Kerala Travel Guide & Tips

Nightlife in Kerala: Though Kerala doesn’t boast much of a nightlife, one can still find few bars, pubs, and discotheques in Kochi which make up for an ideal spot for night-crawlers. Any good Kerala travel information would tell you to check out places like the Ava Lounge in Dream Hotel, Armoury Bar, and Seagull for a fun-packed night. With special offers on booze, ladies nights, and delectable snacks, these places ought to be on every party animal's must-visit list in Kerala.

Food in Kerala: The food in Kerala is definitely something to write home about. From seafood to pure vegetarian fare, from the sweetest of desserts to the spiciest of snacks, Keralan cuisine can send you into tizzies of food ecstasy. The endless list of delicacies includes Quail Eggs, Appam with stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Spicy Chicken Fry, Kerala Prawn Curry, Mussel Stir Fry and Fish Molee. The fresh seafood is best enjoyed at shacks near the beaches of Kerala. If you want your meal to be prepared as per your convenience, the staff of the shack will be more than happy to oblige.

Those with a sweet tooth must try the Kerala halwa - a variation of the world famous Turkish delight. It is available in several flavors ranging from the traditional mango and dates to the more daring pineapple and pista. Since these are travel-friendly, don’t forget to buy some to take back home. Other must-try Keralan sweets include Payasam, a South Indian version of Kheer, Rawa Laddu and Chatti Pathiri.

Shopping in Kerala: Kerala is perfect for pampering your shopaholic side. Some of the best things to buy in Kerala include spices, chocolates, dry fruits, handicrafts, sarees, and tea. The best city for shopping is Kochi, which has housing stores representing all the cities of the state and offering their specialties for purchase. You can also buy inexpensive knick-knacks and souvenirs from other cities you visit. For instance, you can buy Kathakali masks in Munnar, coconut oil from the local shops of Alleppey, and spices of all varieties in Thekkady.

Traveling within Kerala: When looking up information on Kerala, don’t forget to check out how to travel within the state. Personal auto-rickshaws, shared autos, and taxis are easily available. In addition, the well-paved roads shall provide a smooth, enjoyable traveling experience within the state. Village roads, however, are not very well lit at night, so try to avoid traveling at night.

Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala: One of the most interesting facts about Kerala is that people come to the state for Ayurvedic massages and therapies that help alleviate health issues, other than enjoying a great vacation. Make sure you give yourself such an experience at least once!