safaris.
The preferred time to visit this place is during the post-monsoon and winter months, generally from September to February.
Festivals and Cuisines of Kerala:
Kerala hosts various traditional festivals, and visitors can also enjoy and participate in these.
Onam: The most primary and vital harvest festival of Kerala is celebrated at the end of August or in September. The celebrations feature vibrant floral designs called Pookalam and lavish feasts known as Onasadya, and also offer snake boat races named Vallamkali and traditional dance forms such as Kathakali.
Thrissur Pooram: A grand temple festival held in Thrissur, usually in April or May. The significance of this festival suggests nearly hundreds of beautifully caparisoned elephants, adorned with golden ornaments (nettipattam), parading in front of the Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Vishu: This festival suggests the Malayali New Year begins, and for this, they offer flowers, fruits, and coins to their deity for bringing joy, peace, and happiness.
Theyyam: It is Kerala’s most unique ritual art form, performed by Malayan and Vannan communities, which are categorized as Scheduled Castes. This art is mostly observed in North Malabar, including the Kannur district, areas of Kasargod, Wayanad, and the northern regions of the Kozhikode district, as well as some areas of Karnataka state.
In terms of cuisines, Kerala is considered the hub of the spice garden. Their primary ingredient is coconut, followed by curry leaves, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and many basic ingredients they use in their foods. Famous foods like:
Sadhya: A special traditional dish made during the festival of Onam and Vishu. Other foods are Puttu and Kadala Curry, Dosa and Sambar, Idiyappam, Malabar Biryani, Malabar Prawn Curry, Banana chips, Kerala Style Fish Curry, Pathiri, and many more.
