Kerala, India
Kerala is a narrow, fertile strip on the southwest coast of India. Famous for the backwaters, a 1,000km network of lakes, rivers and canals which can be cruised on traditional boats. The backwaters are not only a recommended experience of India, but a must. Kerala (which means coconut land) is covered in coconut trees and spice plantations. It seems any thing grows in this tropical landscape.
Kerala is a good place to spend a few weeks or longer. You can get a good backwaters experience in a day, but it's nice to spread it over several if you can afford it. You can still stay in towns like Alleppey and get a sense of the backwaters with it's canals. It's also worth staying on some of the traditional village islands that form the backwaters. Kerala also has excellent national parks with cats and elephants, great beaches and a few hill stations.
Costs are cheap, although food can be expensive in some touristy places. The train and bus networks are good, and there are regular domestic and international flights from several airports. October to March is the best time to visit. Other times sea extreme heat and monsoons. November to January is the high season.
Highlights of Kerala
- Backwaters - the quintessential Kerala experience
- Wildlife sanctuaries - Visit Wayanad or Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for elephant safari
- Fort Cochin - with colonial architecture, Portuguese roots and India's oldest church.
- Munnar - Explore the tea and spice plantations and soak up the clean mountain air
- Beaches - Dine on fresh seafood at some of Kerala's finest beaches
- Ayuervedic massage - try the traditional Keralan treatments
- Food - Fresh fish and seafood, coconuts, nuts and traditional Keralan dishes.