Stretching along the south-west coast of India, Kerala (or “God’s Own Country”, as it is also called) is known for its stunning backwaters, palm-lined beaches, dense slopes of aromatic tea, coffee and spice plantations, wildlife, yoga retreats and of course, its flavoursome food!
Planning a trip to Kerala can bring about its fair share of decision making - choosing between hill-stations, beaches and backwater resorts can be puzzling. Here is a curated guide to this gorgeous southern state to help you decide.
What’s in Wayanad?
Standing on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau and nestled amidst the dense hills of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers with its quaint resorts, quiet villages, picturesque roads and lush greenery. Adding to its scenic beauty, Wayanad also enjoys pleasant weather all year round, making it an ideal vacation spot any time of the year.
This verdant hill-station is adjacent to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, and boasts abundant endemic wildlife with numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks in the area. It is one of eight hot-spots of biodiversity in the world and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Things to do in Wayanad
For the outdoorsy, nature lovers, the town of Wayanad has a lot to offer. Owing to its hilly terrain and dense woods, Wayanad offers many outdoor activities including trekking, hiking and camping.
Nature Trails: With its lush greenery, forested hills and endemic wildlife, the town of Wayanad has an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife inhabitants.
Bird Watching: A haven for bird-watchers, the green canopy of Wayanad is filled with a variety of bird species, both common and rare. A must-do on any Wayanad trip.
Trekking: The majestic Western Ghats (also known as the Sahyadris) offer numerous hiking trails. The picturesque trek through coffee and spice plantations to the top of Chembra Peak offers mesmerising views of the surrounding dense forests.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, for a chance to see a number of bird and animal species including deer, monkeys, elephants (that roam freely) and the occasional tiger.
Getting to Wayanad
Easily accessible from the northern cities in Kerala, Wayanad is approximately a 3-hour drive from Calicut (Kozhikode) and Kannur. Calicut International Airport being the closest airport to Wayanad.
For more detailed information on Wayanad, check out this blog
The Historic Fort Kochi
One of the most popular destinations in Kerala, Fort Kochi (or Fort Cochin) is a hub for tourism. With its rich colonial history and culture it attracts travellers from across the country and the world.
This fishing village in South India is known for its picturesque Chinese fishing nets, charming cafes, unique architecture and its vibrant but laid-back vibe.
Things to do in Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi preserves its historic roots and influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British can be seen in many aspects of the town. The picturesque colonial town of Fort Kochi makes for a perfect trip with friends or family.
Chinese Fishing Nets: Best captured on camera during sunset, the famous Chinese fishing nets have drawn visitors to the area for years. The best place to view these beautiful structures is from Vasco da Gama Square.
Dutch Palace: Also called Mattancherry Palace, it is a stunning example of traditional Kerala Nalukettu style of architecture.
Jewish Synagogue: Standing adjacent to the Dutch Palace in Jew Town, the Jewish Synagogue was built more than 450-years ago for the once large Jewish population of Kerala.
Stroll Down Princess Street: The charming street is bustling with tourists and locals. From cute cafes and art galleries to vibrant lanes and antique shops, Princess Street is a great place to wander around and pick up trinkets.
Kerala Kathakali Centre: If a Kathalkali performance is on your list of must-sees, the Kerala Kathakali Centre is the most authentic theatre to see this at.
A Day Trip (or longer) to Marari Beach – Head an hour south from Fort Kochi and you will be welcomed by the scenic Marari Beach. Great for a short beach holiday.
Getting to Fort Kochi
Cochin International Airport is located about 45 kms from Fort Kochi and is a major hub with flights connecting many Indian cities as well as international destinations like Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.
For more detailed information on a trip to Fort Kochi, check out this blog.
The Scenic Backwaters of Kumarakom
Located on the shores of the serene Lake Vembanad, Kumarakom offers the quintessential Kerala backwater holiday. Slow down and experience the meandering, palm-fringed narrow canals that flow through paddy fields and tiny hamlets.
Things to do in Kumarakom
Lake Vembanad is the largest lake in Kerala and offers various activities like boating, fishing along with bird sighting opportunities. The lake forms the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala as well as the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Explore the wonderful bird species or visit the popular Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to get acquainted with kingfishers, heron, waterfowl, golden-backed woodpeckers and migratory gulls, teals and Siberian Cranes.
Getting to Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a little over 2-hours from Cochin International Airport. While there are no direct buses or train stations at Kumarakom, Kottayam Railway Station is 15 kms from it.
Check out this blog for more things to do and places to visit in Kumarakom.
The Idyllic Thekkady
Travel inland and find yourself in the midst of the Western Ghats. Thekkady, a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, is filled with enchanted tropical forests and a variety of flora and fauna along with spice scented plantations and chains of green hillocks.
Thekkady boasts of pleasant and cool climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for a quick getaway any time of the year.
Things to do in Thekkady
Periyar National Park and its many wildlife residents - a must visit during a Thekkady trip. Apart from nature trails through the beautiful jungles and visits to the neighbouring spice plantations, a cruise along the Periyar lake on a bamboo raft is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning views of the forest clad hills.
Getting to Thekkady
Thekkady is located about 141 km from Cochin International Airport and 107 km from Kottayam Railway Station. Trains from several cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi stop here. Thekkady is accessible by road from Kottayam and Cochin, which are 108 km and 155 km away respectively.
Read more about Thekkady here.
The Popular Beach-Town of Varkala
A small coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala, Varkala has peaceful seaside cliffs that meet the majestic Arabian Sea. Once a quiet, laid-back beach town, Varkala is fast becoming a popular tourist destination and a hub for hipster backpackers. If you are day-dreaming of a holiday with stunning sunsets, yoga, relaxing ayurvedic treatments and delicious food, Varkala is where you want to go.
Things to do in Varkala
Varkala has a few charming beaches, including the popular Varkala Beach and the pristine Kappil Beach. The serenity of this coastal town draws many tourists looking for yoga and meditation retreats.
Surfing in Varkala: Whether you’re looking to surf for the first time or are an experienced surfer, the less touristy beaches and perfect, mellow waves make Varkala the ideal place to chase some waves.
Varkala Beach: The prime attraction in town and also the only cliff beach in Kerala, Varkala Beach is a must visit.
Janardhana Swami Temple: Besides beach goers, Varkala also attracts Hindu pilgrims to the 200-year old Janardhana Swami Temple. The temple is located on the cliff, overlooking Varkala Beach.
Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse: Built in the 17th century, a visit to the Anjengo (or 'Anjuthengu') Fort and Lighthouse will offer a visual treat along with a slice of history. Enjoy the calming salty breeze and splendid sea views from the 130-feet tall lighthouse.
Attend Yoga Classes: Kerala is known for its yoga centres and Varkala has plenty of studios and ashrams to choose from. Sign up for a class to calm your mind and strengthen your body.
Getting to Varkala
Set in Thiruvananthapuram District, Varkala is some 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and 25 km from Kollam.
Thinking about making a trip to Varkala? Check out this blog for more detailed information.
The Delectable Kerala Cuisine & 6 Local Dishes You Must Try
There is a reason why people salivate over the flavours of Kerala cuisine.
From a mouth-watering array of vegetarian dishes like Sadya (my favourie thing about attending Malayali weddings) to the non-vegetarian dishes highlighting seafood, beef and chicken; every dish is a flavor bomb that will leave you craving for more!
With influences from Malabari, French, and Arabian cuisines, the food of Kerala has been further enhanced with Kerala’s unique culture. Rice and coconut find their way into many of the dishes, as do the generous use of species.
Which is the best dish in the state? Well, that would be a difficult question to answer, however, here are a few of our favourites to try next time you visit the beautiful coastal state.
Puttu and kadala curry - A common breakfast staple eaten in many households, it consists of steamed cylindrical rice cake - Puttu, and a curry made of black chickpeas, shallots, spices and coconut milk. Puttu is also eaten with banana.
Appam with stew - Appam is made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk and is similar to a crepe with a thicker centre and crispy edges. It is best savoured with creamy, coconut based stew (or ‘Ishtu’). The stew features vegetables or chicken with aromatic whole spices, shallots and curry leaves.
Naadan Beef Fry or Kerala Style Beef Fry - Simmered in coconut oil with onions, curry leaves, ginger, garlic and spices, this delectable beef dish is best enjoyed with Malabar parotta and probably a cold beer.
Kerala Style Fish Molee - A popular fish curry made with coconut milk and ‘kokum’ and lapped up with a bowl of steaming rice or appam. With a vast part of the state along the coastline, seafood is one of Kerala’s specialities. And they cook it to perfection!
Kerala prawn curry (chemmeen curry) - Kerala Prawn Curry or ‘Chemmeen Curry’ is a spicy and flavourful shrimp curry from the Malabar region. Kerala’s signature dish, and rightly so. The curry has a tomato onion gravy base with an addition of coconut milk and spices. It is best eaten with steamed rice.
Palada Payasam - One of the most popular desserts from this southern state is Palada Payasam, a traditional dessert that is made in almost every Malayali household. This simple rice pudding (‘kheer’) is generally made from rice ada, sugar, milk and ghee, although there are several variations of this dish.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala depends greatly on where you’re planning to go.
September/October to February/March are the cooler and drier months; making them the busiest months in Kerala. For destinations like beaches, backwaters and spice plantations, winter would be ideal
The hill-stations of Wayanad and Munnar are popular during the summer months of April and May
It is believed that the rainy season (June - August) is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments as the humidity helps open the pores helping the treatments have a greater effect on the body. The beautiful weather and peaceful surroundings make attending yoga classes in the monsoon extremely blissful
Ready to visit this beautiful state? We hope this guide has enticed you enough to plan a Kerala holiday. Check out Auberge Vacations’ many options for accommodation all around Kerala.
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