Thinking about a trip to Kerala? You’re in for a mix of green hills, sparkling backwaters, and spicy food that hits the spot. Let’s break down the must‑see spots, what to eat, and a few tricks to keep your journey smooth.
First stop: Alleppey. The backwaters here feel like a calm river maze, perfect for a houseboat night. Drift past paddy fields, watch children playing on the banks, and soak up sunrise colors that look straight out of a postcard.
Next, head to Munnar. The hill station is famous for tea gardens that roll on every side. Walk the winding paths, sip fresh tea, and snap photos of mist‑covered hills – it’s cheap, easy, and totally Instagram‑ready.
If beaches are your vibe, Varkala and Kovalam deliver. Varkala’s cliffs give a dramatic view of the Arabian Sea, while Kovalam’s lighthouse beach is great for a quick swim or a long walk at dusk.
Kerala cuisine mixes coconut, mustard, and fresh seafood. Try the fish moilee – a creamy, mildly spiced fish curry that pairs perfectly with rice. Don’t skip the appam and steamed rice pancakes served with egg or stew; they’re soft, slightly sour, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’re a snack lover, grab a handful of banana chips from the stalls in Kochi. They’re crunchy, sweet, and a quick bite while you explore the city’s historic Fort Kochi area.
For sweet cravings, the dessert payasam (a rice pudding with coconut milk) is a comforting end to any meal. It’s light enough not to feel heavy after a day of sightseeing.
Getting around is easy with a mix of auto‑rickshaws, buses, and taxis. In big towns, download a reliable local rides app – it saves you from haggling over fares.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or churches. A simple shirt and a pair of knee‑length shorts work well, and you’ll blend in comfortably.
Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and some wet wipes. The humidity can make everything feel sticky, and a quick freshen‑up keeps you comfortable during long tours.
Monsoon season (June‑September) adds a dramatic green look to the landscape, but heavy rain can disrupt travel plans. If you travel then, keep a flexible itinerary and bring waterproof shoes.
Finally, learn a few Malayalam greetings – “Namaskaram” (hello) and “Nanni” (thank you) go a long way in making locals smile.
Kerala packs nature, culture, and flavor into a compact package. Follow this guide, stay curious, and you’ll leave with stories worth sharing for years.
On August 7, 2020, an Air India Express plane crash landed while attempting to land at the Calicut International Airport in Kerala, India. The plane had been traveling from Dubai with 190 passengers and crew on board. The plane overshot the runway and crashed into a deep gorge, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, including the pilot and co-pilot. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but initial reports from India's aviation regulator suggest that the plane may have been travelling too fast, and the pilots may not have been familiar with the airport's terrain and runway.
