Often hailed as God's Own Country, Kerala is one of India's most breathtaking holiday destinations. This captivating southern state is renowned for its tranquil backwaters, unique houseboat cruises, historical landmarks, serene lakes, tea plantations, lofty hills, and expansive wildlife parks.
The region beckons every traveler with its cascading waterfalls, emerald-green rice fields, picturesque villages, and exotic wildlife sanctuaries. While discovering Kerala, one can immerse in the vibrant cultures through mesmerizing dance performances, Ayurvedic therapies, and delectable culinary delights bursting with flavor. From majestic hill stations to coastal marvels, Kerala offers an unparalleled rejuvenating experience.
Upon your arrival, our representative will meet and assist you at the airport. They will welcome you and escort you to the hotel via private, chauffeur-driven transportation. While your room keys and check-in process are being handled, our representative will also provide you with the "Welcome Folder" documents and brief you on the tour program.
After breakfast, depart for Thekkady, where you will check in at a hotel upon arrival.
Thekkady, located approximately 4 km from Kumily in Idukki district, central Kerala, is the pride of Kerala and a testament to the region's natural splendor and human ingenuity. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the artificial Periyar lake, is the highlight of the area. The high ranges of the Western Ghats in this region are covered in dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests, as well as savannah grasslands. Herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques, and Nilgiri langurs roam beneath the thick green canopy.
In addition to elephant rides, lake cruises, and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful ancient stone temple nestled in the heart of the Thekkady forest - the sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe and photograph wild elephants up close. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart to Alleppey by surface transport. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day freely exploring the backwaters and experiencing Ayurvedic wellness.
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is situated in the southern region of Kerala. It is renowned for its intricate canal network, serene backwaters, and picturesque houseboats. Alleppey offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling experiences, making it a prime destination. The highlight of Alleppey is the cruises that provide an immersive journey through the tranquil backwaters, offering a relaxing and scenic experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.
This day is set aside to explore Alleppey. You can explore any of the below mentioned sites on this day.
Mullakkal Temple, situated in Kerala's Alleppey district, is dedicated to the goddess Rajarajeswari, who is the primary deity of this shrine. It is a unique and noteworthy destination in Alleppey, renowned for its traditional Kerala architectural style. The main highlight of this temple is its roof, which is specially designed for Vana Devi and features a unique opening mechanism. The temple also houses other deities, including Lord Krishna, Nagas, Ayyappa, and Hanuman Ji. Additionally, there is a banyan tree located within the premises where the Shivling is kept. This Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala style. It boasts a well-maintained wall and a beautiful pond on the premises, as well as numerous trees and jasmine plants. The temple's Durga Maa idol is known as 'Mullakkal Devi' or 'Mullakkal Amma,' and it has four arms.
The Alleppey backwaters, once utilized for transportation, fishing, and farming, have since evolved into a popular tourist destination. The primary draw is the overnight voyage aboard the renowned Kerala houseboats, which offer accommodations as comfortable as any hotel room, if not more so, and the added benefit of an open deck. Alleppey presents a diverse array of experiences, including sunset viewing, birdwatching, village tours, stargazing, immersion in the daily lives of local farmers and fishermen, and visits to specialized production sites for items like toddy, coir, and handicrafts.
Champakulam Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala and a popular destination for visitors in Alleppey. The church, formally known as St. Mary's Church, is situated in Champakulam, near Alappuzha. This pilgrimage site is believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ. Located along the banks of the Pamba River, a visit to this sacred place offers an unforgettable spiritual experience. The majority of Catholic Syrian churches in the Alappuzha district can trace their origins back to this church, which holds a significant place in Kerala's Christian heritage.
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu place of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the Alappuzha district. The temple is renowned for its delectable rice pudding made with sweet milk, known as Pal Payasam, and it is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The temple, also referred to as the 'Dwarka of the South,' is believed to have been constructed by the local monarch Chembakkassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran during the 15th and 17th centuries AD. The temple's primary deity, Parthasarathi, is sculpted from black marble and granite, and the deity holds a sacred conch in the left hand and a whip in the right.
Alleppey's fragrant spice plantations are a must-visit on any Kerala tour. Alleppey is renowned for cultivating a diverse array of spices. Pepper, cloves, cardamom, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg are just some of the spices that can be found in Alleppey's spice farms. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, bird-watching excursions, savor the various spices, and immerse themselves in the aromatic ambiance while exploring Alleppey's spice plantations.
Pathiramanal is a birdwatcher's dream destination. This small island in the backwaters provides a safe haven for hundreds of endangered migratory birds. Only accessible by boat, Pathiramanal is situated amidst the expansive Vembanad Lake, which stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi, and the adjacent Kayamkulam Lake. The island serves as an ideal stopover during houseboat excursions. The name 'Pathiramanal' is a Tamil term meaning 'Night Sands,' and it is estimated to be home to 91 native bird species and 50 migratory species. Some of the avian residents include Common Teal, Pintail Ducks, Night Heron, Darter, Cormorant, Indian Shag, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Little Egret, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Whistling Duck, Little Cormorant, and Whiskered Tern. Pathiramanal is a truly unique location that offers unparalleled bird watching opportunities.
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, depart the hotel and embark on an air-conditioned houseboat for an unforgettable journey through the picturesque backwaters.
As you glide through this scenic landscape, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique maritime heritage of Kerala. Alappuzha, also known as the "Venice of the East," is renowned for its lively boat races, houseboat holidays, inviting beaches, marine products, and thriving coir industry. Spend the night comfortably aboard the houseboat.
After breakfast, depart by surface transportation to Cochin. Upon arrival, proceed to Cochin airport to board a flight for your next destination.
Cover road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges, and interstate taxes.
Things You Can Do In Kerala
Ayurveda is a more than 5,000-year-old Indian medical system that integrates yoga and a nutritious diet with lifestyle modifications. Kerala has a lot of Ayurvedic spas and resorts because of its mild environment and an abundance of medicinal plants. A week-long detoxification program called panchakarma, where the liver is cleansed and the body is rejuvenated, might be part of a health center visit. Alternatively, schedule any of their available treatments, such as an oil massage or Shirodhara, a soothing technique that includes drizzling warm oil into the forehead to cure psoriasis, tinnitus, sleeplessness, and neurological conditions.
Kerala is a major producer of tea, and the states of Munnar and Wayanad are home to some of the best tea plantations in the country. Enjoy standard lodgings on a tranquil tea estate (you can even reserve a treehouse), and explore the surrounding hills on daily excursions that culminate in tea tastings. Visit the Kanan Devan Hills Nallathanni Estate in Munnar's Tea Museum to learn more about the history of the tea industry in the area.
If you have the opportunity to take an amazing rail journey while visiting India, consider traveling through Kerala along the Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum route. One of the most breathtaking train journeys on earth, it provides breathtaking vistas of the Keralan countryside with all of its coconut trees, paddy fields, lakes, and backwaters.
Once an important commerce hub in northern Kerala, the sleepy town of Kannur is known for its remote beaches, intricate handloom weaving designs, and enigmatic theyyam rites performed in masks. To bring the rich stories of the state of Kerala to life, this technique combines dance, music, and mime. There is a season for the theyyam art form as well, which runs from November to May. You can check out Kerala Tourism's extensive schedule of theyyam events or consider joining an overnight guided theyyam trip departing from Kannur.
The native alcoholic beverage of Kerala, known as "palm wine" or "toddy," is manufactured from the sap of palm trees. A tapper climbs a coconut palm to harvest the fluid, which they then pour into a container. This luscious nectar gains a hint of tartness and a tiny kick upon fermentation. Throughout Kerala, toddy (traditionally called kallu) is served in little thatched shops with wooden benches. The toddy is served alongside delectable regional fare inside; after all, "the hotter the food, the more you need to drink."
Kerala temple festivals honor the dominant local deity or goddess and showcase the elephant, India's most treasured animal. During the harvest season in March and April, witness massive processions including jewel-encrusted elephants, drummers, musicians, and vibrant floats bearing gods and goddesses. Though many tiny temples throughout the state do host modest-scale festivities if you're not one for boisterous crowds, the main festivals are held in the Thrissur and Palakkad districts in northern and central Kerala.
The vibrant mural paintings that adorn the walls of Kerala's palaces, churches, and temples were created in the ninth century. Only vague outlines of the oldest of these murals may be found at the Thirunanthikarai rock-cut cave shrine, which is located in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district.
At 49 square meters, the largest mural panel in the state is located at Krishnapuram Palace, which is close to Kayamkulam. The Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor has extensive murals that portray scenes from Hindu epics, while the Mattancherry Palace in Kochi has extensive murals that retain early Dravidian mural art. The Padmanabha temple in Trivandrum and the Vadakkumnatha temple in Thrissur also have other well-known mural paintings.
Kerala is well known for its mouthwatering food, which includes local specialties like seafood and coconuts. Yes, it's fun to just eat wonderful Indian food, but it's as enjoyable to learn how to make it and acquire a useful skill for when you return home. Take a culinary class, or better yet, schedule a two- or three-day residency program that combines Ayurvedic treatments with cooking classes. For a more private experience, you can alternatively dress casually and take a cooking class with a local family.
To truly experience the culture surrounding these inland lakes, lagoons, and canals, book a hotel or homestay along the way. You may also enjoy a meal with a local family and hear about their life story. Group visits to Kumbalangi, an area outside of Kochi encircled by paddy fields, are available from Kumbalangi Village visits. See India's first model fishing and tourism village here, and interact with the locals who depend on fishing and agriculture for their livelihood.
The ideal time to travel to Kerala is during the winter, which runs from September to March. Kerala enjoys beautiful weather during this time of year with lower humidity levels. Winter is the ideal season to visit Kerala's breathtaking cities, with its enchanted lagoons, serene canals, and aromatic plantations. In Kerala, hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad are popular with tourists during the summer months of April and May. The monsoon season, which runs from June to August, is preferred by those seeking ayurvedic treatments.
In general, the best time to visit Kerala is during the winter, from September to March, when you may take in the stunning surroundings and comfortable climate. Traveling to Kerala's backwaters is most enjoyable from November to February.
While winter is the best time, there are also benefits to traveling to Kerala in the off season.
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