Kerala, a state on the Malabar coast in southern India is probably one of the most popular Indian tourist destinations. It has been popular among tourists - couples, families & backpackers alike for the longest time - perhaps because geographically it is the complete travel package - It has everything from serene beaches to scenic hills, from tea & spice plantations to dense forests & calm backwaters. Apart from scenic beauty, it is popular for Ayurvedic treatments, classical dances - Kathakali & Mohiniattam, Kalaripayattu & of course, it’s delicious cuisine.
I spent an unforgettable 10 days in Kerala on a trip of a lifetime. I had so much fun exploring and getting to know this part of India. It would be really hard not to love it here. It is definitely the best state in India!
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| Best Itinerary to cover famous places in Kerala (Kochi to Trivendrum) |
Kochi: The thriving port town of Kochi, or Cochin, once the main centre of India’s spice trade, is a unique amalgamation of the old and the new. Take a walk down the rambling alleys of Kochi’s historic Jewish Colony, lined with brightly-painted houses, to see the Mattancherry Synagogue, one of the oldest existing synagogues in the Commonwealth. Or go see the Chinese Fishing Nets, in the Fort Cochin area. Unlike usual nets, these are fixed land installations and can only be found at Kochi, outside of China—a lasting testimony to the good relations between ancient Chinese emperors and the rulers of Kochi.
Munnar: The rolling hills of Munnar house some of the largest tea plantations in South India. Take some time off from Kerala’s more famous beaches and visit the tea museum, 1.5 kilometres out of town, or simply relax with a freshly-brewed cup on a serene tea estate. A perfect honeymoon destination in Kerala, Munnar boasts of an astonishing terrain and breathtaking landscapes.
Alappuzha: Home to the famous backwaters of Kerala, Alappuzha or Alleppey, as it’s more commonly called, was originally a small fishing village that has now become one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Precariously balanced on an intricate network of inland canals and backwaters, life at Alleppey is languid, best experienced on a houseboat, or by taking a quiet stroll on Alleppey Beach.
Kovalam: The most famous of Kerala’s beach destinations, Kovalam might be a tad touristy—families in for the weekend from Kochi, tiny kids making a dash for the water with ice cream in hand, beach-umbrella wallahs accosting you at every turn—but it still hasn’t lost its charm. You could go up to the lighthouse on the headland or see the sunset at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Things to do:-
Take a ride on a houseboat at Alleppey: No trip to Kerala is complete without a lazy ride on a kettuvallam meandering through the winding backwaters of Alleppey. Originally used for transporting rice and spices to and from the port, these boats are now luxury liners that are available for hire.
Cruise along the Periyar River: One of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries, the jungles of Periyar are home to langurs, bisons, sambars and tigers. Take a one-and-a-half-hour cruise, organized by the Forest Department and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), to spot some wildlife!
Watch a performance at the Kathakali Centre, Kochi: Kathakali is the ancient form of storytelling through dance that originated in Kerala in the 17th century. Get a taste of the past with an enthralling dance performance at the Kathakali Centre. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Centre also holds performances of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest forms of martial arts.
When to go:-
October to February: Winters are the best time to visit Kerala, although tourists abound all year round. Temperatures are mild (17-30 degrees Celsius) and perfect for beach bums. pack your bags with your kids or spouse and heato those amazing beaches for a perfect holiday
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