{"id":84,"date":"2008-01-11T16:28:11","date_gmt":"2008-01-11T16:28:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.itravelabout.com\/kerala-india\/"},"modified":"2008-01-11T16:28:11","modified_gmt":"2008-01-11T16:28:11","slug":"kerala-india","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itravelabout.com\/kerala-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerala, India"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kerala<\/strong> is a narrow, fertile strip on
\nthe southwest coast of India.  Famous for the backwaters<\/strong><\/a>,
\na 1,000km network of lakes, rivers and canals which can be cruised on
\ntraditional boats.  The backwaters are not only a recommended experience of
\nIndia, but a must.  Kerala (which means coconut land<\/em>) is covered
\nin coconut trees and spice plantations.  It seems any thing grows in this
\ntropical landscape.<\/p>\n

Kerala is a good place to spend a few weeks or
\nlonger.  You can get a good backwaters experience in a day, but it’s nice
\nto spread it over several if you can afford it.  You can still stay in
\ntowns like Alleppey and get a sense of the backwaters with it’s canals. 
\nIt’s also worth staying on some of the traditional village islands that form the
\nbackwaters.  Kerala also has excellent national parks with cats and
\nelephants, great beaches and a few hill stations.<\/p>\n

Costs are cheap, although food can be expensive in some
\ntouristy places.  The train and bus networks are good, and there are
\nregular domestic and international flights from several airports.  October
\nto March is the best time to visit. Other times sea extreme heat and
\nmonsoons. November to January is the high season.<\/p>\n

Highlights of Kerala<\/h2>\n