Kerala, India
Kerala
God's Own Country — backwaters, beaches, hills and living traditions
Best time to visitNovember to February for cooler, drier weather; September to May is generally pleasant. June to August brings the southwest monsoon.
Ideal duration7–10 days
Nearest airportCochin International Airport (Kochi); Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut airports also serve the state
Budget₹30,000–₹75,000 per person for 7 days, excluding travel to Kerala
Typenature
Kerala is a lush tropical state on India’s Malabar Coast, where palm-fringed backwaters, Arabian Sea beaches, wildlife-rich forests and the tea-covered Western Ghats sit within easy reach of one another. Cruise Alappuzha by houseboat, explore Kochi’s layered heritage, unwind in Munnar, discover regional cuisine and experience vibrant festivals, Ayurveda and performing arts.
Experiences
- Cruise the backwaters: Spend a day—or an overnight stay—aboard a responsibly operated Kerala houseboat.
- Experience Ayurveda: Choose a qualified, certified centre for traditional wellness treatments and rejuvenation programmes.
- Watch Kathakali and Kalaripayattu: See Kerala’s vivid classical dance-drama and dynamic martial-art traditions in a cultural performance.
- Explore beaches and coastal life: Relax at Kovalam or Varkala, enjoy Arabian Sea sunsets and sample fresh coastal flavours.
Attractions
- Alappuzha Backwaters: Glide through palm-lined canals and lagoons on a traditional houseboat, with village life unfolding along the banks.
- Munnar: Explore rolling tea estates, misty viewpoints and cool highland landscapes in the Western Ghats.
- Fort Kochi: Walk through a historic waterfront quarter shaped by Indian, Arab, Chinese and European influences, with galleries and Chinese fishing nets.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Discover forested hills and Periyar Lake near Thekkady, known for wildlife viewing, nature walks and boating.
Local food
- Kerala sadya: A festive vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, usually with rice, curries, pickles, papadam and payasam.
- Appam with stew and Malabar biryani: Try lace-edged appam with fragrant stew, plus the layered, spice-rich biryani traditions of northern Kerala.
