Discovering the Culture
Because of Kerala's location at India's southern tip, this region has a distinct culture from its neighboring states. With the Arabian Sea and River Ponnani as passageways to this beautiful land, it's understandable that foreign influences across hundreds of years are found within the culture. For example, discover British influences across Kerala's architecture and sporting activities, including cricket.
Over time, native people have forged their own identities with colorful festivals, such as Onam, and folk-art performances. Remarkably, these performances can be ritualistic, which involve magical and devotional elements. Alternatively, non-ritualistic performances are also popular as masks, clothing and other details come to life with brilliant colors.
In addition, many poets and writers have lived and drawn inspiration from Kerala. For instance, Thakazhi Sivashankara Pillai and Arundhati Roy are both well-known names within Kerala. With writing, language and folklore performances throughout this state, Kerala is a richly diverse region with many stories to tell.
Best Time to Visit
Ideally, prioritize the activities that you want to experience during your time in Kerala. With these items in mind, you can pick the best time to visit this tropical area. If you'd like the most comfortable temperatures, a winter trip is optimal. Because Kerala is in the tropical zone, the temperatures won't drop significantly during the winter. You'll experience less humidity, too.
For fans of humid conditions, enjoy Kerala from June until early August. Here, the monsoons take center stage. Although it's rainy, the temperatures are warm. Indeed, many visitors see the monsoons as a cleansing experience.
Stay a bit longer through August into September for Kerala's summer months. Hot days and brilliant, blue skies are great reasons to head to the beach for water activities. Truthfully, some locals might vacation away from Kerala during the hotter days, so visitors have some room to spread out during their summer adventures.
Top Things to Do
Begin your Kerala trip with some relaxation. First, sign up for tea tasting. Within Kerala, locals dedicate many gardens to tea production. Match this drink with a spa day at a nearby resort. Amazingly, visitors can experience ancient relaxation methods that date back hundreds of years at these properties.
For a cultural perspective of Kerala, watch a theyyam ritual or Kathakali performance. From colorful outfits to elaborate masks, these experiences show off history, folklore and passion for this region's history.
Certainly, water activities are plentiful in Kerala. Consider renting a houseboat or drifting on a bamboo raft down the Pozhuthana River, for instance. If you visit Kerala during the monsoon season, don't miss the snake boat races. Canoes nearly 150 feet long with more than 100 rowers compete in this annual event. With elaborate decorations on each boat, this experience is unique to Kerala.
Several times a year, locals hold temple festivals. People line the street with dancers and revelers enjoying the music and rhythm. Don't miss the decorated elephants that follow along with certain festivals in March and April, too. Because this animal is highly revered, elephants are the superstars in Kerala.
