India is a massive country, and even if you spent a year traveling around it, you would still probably have only scraped the surface of its hidden wonders. One place that should feature on any trip to India, however, is the southern state of Kerala.
They do not call Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’ for nothing. Nestled on the eastern side of the tip of the Indian Subcontinent, the state is known for its fantastically lush emerald-green landscapes, pristine miles-long beaches and fascinating cultural and religious idiosyncrasies. Here are a few reasons why you should not miss Kerala off your itinerary.
1. The Cuisine Is Incredible
From the ubiquitous masala dosa to the delicious Keralan fish curry, the food in Kerala is the best in the whole of India. With an abundance of sumptuous fresh spices and vegetables, you cannot fail to be enchanted by the state’s iconic dishes, such as appam, sadhya and puttu.
2. The Backwaters
One of the best things to do for tourists in Kerala is to stay some time on a houseboat in the backwaters. Floating along in luxurious boats that date back the sahibs of the colonial era is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The vast network of freshwater canals and rivers that make up the backwaters are one of the most spectacular sights in India.
3. It Is Super Clean
In a country of well over a billion people, space is at a premium. High population density and weak waste disposal infrastructure mean that many places in India are covered with trash. Kerala makes a welcome break from this trend and is proud of its reputation as the cleanest state in India.
4. The Wildlife and Landscape Is Spectacular
Many parts of Kerala are still pretty wild. If you take a trip up to the Western Ghats, you can still find virgin forests populated by wild elephants and tigers. The best way to get to see it all is to stay in a homestay and ask you host to take you on an excursion into the forest.
5. It Is Easy to Reach
For travelers coming via the Middle East, the Dubai to Kochi route is one of the cheapest and easiest routes to fly into and out of India, making Kerala a good place to start or end your trip. From there, using the magnificent Indian Railway network to get to your next destination is one of the best ways to take in the gorgeous scenery.
As anyone who has ever had the pleasure of visiting will tell you, Kerala truly is to die for. The unique South Indian state is jam-packed with a mega-diverse mix of cultures, religions and landscapes. Air ticket booking for those who want to add Kerala to their Indian itinerary is now simpler than it has ever been before. All that remains now is to find yourself the right deal on a flight, and you will soon be kicking back and enjoying the best-kept secret in all India.
