A Complete Guide for Travelling to Kerala

It is land of unending palm groves, golden sandy beaches, sprawling tea gardens, rolling green hills, azure backwaters and exotic wildlife. You may have already guessed it, we are talking about Kerala, the ‘God’s Own Country.’ Nestled between the majestic Western Ghats and the alluring Arabian sea in the southwest of Indian Peninsula, Kerala is blessed with an abundance of geographical diversity, and natural beauty.  

If you are planning a trip to Kerala, we bring you a complete travel guide to Kerala that provides all the vital information you need, including – 

• How to reach Kerala   
• Best places to visit in Kerala
• Things to do in Kerala
• Best time to visit Kerala
• Resorts in Kerala

How to reach Kerala? 

Kerala is one of the leading states in India that has an excellent transport infrastructure. It has well-connected rail, road and air routes with the rest of India. Whether you are travelling to Kerala from India or overseas, you can reach the state easily through different means. 

By Air

Kerala is the only state in India that has four airports that run both domestic and international flights. The airports are in Kozhikode, Kannur, Cochin and Trivandrum. This makes it easy for you to fly to Kerala easily, and since each airport is located in different regions, you can easily land that best suits your itinerary.  

By Rail

Travelling to Kerala by train is an amazing experience, especially if you are travelling through the Konkan Railways as you get to see the stunning coastline and the mighty Western Ghats for a significant part of your journey. There are many trains going to and fro from Kerala to different parts of the country, and you can reach anywhere you want.  

By Road

Like train travel, driving to Kerala is sure to give you an amazing view as you get to drive along the coast and get beautiful views. Many National Highways, including NH 17, NH 44, NH 49 pass through the state and connect different parts. Rest assured, the roads in the state are well-maintained and travelling within the state is sure to be great fun. 

Best Places to visit in Kerala 

•     Munnar 

Home to some of the best spice plantations in India and tea gardens in Kerala, Munnar is a blissful land that beckons a visit on your trip to Kerala. Located in the Idukki district at about 1600 metres above sea level, the little town has plenty of tourist attractions that will win your heart over instantly. Above all, the fresh air scented with the locally-grown spices, and the ethereal tranquillity will surely evoke a feeling of coming back for more. 

•     Trivandrum 

The largest city and the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum is also commonly known as Thiruvananthapuram. The city has a variety of terrains, from backwaters to hill stations, and beaches to lagoons. It also boasts a rich cultural and historical diversity.  

•     Kovalam 

A quaint beach town, Kovalam is one of the best places to visit in Kerala where you can just relax, chill your feet doing nothing and enjoy a relaxing swim in the sea. You can also indulge in water sports like parasailing, diving, windsurfing, etc.  

•     Vagamon 

A popular hill station in Kerala, Vagamon boasts of an European vibe. The green hills, the vast and picture-perfect pine forests, rolling meadows and cool air that surrounds the place will leave you mesmerised by its sheer beauty. It is a great place to escape to and enjoy being surrounded by calmness sans the buzzing tourist crowd.  

•     Alleppey 

The ‘Venice of the East,’ Alleppey, would find its mention in every Kerala travel guide as a must-visit place in Kerala. The hub of Kerala’s backwaters, the town has picture perfect lagoons, calm beaches and an intricate grid of canals. Also, home to hundreds of houseboats, it is the best place to spend a floating weekend amidst breath-taking natural beauty. 

Things to do in Kerala 

Kerala is a paradise for the tourists, apart from unfolding its natural beauty to the visitors at every turn, the place gives them a chance to get new experiences. No matter which part of the state you are in, you can be sure to find something to do that interests you. Here are some of the best things to do in Kerala. 

•     Explore the beautiful tea gardens and spice plantations in Munnar
•     Enjoy a cruise ride over the pristine backwaters in Alleppey
•     Pamper yourself with a relaxing and rejuvenating ayurvedic massage at the treatment centres at various locations 
•     Get a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine
•     Visit the various temples in the state
•     Learn about Kerala rich culture and traditions through its various art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances
•     Revel in the festive vibe during the Snake Boat Race
•     Explore the historic Fort Kochi and watch the ancient Chinese fishing techniques.

Best time to visit Kerala 

Depending on what you want to see and explore in Kerala, you can visit the beautiful state any time of the year. If you want to visit the hill stations like Munnar, Thekkady, or see the enchanting lagoons, and canals, the best time to visit Kerala is September to February, i.e., during the winter season. The weather here is excellent during the winter, and you can comfortably explore the places.  

If you want to see Kerala’s waterfalls, and enjoy the greenery, you can visit the state during the rainy season or just after that between June to September. It is also a great time for ayurvedic treatments.  

Resorts in Kerala 

Kerala is dotted with many tourist spots throughout the state and there is no shortage of beautiful places to stay. If you are a Club Mahindra member, you can stay at any of the resorts in Kerala and enjoy a premium living experience with modern amenities and enjoy the best-in-class hospitality.  

The special experiences at these resorts and the culinary feast you enjoy at the resort only makes your Kerala trip enriching and memorable.