About Kerala
Kerala, often called 'God's Own Country,' is a lush tropical paradise on India's southwestern Malabar Coast. This enchanting state is renowned for its serene backwaters—a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes best explored on a traditional houseboat. The verdant Western Ghats mountains provide stunning hill stations like Munnar, famous for sprawling tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries home to elephants and tigers. Kerala's coastline boasts pristine palm-fringed beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, while its rich cultural tapestry is showcased through vibrant Kathakali dance performances, ancient temples, and historic spice trade centers in Kochi. The state is also the birthplace of Ayurveda, offering authentic wellness retreats. From savoring a flavorful Sadhya feast on a banana leaf to witnessing the thrilling snake boat races during the Onam festival, Kerala offers a uniquely immersive experience blending natural beauty, cultural depth, and rejuvenating tranquility.
Things to do in Kerala
The Alchemist, Healing Meditation Yoga Retreat, Kerala , India
Kerala, India
From GHS 52,326
5.0 (5)
Affordable Calicut Airport Transfer.
Kerala, India
From GHS 165
5.0 (3)
Kozhikode Heritage Tour Spice Markets and Vasco da Gama Landing
Kerala, India
Sigiriya To Kandy Private Transport With Sightseeing
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
From GHS 784
5.0 (2)
Flavors of North Kerala - Malabar Experiential Tour Package
Kerala, India
From GHS 6,131
4.9 (11)
Private Backwater Boat Cruise Tour in Poovar near Trivandrum
Kerala, India
Zamorin's Tales by Tyndis - Calicut Heritage Walk
Kerala, India
From GHS 258
4.7 (18)
Day trip to Kanyakumari beach and Padmanabhapuram palace
Trivandrum, Kerala
Into the Mangroves: Calicut Mangrove Trail by Tyndis
Kerala, India
From GHS 364
4.5 (11)
5 Day Kerala Private houseboat incl. Resort, Hotel, Cab Tripkro
Kochi, Kerala
From GHS 6,996
4.4 (7)
Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride
Kochi, Kerala
Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore
Kochi, Kerala
Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey
Trivandrum, Kerala
Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel
Kochi, Kerala
Private Trivandrum City Tour with Traditional Lunch
Kerala, India
From GHS 2,217
Travel Tips for Kerala
Getting Around
Extensive public transport includes Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and an efficient Indian Railways network connecting major cities. Auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous for short trips; negotiate fares or use meters. Taxis and app-based services like Uber and Ola are available in cities. For flexibility, rent a car with a driver (self-driving is challenging due to traffic). The iconic houseboats are a must for backwater exploration in Alleppey and Kumarakom. Ferries and public boats operate on backwater routes. For hill stations, local taxis or rented bikes are common.
Best Time To Visit
October to March is ideal, with pleasant, dry weather (22-32°C) perfect for exploring backwaters, beaches, and hills. This period includes major festivals like Onam (Aug-Sep) and Christmas-New Year celebrations. The monsoon seasons (June-September and October-November) offer lush greenery and lower prices but involve heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel. Summer (April-May) is hot and humid, best for hill station visits.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or rural areas (cover shoulders and knees). Remove footwear before entering homes and places of worship. Greet with a respectful 'Namaste.' Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for drivers/guides. Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Respect religious rituals and avoid public displays of affection. Kerala is socially progressive; women travelers generally feel safe, but conservative attire is advised.
Safety Information
Kerala is one of India's safest states with low crime rates. General precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, especially for solo travelers; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps; be cautious of petty theft in crowded tourist spots. Common scams include overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers (insist on meters or agree on a fare beforehand) and fake tour operators. Coastal areas can have strong currents; swim only in designated safe zones. Political demonstrations are rare but avoid if they occur. The hill stations and backwaters are generally very safe.
Health Information
Kerala has a robust public healthcare system and numerous private hospitals offering high-quality care (e.g., Aster Medcity, Amrita Hospital). Common travel health concerns include food/waterborne illnesses—drink bottled water, avoid street food with uncooked components, and ensure meals are hot. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are present; use repellent and wear long sleeves. Recommended vaccinations: Routine (MMR, DTP), Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Consider Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies for longer stays or rural travel. Medical tourism is popular, especially for Ayurvedic treatments; ensure you use government-recognized centers.
Languages Spoken
MalayalamEnglishTamil
Quick Facts
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
₹
₹
Timezone
Asia/Kolkata +05:30 (GMT)
Calling Code
+91
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
35 million
Area
38863 km²
Government
State within the Republic of India, with a parliamentary system and a Chief Minister as head of government.
ISO Code
KL