Kerala has surf-pounded, sandy beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations, vast plantations of spices and tea and exotic wildlife that thrive in the hills

Kerala is where you travel to enjoy an easy-going pace of life, cardamom-scented fresh air and the conviviality and liberal hospitality of the most well-educated people in India. Located on the south-western tip of India, Kerala has surf-pounded, sandy beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations, vast plantations of spices and tea and exotic wildlife that thrive in the hills.

Classical art forms, colourful festivals and exotic cuisine are some of the cultural marvels of this state. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine and Panchakarma, the rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda, have also helped Kerala to gain a global reputation as a drawcard destination.

The real jewels for travellers are the backwaters that meander throughout Kerala. Here, spindly networks of rivers, canals and lagoons nourish acres of rice paddies and coconut groves, while well-outfitted houseboats cruise from one backwater village to another.

The serene but busy Fort Cochin, the capital of the state, pays homage to its colonial past, each building a testament to Chinese visitors, Portuguese traders, Jewish settlers, Syrian Christians and Muslim merchants. Even with its colonial history, Kerala manages to cling to its vibrant traditions: Kathakali – a blend of religious play and dance; kalarippayat – a gravity-defying martial art; and theyyam – a trance-induced ritual.

When to travel to Kerala

If you were thinking about the ideal time to visit Kerala, then the best time to visit Kerala would be in the months of October to March. Usually people used to avoid June and July due to heavy monsoons.