Kerala, a narrow, fertile, tropical strip of land in the south-west corner of India, is one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations and home to some absolutely unmissable sites and experiences for the visitor. This part of the subcontinent a long history of interaction with traders from foreign lands- Arab, Chinese and later European maritime powers came here in search of the pungent spices grown in profusion on the plains and hills of this tropical paradise. These same spices are still grown today and a visit to a spice garden is often a highlight of many peoples’ time in Kerala.
The world famous Kerala Backwaters- many hundreds of kilometres of rivers, canals and streams in the area between Alleppey and Quilon in the central part of the state- are often described as one of the must-see destination of the world and it is hard to argue with this logic. The experience of cruising on the backwaters on board a private houseboat (usually a converted rice barge) is almost impossible to over-hype; stunning scenery, balmy tropical weather, delicious freshly prepared meals and an overall sense of being in one of the most perfect places on Earth- a visit to Kerala without time on the backwaters is perhaps not truly complete.
The harbour city of Cochin has been Kerala’s major port for over 500 years and has absorbed myriad influences as a result of this long period of interaction with other cultures. Time here will reveal the impact of Chinese, Arab, Dutch, Portuguese and British cultures (among others) on the city. The nearly 600 kilometres of Kerala’s coastline is another magnet for visitors and although the beaches are the equal of many in more famous Asia resort areas, the level of development is generally much less significant making a ‘classic’ coconut palm-fringed idyll a very attainable dream on almost any budget.
In the high hills of the Western Ghats, alongside spice gardens and rubber plantations are vast swathes of virgin forest; home to elephants, tigers and countless other species. Plantation Homestays are another great way to experience Keralan hospitality and cuisine- many families whose children have grown up and moved away have opened their homes to guests and there can be no better way to learn about the traditions of Kerala than in the friendly atmosphere of one of these welcoming homes. The artistic culture of Kerala is diverse and unique with Kathakali dance, the traditional martial art of Kalarippayattu and the mysterious shamanistic ritual of Theyyam being among those forms which can be seen in different parts of the state. Kerala’s Tourism Department describes this as ‘God’s Own Country’ and many thousands of visitors from around the world would be highly inclined to agree!
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Alleppey Backwater Houseboat
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A houseboat cruise through the backwaters of South Kerala are considered one of the highlights for visitors to this region. This is a good way to get a glimpse of local life whilst enjoying one of the most relaxing destinations in India.
You can board the Houseboat either from your backwater accommodation or at the main jetty at Alleppey
For almost 24hrs you leave the roads, traffic and bustle of daily life and slow down to a more leisurely pace surrounded by water and a lush, green landscape.
You will have a private boat with your crew of 3 who prepare your meals on board and take care of the boat.
There are houseboats with one, two or three bedrooms according to the size of your party.
You will be welcomed on board at 12 noon with a tender coconut and settle into your accommodation. You will then start cruising for approx 1 hour before anchoring for lunch. After this you will cruise for some more time before the crew need to anchor before 6pm when the fishermen put out their nets for the night catch.
The boat is anchored overnight and your dinner is served to the backdrop of nature’s sounds. The air conditioning in your bedroom will operate from 9pm – 7am.
You will cruise again in the morning when there are many people up and about, fishing, doing their laundry or heading to school. From your vantage point you get a glimpse into the way people have lived in this area for generations
The boat is divided into 3 main areas, the kitchen at the rear of the boat, the bedroom(s), each with an attached bathroom in the centre and at the front of the boat is the sitting and dining area. From here you have a panoramic view of the coconut palms, rice paddies, waterways and small villages which dot the banks. There is also a small sun lounging area at the very front of the boat.
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Queen of Arabian Sea
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Kochi (also known by its colonial name, Cochin) is a vibrant city which has been the major port of Kerala for over 500 years. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. Of most interest for visitors to the city is the historic area universally known as Fort Cochin- the name has stuck despite the last vestiges of the Fort having disappeared long ago. The city of Cochin is situated across a number of large islands which flank the vast natural harbour- Fort Cochin is situated at the northern end of one of these islands and many places around the Fort area have excellent sea and harbour views. Each of the major trading and conquering groups which had involvement with the Cochin region during the last millennium has left a mark here and the iconic remnants of each are among Cochin’s most famous tourist attractions. The Chinese came first and brought with them fishing nets of a type which are very common in parts of eastern Asia but in India are found only around Cochin. Watching the teams of fishermen at work as they haul the nets (hopefully teeming with fish) out of the waters is a popular pastime along the waterfront in the centre of Fort Cochin. Of all the European powers which brought their influence to bear in Cochin, it is perhaps the Dutch who left the most obvious and long-lasting impression, with many of the most impressive colonial period buildings dating to their occupancy of the area. Chief among these is the Mattancherry Palace - universally known as the Dutch Palace. This impressive building (with its totally unrepresentative entry charge of 2 rupees- about 5 US cents) houses many paintings of the rulers of Cochin as well as being an impressive reliquary for mural paintings dating back hundreds of years which depict scenes from the great Hindu epics the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Portuguese influence on Fort Cochin can be witnessed in the form of several grand Catholic churches, most notably St Francis Church where the explorer Vasco de Gama was originally buried. More surprises await in the Jewtown, an area of narrow lanes and tiny shops which leads to India’s oldest synagogue. Although the Jewish community of Cochin is now very small, the synagogue is still beautifully maintained. The shopping area around Jewtown is packed with fascinating antique and curio shops (as well as excellent book stores) and it is easy to ‘lose’ half a day here without really trying.
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Wildlife Sanctuary
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Periyar National Park is situated in the hills of Western Ghats in the state of Kerala in South West India. The centre piece of Periyar National Park is the 5500 hectare Periyar lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Periyar river in 1895. The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead tree trunks still just out of the waters. Along the fringes of the lake are marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, as it provides both excellent cover and nourishment in the form of succulent shoots and grasses. Periyar, South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, encompasses 777 sq km, with a 26-sq-km artificial lake created by the British in 1895. It’s home to bison, sambar, wild boar, languor, over 1000 elephants and at least 46 tigers. This is an established tourist spot, and can sometimes feel like Disneyland-in-the-Ghats, but the mountain scenery on the road up, the lake cruise and a jungle walk make for an enjoyable visit. Bring warm and waterproof clothing.
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Land of Looms and Theyyam Dance
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Kannur (also known by its Anglicized name of Cannanore), is a port city in the far north of Kerala. Kannur is famous for its pristine beaches, its native performing art Theyyam, and its handloom industry. One of the main attractions here is St. Angelo's Fort which was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. The fort changed hands several times including a sacking by the Dutch in 1663 and a more seemly transition when it was sold to the Arakkal royal family in 1772. The British then conquered the Fort in 1790 and transformed it into one of their major military stations on the Malabar Coast. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. This area is known for dance form known as Theyyam where the performers of the dance are regarded as gods.It is a ritualistic dance form with a surreal representation of the divine that can be observed at the temples in this region.Worshippers come forward towards the dancers for a blessing.
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Fishing Village
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Poovar Beach is a developing area of resorts near to Kovalam Beach in the far south of Kerala. Poovar is basically a fishing village which can only be reached by water. Known for its pristine and unspoilt beauty, Poovar Beach is a backed by an estuary and one is likely to see as many local fishermen in this area as tourists. A perfect destination for a few relaxing days during a trip to Kerala, excursions can also be made from Poovar to Kanyakumari at the southernmost tip of India and to the nearby city of Trivandrum.The area is abundant in well-preserved local flora, with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, banana and coconut groves.
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River Island
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One of the premier backwater resort areas of Kerala, Kumarakom sits on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is a truly picturesque location, famous for its languid atmosphere and landscapes dotted with mangroves, emerald-green rice paddies and coconut groves.Aside from being a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the unique and unhurried lifestyle of the Kerala backwaters, Kumarakom is also famous for its Bird Sanctuary. Stretching across 14 acres, the bird sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds and a bird lover’s paradise. Among the resident species are teals, egrets, darters, herons, and many kinds of waterfowl. Migratory species include the Siberian stork. Nature has poised its magic to perfection here with the bountiful coconut palms that line the rivers reflecting their image on the shimmering waters. The finest way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islets 16 km west of Kottayam on the Vembanad lake. The Sanctuary teems with local waterfowls and over wintering migratory birds such as the Siberian storks. Boats are available for backwater cruises in the lake.
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The Hills and Tea Plantations
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Munnar, a former hill station in central Kerala and favourite retreat for the British during the days of the Raj, is nowadays an idyllic tourist destination. Munnar is a great base for visiting tea estates, for taking treks of anything from a few hours to several days duration, and for visits to nearby National Parks. Munnar is situated at an altitude of over 1600 metres, meaning its climate is moderate even at times of the year when coastal Kerala is very hot and humid. The most famous vistas from Munnar are of an almost unending expanse of tea plantations, plunging into deep valleys and soaring to near the top of the high peaks which surround the town. Trekking around Munnar takes in many spectacular locations and programmes here can be tailored to suit any level of fitness and enthusiasm. The most famous National Park in this part of Kerala is Eravikulam which is home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr, a species of mountain goat endemic to this region. The history of Munnar is quite interesting and takes us into the colonial era when the British used to rule this place. Scottish planters were the first ones to have discovered Munnar and the Duke of Wellington was the first notable personality to visit Munnar. The British developed this land for the purpose of tea plantations and as getaways from the oppressive heat of the cities. There are several prehistoric relics that point towards the existence of a Stone Age civilization in this region.
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