Famously known as the ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is a state with the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. It is known for its unique tradition and culture. Its untouched scenic beauty, exotic locales, pristine backwaters, and serene beaches beckon tourists from across the world and serve as the perfect destination for a leisurely vacation. Apart from its tranquillity, Kerala is known for its abundant wildlife and elaborate temples. In fact, holidaying in Kerala will unfold an awe-inspiring experience with nature’s magic playing in front of your eyes. No surprise, the gods own country is among the top listed tourist attractions as well as a honeymoon destination in India. Kerala is believed to be a wonderful present from the Arabian Sea as the gorgeous beaches like Kovalam and Varkala are the pride of Kerala. The breathtakingly beautiful hill stations, enchanting waterfalls, lovely lagoons, meandering rivers, and awesome natural scenarios further add to the reasons for people considering Kerala as a paradise. Kerala is also very popular for high standard Ayurveda treatments, coconut water, and oils which tourists look forward to experiencing. However, the highlight of Kerala tourism for anyone visiting here, be it the honeymooners or families or solo travelers, it’s the cruise through the backwaters of Kerala. The scenic beauty you can enjoy will make you wonder if you are in heavens for a moment. Idukki dam is another spot you can pay a visit to as it is the first arch dam in India and the largest in Asia.
Although people from other states as well as countries visit Kerala, recently it is been observed that Kerala tour packages from Hyderabad are happening in large numbers especially honeymooners. The reason for this can be the relationship Kerala and Andhra Pradesh shares and I have listed them below:
- Climate
There is not much difference in the climate in Kerala and Hyderabad as both are usually hot. But however, there is a slight difference i.e. Kerala has a proper tropical climate whereas Hyderabad has a subtropical climate. Thus Kerala is more humid and more prone to rainfall than Hyderabad. This makes the people of Hyderabad use the same clothes and other things to use when they visit Kerala. They won’t have to spend a lot of money on preparatory shopping before visiting Kerala. However, don’t forget to bring an umbrella while visiting Kerala. Fears of health issues arising out of climate changes could also be kept at bay.
- Spicy Food
A person from both of the states is fond of spicy food and often appears in the lists of Indian states with spiciest cuisines. In Kerala, rice cakes and steamed cakes may feel bland and tangy, but it’s the curries that are so lip-smacking. Kerala has always lived up to its title when it comes to cuisine. Needless to say, Kerala’s foods are bang-on. In fact, Kerala is certainly a seafood lovers’ paradise. However, be ready for the lip-burning, tearing-inducing curries but you will undoubtedly love the flavors.
Now, Andhra Pradesh is nicknamed as the Mexico of India because of its fiery spice levels. Even the rice meals of Andhra are quite spicy. Some people believe it’s the Nawabi culture that results in red-hot meals.
However, this has been a boon when people of Andhra Pradesh visit Kerala as they are comfortable with spicy and hot foods and can also look forward to an exotic form of spicy food.
- Languages
Languages play an important role when we select a tour destination for us. We naturally feel a little difficulty in being around people speaking languages that seem Geek to us and on the other side of the coin, we may feel confident if the language is at least familiar. In addition, it makes it easier to communicate. This is in fact what makes Kerala a good choice when people from Hyderabad visit Kerala. Both Telugu and Malayalam belong to the Dravidian languages and have roots in Sanskrit. Both of the languages use 80% Sanskrit words and follow the same grammar pattern too. Interestingly, this makes 85% to 95% words in Telugu and Malayalam the same. However, there are some differences in slang and style. Interestingly, if we take any sentence in Telugu or Malayalam, most of the times there will be at least one common word. Therefore, although different, Telugu and Malayalam do have similarities. As far as Sanskrit is considered, Telugu directly originated from Sanskrit whereas Malayalam originated from Tamil which originated from Sanskrit. So the major difference between them is that Telugu is as old as Tamil but Malayalam is comparatively new. Nevertheless, the similarities have developed a bond between the people belonging to two states.
- Movies
Kerala and Andhra Pradesh may not be neighbors but they are connected through the medium of movies. Telugu movie industry is generally known as the Tollywood and Malayalam movie industry is known as Mollywood. Ever since cinemas were introduced in south India, Telugu actors act in Malayalam movies and vice versa. It’s true that through movies we often develop a strange connection with the movie stars. The Malayalam actors who have acted in Telugu movies and were able to establish that connection are Nayanthara, Anupama Parameshwaran, Nithya Menon. This has made a soft spot or curiousness about Kerala in the hearts of Telugu audience. In fact, it is a mutual thing. Telugu actresses like Madhavi has acted in some remarkable Malayalam movies and won a place in the heart of Malaya lees as well. In addition, quite often Malayalam movies get dubbed into Telugu and vice versa. This trend also helps to establish a relationship with each other and a desire to visit the place.
However, we often travel for experiencing a foreignness and travel itself is considered an opportunity to learn and grow. Some of the exotic things of Kerala are listed below which the people of Andhra Pradesh can look forward to while visiting Kerala:
- Houseboat cruising through backwaters
Backwaters of Kerala have become iconic to Kerala. Kerala is world-famous for its tranquil backwaters and it is something you can see only in Kerala. Thus, it is one of the must-visit spots in Kerala. There are so many houseboats available at all price levels and you can choose the one according to your budget. In any case, that sail through the calm and peaceful backwaters of Kerala beholding the amazing views of lush greenery on its banks will fill your heart with peacefulness and helps you to unwind the stress accumulated from your daily life as a natural process. This is especially useful for the ones on honeymoon packages in Kerala as they can relax and get rejuvenated after the tiring wedding festivities.
- Watch a Kathakali performance
Kathakali is Kerala’s own art form where the performers with painted faces sway to the rhythms of folk music. They also use hand movements. A Kathakali performance can be so impressionable as the whole attire is in a bright red color. However, the focus of the performance is to communicate a story often selected from Indian epics to the audience. There are so many cultural centers in Kerala where Kathakali shows happen. It would be great if you can go and watch any.
- Get thrilled by watching a healthy fight of Kalarippayattu.
Martial arts depict expression and skill and are often attributed to South Eastern countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Kalaripayattu is a martial art of India. The origin of Kalaripayattu is believed to have been from ‘Dhanur Veda’ an ancient text which means the age of archery. In fact, this wonderful combination of a physical, mental and perceptive form of arts was born in the state of Kerala in India. Kalaripayattu incorporates yogic perfection of postures and strength. This skilled art is however also practiced in the adjacent parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, northeastern Sri lank and among the Malaya lee community of Malaysia. The audience always feels thrilled on seeing the high-flying acrobatics, fluid water like movements and weaponry and the art of using it. The place for the training of Kalaripayattu is given is known as the ‘kalari’. The various styles of Kalari are chaattom (jumping), ottam (running), marichil (somersault), so forth and so on. Weapons used for Kalaripayattu are swords, dagger, spears, maces, etc. and the various attacking styles are kicking, grappling and striking and are done with and without the weapons. As a tourist, you can have great fun in watching those fights. In fact, you can also enroll for a short course for beginners.
- Shake hands with tuskers
Kerala is famous for its elephant population. The elephants in Kerala are supposed to have a distinct beauty and mightiness. Elephant safaris are available in and around almost all tourist attractions in Kerala. However, the best place to spend some time with elephants is the elephant reserve in Konni in the district of Pathanamthitta. This is basically an elephant training center and there will be elephants of all age groups. Not only can you enjoy elephant safaris you can even try a hand in feeding and bathing the baby elephants present there. In the reserve, there is also a river where you can go on boating in circular bamboo baskets. It would be such a marvelous feeling as you sail away through the water amid the forests. In the middle of the river, the boatman may give a surprising spin to make the boating a little adventurous too.
Thus, with all the connecting facts and exotic facts, Kerala has it all to entertain the people of Hyderabad during their holidays. Traveling to Kerala from Hyderabad is not much of an issue as there are bus services, trains and flights operating between the places. However, in order to have a hustle free holiday, it’s best to ask an experienced tour operator to formulate a tour package for you. Le lagoon Holidays are the best among them and have special packages especially for the people of Hyderabad. The experienced and efficient team of tour executives of Le lagoon holidays will guide you and you will have an easy time planning your Kerala trip.
