Kerala

Oh, Kerala. God’s Own Country. Aptly named. I’m sure you, like me, can’t help but (gladly) fall in love with this gorgeous Indian state.

Best known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, coastal towns, mountain ranges, hill towns, lush tea and coffee gardens, and spice and coconut plantations, unique wildlife, and Ayurveda – God’s Own Country is bursting with beauty.

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, the capital city and a cultural hub of this South Indian state, perched on hills by the seashore and wedged between the Western Ghats (mountain range) and the Arabian Sea, looks delightful. It’s home to the world’s richest temple and Disneyland of India.

Kochi or Cochin is one of the most amazing places to visit in Kerala. This lovely coastal city is brimming with culture and history. Did you know that Cochin International Airport is the world’s first airport to run entirely on Solar energy? Out of all the best things to do in Kochi, witnessing the ancient classical dance form of Kerala (Kathakali) and exploring Fort Kochi remain our favorite.

Your trip to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing a houseboat stay. Staying in a houseboat is the most beautiful and immersive way to experience the backwaters of Kerala. You can book a houseboat in Alleppey (Venice of the East) or Kumarakom. Alleppey is a bit touristy, while Kumarakom offers a quiet experience.

Your Kerala Itinerary should also include Thekkady, Munnar, Palakkad, and Munroe Island. Thekaddy, famous for its Periyar Tiger Reserve, has so many other things to see and do, like witnessing Kalaripayattu Martial Art, and Spice plantation farms. Munnar is a pretty hill country best known for its tea gardens. Palakkad, also known as the Gateway to Kerala or the land of Palmyra trees, is a beautiful small town that deserves your attention. And Munroe Island is one of the hidden gems in Kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is from October to February.