Kerala is where India slips down into second gear, stops to smell the roses and always talks to strangers. A strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, its perfect climate flirts unabashedly with the fertile soil, and everything glows. An easy-going and successful socialist state, Kerala has a liberal hospitality that stands out as its most laudable achievement.
Resting on low hills in Southern Kerala, is the capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), used as a gateway to nearby resorts by many but boasting some of its very own attractions and dreadlocked faithfuls. North of the capital is Varkala with its stunning cliffs; but the real emerald jewel in South India’s crown are the backwaters that meander throughout Kerala. Here, spindly networks of rivers, canals and lagoons nourish a seemingly infinite number of rice paddies and coconut groves, while sleek houseboats cruise the water highways from one bucolic village to another – try stopping at Kollam (Quilon). Along the coast, slices of perfect, sandy beach beckon the sun-worshipping crowd, and far inland the mountainous Ghats are covered in vast plantations of spices and tea. Exotic wildlife also thrives in the hills, for those who need more than just the smell of cardamom growing to get their juices flowing.
This flourishing land isn’t good at keeping its secret: adventurers and traders have been in on it for years. The serene Fort Cochin pays homage to its colonial past, each building whispering a tale of Chinese visitors, Portuguese traders, Jewish settlers, Syrian Christians and Muslim merchants. Yet even with its colonial distractions, Kerala manages to cling to its vibrant traditions: Kathakali – a blend of religious play and dance; kalarippayat – a gravity-defying martial art; and theyyam – a trance-induced ritual. Combine this with some of the most tastebud-tingling cuisine in India, and you can imagine how hard it will be to leave before you even get here.TO INDIA WITH "ADVENTURE TRAILBLAZER"
Show in Lonely Planet
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Discover the best of Southern India in 2 weeks from Kochi
- Follow the spice trails of Kerala on a 15-day tour
- See the best of Kochi on a small-group bike tour
- Explore the highlights of Kerala in 8 days
More about Kerala
You have read this articleAsia /
India /
Kerala
with the title Kerala ( केरल ). A voyage to Kerala state, India ( इंडिया ), Asia - Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Kanhangad, Kottayam, Malappuram.... You can bookmark this page URL https://tiogatalk.blogspot.com/2013/04/kerala-voyage-to-kerala-state-india.html. Thanks!
Write by:
AN - Thursday, April 25, 2013
Thinking about a quick getaway to Agra, Jaipur, or Delhi? Voyage For India has you covered with our Same Day Tour Packages that prioritize your comfort and convenience while immersing you in the local culture. Picture yourself watching the sunrise at the Taj Mahal or exploring the majestic palaces in Jaipur—our day tours are filled with unforgettable experiences.
ReplyDeleteWe offer hotel pickup, private transport, and knowledgeable guides, plus you can customize your itinerary to fit your needs. Our focus is on providing quality service, being on time, and sharing local insights to ensure you get the best experience possible. Whether you’re in India for just a day or a whole week, our tours are a fantastic way to create amazing memories. Ready to book your day trip?