Discovering Kerala: The Magical 'God's Own Country'**

 **Discovering Kerala: The Magical 'God's Own Country'**

Situated on the southwestern coast of India, **Kerala** is a fascinating state famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serene ambiance. Usually hailed as **"God's Own Country"**, Kerala has an enticing mix of natural splendor, spirituality, and cultural diversity. With its soothing backwaters and unspoiled beaches to misty hill stations and ancient temples, Kerala provides a reviving haven for all types of tourists.

Whether you want to unwind on a beach holiday, go on an adventurous hike through the Western Ghats, or immerse yourself in the age-old art and culture of South India, Kerala has something for everyone. Let's explore this amazing state to find out why Kerala is one of India's most sought-after tourist spots.

### 1. **The Backwaters: Kerala's Heartbeat**

One of the most famous experiences in Kerala is a **backwater cruise**. Kerala is laced with an elaborate array of backwaters, lakes, canals, and rivers, which offer a peaceful and exclusive means of accessing the scenery.

- **Alleppey (Alappuzha):** Popularly referred to as the **Venice of the East**, **Alleppey** is renowned for houseboat cruises along the serene backwaters. A boat ride along the winding canals lined with rows of towering greenery, rice fields, and old Kerala-style houses is a heavenly experience.

- **Kumarakom:** Situated on the Vembanad Lake's banks, **Kumarakom** is yet another scenic place famous for houseboats. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which has numerous migratory birds, enhances the beauty of this peaceful spot.

- **Kochi (Cochin):** Kochi, the port city, is a mix of modernity and history, and the **Fort Kochi** region is an interesting combination of colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and colorful markets. A boat tour through the **Kochi backwaters** provides the opportunity to observe the diverse lifestyle along the Arabian Sea coast.

### 2. **Beaches: Kerala's Coastal Beauty**

Kerala's 580-kilometer coastline is dotted with some of the most stunning and peaceful beaches in India. If you are in the mood for relaxation, adventure, or exploring coastal hamlets, Kerala's beaches have it all.

- **Varkala Beach:** Famous for its beautiful cliffs and golden sand, **Varkala Beach** is a serene and picturesque location. The **Papanasam Beach** is said to have sacred waters that wash away your sins, so it is a spiritual destination too.

- **Kovalam:** The most sought-after beach in Kerala, **Kovalam** is renowned for its crescent-shaped beach and palm-fringed shores. It is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The **lighthouse** at **Hawa Beach** provides breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

- **Bekal Beach:** Situated close to the **Bekal Fort**, this secluded beach is ideal for those looking for seclusion. The **Bekal Fort**, which sits amidst picturesque scenery and offers incredible views, is a prime historic destination.

- **Munroe Island:** Located at the junction of the **Vembanadu Lake** and the **Ashtamudi Lake**, **Munroe Island** provides a peaceful environment, free from tourist throngs. The island is perfect for boat cruises and provides glimpses of village life along the waterways.

### 3. **Hill Stations: Kerala's Tranquil Escapes**

Kerala's **Western Ghats** have some exquisite hill stations with stunning scenery, nice climate, and scope for trekking and excursion.

- **Munnar:** Located in the Idukki district, **Munnar** is one of Kerala's most famous hill stations. Known for its vast tea gardens, misty mountains, and cool climate, Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers. Don’t miss the **Eravikulam National Park**, home to the endangered **Nilgiri Tahr** and the **Anamudi Peak**, the highest in South India.

- **Wayanad:** Situated between Kerala and Karnataka, **Wayanad** is a serene and scenic district of green forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. The **Edakkal Caves** are renowned for their pre-historic petroglyphs, and the **Soochipara Waterfalls** is a wonderful place for those who love nature.

- **Thekkady:** Situated close to the **Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary**, **Thekkady** is famous for its dense forests, wildlife, and **Periyar Lake**. Go for a boat ride on the lake to catch a glimpse of elephants, tigers, and other animals in their natural habitat.

### 4. **Cultural Heritage: Kerala's Traditions and Arts**

Kerala is rich in culture and tradition with influences from other communities through centuries. The state is famous for its art forms, classical dance, music, and festivals.

- **Kathakali and Mohiniyattam:** **Kathakali**, a classical dance with ornate costumes, makeup, and narration, is specific to Kerala. **Mohiniyattam**, a classical dance, is marked by sensuous and elegant movements and is usually danced by women.

- **Onam Festival:** **Onam** is Kerala's most significant festival, which is celebrated with pomp and fervor. It is the return of the legendary King **Mahabali** to his kingdom and involves elaborate feasts (Onasadya), cultural events, boat races (Vallam Kali), and flower decorations (Pookalam).

- **Theyam:** This is a ritual dance, **Theyam**, danced in the northern regions of Kerala. It uses colorful costumes, dramatic facial movements, and religious imagery, often danced within the temple or the sacred groves.

- **Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:** In **Thiruvananthapuram**, the **Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple** is one of the 108 **Divya Desams** (sacred shrines) that are devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a stunning piece of Dravidian architecture and a spiritual hub of great significance.

### 5. **Wildlife and Nature Reserves**

Kerala boasts diverse wildlife and plants, owing to the varied environments it has from the coastal marshes to tropical forests and the rolling hills. Kerala boasts of several **sanctuaries of wildlife**, **national parks**, and **bird sanctuaries** for which tourists throng to glimpse some of the rarest bird and animal species.

- **Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:** Located in **Thekkady**, this sanctuary is among the finest destinations to catch a glimpse of elephants, tigers, and other bird species. The sanctuary is also renowned for the **Periyar Lake**, where you can enjoy a boat safari to see the wildlife.

- **Silent Valley National Park:** Famous for its pristine wilderness, **Silent Valley National Park** is one of the last remaining tracts of tropical rainforests in India. It is inhabited by rare animals such as the **Lion-tailed Macaque** and various species of birds and insects.

- **Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:** On the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the **Parambikulam Tiger Reserve** is renowned for its high diversity. While tigers are the special features of the reserve, a range of wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and various birds inhabit the reserve.

- **Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:** Situated close to **Kochi**, the **Thattekad Bird Sanctuary** is among India's richest bird habitats. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing birds such as the **Malabar Trogon**, **Indian Pitta**, and **Great Hornbill**.

### 6. **Kerala Cuisine: A Flavorful Journey**

Kerala's culinary art is the best expression of its culture and history. As it lays the stress on rice, coconut, fish, and spices, so is the variety of Kerala's cuisine as vivid as its settings.

- **Kerala Sadya:** A classic Kerala meal, **Sadya** is a grand feast of vegetarian food served on a banana leaf. It consists of rice, sambar, rasam, curries, pickles, and sweet desserts like **Payasam**. It is usually served during festivals and special events like **Onam**.

- **Appam and Stew:** **Appam** is a soft, spongy pancake prepared from fermented rice batter. It is typically served with a delicious stew prepared from coconut milk, vegetables, or meat.

- **Kerala Fish Curry:** Fresh seafood dominates Kerala's coastal cuisine, and **fish curry** prepared using coconut milk, tamarind, and native spices must be tried. **Karimeen Pollichathu** (pearl spot fish cooked in banana leaves) is another specialty.

- **Puttu and Kadala Curry:** **Puttu**, a rice cake steamed to perfection, is typically accompanied by **Kadala Curry** (black chickpea curry) as a filling breakfast.

### 7. **Best Time to Visit Kerala**

The most suitable time to travel to Kerala is during the **winter months** (November to February) when the climate is pleasant and cool, ideal for sightseeing, beach excursions, and outdoor activities. **Monsoon season** (June to September) is also a magical time to travel for nature enthusiasts, as Kerala's green landscapes get a new life with foliage. Heavy rains might impact outdoor activities and accessibility, though.

### 8. **How to Reach Kerala**

- **By Air:** Kerala boasts numerous international airports such as **Trivandrum International Airport**, **Kochi International Airport**, and **Kozhikode International Airport**, facilitating travel from anywhere in the world.

- **By Train:** Kerala has a wide network of railway stations covering **Kochi**, **Kochi**, and **Thiruvananthapuram**, connecting Kerala to other regions of India.

- **By Road:** Kerala is connected by a comprehensive road network, and movement between cities, towns, and tourist places by bus or personal vehicle is quite convenient. 

### 9. **Conclusion: Kerala - A Paradise on Earth**

With its captivating backwaters, tranquil beaches, foggy hills, rich heritage, kaleidoscopic culture, and sumptuous cuisine, Kerala fully justifies its reputation as **"God's Own Country"**. Whether you are looking for relaxation or activity, spirituality or nature, Kerala has the ideal retreat. The hospitality of the state, the grand scenery, and the offbeat experiences are enough to make Kerala an absolute destination for any traveler venturing into India to experience the finest that India has to offer.

Pack your suitcases and step into the splendor, peace, and serenity of Kerala – a memorable experience is waiting for you!