Kerala is one of the destinations that I would love to visit very soon, especially now that it’s only couple of hours away from Doha. I keep coming across this beautiful Indian state, and I even had applied to the Kerala blog Express back in 2015. The state is located in Southern India, and it is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches. Close to the Arabian sea with lush vegetation, it is also called by locals “God’s Own Country”.
Kerala is considered a prosperous state with a high quality of life for locals and without many incidents for tourists. It has the highest literacy percentage in India, and one thing I love about it is that it is religiously diverse with Hindu temples, mosques, churches and even synagogues. National Geographic included Kerala in the top 50 places of a lifetime, and this certainly makes me even more interested in visiting.
Since I am planning a trip there, I thought I would share with you the best options when booking your own Kerala tour packages:
Backwater Destinations
1. Alleppey
Truly enchanting and equally charming, Alleppey is famed as the ‘Backwater Capital of Kerala’. Called the ‘Venice of the East’, the area is usually included in the Kerala tour packages, and it truly deserves to enjoy such repute.
Located adjacent to the Vembanad Lake, Alleppey is also among the most sought-after destinations among honeymooners, leisure seekers, backpackers and other tourists alike.
2. Kumarakom
Embraced by the pristine beauty of mangrove forests and never-ending paddy fields, Kumarakom is the place for those who yearn for relaxation of mind while being away from the city limits! Another beautiful view is the turquoise water of the Vembanad Lake; this backwater destination is also a treasure trove for the nature lovers.
While in Kumarakom, you can indulge in various Ayurvedic therapies and detoxify your body and mind.
Here are some of the best Spa hotels in the area:
3. Kollam
Seating graciously beside the Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam has its charm and appeal! Blessed with sparkling canals and water bodies, this town offers a unique experience that also includes historical and local tours within the Kerala tour packages.
Also, the houseboat cruises in Kollam are known to cover the longest Kerala backwater rides. You can find more information about them here.
4. Kuttanad
Like any other backwater destinations included while in Kerala, Kuttanad also woos the visitors in prismatic ways. In addition to pleasant backwater stays and cruise, this quaint town is also known for its lush and evergreen look, rice cultivation, and exotic avifauna.
Located in the Alapuzha district, Kuttanad is often called the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’.
5. Kasaragod
Untouched by the outer world, Kasaragod welcomes all the visitors in the most traditional and hospitable ways. Towered by the mighty Western Ghats, it offers the most rustic, yet peaceful backwater destination included in Kerala tour packages.
In addition to backwater experience, Kasaragod is also known for oyster farming.
Hill Stations in Kerala Tour Packages
1. Wayanad
If you want to romance the hills while having a tryst with the clouds, Wayanad is the place for you! Sunshade with lush forests, numerous waterfalls, beautiful plantations, it is a must to visit a hill station when in Kerala.
2. Munnar
If the beauty of Munnar has to be described in words, it must be as a themed hill station in Kerala. A picture-perfect summer retreat, it is ideal for family holidays, honeymoon, leisure travel, adventure tours, wildlife experiences, and the list goes on!
3. Vagamon
Fun, thrill, and excitement never ceased down in Vagamon! Yes, this is one such hill station included in the Kerala tour packages where you can either laze around and enjoy the mystical beauty of Mother Nature or indulge in adventurous activities to pump up your adrenaline.
4. Ponmudi
One of the tiniest hill stations in Kerala, Ponmudi offers some of the most enchanting views to the visitors. The peace, serenity, and calmness that prevails would surely fill your Kerala travelogue with fun-filled and everlasting memories.
5. Idukki
While holidaying in Idukki, you simply cannot ask for more! Whether you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, adventure seekers, or leisure vacationer, Idukki would surely satiate all your yearnings and make you crave for more.
Other Popular Tourist Destinations in Kerala
1. Thekkady
Cosseted by thick forest and lush vegetation, Thekkady can be called as the ‘Wildlife Capital of Kerala’. If you are planning to book Kerala tour packages, you must not miss a visit to this wildlife paradise. Home to the enchanting Periyar National Park, Thekkady is known for its large Indian Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Nilgiri Tahr, Travancore Flying Squirrel, and many other exotic wildlife species.
2. Kovalam
A perfect place to unwind and relax, Kovalam boasts of its surreal ambience and stunning seafronts! Home to the much-acclaimed Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and some major historical landmarks, this beach town makes it for an ideal and resonating holiday experience! Owing to its immaculate beauty, it attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year.
3. Bekal
Honeymooners find the beauty and tenderness of Bekal irresistible. Caressed by the alluring beauty of the Arabian Sea, this historic town is also touted as an ideal backwater destination and is included in most of the Kerala tour packages.
4. Kozhikode
Kerala offers a range of delicious cuisines; and to sample the best of these Malabar cuisines, you must visit Kozhikode. Also known as ‘Calicut’, this quaint city still resonates the essence and charm of the Dutch and British era in India. To name a few tourist attraction points, Kozhikode boasts of Connolly Canal, Kozhikode Beach, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and much more.
5. Varkala
A sea-facing town in Trivandrum district, Varkala takes the pride of being the only destination where the cliffs guard the seafront while casting a magical spell on the visitors. Enchanted by the Arabian Sea, this beach town is also called the ‘Benares of the South’, and it surely deserves a visit while enjoying your Kerala tour packages!
Just by looking at these destinations, I feel like I should be booking very soon.
Here are some tips if you are planning a trip to Kerala.
- You can book with a tour company so you can enjoy it with other travellers.
- Make sure you have your vaccinations
- Most travellers to India will need to have a visa before travelling
- There are halal food options and mosques available in Kerala; you can find more info here.