Kerala is one of the most exquisite and incredible tour destinations that India has to offer. Hidden away in the Southwest part of India, Kerala is a small strip of land between the Western Ghat Mountains and the Arabian Sea. Its name means the land of the coconuts because palms shade almost the entire area from the sun. The landscape is crossed with dozens of waterways so visitors can spend days riding on small ferries through lagoons to explore the area. Kerala holidays can also be spent on the beach, as they arguably hold one of the best beach strips in the country. In addition, visitors can partake of the rich local culture and enjoy the best vegetarian cuisines in the world.
Beaches
Kerala has a picture perfect coastline that stretches for almost 600 kilometers. This immense length means that there are a huge amount of beaches to choose, ranging from deserted bays to large resorts full of facilities and other tourists. The Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular holiday to Kerala destinations and attracts thousands of sun worshippers every year. Nearby is another popular beach known as Varkala, which is famous for the nearby Nature Care Center and the Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple.
Forests, Lakes and Mountains
Beaches are only a part of the charms of Kerala, so visitors should not miss the chance to explore the inland as well. There are a variety of activities such as elephant safaris, jungle treks and tours of religious sites and colonial mansions. The historic cities of Kirala are great places to learn about the colonial history of the state when they were under British rule. The town of Cochin is well known to be one of the first European colonies in India.
During summer, the rest of India can become hot and uncomfortable for tourists. However, a holiday in Kerala will still remain rejuvenating and soothing, whether you are vacationing in the hills or the lowlands. The beautiful scenery includes temples and churches that dot the area, along with rubber, coffee and spice plantations. Natural forest and wildlife reserves are filled with elephants and other wild animals.
Compared to the rest of India, Kerala has far less famous monuments and temples. The strong point of the region is its natural beauty, with rich green valleys and beautiful mountains in the western regions. Waterways glide past the plains into the ocean, creating popular tourist attractions such as the Athirampally Falls, a waterfall which ends with a linking chain of lagoons with completely silent and still water.
Family Vacations
Kerala does not cater specifically to children, but there are still plenty of activities and facilities that will keep families occupied. Kerala holiday packages can include water sports such as parasailing and jet ski hiring, but the ocean can be quite rough and the area is known for its strong currents. The state is also famous for its boat touring of waterways and rivers where visitors can visit local communities and villages. One of the most popular routes is the triangular circuit between Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha, but small, quieter routes are also possible. Kasaragode in the northern district has a good reputation for authentic and relaxed tours.
One of the most visited family attractions in this state is the Periyar Wildlife Reserve. Originally established in 1934, this area is home to native Indian species such as sloth bears, Indian tigers, deer, monkeys, kingfishers, bison and large herds of elephants.
Just like Goa, Kerala is also a great place to shop for traditional objects and cultural souvenirs. Most souvenirs have fixed prices so haggling should only be done at markets. These shops sell goods from India and many other parts of Asia. Some popular items may include carvings, silk saris, leather goods, woven fabrics, ethnic clothing, jewelry, carpets and handicrafts. Spices, tea and coffee from the plantations in Kerala can also make good gifts from a holiday in Kerala.
Night Entertainment and Eateries
Night entertainment in Kerala is quite low key and mainly centers on dining in open-air restaurants. There are many nightclubs and bars available, which provide music ranging from traditional Indian style to blues and rock music. Larger resorts and hotels usually have their own nightclubs and bars onsite. All night beach parties can be found at certain times of the year, such as New Years Eve, and is a popular place for backpackers.
The long coastline of Kerala has a large supply of free fish and plenty of seafood specialties. Coconut milk and coconuts are often used to add a sweetened taste to curries and deserts. A ‘set’ meal may come with curry, bread, rice, yogurt and a variety of sauces. To cater to foreign audiences on Kerala holidays, many of the curries are milder and easy to get used to.