Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / India / kerala
 |  | Destination Guide : kerala |
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| | | Where life's a beach |  | Why go on holiday to Kerala?
To laze on the beach, go diving in the Indian Ocean, indulge in natural healing from Ayurvedic medicine, to go elephant and tiger spotting in wildlife sanctuaries, to tour the sleepy backwater villages, visit a tea plantation, explore the ancient city of Cochin and catch a performance of the colourful Kathakali drama.
How much does it cost?
It is generally more expensive than its neighbouring state Goa. For an eight-night tour including the Indian Ocean village of Varkala, the city of Kochi (Cochin) and the backwaters of Kumarakom expect to pay from around £1,000. Flights to Trivandrum start from around £400. Four-star hotels in Kochi (Cochin) from £30 and in Trivandrum from £45.
When should I go?
October to March is probably the best time as it's fairly dry (apart from the tail end of monsoon rains in November and early December) and cool. In some of the popular beach resorts, facilities don't kick in until November. By April, the heat and humidity are rising, though it's still pleasant in the mountains. In the high country of the Western Ghats, night temperatures are always nippy.
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| | | Cruising the backwater villages | | What should I do?
Among the highlights of a visit to Kerala is a tour of the backwater villages on a traditional rice barge or kettuvallam. It gives you a real insight into the busy lives of local people and perhaps the chance to stop off and meet some of them. One of the most popular routes is between Kollam and Alappuzha in southern Kerala, which takes eight hours. A shorter trip is from Alappuzha to Kottayam. For a more intimate experience, visit villages en route in a small tour party with an experienced guide.
Visit the ancient city of Kochi (Cochin) which has the oldest church in India (St Francis, built in 1503), the 16th-century Portuguese palace of Mattancherry with its famous murals and many colonial houses from the same period, plus the massive Chinese fishing nets hung out across the end of Fort Cochin - an ingenious system introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.
Chill out with an Ayurvedic massage or some yoga in Kovalam and Varkala and many other centres across the country.
What about wildlife?
Kerala has around 4,000 elephants, some of which can be spotted in the many wildlife reserves and national parks. In southern Kerala, birdlovers can visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary on an island in Vembanad Lake, near Kottayam. The most popular reserve in South India is in the Western Ghats, the mountain chain forming Kerala's eastern border. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary has bison, monkeys, birds, around 750 elephants and some 35 tigers - though you'll be lucky if you see these shy cats. Here you can trek or cruise through the reserve. Always check to make sure reserves are open and whether you need a permit to visit. Bear in mind that it's a bonus to see the animals in the wild, so you won't be disappointed if you don't see many.
Where are the best beaches?
Kovalam and Varkala are the most popular beach resorts and so are rather touristy but, nevertheless, provide a good range of facilities and plenty of seafood restaurants. Kovalam is actually made up of two coves, Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach, good for swimming, surfing and sunbathing - though watch out for the strong riptides and keep to the area patrolled by lifeguards. If you want quiet unspoilt beaches head to northern Kerala, a bit off the beaten tourist track but worth it, though Muzhappilangau Beach might be a bit of a let down - it's picture-postcard-pretty but you're allowed to drive onto it. Beaches around Bekal are long and palm-fringed - Kappil is among the best. If you really want to get away from it all, head for Lakshadweep, a group of coral atolls some 300km offshore where divers are in for a real treat. Only certain islands can be visited by foreign nationals.
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| | | Anyone for coconut? | | Where's good for nightlife?
Kerala is not a clubbing destination - the benefits being the chance to hear some traditional music and absorb the local culture. Watch the fascinating and colourful Kathakali dance drama anywhere you can - it's a must. Cinema is big all over India and even if you don't speak the language, it's worth dipping into as most Indian movies are very visual rather than dialogue-heavy. In major resorts, some restaurants will show western videos during the tourist season.
What's the food like?
Good fish (watch it being hauled in from the beaches) and, as with meat and vegetables, it's almost always cooked in coconut milk - in fact coconut is king in Keralan cuisine so if you hate the stuff, you could be in trouble. Breakfast features various kinds of pancake, eaten with fruit, spices and even vegetables. Try a thali for lunch - served on a banana leaf. It comprises lots of small dishes to dip into such as avial, a mixture of vegetables and coconut sauce. Lots of spices and herbs are used in Keralan cooking, the most popular being ginger, coriander, chilli and turmeric. The Keralans love their colourful, gooey desserts - milk rice and coconut rice sweetened with jaggery or palm syrup are popular, as is Inji thayir - ginger in curd - and Prathaman - lentils boiled with cardomom, ginger and yes, you guessed it - coconut.
What should I buy?
Sandalwood carvings, textiles, bronzes, spices, tea, jewellery, leatherwork, masks and music. Visit the local bazaars for a fascinating mix of sights, sounds and smells. In Fort Cochin, rummage for interesting collectibles in the antique market.
What is there for children to do?
Older children will enjoy the wildlife and shorter journeys on the backwaters. Horse riding is another option - you'll often find short rides on offer at picnic grounds. Kochi in central Kerala has an annual tourism week, in late December, which includes a snakeboat race.
Tourist office
Government of India Tourist Office, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel. 020 7437 3677. 24-hour brochure line: 01233 211999.
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| | Available rental properties in kerala |
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| |  | | Luxury Villa with a pool
The property is built to a old kerala design with a centre marble courtyard open ,with a central water feature as they were 200yrs ago
|  | | Thulasi Bhavan, Kovalam, Trivandrum
Newly built luxuary 4 bedroom house, all bedrooms airconditioned with onsuites. The house is less than five minutes walk to Hava beech at Kovalam
|  | | GOCH Villa
GOCH is an IATA and Ministry Of Tourism, Govt. of India approved Travel Agency. The Full Service Villa in Kochi off N.H-47 Bye-Pass behind EMC & near SmartCity, Kakkanad has 3 Deluxe AC Rooms.
|  | | Deluxe a/c Villa Sleeps 6
Detached Villa is on Poovar Island with Beach and Arabian Sea to the front and the tranquil backwaters to rear With a full catering option
|  | | Poovar House .Kerala .Poovar
Luxury 5 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
jacuzzi and set in matured gardens
| | Click here for more properties... |
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