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Why go? Kerala is considered one of the most beautiful parts of India, and with good reason. This is not the dusty, frantic, bustling India you hear about. Instead, it’s a gentle part of the world, the perfect place to unwind with a heavy hint of exotica. In our experience, the locals are far more likely to wave hello to you than try to sell you something. The lush coastline and its nightly sunset show are the stuff of picture postcards, with an idyllic tropical climate from November to April. The mountains are easily accessed yet offer cool air, great wildlife and commanding views. The people of Kerala are incredibly laid-back and friendly – and all seemingly expert cooks! Whether you’re chilling on the coast down south, picking up handicrafts in the local markets, or cruising languidly along its backwater lakes, Kerala is warm, stimulating, aromatic, out of the ordinary and enticing. And, if you're feeling like Robinson Crusoe, Kerala combines well with the exotic Andaman islands, via Chennai: world-class diving, idyllic beaches and active volcanoes. Any downsides? For half of the year (April to October) the wet and windy monsoon puts a dampener on beach holidays. When it is hot, don’t forget that sleeveless tops and short trousers / skirts are seriously frowned upon. Local communications are still quite primitive, so firm plans up before departure. The roads are very bumpy – though they do afford wonderful views and glimpses of local culture. Current weather and time: In Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram):  |
Activities * Inner Peace: Kerala is one of the most peaceful places on earth, both inwardly and outwardly. Most of our hotels offer yoga and meditation. * Outer Beauty: Kerala is the home of Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to wellbeing that goes back millennia. Most hotels offer treatments, from a sensational rope massage to a cleansing week. * Exploring the backwaters: This network of connecting lakes, canals and inlets are the aquatic motorways of Kerala, and a thoroughly relaxing way to get about. Take a sunset paddle, a day cruise, or stay on the water in a floating cottage, a rice boat, a lake resort, or ecolodge. If you come in August or January, don’t miss Alleppey's Snakeboat Races. * Beach holidays: Soak up the sun, swim in the surf and sample seafood on idyllic, palm-fringed beaches and rocky coves. The best are in the south; the quieter northern shores; or head to the Andaman Islands. * Wildlife: Head for Periyar in the hills. Kerala boasts over 15 wildlife and bird sanctuaries, where you can behold exotic birds, track the elusive tiger, laugh with the langurs, glimpse the gazelles, and avoid the elephants. * Hiking in the jungle or the Ghat hills is a great way to escape the coastal bustle. * Sightseeing: Kerala’s multi-cultural past has left a wealth of monuments, including Fort Cochin's Imperial residences (one of which you can stay in) and Jewish quarter, India’s oldest church (St Francis) and its largest palace (Padmanabhapuram), Jayachamaraj art gallery in Mysore, former colonial buildings, and scores of Jain and Hindu temples. * Performing arts: Be entranced by colourful dance dramas, puppet shows and elephant processions, all of which take place in historic temples. Watch or practise the ancient martial art of Kalarippayat in Tellicherry or Trivandrum. * Shopping: Hunt for bargains in the antique shops of Cochin or the central market of Mysore. Or take some of your favourite clothes to any silk and sari shop, find a fabric you like and the tailor will whip up new ones at a snip. |
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