In “Dubai-based blogger Rashida’s Kerala travel diaries (Rashidablogs, 2018)”, the Emirati expat shared a refreshingly honest and heartfelt journey through Kerala—from home-style halal food in local kitchens to misty backwaters and the warm embrace of Malayali hospitality. For Arabic-speaking travelers, Rashida’s blog was more than a travel story—it was a cultural bridge.

In 2025, her experience continues to inspire a wave of Gulf travelers heading to Kerala not just for sightseeing, but for soul-nourishing experiences rooted in comfort, connection, and calm.


✈️ Why Kerala Appeals to the Middle Eastern Traveler

Through Dubai-based blogger Rashida’s Kerala travel diaries (Rashidablogs, 2018), readers from the Gulf region saw Kerala through a familiar lens: one that values hospitality, privacy, halal food, and warm weather escapes. What stood out in her travelogue?

  • ✅ Generous Malayali hospitality akin to Arab warmth
  • ✅ Authentic halal meals cooked by locals
  • ✅ Walkable heritage streets filled with color and character
  • ✅ Nature-focused experiences perfect for mindful travel

Rashida’s travel diary helped demystify Kerala and frame it as a culturally aligned, safe, and spiritually refreshing destination for Arab women and families alike.


📍 Rashida’s Favorite Kerala Moments

1. Fort Kochi: Old World, New Perspectives

Rashida described Fort Kochi as a “mosaic of cultures in one charming, walkable neighborhood.” From colonial Portuguese homes to Arab-style spice markets and cafés serving Arabic coffee, she found the area both exotic and comfortably familiar.

📸 Instagram Tip: Don’t miss a golden-hour photo under the Chinese fishing nets or near the colorful graffiti walls of Princess Street.

📍 More info: Fort Kochi Travel Guide


2. Alappuzha Backwaters: Peace on Water

Her cruise through Alappuzha (Alleppey) wasn’t just photogenic—it was deeply restorative. Onboard a private houseboat, Rashida enjoyed freshly made halal Kerala meals, coconut juice on deck, and views of green paddy fields reflected in the mirror-like waters.

🌿 Cultural insight: Rashida emphasized how the backwaters provided time for prayer, journaling, and slowing down—making it an ideal choice for Gulf travelers seeking serenity.

➡️ Book private halal houseboat experiences at Planet Earth Holidays


3. Malayali Home Hospitality

One of the most cherished parts of Dubai-based blogger Rashida’s Kerala travel diaries (Rashidablogs, 2018) was her stay at a family-run homestay in Kottayam, where the host family prepared home-style halal meals and shared stories over cardamom tea.

🍛 Food highlight: Malabar chicken curry, appam (rice hoppers), and payasam made with coconut milk—lightly sweet, spiced, and Arab palate-approved.

🕌 Many homestays now offer prayer areas, Arabic signage, and women-friendly spaces for conservative travelers.


🌍 The Ripple Effect of One Diary

Since her 2018 blog, the influence of Rashida’s trip has spread. Many Gulf-based influencers have since followed in her footsteps—sharing their own Kerala journeys through Arabic content, reels, and YouTube travel vlogs.

Kerala Tourism has responded with:

  • Arabic brochures and social media content
  • Halal-certified accommodations across major districts
  • Tour packages tailored for GCC travelers

📍 Learn more: Kerala Tourism for Middle East Travelers


🧳 Planning Your Own “Rashida-style” Kerala Trip

To walk the same path—and add your own twist—consider:

ExperienceLocationRashida’s Tip
Halal food with localsKottayam, KozhikodeAsk for recipes—they’ll gladly share!
Fort heritage walksFort KochiWear breathable modest wear
Houseboat prayer breaksAlappuzhaUse dawn and dusk for quiet reflection
Tea with localsMunnar, WayanadLet conversations flow—it’s the best part

For curated Arabic-friendly tours and female-focused travel in Kerala, visit Planet Earth Holidays.


✨ Final Thoughts

The quiet power of Dubai-based blogger Rashida’s Kerala travel diaries (Rashidablogs, 2018) lies in how it redefined travel for Arab women—not as tourists, but as respected guests and soulful explorers. Kerala offers a setting where Arab travelers don’t have to compromise values, comfort, or taste.

Whether you’re coming from Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, or Muscat, Kerala has a place for your story too.