God’s Own Country, Kerala, lies in the southernmost part of India. It is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India, and National Geographic magazine has earlier recommended Kerala as one of the ‘must-see places’ in one’s lifetime. National Geographic’s Traveler magazine named Kerala as one of the “ten paradises of the world” and “50 must-see destinations of a lifetime”.
Other than its beaches, backwaters, rivers, hill stations, wildlife, flora, fauna, etc. Kerala tourism has much to offer to the tourists. Kerala is a good tourist place in India, for sure.
A House Boat in Allapuzha Backwaters
With its natural beauty, Kerala is an ideal holiday destination. There are 44 rivers and large vasts of backwaters. Hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad make God’s Own Country a tourist paradise.
Kerala’s beaches are known for their pristine beauty, be it Kovalam beach or Cherai beach, or for that matter, any other beach in God’s Own Country.
Wildlife in God’s Own Country
Kerala’s Wildlife Sanctuaries are unique for their flora and fauna rather than for their wild animals. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady offers boating facilities inside the Periyar Lake to see the beasts of the jungle. Periyar Tiger Reserve is part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. One can see hoards of Elephants playing in the lake waters. Also seen are Tigers, Sambars, Lion-tailed macaques, Gaurs, etc, to name a few. The Lake Palace Hotel, the summer retreat of the erstwhile Maharajas (Kings) of the princely state of Travancore, on an island inside the Periyar lake, offers the ultimate in luxury, romance, and adventure for any tourist.
Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, etc, are some of the other Kerala tourist places in God’s Own Country for nature and wildlife & lovers. Many endangered species of animals, including endangered species, are found in Kerala’s Wildlife parks.
Bird Watching and Backwaters of God’s Own Country
Kumarakam Bird Sanctuary and surrounding areas offer the best bird-watching and backwater cruises. The backwaters of Kumarakam (The Venice of The East) are known for their beauty. Vembanad Lake, which lies in the Kottayam, Allapuzha, and Ernakulam districts, offers backwater tourism activities. One can hire a motorboat or a houseboat. Houseboats offer night stays and food inside the boats. The cook in the boat catches fresh fish from the backwaters and prepares an exotic fish curry or a fish fry, the taste of which will last all through your lifetime!. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, a small bird sanctuary, one of the richest in terms of bird species in India, is situated within 60 kilometers of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is another famous Bird Sanctuary in god’s own country, at a distance of 19 kilometers from Kozhikode city.
Nature at its Best in the God’s Own Country, Kerala
Aathirapally Falls, The Niagara of India, and Vazachal Falls in Thrissur district are among the most beautiful falls in India. Forests in and around Gavi in the Pathanamthitta district offer everything for an adventurous tourist. Munnar Hills and Vagamon (Asia’s Scotland) are two of the best hill stations in the country. Wayanad offers the best of hills, caves, waterfalls, wildlife, etc.
Remains of an Ancient Civilization in God’s Own Country, Kerala
Marayur is known for the Stone Age Civilization remains, which are still found there. Unique Dolmens and rock paintings dating back to 10000 B.C. are found in Marayur.
Something Special About God’s Own Country – Kerala
Martial Arts of Kerala
Northern Kerala, especially the Malabar region, is famous for one of the oldest fighting systems of Martial arts called Kalaripayattu. Kalaripayattu was practiced in the olden days to defend the country from enemies. The place where this form of Martial arts is practiced is called Kalari.
Some Kalaris in the olden days had thousands of trainees. During British rule, Kalaripayattu lost its predominance as firearms replaced martial arts, and the British banned Kalaripayattu.
Culture and Heritage of God’s Own Country
Caparisoned Elephants at Thrissur Pooram Festival
The Aranmula Snake Boat race and Alleppey Nehru trophy boat race are a real treat to the eyes. These are conducted on the 5th day after Onam (in August or September) and on the second Saturday of August, respectively.
Heralded by UNESCO as “The most spectacular festival event on the planet“, the Thrissur Pooram Festival, conducted in the month of April / May every year, is the fusion of culture, heritage, and temple rituals and, of course, the mother of all Fireworks. Caparisoned elephants decorated with colorful accessories made of peacock feathers and yak tail and other accessories that go with it, and the way it is swayed rhythmically to the tune of Kerala’s traditional instrumental music like Chendamelam, Panchavadyam, and other forms of traditional music, makes Thrissur Pooram, truly the most spectacular festival event on this universe.
Religious Tourism in Kerala
Sabarimala Sree DharmaSastha Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Guruvayoor Krishnan temple, Chotanikara temple, Kodungallor temple (and an array of temples at Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Ochira, Attukal, Aranmula, Ambalapuzha, Pandalam, Kulathupuzha, etc.), Malayattoor church, Jewish Synagogue at Fort Cochin, etc, makes Gods Own Country an ideal destination for your pilgrimage tour.
Health Resorts and Ayurveda Tourism
Kerala is well known for its Ayurveda institutes. Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala is the leading Ayurveda institute in God’s Own Country and India. Kerala Ayurveda Ltd is another well-known company known for its products and treatment. There are a large number of other well-known institutes also in Kerala state. Many of these institutes have their own Health resorts to treat patients.
Rajah Island is one of the most popular Ayurvedic centers in Kerala. It’s at a distance of 28 kilometers from Thrissur Town. It has an area of 20 acres and is a private island. There are 46 rooms or cottages here.
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is another famous Ayurvedic treatment center near Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. Their phone number is +91-471-226-6501.
How Do I Go to Kerala, the God’s my own Country?
The God’s Own Country, Kerala, is one of the southernmost states of India. There are four airports at Thiruvananthapuram alias Trivandrum, Kochi alias Cochin, Kozhikode alias Calicut and Kannur. Roads and trains connect Kerala to other parts of the country.