Finally!
All those emails, extended work hours, furious money-saving hacks have finally culminated at this particular point in time. You’ve got that elusive green light from your boss for that long-pending holiday.
And now begins the real hustle…or should we say huddle? You round up your fellow travellers who are probably you colleagues from work, family members, or a loved one.
A ton of places get thrown in ranging from adventuring in theNorth East, Parasailing in Goa, living it up in Rajasthan…
After much debate, justifications, comparative analyses, flow charts and a reality check on bank balances, the destination is decided – God’s Own Country it is. A date is fixed, and off goes everyone to pack their backpacks for a journey like no other.
KERALA: OPEN FOR EVERYONE
From evergreen forests that conceal rejuvenating treks to the quaint backwaters for an otherworldly experience to the sinful cuisine that will keep you coming back for more, Kerala sure has something for every kind of tourist or traveller. It’s the ideal rejuvenation retreat for a family, the perfect way to up the Instagram game for a solo traveller and a romantic escape for couples.
It enjoys an unparalleled geographic advantage which means awesome weather guaranteed, anytime.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the best places in Kerala to visit irrespective of whether you’re a solo traveller, travelling with family or with a special someone.
Let’s begin!
FLYING SOLO
“Teams and groups belong in the workplace. When it comes to travel, solo is the way to go.” If that’s how you feel about travel, this section should get you covered.
Travelling solo is a great way to explore Kerala without any worry about having to keep an eye out for fellow members or being forced to tag along to a place you really don’t want to go.
We’ve handpicked the best places for solo travellers to visit in Kerala.
HAPPY FISHING: FORT KOCHI
Even if you’ve never been to Kerala before, Kochi is a name that would have passed your line of sight at some point. A city that exudes a balance of both nostalgia and new, Kochi is where a solo tourist needs to start your adventure and get a feel of God’s Own Country.
Fill your phone’s battery to full and head over to the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi. These iconic structures can be seen dotting the coastline for as far as the eye can see.
Sprawling nets around 10 to 20 metres wide are fixed to huge bamboo and teak poles that dip in and out of waters using a see-saw mechanism. It’s almost a zen-like experience watching groups of fishermen go about operating these nets in the wee hours of the morning and late into the evening.
Most fishermen are friendly, so feel free to walk up to them and try striking a conversation. You may never know – they might just let you operate the nets if you’re lucky enough!
A TRIP BACK IN TIME: JEW STREET
A quick ferry ride from Fort Kochi transports you to the sepia tinted age when a beautiful clash of cultures took place. We’re talking about Jew Street. Sandwiched precariously between the Mattancherry Palace and the Pardesi Synagogue, lies your colourful and vibrant destination. The Jew Street was once home to Israelis who made Kochi their home a long time back. There are now only a handful of Jews, but their rich cultural heritage is here to stay. Right from the iconic Synagogue to the provincial structures to the antique shops, there’s a surprise at every turn. Soak in the unique culture and put those Instagramming pro-skills to use!
MALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
Kochi boasts of some of the country’s biggest malls. So, if you’ve been suppressing your shopaholic skills for far too long, places like Lulu Mall, Oberon and Gold Souk Mall will get you hopping gleefully from one store to another in no time. A great time to shop for luggage and backpacks for your next big trip!.
Munnar might be a small hill station nestled in the south of Kerala, but it still boasts of a cosmopolitan culture. One of the most defining ways in which the city celebrates its global culture, is through its food. From the smallest roadside vendors to 7-star hotels & resorts, absolutely everyone in Munnar can cook mouth-watering delicacies that range from Indian to continental.
Fun fact: Lulu Mall is Asia’s largest shopping mall spread across 2.5 million sq.ft!
DANCE OF A LIFETIME: THE KERALA KATHAKALI CENTRE
Kathakali is a traditional dance form unique to Kerala. It translates to “story play”. It’s characterised by vibrant and detailed costumes and masks adorned by professional Kathakali dancers portraying stories from the Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Kerala Kathakali Centre hosts dance and martial arts performances every day for travellers interested in the state’s cultural heritage.
Pro Tip: Try making it early and you might just see performers putting on their makeup which in itself is an elaborate process.
GOODBYE HUNGER: LOCAL CUISINE
When you’re travelling on your own, food is usually the one that keeps you company. In Kerala there’s no dearth of varieties when it comes to cuisine. Almost every shop with a sizeable crowd moving in and out of them are great spots to eat to your heart’s content without hurting your wallet.
Some of the must-haves:
- Puttu & Kadala Curry
- Pazham pori
- Karimeen Pollichadhu
- Beef ularthiyadhu
- Parotta & beef curry
You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes listed above. Discovering the local cuisine is an activity in itself. So, skip the regular oats and noodles and dive head-first into Kerala’s rich coastal cuisine.
BEACH BUM: CHERAI BEACH
Just 25 kms away from Kochi lies the peaceful and serene Cherai beach. A perfect place for solo travellers and couple to stay, the best thing to do at Cherai Beach…is nothing. That’s right. Unfold a beach towel, plonk yourself and catch setting sun light up the waters. Dive in for a quick swim, enjoy hot and spicy seafood at the restaurants nearby and repeat! Sometimes, nothing is everything. Lie back and take in the natural beauty. Ain’t no better way to get recharged. Customary beach selfie is an added bonus.
BIRD TALK: MANGALAVANAM BIRD SANCTUARY
Pet person? You’ll love the mind-boggling variety of birds at the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. Located in central Kochi, the reserve is home to a fleet of endangered local and migratory birds. Drown out the noise and feel close to nature’s chirping as you stroll through the mangrove landscapes.
LOAFER’S CORNER: PRINCESS STREET
The surprises continue to come by for solo travellers in Kerala. Our next stop is Princess Street. It is one of the oldest locations in Kochi. As you step towards it, the quaint houses of Kerala give way to a more colonial architecture influenced by the numerous British, Portugese and Dutch traders and settlers from an era gone by. Take a stroll past tiny shops selling curious artifacts and trinkets that will add a splash of colour to your living room once you get back. Do check it out!
HISTORY REPEATS: HILL PALACE
History buffs are in for a treat! Constructed in 1865, the Hill Palace is home to numerous relics and royal belongings of the Maharaja of Kochi. Inside you will see plaster-cast replicas of the famed Indus Valley Civilization that are sure to transport you to history class in school. There is also a modern art gallery if you have an artistic bent and are on the lookout for inspiration.
TOP OF THE WORLD: CHEMBRA PEAK
Kerala is often associated with serene and calm backwaters and sprawling beaches. It is also home to some truly breath- taking hills and cliffs that make for memorable trekking experiences. One such spot for folks travelling solo is the picturesque Chembra Peak. Time to put all that training you had in the gym to use. Chembra Peak is the highest point in Wayanad. The fact that it’s adjacent to the lush Nilgris range, ensures that you’re in for a generous treat of greenery and fresh unadulterated air. Soloing this trip is guaranteed to give you goose bumps as you navigate the trail.
HONEY! WE’RE ON THE MOON!
Honeymoons and Kerala share a special invisible bond. The majestic resorts, the soothing climate and some of the most romantic places in the world are just some of the reasons to stop splurging on that luxury trip abroad and embrace heaven that’s just a stone’s throw away. A honeymoon package to Keralaor an extended weekend getaway, there’s no denying the fact that love is always in the air when it comes to travelling to God’s Own Country. Read on to know about why couples from across the world continue to make a beeline to the state and where you should be taking your special someone.
TEA, BABY?
Tea never sounded this romantic. Set off to the lush green hills of Munnar and be greeted by birds dotting the silence with their excited chirps. Take a stroll, hand-in-hand through the countless tea plantations and unleash the model inside you with endless selfies and poses. Watch the clouds float past you and the let smell of fresh tea leaves embrace and rejuvenate you. The hills of Munnar are not to be missed. Wake up early in the morning and watch tea pickers go about their busy workdays while deep down wishing your job was as wholesome as theirs.
I HEART YOU
Chembra Peak makes its appearance again on this list. This time it’s not for the adventure, but for the romance. Just hold hands and walk up the entire kilometre or two for your surprise. What awaits you at the end of your trek is a heart-shaped lake that is famously known for never drying up ever. This is when you can come up with your “My love for you will never dry up, just like this lake”, line and brace for the hug.
HOUSE (BOAT) PARTY
What’s a romantic getaway without a houseboat in the only place in the country where you can get a houseboat? Well, that was a lot of houseboats in one sentence! Nevertheless, a houseboat cruise in Kerala is a must-do and the fact that you’re with your special one is all the more reason to go for it. The backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom is a great way to experience companionship away from land. Being a tourist attraction, it might get crowded at times, but if you are lucky enough to make it between the months of August and February (which makes the timing of this post almost perfect) you’re in for a real treat. Honeymoon tour package and providers and operators usually allocate a personal cook so you never have to hit the shore in case you go hungry midway. Come night time, you’re one with the sky and stars above and the sparkling waters below. What a way to earn brownie points.
LUXURYVILLE: MARARI BEACH
If you’re on a honeymoon, chances are that you have spread your itinerary to accommodate a handful of places during your stay. And a resort in Marari Beach should be on top of the list. A lot of resorts in Kerala come equipped with a private pool. Live life king size by taking a quick dip in the pool and venturing out for a conversation-filled walk along the beautiful beachside.
WATER OF EVERY KIND: ATHIRAPALLY FALLS
You’ve seen the backwaters and been amazed by the calm beaches. Just when you thought Kerala was through showing off its water bodies, it throws a curveball. Athirapally Falls is truly a sight to behold. Nested cosily between lush greenery, couples can take in nature’s might as the water mightily rolls down a high cliff. A number of treehouses are on offer with the luxury packages also offering a waterfall-facing accommodation for a truly memorable honeymoon trip to Kerala.
FLOAT ME PRETTY: POOVAR
The floating cottages in Poovar is Kerala’s version of a truly tropical paradise. The gracefully swaying palm trees, the sparkling emerald waters and the surreal location of the water- facing cottages are bound to get honeymooning couples to shout “Sign me up!”, almost instantly. You can opt for the relatively cheaper Land cottages or make your honeymoon extra special by choosing the signature floating cottages. Poovar is around 30 kms from Trivandrum.
MARAYOOR
“Am I in the sets of an epic fantasy movie?”, is probably the first question that will pop inside the head of anyone setting their first sights on Marayoor. Sandalwood trees guide you through a magical trail that culminates in a prehistoric site that is home to cave paintings and ancient dolmens from an era long gone by. If you’re lucky you might even spot the local folk harvesting sugarcane from the surrounding areas. Marayoor is incidentally the only place that grows apples giving you the perfect opportunity to slide in that “Apple of my eye” compliment.
KOVALAM
If sunsets had a home, Kovalam would be it. And if you’re looking for a honeymoon destination, Kovalam should be it. A hotbed for honeymooners from across the world, Kovalam is the best place for beachside couples to set their campsite. Romantic walks, candlelight dinners, mesmerising sunsets, Kovalam has it all. And this is why Kovalam deserves a spot in your honeymoon itinerary.
MOM! WHERE’S GRANDPA?
Ah! The joy of travelling with your family and relatives! Where each one has a plan of their own. The little one wander away to the waters, the old ones lose their footwear and the young ones just need some privacy. If you’re managing a group trip to Kerala, things might get out of hand in a flash. Luckily, we’ve got you covered on the best places to visit in order please members of all age groups and emerge the hero. Let’s get going!
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE: THEKKADY
Heaven is a place on earth. And that place is Thekkady. And it is also the perfect place for family trips. The lively wildlife including elephants, bison and deer will keep the kids entertained for hours on end. The tranquil surroundings of the Ayurvedic Gardens will instantly rejuvenate elders. The Periyar Lake is the perfect location for young parents and couples to take a breather and admire the sheer natural beauty surrounding them.
DIVINE INTERVENTION: THRISSUR
Fondly termed the cultural capital of India, Thrissur sets the perfect backdrop for a family holiday. The Vadakkunathan Temple and the Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple offer spiritual solace and inner peace while the magnificent Athirapally Falls will enthral and entertain. The famed Thrissur Pooram and Onam celebrations draw crowds from across the world and are not a sight to be missed.
MALAPPURAM
Malappuram is renowned for its sprawling teak plantations and is home to quite a few heritage temples, monuments and mosques making it a great destination for cultural learnings. Don’t miss the Nilambur Teak Museum and the Thirumandhamkunna Bhagavathy Temple while you’re here.
WONDERFUL: WONDERLA
Boasting over 55 rides, Wonderla is a must-visit for the perfect family holiday in Kerala. Famous for being India’s first water theme park, Wonderla is a great way for families to take a break from all the temple tours and micromanaging kids to relax in the cool waters.
ALAPPUZHA
How often can you step out of home and head straight for the waters? With a pitstop in Alappuzha, you can. Catch up with your loved ones by the peaceful backwaters and skim the sparkling waters on a houseboat surrounded by palm & coconut trees and food that will get your mouth watering at the very sight/smell of it.
A MUCH-DESERVED RECHARGE
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda. The state attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe looking for rejuvenation and spiritual healing. It is home to myriad of Ayurveda spas and resorts. Ayurvedic treatments like Panchakarma, Abhyanga and Shirodhara are performed by trained experts at these spas and centres and are widely known to help relieve stress, dosha balances and promote holistic health. Enroll your family, especially your parents for these treatments for a fulfilling experience.
BONUS: THE KERALA INSTAGRAMMER’S CHECKLIST
Kerala is a goldmine for avid photographers and instagrammers on the lookout for fresh and new content. We’ve compiled our very own Insta checklist that every traveller with a smartphone must capture. Get Set. Click!
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Sunsets by the Beach
- Candid posing on a houseboat
- Delicious fish fry
- Palm trees framing the backwaters
- Selfie with a kathakali artist
- Pretend to be a fisherman
- Lookout into the distance atop a hill
- Pretend to row a boat
- A baby elephant
Have a great time!
Be it a package tour or backpacking on a whim, Kerala as a travel destination will never disappoint. We’ve barely scratched the surface while listing the best places to visit in Kerala. Do visit us for more detailed guides and discoveries in what they rightfully call “God’s Own Country”.
