Kerala is an Indian state located on the tropical Malabar Coast of southern India, which is located at a distance of 600 km from the shoreline of Arabian Sea. It is popularly known as God's Own Country, as it has picturesque landscapes, with stretches of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches and rich wildlife. It is also admired throughout the world for its exquisitely designed temples.
The rich culture and tradition of this majestic land lures tourists in large number from all across the world. Therefore, Kerala is considered as one of the major tourist destinations of India. It has amazing resorts for comfortable stay in this majestic land. Being in Kerala, one can get the view of amazing tea, coffee and spices plantation in abundance.
Here we tell you about the top 7 reasons why you should visit Kerala:
1. Ayurveda:
Mostly, people visit Kerala, to get the benefits of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the holistic and Vedic science of life. This authentic and traditional system of natural healing of Kerala is very popular among tourists coming from all over the world. Ayurveda cleanses, treats and strengthens mind, body and soul, providing inner peace.
Kerala is blessed with numerous Ayurveda & wellness centers. These wellness centers provide authentic therapies to cure various ailments, while providing rejuvenation in the body.
Some of the well-known Ayurveda & wellness centers of Kerala include Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village Health Resort, Kalari Kovilakom, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, Ayurveda Yoga Villa, Shin Shiva Ayurvedic Resort and many more.
2. Backwaters:
Another reason to visit Kerala is its pristine and tranquil backwaters. Kerala has a chain of salty lakes and lagoons that lies parallel to the Malabar Coast of Arabian Sea. The water network including both natural and manmade canals along with five large lakes are linked. The water channels are extended up to half the length of the state fed by 38 rivers.
The waves and currents from the shore formed these backwaters, while creating island with low barrier crossing the ends of several rivers from the Western Ghats range. These backwaters of Kerala make an amazing attraction and a romantic place to spend time. Honeymooners, peace-seekers, family vacationers can have a wonderful time amidst tranquil water, cruising across the lagoons and lakes on a boat and viewing panoramic natural beauty.
3. House boat:
Kerala should be visited for its beautiful traditional house-boats called Kettuvallam. The Kettuvallams are exquisitely designed with bamboo mats, sticks and coir, etc. that looks traditional. These beautifully designed house-boats are well-painted and equipped with all the modern amenities for the convenience of their guests. These houseboats offer opportunities to experience breathtaking views of backwaters. Boarding a houseboat and spending luxurious holidays will give you several sweet and unforgettable memories.
You can enjoy fresh and sumptuous sea-food prepared by the cook on-board. You can also ask the cook to prepare food of your choice. While cruising across the water on these house-boats you can observe the local life of that place.
4. Beaches
Beaches of Kerala are the most frequented destinations of India. The beaches of this southern part of India remain thronged by tourists. These beaches lie 550 km along the Arabian Sea Coastline. Kerala, being situated on the coastal front of the country is an abode to many beautiful beaches.
If you want to get lost amidst nature then Kerala will be a perfect place for you. It can be considered as paradise for the visitors as it has swaying palm trees in abundance, soaring kites and eagles, elegant dolphins, cool breeze and stretches of golden sand. Kovalam Beach, Bekal Beach, Varkala Beach, Kozhikode Beach and Alappuzha Beach are some of the well-known beaches of Kerala.
5. Snake Boat Race
A very popular traditional game of Kerala is Vallam Kali, which is a boat game. It is a kind of canoeing race, using paddled war canoes. This game is organized in autumn, during the season of Onam- the harvest festival. Varied paddled and traditional long boats participate in this game of Vallam Kali making it fascinating.
Vallam Kali is popularly known as the Snake Boat Race, which is a major tourist attraction of the state. It is one of the major events held in Kerala. The most popular event of Vallam Kali is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which is held in the Punnamada Lake located near Alappuzha, in Kerala.
6. Kerala’s Dance Form (Mohiniyattam & Kathakali)
Kerala has two popular unique dance forms that draw the attention of tourists named as "Mohiniyattam or Mohiniattam" and "Kathakali." Mohiniattam, is a classical dance form believed to be originated in the 16th century. It has been recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as the eight Indian classical dance forms. It is an elegant form of dance performed only by solo woman dancer. The term Mohiniattam means “Mohini- beautiful women" and “attam- dance". Therefore, it is a beautiful feminine style of dance with elegant body movements. Earlier it was developed as the tradition of Devadasi system, but later achieved the status of classical dance.
Kathakaḷi is a unique form of classical or traditional Indian dance-drama. This dance form of Kerala is known for the unique and captivating make-up of performers, their amazing costumes, graceful body movements and detailed gestures performed in the tune accompanied by playback music. It was originated in the 17th century. It has been improved in terms of looks, gestures and themes. In addition, precise drumming and elaborated singing has also been included. Kathakali dance is based on religious themes, which include the Ramayana, the Mahabharat, and the Puranas.
7. Temples
Kerala has a line of intricately carved temples. It is one of the reasons that tourists from all across the world visit this southern part of India. The temples of Kerala reflect magnificent architectural style and rich culture of the state. Explore these unique structures that symbolize harmony and purity. They offer ultimate experience of spirituality to the visitors and devotees.
We recommend you to visit Kerala to experience heaven on earth. Someone has nicely exclaimed, "God’s own country or a heaven on earth. Place full of mountains, greenery and streams. Oh Kerala! God created you with utmost care!" If you haven't visited Kerala then do make a plan to enjoy to the fullest in the land of paradise.
