Kerala is called the cultural hub of India due to its rich and varied culture.Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country is a lush green state located along the southern Malabar coastlines of India. Famous for its coconut tree fields and beautiful backwaters, Kerala is symbolic to greenery. It is yet another tropical destination for any tourist wanting to relax in a pleasant climate. It rains almost all throughout the year but not continuously. The official language of Kerala is Malayalam and the people living here are called as Malayalees. It is the highest literary state in India. The word Keralam is thought to originate from kera meaning coconut and alam meaning land or area.
Things to do:
- Bathe elephants-
Here, in Kodanad you get the lifetime opportunity of bathing an elephant. Other activities like playing with baby elephants, feeding bananas and elephant safari is a must-do. The charges vary for kids and adults from 300-1500 rupees.
- Houseboats in Alappuzha-
Alappuzha, a city in Kerala offers houseboat stays where in the boat is turned into a living house with kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms that travels long distances and lasts for 2-3 days. Many activities and traditional dances like Bharatnatyam are showcased at nights while serving traditional Kerala food with it. This is again a-once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Witness the snake boat race-
The traditional snake boat races are held every year during the particular season in Kerala where in long, snake like boats are rowed by a set of 20-30 men from 1 end of the lake to another. The race held between different such boats is a pure feast to the eyes.
- Indulge in the traditional Kerala Cuisine-
The traditional Kerala food is a must-try for anyone who visits Kerala. It is basically an everyday meal which is served on a banana leaf and has over 28 items. Starting from pickles and chips, including red indigenous rice along with Sambhar, rasam and pullisherry and finally ending with a payasam, it comprises of a true Malayalee’s food habits.
- Watch a Kathakali performance-
The Kathakali is a classical Hindu performance dance portrayed in Kerala only. It is basically a story play where in dancers (typically male actors) adorn voluminous costumes with ornately colorful makeup to portray the depth of their characters. The dance is again a must-witness on any travel itinerary.
- Take a spice tour-
One activity that tourists usually indulge in is taking a spice tour in Thekkady which has a lot of spice farms like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom etc.
- Get drenched in the Athirapally waterfalls-
The Athirapally waterfalls are one of the most scenic waterfalls of Kerala which are 80 feet tall and located in Athirapally
- Eat the Kozhikodan biriyani and local Kerala snacks-
The Kozhikodan biriyani is famous for its delicious mix of spices and biriyani rice stuffed with masala. Also while visiting Kerala, it is uncalled for t not try the local snacks and eateries which are quiet famous and tasty.