Fringed by the Arabian Sea, south of Mumbai, Goa and Karnataka, Kerala is a lush varied land with beaches and mountains, wild life reserves, fragrant spice gardens and tea plantations rolling across the hills. The backwaters offer peace, romance and exotic glimpses of rural India.
Add ayurveda, the science of long life, the vibrant year round festivals and superb food and it’s easy to see why Kerala has been called ‘God’s own country’. It is the final destination on one of India's luxury train tours.
Kovalam Beach Resort, Ayurveda and Attractions
Fine sands and a chance to chill out under swaying palms is what Kovalam is all about.
- Relax on the sweeping sands of Kovalam, or head for the nearby coves, and enjoy the view from the rocky headland jutting out to sea. Look out for the fishermen bringing in the daily catch.
- Treat yourself to a holistic ayurveda massage, designed to refresh body, mind and soul. It’s based on essential oils and medicinal herbs and plants for which Kerala is renowned.
- Go souvenir hunting on a balmy evening. You will find colourful wall hangings and saris, items made from coconut shell, wood, cane or clay and great opportunities for affordable tailor-made shirts, dresses or suits.
- Take a day trip through Tamil Nadu, see the ancient temples along the route, then make your way to Cape Comorin to stand on the southernmost tip of mainland India. It’s an exhilarating experience which may include an equally exciting boat ride to the sacred rock island just offshore.
Munnar Hill Station, Tea and Trek in Western Ghats
Cool and lush, the Western Ghats are a delightful haven for nature lovers.
- Visit a tea estate in the hill station of Munnar. At around 1600 metres, the air is pleasantly fresh and you can stroll though velvety plantations, learn all about tea growing and processing, taste and buy.
- Trek in the Eravikulam National Park to view Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, and maybe sambar deer, lion-tailed macaques and if you are lucky, the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
- Head for Thekkkady and enjoy some of the most spectacular viewpoints and waterfalls in the Western Ghats. You can cruise on the lake (new safety measures), stroll around spice gardens or ride elephants in the jungle and explore the Periyar wildlife reserve.
Top Things to Do in Kerala Backwaters, South India
Kerala backwaters are a tropical paradise, a chance to step back and just go with the flow.
- Hop on a Kerala houseboat, or converted rice barge, for a few hours or several days, gliding through lakes, canals and rivers, past paddies and coconut groves, Chinese fishing nets and traditional villages where time seems to stand still.
- Take a break in the quiet backwater village of Alumkadavu on the way to Kollam and see the houseboat building yard and local men making all sorts of coir crafts.
- Look out for one of the many festivals held in the Kerala backwaters, such as the popular Kollam pooram in mid-April. There may be boat races, temple celebrations, fireworks, elephant parades, music, traditional masked dances and lots of authentic Kerala food.
Kerala is rightly listed as a top honeymoon destination but there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy in its lush exotic surroundings.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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