Why go to Kerala? The 10 good reasons to go Kerala
An enchanting culture
Attend spellbinding performances of Kathakali, Theyyam or Kalaripayattu.
Heavenly beaches
The Malabar coastline offers superb palm-fringed beaches.
Captivating nature reserves
Watching elephants in their natural habitat is a must-see experience.
A land of spices
Kerala is one of the world's largest producers of spices.
The backwaters, an exceptional site
A cruise along the canals on a houseboat is an unforgettable experience.
Fascinating landscapes
Admire the endless tea plantations of the Western Ghats.
A unique gastronomy
Kerala cuisine offers a wide range of flavors: coconut, spices, seafood...
The land of Ayurveda
Enjoy an ayurvedic cure and be pampered in a heavenly setting.
A welcoming population
Everywhere you go, the locals will receive you with warmth and kindness.
A trip at reasonable rates
The destination's affordable prices are an incentive to travel.
What to visit Kerala?
Good to know to visit Kerala
Timetable
Most museums are open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with a weekly closing day, sometimes two. Some have extended opening hours at weekends and during school vacations.
To be booked
It is not necessary to reserve your tickets in advance for the visits of sites, museums...
Budget & Tips
In India, for the visit of paying sites, there are rates for locals (quite low) and rates for foreigners, do not get offended.
Discounts for children. For many sites, including national parks, monuments and some museums, admission is half-price for children under 13. It is often free for children under 6 years of age.
Main events
Every temple in every town and village in the south celebrates its own festivities. It's a good idea to ask the locals about the nearest festival, as these special occasions are often one of the highlights of a trip to Kerala. Their religious character in no way prevents these celebrations from being festive, as revelry is generally the order of the day rather than solemnity, so curious onlookers are more than welcome! Kerala's most famous festival is Thrissur Pooram.
Guided tours
Guided tours are compulsory in national parks, where the presence of a guide is essential. Some museums offer guided tours, usually in English. For the rest of the time, you're free to visit towns or sites as you please, but the explanations of a qualified guide will often help you to grasp the culture and subtleties of a particular place (town, museum or monument).
Smokers
In Kerala, it is strictly forbidden to smoke in all public places. Smoking is even rather frowned upon, better to do it in secret...
Tourist traps
Beware of amateur guides who will offer their services around the sites to be visited. A government-approved guide will always show you an official map.
What's very local
The entrance to Hindu temples is strictly forbidden to non-Hindus in Kerala. There are however some exceptions: some temples in the north of the state are accessible and even propose incredible shows, the Theyyam, and in the small temples of the villages the visit by the foreigners is generally tolerated, as long as they wear a respectful dress (covered shoulders and legs).
