- Best time
- September to March
- Coastline
- About 590 km
- Rivers
- 44
- Major airports
- Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur
Landscape and water
The state falls into three belts: a low coastal strip with beaches and fishing villages, midlands of rolling hills, coconut groves and rice fields, and the high Western Ghats with tea gardens and forest. The Ghats, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, catch the monsoon rain and feed most of the rivers.
Kerala has 44 rivers, most flowing west, including the Periyar, Bharathapuzha and Pamba. Its backwaters are a web of lagoons and canals; Vembanad, often described as India's longest lake, is the centre of houseboat cruising, while Ashtamudi and Sasthamkotta are other important lakes. The coastline runs for about 590 km, and Kochi has been a major port for centuries.
Wildlife and parks
Around 30 percent of the state is forested, and more than 500 bird species have been recorded.
- Periyar, for elephants and lake boat rides
- Eravikulam, home of the Nilgiri tahr
- Silent Valley, for pristine rainforest
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Culture and festivals
Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities have lived side by side for centuries, and temples, mosques, churches and a historic synagogue share local building styles. Traditional homes such as the nalukettu have sloping roofs and inner courtyards.
Kathakali, with its painted faces and huge headdresses, and the graceful Mohiniyattam are the best-known dance forms. Koodiyattam is recognised by UNESCO, Theyyam brings deities to life in northern Kerala, and temple percussion such as chenda melam and panchavadyam fills festival grounds. Onam, the harvest festival with flower carpets, snake boat races and the sadya feast, is the biggest event of the year, followed by Vishu and Thrissur Pooram.
Food
Rice and coconut form the base of most meals, flavoured with pepper, cardamom, ginger and curry leaves, a legacy of the spice trade that drew Arab, European and Chinese merchants to Kochi and Kozhikode. Coastal towns serve excellent fish and prawns, and the vegetarian sadya on a banana leaf is the highlight at festival time.
Weather and best time
The coast stays warm, roughly 23°C to 34°C, while Munnar and Wayanad are cooler. The south-west monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain, with a second spell in October and November. September to March suits most trips, and the monsoon is popular for Ayurveda treatments. We plan Kerala tours covering Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kovalam.
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