All That You Must Know About Visiting Kerala

Mythology and historical stories are intertwined in Kerala and reflect the very essence of its origin. It is believed that God’s Own Land was created when Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and raised a new land – Parashurama Kshetram. He is also thought to have cleansed the land using Kundalini by releasing snakes. Kerala, as we know it today, is indeed nature’s favorite child, thanks to its lush greenery, abundant natural resources, and exotic wildlife. The state attracts millions of tourists from across the world, even making it to Time magazine’s Top 50 Destinations In The World. Before looking for a travel agent in Thrissur, read on to learn more about the state, including the best time to visit Kerala.

The Legends Associated with Kerala

As earlier said, Kerala is a land of myths and mysteries. Besides the legend associated with its origins, there are several stories related to God’s Own Country. For one, it is believed that the legendary Mahabali was a benevolent asura king who offered himself when there was no land left to offer to Vamana. Malayalis believe that Mahabali visits his subjects every year during Onam. And to welcome him, they decorate their home with flower rangoli or athapoo kolam. A feast worthy of a king awaits him in Malayali’s house, irrespective of religion.

While serpent worship is integral to every ancient culture, it is especially prominent in Kerala. The Vetticode Nagaraja Temple, Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Temple, and the Pambummekkatu Mana are some of the temples dedicated to Nagaraja, the king of serpents. Even today, serpents are considered protectors of the land, with every traditional Hindu family having its own sarpakaavu or serpent groves.

Several other legends and myths are associated with his mystical and magical land. All you need is a good travel agent in Thrissur and some patience to explore them.

Why Visit Kerala?

Kerela has the best landscapes, including pristine beaches, abundant forests, mesmerizing backwaters, and beautiful tea plantations. Some of the reasons you must consider this picturesque state in your bucket list include:

Backwaters and Beaches

The backwaters refer to a network of 900-km long rivers, canals, and lakes interspersed by several tiny and large islands. In the days of yore, the economy revolved around these backwaters, transporting goods and passengers. Today, they’re a significant source of tourism, with tour operators arranging backwater cruises to help tourists understand how revolves for villagers around the backwaters. Some best places to experience backwaters include Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kollam, Kuttanad, and Thiruvananthapuram. The beaches of Kerala are equally mesmerizing and the perfect place for a destination wedding. Some famous beaches include Kovalam, Varkala, Bekal, Kannur, and Cherai.

Food

With Kerala being the spice destination of the world, one would imagine Kerala cuisine to be rich in spices. In reality, the cuisine here is marked by its judicious use of spices – they don’t overwhelm the food but gently elevate the dish. Kerela is among the few states with very little taboo about non-vegetarian food. While fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters, and mussels are common, mutton, beef, and chicken are equally popular. When it is Kerela, don’t forget to sample some of their famous food – parotta and beef/mutton roast, karimeen pollichatu, fish moiley, meen peera, appam, and chicken/veg ishtu. There are plenty of vegetarian options, including puttu and kadala curry, idiyappam, and the ubiquitous sadhya meal served on special occasions.

Hill Stations

Thanks to the Western Ghats covering the western side of Kerala and the districts of Kannur, Idukki, Kozhikode, Mallapuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. People flock to these destinations to admire the multiple teas, coffee and spice plantations, national parks, wild animals, migratory birds, etc. Some popular hill stations include Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, and Thenmala. Check with our travel agency in Thrissur if you are looking for honeymoon or family vacation packages. Visit us!

People and Culture

Kerala is relatively safe compared to other tourist destinations in the world. The state is clean and less hectic than other cities like Mumbai or Delhi. The people are friendly and respectful even when you travel alone. You can even use public transport to travel to popular tourist destinations. The culture, too, is welcoming, with people sticking to their authenticity while accepting modern ideas and concepts. It is one of the very few secular states where people of all centuries have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

When is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?

Kerala is a year-round destination, with some places especially pleasant during the monsoon. But the best time to visit Kerala is from December to February when the weather is pleasant and dry. It’s the time of the year when the place is flooded with tourists.

It rains heavily between June to August – floods and torrential rains are not uncommon. Trekking and other adventure activities are not possible as well. But if you’re visiting Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment, this is a perfect time because package costs are low and accommodation options are aplenty. But if you’re looking to explore Kerala at its finest, come immediately after the monsoon. It’s the time of the year when the forests are lush green, and rains have filled the rivers, streams, and waterfalls.

The best time to visit Kerala depends on what you plan to do in the country. Book a package between November and February if you are planning a houseboat cruise. But if you love watching elephants, the hotter months of March and April are ideal.

Not many know that Kerala has two monsoon seasons – from June to August and October to November. This time of the year is also suitable for a vacation because it doesn’t rain incessantly, and periods of rain are followed by a few hours of sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 29 to 32 degrees centigrade.

If experiencing Onam is on your list of things to do in Kerala, consider visiting the place in September when the entire state comes live. You can experience some of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage through folk dances, martial arts, decorated elephants, flower decorations, boat races, and elaborate feasts.

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