Kerala Tourism And What All You Should Expect From It

Posted by Payal Mathur on April 3rd, 2019

The God’s Own Country, Kerala is an Indian State located on the Malabar Coast lined with the Arabian Sea at a stretch of approximately 600 km. The beaches here are bordered with tall palm trees, creating an ideal scenery. The national parks and some towns here provide a secure haven to the wildlife (tigers, elephants, monkeys, and some endangered species). Such places include Eravikulam and Periyar national parks as well as the district of WayanadCulturally, Kerala is believed to be quite welcoming and even leaves its impact on the visitors who come here on the expedition. Kerala tourism is gaining prominence for almost 30 years and has thus been making significant contributions in the economy of this south Indian state. In the year 2012, Kerala was listed under “ten paradises of the world” as well as “50 must-see destinations of a lifetime” in one of the Traveller magazines by National Geographic.  

The capital city, Thiruvananthapuram speaks of British colonial rule through its architecture as well as the displays in art museums. Apart from this, this place is also renowned for the much-admired palace of Kuthira Malika (or Puthen Malika). This palace is apparently embellished with sculptures of horses and showcases the assemblage associated with the royal family of the Travancore, who spent their lifetime here from the 18th to 20th century.

Kerala is a place infused with culturally rich colors and good vibes that are spread by the lush greenery and scenic landscapes.

Kerala Tourism: A Pivotal Part Of The Economy

Until the beginning of the 80s, Kerala was comparatively an unknown land, unlike other Indian states. Kerala tourism gained official importance in 1986 when the state’s government claimed it to be an imperative industry for the economy. Kerala was also the first Indian state to have accomplished that.

There were various campaigns organized by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation for marketing purposes wherein the tagline “Kerala, God’s Own Country” was widely used. KTDC is a government agency with headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram that looks after all the tourism aspects of the state and prospective growth of this industry. This agency is said to have helped tremendously in successfully establishing Kerala tourism.

In the year 2006, the state was able to welcome 8.5 million tourists that brought about an increase of around 23.68% as compared to the last year and thus became one of the destinations with fastest growing popularity. 2011 witnessed the number going beyond 10 million.

Must-Visit Places In Kerala

Since there have been many developments in the industry of Kerala tourism, many tourists keep flocking in this South Indian state. There are various places that you can visit in this God’s own country to make the most of your exploration spree. However, the places listed below should not be missed out at any cost!

1. Wayanad

The town of Wayanad in Kerala is ideal for the adventure seekers. You can trek through the breathtakingly beautiful trails that are surrounded by heartwarming greenery and awe-inspiring landscapes. Wayanad in Malayalam means the land of paddy fields and rightfully so, for it is the most prominent place in Kerala where rice cultivation is done.

This rural district is also a secure sanctuary for wild animals like tigers, egrets, Asian elephants, and leopards. In the southern region of this place are the Ambukuthi Hills that are famous for Edakkal caves that showcase prehistoric rock carvings.

2. Alleppey

Also known by the name of Alappuzha, this city in Kerala is located on the sea of Laccadive. Alleppey is exclusively famous for cruises on houseboat around the backwaters of Kerala. These backwaters are a group of canals as well as lagoons that ensure tranquility one seeks out of the hustle-bustle of the city.

Famous since the 19th century, Alappuzha Beach is a must-visit spot in this city. This place is also visited for the holy Mullakkal Temple that has a traditional architecture. This temple is one of the most visited tourist spots in Kerala.

3. Thekkady

For those who love to behold the wildlife, Thekkady is a place to be! This is where Periyar National Park is located, amidst the Western Ghats. Also famous by the name of Periyar Tiger Reserve, this national park provides a safe natural habitat to sambar deer, leopards, elephants, Indian bison,  lion-tailed macaques, etc. apart from, of course, the tigers.

In the northern part of this park, people get themselves indulges in boat rides in the renowned Periyar lake. The reason behind the presence of various wildlife species is the dense forests as well as vegetation.

4. Kozhikode

This is one of the cities in Kerala where the metropolitan aspect of the state becomes quite obvious. Kozhikode was once considered to be a prominent spice trade center. It is located near Kappad Beach, a place of historical importance where Vasco da Gama is said to have landed.

Kozhikode beach is visited by the tourists for beholding the sunset. Located in the inner region of the city is Mananchira Square that is surrounded by trees and is known for a musical fountain. This city is also known by the name of Calicut and has everything that you can expect from an urban region. The architecture of the buildings reminds the onlookers of British colonial rule.  

5. Kannur

Another coastal city, Kannur is remembered for being a trading port in ancient times. The city has tourist attractions like St. Angelo Fort built in the 16th century, which was taken over by the European colonialists. This fort is a reflection of the prominent role played by the city in the spice trade. For those who get fascinated by the historical aspects of a city, this place is a must visit!

One more place that the history lovers must visit is the Arakkal Museum. This museum has been built in the memory of a royal Muslim family of Kerala.  

Considering the growth of Kerala tourism and its role in the state’s economy, visiting this South Indian state can never be a regretful idea. Each city or district here speaks for itself and reflects a unique culture.