Top reasons to visit Kerala

In Kerala you will find coconut trees wherever you look. Kerala owes its name to this ubiquitous tree. Keram means coconut, so Kerala is the land of coconuts.

Visiting India? Kerala is the best place to start your journey. This South Indian state lies on the western coast of India. Kerala is a visual delight. No wonder it is called God’s own country. Here, you will find greenery wherever you look. There are lush mountains, scenic rice fields and gorgeous tea gardens. Also the state boasts of living standards comparable to those in the west.

Here are the top reasons to visit Kerala.

Less cultural shock

Kerala is the most progressive state in India. It is also the most beautiful. But if you are looking for palaces or temples with intrinsic carvings, Kerala isn’t the right choice. In that case, head to the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu (temples), Rajasthan (palaces) or Delhi / Agra. What if Kerala doesn’t have many impressive temples or monuments? It has a stunning landscape and it is this natural beauty that encouraged the National Geographic Traveler to include Kerala in its ‘50 Destinations of a Lifetime’ list.

Colorful festivals

Kerala is known for its unique temple festivals called Poorams. They are an assault on your senses. These are religious events that showcase traditional instrumental music and various folk dance forms of Kerala. Festooned elephants are the biggest attraction of these festivals. Since they are organized outside the temple premises anyone can participate in them. If you would like to watch a pooram, visit Kerala between February and April. There are numerous poorams and there will be at least one major pooram every week. The most famous poorams are the Thrissur Pooram, Chinakkathoor Pooram, Nenmara-Vallangi Vela and Arattupuzha Pooram. The pooram is peculiar to the districts of Thrissur and Palakkad. Other parts of the state have other forms of temple arts and festivals.

Unique performing arts

Agni Kandakarnan Theyyam

In spite of this being a small state, Kerala has a rich tradition of dance and music. The classical dance forms Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Chakyarkooth and Ottan Thullal originated in Kerala. Kerala also have unique folk dance forms. Theyyam is the most important among these. If you are interested in watching a Theyyam performance, visit the districts of Kannur and Kasargod between October and April.

It is a developed state

Most parts of the state are clean and green. Kerala does not have any big cities or industries, but that does not bother Malayalis. They would rather believe that their state is one big city and that belief is true to a certain extent. In Kerala, the urban-rural divide is much less pronounced. Amenities that are available in towns are also available in villages. Every village in Kerala has access to the Internet. Also, reasonably good infrastructure exists in even remote areas. Kerala is one of the most literate states in India.

God’s own country

Forty-four rivers crisscross the state. Kerala also has a chain of lakes and brackish lagoons called backwaters. The houseboats (kettuvallams) are one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Kerala. There are about 2000 of them. The Houseboats offer travelers an opportunity to see the inner parts of the state. Depending upon the amenities provided, they are classified as Platinum, Gold and Silver.

The houseboats have thatched roofs over wooden hulls. Tourist houseboats are floating cottages. They have sleeping and dining areas, western style toilets and sit outs on the deck. Tourists can spend the night on the houseboat. Food is also served on board. Houseboats are available in various sizes. Since the living and dining areas are open on almost all sides, tourists will get a magnificent view of the surroundings. Kerala has impressive scenery and the houseboats provide an opportunity to enjoy it. The boat does not move at night. Today Ashtamudi Lake in the Kollam district is the epicenter of Houseboat tourism.

Hospitality

In India, people consider it to be an honor to have guests. Malayalis like people in other parts of the country are known for their hospitality. In addition, foreign tourists attract fewer stares in Kerala. The stares, by the way, are pretty harmless. Not only men, women and children also stare at foreign travelers. Many Indians, especially, those living in small towns or villages don’t see foreigners on a regular basis. Unlike the US or the UK, India is not a multi-cultural society, so, when we see someone different from us, we just stare at them. I know this can make a traveler quite uncomfortable; perhaps the easiest way to get around this issue is to smile at the offender. You will most certainly be greeted with a warm smile and that should end the awkwardness.

Malayalis are open-minded

Malayalis have too much interest in international affairs. Right now this is the only Indian state where the community party is a force to reckon with. An average Malayali can discuss anything from global warming to America’s invasion of Iraq. Most of them can understand English. While not many Malayalis can speak English fluently, they can certainly make themselves understood.

Kerala cuisine

Kerala cuisine is very different from North Indian cuisine. Kerala foods are less spicy. Rice is the staple food of Malayalis. Most curries are made with coconuts. Kerala, after all, is the land of coconuts. As spices are only used in moderate amounts, these dishes are unlikely to upset your stomach. Also, they provide a great introduction to the famed Indian cuisine.