Many people dream of spending their holiday in a beautiful, peaceful place where they can relax and explore nature. Kerala holidays in India are one such kind. You get to see South India’s greenest state, with a mix of calm backwaters, cool hill stations and sunny beaches. Kerala has everything t hat you need for your perfect holiday. In this blog, we will discuss why Kerala holidays are so popular among UK travellers and know about Kerala’s backwaters, hill stations and beaches.
Why Kerala Should Be on Your Travel List
Often called “God’s Own Country”, Kerala sits between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in the southern part of India. The state is known for its lush green forests, crystal-clear rivers, tea gardens, hill stations and quiet beaches. This makes Kerala a suitable destination for holidays to India.
Kerala’s history and culture are really special. It was once a major hub of the spice trade, drawing merchants from Arabia, China, and Europe in search of pepper and cardamom. It is also home to ancient temples, churches, forts and trading towns, especially in Kochi. People around the world come to see the classical Kathakali dance. Performers wear bold costumes, colour their faces and use facial expressions and hand gestures to tell stories from Hindu epics without speaking a single word. The state is also famous for Ayurveda, for natural healing using herbs and oils.
Aside from its distinct history and culture, Kerala is complimented for its natural beauty and experience it offers. Couples get to enjoy the romantic houseboat stays, families can take walks around the villages, and solo travellers can see breathtaking views from the mountains. All these things are what makes Kerala feel different from other states in India.
Kerala Backwaters: A Peaceful Escape into Nature
The Kerala backwaters are the main highlight of your holiday in Kerala. They consist of a large network of lakes, canals, rivers and lagoons that run along the state’s coasts, offering a picturesque landscape where you can find yourself surrounded by coconut trees, green paddy fields, and charming villages.
Kerala backwaters can be enjoyed on a houseboat (kettuvallam) that was previously used for the commercial transport of spices and rice. Over time, they were converted into comfortable floating homes with bedrooms, a kitchen and an open deck at the top.
Alleppey (Alappuzha), also known as the “Venice of the East”, is the most famous backwater destination in Kerala due to its scenic canals and traditional houseboats. Tourists get to enjoy their night on a houseboat by enjoying the sunset, eating Kerala’s cuisine and experiencing each moment of village life.
Another spot is Kumarakom, which is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere, luxury lakeside resorts, and rich birdlife. While cruising, tourists will pass through small villages, local fishermen and lush forests that show the authentic side of Kerala.
Kerala’s backwaters offer you a relaxing break from your busy city life and let you reconnect with natural beauty, see the cultural charm, and provide unforgettable houseboat experiences.
Kerala Hill Stations: A Refreshing Retreat in the Western Ghats
Situated in the Western Ghats, there are some scenic hill stations that offer cool weather, rolling tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, and rich wildlife that you must see.
Munnar is one of the popular hill stations in Kerala with endless tea gardens and landscapes. You can visit the Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history of tea cultivation in Munnar along with how tea leaves were processed. Another place in Munnar is the Mattupetty Dam, offering lakeside views and boating around the green hills. At Echo Point, you can enjoy the stunning valley views with the natural echo phenomenon created by the surrounding mountains. To experience Kerala’s wildlife, you can visit the Eravikulam National Park, where you can see the Nilgiri Tahr.
Moving along the southern part of the Western Ghats, you can see the stunning Athirapally waterfall, also called the “Niagara of India”, surrounded by the green forests. This makes it one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Kerala.
All these attractions make the Western Ghats the perfect destination for couples, families, and nature lovers looking to experience the beauty of Kerala’s highlands.
Kerala Beaches: A Coastal Paradise for Every Traveller
Kerala is also popular for its beaches. The golden sand, swaying coconut palms, clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets make you want to rest and relax by the shore. You can also enjoy yourself with water activities like parasailing, surfing, and jet skiing.
Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach and Marari Beach are some recommended beaches where you enjoy your Kerala holidays. The Kovalam beach has a crescent-shaped shoreline and offers a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, Varkala Beach is known for its red, unique-looking cliffs along with vibrant cafés and stunning sunset views. But if you prefer a much quieter atmosphere and want to escape from the loud noise of the crowd, Marari Beach is your perfect choice.
Kerala’s coastline has something for everyone. Whether you are travelling with your family, partner, friends or solo, you can visit these fascinating beaches to relax. and enjoy your Kerala holidays near the coast.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
For most tourists, the period between October and February is the best time to visit Kerala. During these months the weather remains cool and pleasant with clear blue skies. The temperature stays around 18°C to 29°C, which makes it much easier to enjoy Kerala’s backwaters, hills and beaches without worrying about rainfall.
Tourists planning to visit Kerala should try to avoid travelling between June and August, as it is the monsoon season, where Kerala experiences heavy droughts and floods, which makes it challenging for tourists to travel.
A Sample Itinerary for Kerala Holidays
Here is a sample itinerary created by us that you can use for planning your Kerala holidays.
You can start your day in Kochi, where you will spend your day exploring the market streets and the famous Chinese fishing nets, and end your day by seeing the traditional Kathakali dance show. From there, you can continue your journey to the magnificent Athirapally waterfalls and proceed with the Sholayar Rainforest Trek. Next, you will head towards Munnar, exploring the Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point and Eravikulam National Park. After Munnar, move on to Kumarakom, where you can experience village life. Then continue your journey to Alleppey, where you can board a private houseboat and enjoy the backwaters scene. End your trip at Marari Beach (Mararikulam) by relaxing near the coast with some swimming, seafood and Ayurvedic massage.
Following this itinerary, you can experience most of Kerala and complete your journey within 10-13 days.
Start Planning Your India Kerala Holidays with India Tours & Travels
After everything we have discussed about Kerala holidays, if you consider that this is exactly the type of holiday that you want, where you get to experience the calmness of backwaters, scenic views of the hills and the relaxing atmosphere of the beaches, our Enchanting Kerala holiday package is the perfect choice for you.
The Enchanting Kerala holiday package is a 13-day private trip to Kerala that has been carefully planned to help you experience the very best of Kerala. From comfortable accommodation and well-planned sightseeing to memorable houseboat stays and scenic journeys, every part of the itinerary is thoughtfully arranged.
You can view the complete details of our Enchanting Kerala Holiday package here.
Conclusion
Kerala is one of its kind. The peaceful backwaters, refreshing hills, beautiful beaches and rich culture make up a perfect holiday destination where you can relax and enjoy the untouched beauty of mother nature. If you’re planning a trip to India, Kerala is the ideal destination where you can visit.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Kerala for holidays?
The best time to visit Kerala, India, is from October to February. Many tourists visit Kerala during this period, as the weather is fair and clear, which is ideal for travelling from one place to another.
2. What are Kerala backwaters famous for?
The Kerala backwaters are famous for houseboat stays. Tourists can travel through the calm canals and enjoy the peaceful views of village life from the water.
3. How many days do I need for holidays to Kerala?
You should plan for 10 to 13 days for a holiday in Kerala. This time frame allows you to comfortably experience most of the main attractions.
4. Do UK travellers need a visa for India Kerala holidays?
Yes, it is important for UK citizens to get a visa before arriving in India for their Kerala holidays. You can apply for a visa online and easily get an e-visa for India.
