Kerala is rightly called "God's own country". The lush greenery of Periyar , the hills of Munnar that smell like cardamom , the winding backwaters of Alleppey and the majestic ocean of Kovalam. All of this and so much more can be seen in Kerala. The best time to visit kerala is December-January when the temperature remains below 30 degree centigrade. Ayurvedic treatment can be availed throughout the year, but the best time to indulge in it is during the monsoon season(July-August).
Places to visit in Kerala:
1. Kochi:
A major port city and the Jew city of the south, Kochi has lots to offer. It is very well connected by air, road, railway and river-ways. One can cruise along the backwaters from Kochi to Alleppey or enjoy a day tour in the backwaters. A plethora of buildings of varied architectural styles and era can found scattered all across Kochi. Like the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) which was built by the Portuguese and gifted to the king of Kerala, the Jewish Synagogue which is the oldest active synagogue in India, St. Francis Church which is also the former burial place of Vasco Da Gama, the famous explorer. One can also explore Kochi by its backwaters as well. The backwaters provide a beautiful sight of local and migratory birds, large Chinese fishing net, local fishermen in action, and much more. The greenery that surrounds the backwaters is soothing to the eyes. The cost of a single boat for 4 people is around ₹ 2000 which lasts for 2 hours and is worth every single penny.
Places to visit in Kochi: St.Francis Church, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, Kochi Backwaters, Synagogue
  St. Francis Church Jew Town |
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| Market Place |
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| Backwaters, Kochi |
2. Munnar:
A picturesque hill station that smells like spices!! Clear blue sky, undulating hills, lush green tea gardens, cardamom plantations, lakes and waterfalls, make Munnar a very popular tourist destination in Kerala. Most resorts in Munnar are built away from the humdrum of the main city (almost 9 Kms) and nestled in the wilderness, near tea gardens, cardamom plantations and other spice gardens. The unending stretches of greenery, the pleasant weather and the quietness of the jungles, makes Munnar a perfect spot for relaxation. People can go for day treks to nearby waterfalls and lakes with or without local guides. There are many lakes and river in Munnar, where one can catch up with some water activities, like Tokri Ride, paddle boat rides, and so on.
Places to visit in Munnar: Mattupetty_Dam, Echo Point, KFDC Floriculture Centre(Botanical Garden), Trek to Attukad Waterfalls, Amusement Parks
How to reach Munnar: Munnar is well connected to all major cities of South India by road. Munnar is 130 Kms away from Kochi. One can avail the bus service from Kochi to Munnar bus stand (₹ 400 per seat in AC bus; book online with redbus) or take a private taxi (₹ 2500). Auto and taxi service can be availed from Munnar bus stand to any nearby resorts.
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| A walk by the cardamom plantation |
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| Mathuppety Dam |
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| Tokri Ride at Echo Point, Munnar |
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| Tea Gardens, Munnar |
3. Thekkady-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Thekkady is abuzz with activities like elephant rides, jeep safaris, dance shows and martial arts show. A morning jeep safari from Thekkady to the Gavi (innermost part of Periyar, upto which visitors are allowed), is a thrilling life-time experience. The jeep moves through the rocky trails up a steep hill overlooking the dense forest of Periyar and then plunges into the heart of the jungle, slowly and steadily without disturbing the wildlife. Dawn is the perfect time to witness the wilderness of Periyar. Hiking through the forest is also permitted with local guides. It is a rich bio-diverse forest with plenty of bird and animal life. On reaching the Periyar Lake, one can avail boat rides or bamboo rafting for watching the wildlife in the reserve. Prior bookings are also available online(here).
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| On the way to Periyar |
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| Kathakali Dance Show |
Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial arts form which can only be seen in Kerala. It is a 1 hour adrenaline pumped show where experts demonstrate Kalaripayattu with real swords, shields and spears.
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| Kalaripayattu- Kerala's Martial Arts |
How to reach Thekkady: Thekkady is 80 Kms away from Munnar and private taxis can be availed from Munnar(₹ 3800 per taxi). Buses to Thekkady are infrequent and not recommended.
4. Alleppey:
Also known as the "Venice of India", Alleppey is famous for its houseboat cruises on the backwaters where one can relax and enjoy the rustic side of Kerala. This is perhaps the best way to experience the backwaters. Everyday the houseboats start their journey at 2 pm and sail through the backwaters where one can witness the daily activities of a Keralian family. Girls, dressed in their school uniforms with bright red and white flowers pinned to their hair, can be seen waiting in the boat-stand for the school-boat. Men can be seen selling fresh fish and customers visiting their shops on boats. Tourists are often taken to these shops and asked to chose their favorite fish which will be cooked on the houseboats. Lunch, evening snacks and dinner are all served in the houseboat. One can also avail ayurvedic treatment as many ayurvedic centres are situated on the banks of the backwaters. The backwaters are really the backbone of every family in Alleppey and sailing through this is very relaxing. The gentle wind and the rhythmic movement of the boat will compel your eyes to shut, but your eyes will fight back to remain open to soak in every single details along the backwaters as the scenery is breathtaking.
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| Houseboat, Alleppey |
How to reach Alleppey: There are no direct buses from Thekkady to Alleppey. One has to go to Kumily( approx. 3Kms from Thekkady ) and avail bus service to Alleppey. Alleppey can be reached easily from Kochi via road (51 Kms) or by rail. Bus service to Alleppey is cheap and frequent. Only problem is that the buses destinations are written in native language and one has to take help from the locals to get into the right bus.
5. Kovalam:
A pristine coastal town, Kovalam has a "hippie" vibe and many beautiful beaches. Unending chains of roaring ginormous waves of the mighty Arabian sea adorn the beaches of Kovalam. One can spend an entire day swimming or just relaxing on the beach. Hungry swimmers or tired tourists or anyone in general can get mouth-watering seafood in local shacks dotted all along the beach. Spas, massage centres, ayurvedic centres can also be found near the beach.
Places to visit in Kovalam: Kovalam Beach, Poovar Lake (Poovar Lake is situated some 18 Kms away from Kovalam and is a bird-watchers paradise. Small motor boats ferry people through mangrove cladded backwaters and reach the Poovar Island. On one side of the island, there is the Arabian sea, and on the other side is the backwaters.)
5. Kovalam:
A pristine coastal town, Kovalam has a "hippie" vibe and many beautiful beaches. Unending chains of roaring ginormous waves of the mighty Arabian sea adorn the beaches of Kovalam. One can spend an entire day swimming or just relaxing on the beach. Hungry swimmers or tired tourists or anyone in general can get mouth-watering seafood in local shacks dotted all along the beach. Spas, massage centres, ayurvedic centres can also be found near the beach.
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| Kovalam Beach, as seen from a beach resort |
Places to visit in Kovalam: Kovalam Beach, Poovar Lake (Poovar Lake is situated some 18 Kms away from Kovalam and is a bird-watchers paradise. Small motor boats ferry people through mangrove cladded backwaters and reach the Poovar Island. On one side of the island, there is the Arabian sea, and on the other side is the backwaters.)
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| Mangrove Forest on the way to Poovar Lake |
