Free Kerala Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Kerala
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Explore Kerala's backwaters, beaches, spice hills, historic ports, temple arts and richly varied cuisine across India's tropical south-west.

Kerala occupies India's south-western coast between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, a long, varied state shaped by water, monsoon weather and centuries of maritime exchange. The landscape changes quickly: sandy beaches and fishing villages give way to lagoons and palm-fringed backwaters, while the eastern districts rise into tea country, spice gardens, shola forests and mountain passes. A journey through Kerala is therefore less about ticking off a single city and more about following the contrasts between coast, waterways, plains and highlands.
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Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, combines royal history, temples, museums and access to the southern coast, while Kochi is Kerala's most internationally minded urban centre. Its historic Fort Kochi quarter preserves churches, warehouses, trading streets and Chinese fishing nets associated with a cosmopolitan port past. Further north, Kozhikode and Kannur reveal the Malabar coast's distinctive food, commercial history and performance traditions. Inland, towns such as Kottayam, Thrissur and Palakkad provide different perspectives on Kerala's religious, agricultural and cultural life.
The backwaters are among the state's defining environments. Around Alappuzha and Kumarakom, a network of lakes, canals and lagoons supports villages, paddy cultivation and boat travel, although the waterways are working landscapes rather than a single uninterrupted resort area. Visitors can travel by public ferry, canoe, motor boat or a houseboat, with the most rewarding experiences often found away from the busiest routes. In the hills, Munnar is associated with tea plantations and cool mountain air, while Thekkady offers access to the forested landscapes of the Periyar region.
Kerala's cultural identity is expressed through Malayalam literature, classical and ritual performance, temple festivals, mosque and church communities, martial-arts traditions and a food culture that varies between coast and interior. Kathakali uses elaborate make-up, gesture and music to interpret stories; theyyam, particularly associated with northern Kerala, is a powerful ritual tradition performed in sacred groves and temple settings. The cuisine ranges from Malabar biryani and layered pathiri breads to seafood, coconut-based curries, vegetarian sadya feasts and the fermented rice-and-coconut drink called toddy. Respectful curiosity, patience and attention to local guidance are central to travelling well here.

When is the best time to visit Kerala?

Best: December–February · 30–33°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3220
February (best)3320
March3430
April3560
May3590
June32190
July31160
August31160
September31160
October31210
November31110
December (best)3040

Getting to and around Kerala

How to get there

Kerala has international airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, with connections that vary by season and airline; Kannur International Airport is another option for the northern districts. Long-distance trains link Kerala with Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and other Indian cities, although journeys can be lengthy and reservations are advisable. National highways connect the coast and major towns, while visitors arriving from outside the state may also use airports in neighbouring Tamil Nadu or Karnataka when that suits an itinerary. Choose the arrival airport according to your first base, since the state is long and road journeys between its southern and northern ends take considerable time.

Transportation

Trains and buses serve the coastal corridor and many major towns, while city buses, auto-rickshaws and app-based or pre-booked taxis are useful for shorter journeys where available. Public ferries are particularly practical around the backwaters and can be more atmospheric than private boat transfers. A hired car with driver is convenient for linking beaches, hill stations and rural areas, although traffic, narrow roads, monsoon rain and mountain bends make self-driving demanding for many overseas visitors. Taxis or local guides are often the simplest way to reach plantation areas, wildlife gateways and dispersed heritage sites.

Top city travel guides in Kerala

The cities of Kerala, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Kerala

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Kerala

Kerala's attractions are defined by the relationship between natural environments and long-settled communities. The backwaters around Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kuttanad offer journeys through canals, lagoons, paddy fields and riverside villages, with public ferries, canoes and houseboats providing different perspectives. Along the coast, beaches near Thiruvananthapuram and the fishing settlements of central and northern Kerala contrast with the historic port architecture of Fort Kochi. Inland, tea estates and mountain scenery shape the experience around Munnar, while the Periyar region near Thekkady provides forest walks, boating and opportunities for wildlife observation under park regulations. Museums, palaces, churches, mosques, temples and cultural venues add depth in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur. Visitors can also encounter Kathakali, kalaripayattu demonstrations, temple arts and seasonal ritual performances, although these should be approached with cultural respect rather than treated simply as entertainment. The state offers walking, cycling, birdwatching, plantation visits and village experiences, but its greatest attraction is the varied transition from sea-level waterways to the forested Western Ghats.

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Best landmarks in Kerala

Kerala's landmarks reflect maritime commerce, royal power, religion and distinctive natural geography. The Chinese fishing nets on the waterfront at Fort Kochi are working remnants of a trading seascape and one of the state's most recognisable urban images, while nearby St Francis Church and the Basilica of Santa Cruz illustrate the area's layered European and Indian Christian history. Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, preserves murals and material associated with the former Cochin royal court. In Thiruvananthapuram, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a major religious and architectural landmark, and the city's Napier Museum represents the cultural institutions developed around the former Travancore capital. The Bekal Fort in Kasaragod commands a prominent position above the northern coast, and Palakkad Fort records the strategic importance of the inland Palakkad Gap. Kerala's geographical landmarks are equally important: the extensive backwaters around Vembanad Lake, the tea-clad slopes around Munnar and the forested highlands of the Western Ghats express the environmental structure that has shaped settlement, farming and travel across the state.

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Explore Kerala on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Kerala

Kerala's food changes noticeably between its coastal, Malabar, central and highland districts. Rice, coconut, curry leaves, tamarind and a wide range of spices underpin much of the cuisine, while the Arabian Sea contributes fish, prawns and other seafood. A traditional sadya, served on a banana leaf and associated especially with festivals and ceremonies, presents numerous vegetarian preparations alongside rice; it is best approached slowly and according to local custom. Malabar cooking is known for dishes such as biryani, pathiri breads and layered pastries, while appam with stew, puttu with savoury accompaniments and fish curries are widely encountered in different forms across the state. Toddy shops serve food alongside locally produced palm drink, though availability and licensing vary. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have the broadest range of contemporary restaurants, cafés and international food, while smaller towns offer family-run vegetarian restaurants, seafood eateries, bakeries and tea shops. Seek regional specialities in local markets and ask about spice levels rather than assuming every dish is intensely hot.

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Best bars in Kerala

Kerala's evening culture is more varied than a conventional nightclub circuit. Kochi has the broadest selection of contemporary bars, hotel lounges, cafés, live-music settings and cultural venues, while Thiruvananthapuram offers a quieter combination of restaurants, arts events and licensed hotel bars. In many towns, social life centres on restaurants, tea shops and traditional pubs or toddy shops rather than late-night clubs. Beach resorts and larger hotels may provide evening entertainment, but hours and licensing rules can change, and alcohol is not available everywhere. Northern cities such as Kozhikode and Kannur are better known for food, markets and cultural activity than for large-scale clubbing. Rural districts generally become quiet earlier, with evening walks, conversations at local eateries and occasional festival programmes forming the main rhythm. Visitors should dress appropriately for their setting, check local regulations and avoid assuming that drinking is necessary to participate in Kerala's evening life.

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Best nightclubs in Kerala

Kerala's evening culture is more varied than a conventional nightclub circuit. Kochi has the broadest selection of contemporary bars, hotel lounges, cafés, live-music settings and cultural venues, while Thiruvananthapuram offers a quieter combination of restaurants, arts events and licensed hotel bars. In many towns, social life centres on restaurants, tea shops and traditional pubs or toddy shops rather than late-night clubs. Beach resorts and larger hotels may provide evening entertainment, but hours and licensing rules can change, and alcohol is not available everywhere. Northern cities such as Kozhikode and Kannur are better known for food, markets and cultural activity than for large-scale clubbing. Rural districts generally become quiet earlier, with evening walks, conversations at local eateries and occasional festival programmes forming the main rhythm. Visitors should dress appropriately for their setting, check local regulations and avoid assuming that drinking is necessary to participate in Kerala's evening life.

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Best shops in Kerala

Shopping in Kerala ranges from urban commercial streets to village markets and specialist craft centres. Kochi offers the widest variety of contemporary shops, galleries, antiques and design-led goods, particularly around central commercial areas and the historic quarters of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, although provenance should be checked carefully when buying antiques. Thiruvananthapuram is useful for handloom textiles, books, jewellery and traditional products, while Kozhikode is known for Malabar food products, sweets and busy trading streets. Across the state, look for coir goods from the Alappuzha area, handloom fabrics, spices, tea, coffee, banana chips, coconut-based products and locally made soaps. Hill districts sell plantation produce through shops and markets, but labels and packaging vary, so sealed products are easier to transport internationally. Handicraft emporia and reputable cooperative outlets can provide more reliable information about materials and production than informal tourist stalls. Bargaining may be acceptable in some markets but is not appropriate in fixed-price shops, department stores or established galleries.

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Kerala essentials

Currency and Payment
Kerala uses India's national currency, the Indian rupee, abbreviated INR or written as ₹. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in established hotels, larger restaurants, transport-booking platforms and urban shops, while India's mobile-payment systems are common for residents but may require an Indian bank account or phone setup. Carry small quantities of cash for markets, local buses, smaller cafés, ferries, autorickshaws and rural services. ATMs are common in towns but less dependable in remote hill and forest areas, so plan before leaving larger centres.
Safety
Use normal precautions with valuables in crowded transport areas, markets and busy beaches, and use reputable accommodation and registered or clearly arranged transport. Road safety deserves particular attention: traffic is dense, overtaking can be unpredictable and wet roads become hazardous during monsoon periods. In the hills, follow local advice about trails, leeches and changing weather; around backwaters and beaches, use life jackets and observe warnings about currents. Swim only where conditions and local guidance permit, and take care with food, drinking water, heat, humidity and sun exposure.
Emergency Situations
India's integrated emergency number is 112 for police, fire and ambulance assistance. Ambulance access can also involve local or state services, but visitors should ask accommodation staff or guides for the most effective nearby contact rather than relying on a single number in remote areas. In forest and wildlife zones, follow the instructions of park authorities; on the coast and waterways, use recognised operators and report problems promptly. Keep travel-insurance details, accommodation information and a charged phone available, particularly when travelling through rural districts.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, churches and traditional communities, and remove footwear wherever local practice requires it. Ask before photographing people, ceremonies, performers or private homes, especially during temple festivals and theyyam rituals. Do not touch religious objects or enter restricted areas, and follow signs and guide instructions in wildlife reserves. Queueing and public-transport etiquette can be informal but patience is valued; tipping is discretionary rather than a universal legal requirement, though modest appreciation for good service is common. Avoid littering waterways, beaches and forest areas.
Local Tips
Kerala's districts have distinct food and cultural identities, so try more than one region instead of treating the state as a single resort landscape. In backwater areas, ask whether a boat itinerary supports local communities and whether fuel, waste and noise are managed responsibly. The most comfortable months for many travellers are generally from October to March, while the monsoon can offer lush scenery but requires flexible planning. For cultural performances, seek established venues or knowledgeable local hosts, and allow extra time for festival traffic, temple processions and congested urban roads.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloഹലോ[Halo]
Goodbyeവിട[Vida]
Yesഅതെ[Athe]
Noഇല്ല[Illa]
Please/You're welcomeദയവായി/സ്വാഗതം[Dayavaayi/Swagatham]
Thank youനന്ദി[Nandi]
Excuse me/Sorryക്ഷമിക്കണം/ക്ഷമിക്കുകയോ[Kshamikkanam/Kshamikukayo]
How are you?സുഖമാണോ?[Sukhamaano?]
Fine. And you?സുഖമാണ്. നീ?[Sukhamaanu. Nee?]
Do you speak English?നിങ്ങൾ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പറയാമോ?[Ningal English parayamo?]
I don't understandഎനിക്ക് മനസ്സിലാവുന്നില്ല[Enikku manassilaavunnilla]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseദയവായി മെനു കാണിച്ചോളൂ[Dayavaayi menu kaanichollu]
I don't eat meatഞാൻ മാംസം തിന്നുന്നില്ല[Njaan maamsam thinnunnilla]
Cheers!സ്‌മരണയ്ക്ക്![Smaranaykku!]
I would like to pay, pleaseദയവായി ഞാൻ പണം നൽകാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു[Dayavaayi njan panam nalkaan aagrahikkunnu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ഉണ്ടാവുക![Undaavuka!]
Go away!കാണാതെയിരിക്കുക![Kaanatheirikkuka!]
Call the Police!പോലീസിനെ വിളിക്കൂ![Polisine vilikku!]
Call a doctor!ഡോക്ടറെ വിളിക്കൂ![Doctorne vilikku!]
I'm lostഎനിക്ക് വഴിമുട്ടി[Enikku vazhimutti]
I'm illഎനിക്ക് രോഗം ഉണ്ടാകും[Enikku rogam undaakum]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...ഞാൻ വാങ്ങാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു...[Njaan vaangaan aagrahikkunnu...]
I'm just lookingഞാൻ വെറും നോക്കുകയാണ്[Njaan verum nokkukaayirikkunnu]
How much is it?ഇതിന്റെ വില എത്ര?[Ithinte vila ethra?]
That's too expensiveഅത് വളരെ ചെലവേറിയതാണ്[Athu valare chelavereeyathaanu]
Can you lower the price?നിങ്ങൾ വില കുറയ്ക്കുമോ?[Ningal vila kuraykumo?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?ഇപ്പോൾ എപ്പോഴാണ്?[Ippol eppozhaan?]
It's one o'clockഇത് ഒരു മണിയാണ്[Ith oru maniyaanu]
Half past (10)പത്ത് മണിക്ക് അർദ്ധം[Pathu manikku ardham]
Morningരാവിലെ[Raavile]
Afternoonമധ്യാഹ്നം[Madhyaahnam]
Eveningവൈകുന്നേരം[Vaikunneram]
Yesterdayഇന്നലെ[Innale]
Todayഇന്നത്തെ[Innathe]
Tomorrowനാളെ[Naale]
1ഒരു[Oru]
2രണ്ട്[Rand]
3മൂന്ന്[Moonnu]
4നാല്[Naal]
5അഞ്ച്[Anch]
6ആറ്[Aar]
7ഏഴ്[Ezhu]
8എട്ട്[Ettu]
9ഒന്ന്[Onnu]
10പത്ത്[Pathu]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?എവിടെയാണ് ...?[Evideyaanu...?]
What's the address?വിലാസം എന്താണ്?[Vilaasam enthaan?]
Can you show me (on the map)?നിങ്ങൾ എനിക്ക് (മാപിൽ) കാണിക്കുമോ?[Ningal enikku (maapil) kaanikkumo?]
When's the next (bus)?അടുത്ത (ബസ്) എപ്പോഴാണ്?[Adutha (bus) eppozhaan?]
A ticket (to ....)ഒരു ടിക്കറ്റ് (....ക്ക്)[Oru ticket (....kk)]

History of Kerala

Early Port Networks and the Spice Trade

Kerala's coast was connected to the wider Indian Ocean world long before European rule. Ports on the Malabar coast traded pepper and other spices with merchants from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, as well as with communities across South and Southeast Asia. Muziris, usually associated with the region around Kodungallur, is described in ancient sources as an important trading centre, although its exact location remains debated. These maritime links helped create longstanding Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities alongside Kerala's Hindu traditions, contributing to the cosmopolitan character of coastal settlements.

The Chera Legacy and Early Medieval Kerala

The Chera polity and later regional rulers shaped much of the political and cultural history of present-day Kerala. From the early medieval period, authority was divided among royal houses, temple institutions, landed elites and trading communities rather than concentrated continuously in a single capital. The growth of Malayalam as a literary language, the development of temple-centred settlements and the expansion of agrarian systems all belong to this broad historical formation. Forts, old market towns and religious institutions across the state preserve elements of these layered regional identities.

Zamorin Calicut and the Malabar Coast

From the medieval period into the early modern era, the rulers known as the Zamorins of Calicut controlled or influenced a powerful commercial centre on the northern Malabar coast. Calicut, now Kozhikode, attracted Arab, Persian and other overseas merchants through its pepper trade. The port also became a major setting for diplomatic and commercial encounters between Asian trading networks and later European powers. The city's food, Muslim cultural heritage and historic relationship with maritime commerce remain important parts of northern Kerala's identity.

European Forts and Colonial Rivalry

Portuguese navigators reached the Malabar coast at the end of the fifteenth century, opening a period of conflict and competition involving Portuguese, Dutch, French and English interests. Fort Kochi, Kannur and other coastal locations retain churches, fortifications, warehouses and trading buildings associated with this era. European powers sought control of pepper and maritime routes, but they operated within a world already shaped by established Indian Ocean merchants and local rulers. The later dominance of the British East India Company and the British administration altered the political balance of the region.

Travancore, Cochin and Social Transformation

Before the formation of the modern state, much of southern and central Kerala was organised through princely states including Travancore and Cochin, while the Malabar area was administered by the British. Travancore expanded its influence in the eighteenth century under Marthanda Varma and developed a centralised administration, with Thiruvananthapuram becoming an important royal centre. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought missionary education, print culture, social-reform movements and challenges to caste restrictions. Temple-entry reforms and wider access to education helped reshape public life.

Formation of Kerala and the Modern State

The state of Kerala was established on 1 November 1956 through the reorganisation of Indian territories largely on Malayalam linguistic lines, bringing together Travancore-Cochin, the Malabar district and the Kasaragod area. Since then, Kerala has become known for high literacy, extensive public-health provision and strong traditions of political participation, while also experiencing substantial migration, especially to the Gulf states. Remittances, tourism, education and service industries have transformed the economy, but agriculture, fishing, coir production and plantation work remain important in many districts.

Kerala in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Kerala

Discover Kerala with Evendo – a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Your comprehensive guide to God's Own Country.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Planning a trip to Kerala? Evendo is your perfect travel companion. Get detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book hotels and tours effortlessly. Download now for free!

  • History of Kerala and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby points of interest
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Kerala, a land of enchanting natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and mouth-watering cuisine. With Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app, you can make the most of your trip to Kerala with ease and confidence.

Evendo provides detailed information on Kerala's top attractions like the backwaters of Alleppey, the serene beaches of Kovalam, and the lush hill stations of Munnar. Discover historical landmarks such as the Mattancherry Palace and Bekal Fort, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture at local festivals and traditional Kathakali dance performances.

Food lovers can explore Kerala's finest restaurants, from the legendary seafood at Paragon in Kozhikode to the delightful vegetarian fare at Indian Coffee House. With Evendo, you can find the best places to eat, drink, and unwind, whether you're looking for cozy cafes, bustling bars, or vibrant nightclubs.

Our app offers rich information on shops, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, complete with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more hassle of multiple searches – everything you need is in one place.

Features like the history of Kerala, travel essentials, curated local tips, and a 'Near Me' feature ensure that you get the most out of your visit. Navigate effortlessly through the app and the city with our easy-to-use interface. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Not just limited to Kerala, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Download Evendo today and have the world in your pocket!

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