Explore romantic Kerala: its temples, natural setting, beaches and more!
The stunning Indian state
of Kerala is a narrow strip of land that stretches between the Arabian Sea and
the Western Ghat mountains. Stretching for almost 600km (373 miles) Kerala
boasts a picture-perfect coastline that is adorned by numerous stunning beaches.
It is neighboured by the states of Karnataka in the northwest and Tamil Nadu in
the southeast. Its capital, the coastal town of Thiruvananthapuram
(Trivandrum), is at the very south of the state. Strongly influenced by the
Raj, this city is an amazing place to explore.
Often likened to Goa, Kerala is characterised by its sun-drenched beaches. It
has developed a reputation as one of the easiest places in India for foreign
travellers to visit mainly due to its beautiful beaches, historic colonial
towns, lush forests, tranquil hills and of course, because English is widely
spoken.
As well as its undoubted
natural beauty, Kerala also offers its visitors a heady mix of historic cities,
ancient monuments, wildlife parks, vibrant communities and a wealth of history.
The state oozes a laid
back charm which has ensured its popularity with backpackers but it is also
attracting a new generation of package tourists. Its fine climate, gorgeous
coastline and the sheer number and variety of inland tours and excursions make
it a very attractive destination.
Unlike other parts of
India, Kerala doesn’t offer much in the way of monumental sights. Mind you, it
more than makes up for this with its natural beauty. The countryside undulates
westward from the mountains producing rich green valleys. Rivers flow towards
the sea creating features like the Athirampally Falls.
Kerala is a haven for
tourists who want to relax, unwind and lose themselves in the stunning natural
environment that surrounds them.
Compared to many places in
India, Kerala’s annual temperature range is comparatively low. Due to its
diverse geography the plains are hot and humid whilst the highlands have a cool
and bracing climate throughout the year.
The average level of
annual rainfall is quite high when compared to other Indian states and it enjoys
4 types of climate - Winter, Summer, South West Monsoon and North East Monsoon.
The average monthly
temperatures are (coastal):
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
32 |
32 |
33 |
33 |
32 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
|
Night |
23 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
Kerala is a wonderful
place to pick up traditional crafts and souvenirs. Popular items include
leather goods, carvings, ethnic clothing, silk, saris, woven fabric, carpets,
jewellery, handicrafts, tea, coffee and spices.
The markets in the towns
and cities are a must. Haggling is the order of the day so ensure you bargain
hard.
The larger cities such as
Cochin (Kochin) and Thiruvananthapuram have many flea markets but they also
have numerous boutiques, stores and shopping malls,
Evening entertainment in
Kerala is relatively low key. Normally it involves dining out in open-air
restaurants. However there are bars and nightclubs offering entertainment that
ranges from traditional Indian music and dance to Blues Bands and DJs.
Some of the best venues to
see some traditional Indian dancing are in Cochi, such as the Cochin Cultural
Centre, Kerala Kalamandalam and the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
Many of the large hotels
and resorts have their own in house bars and nightclubs. In the beach resort of
Kovalam you will find many bars and restaurants open until late into the night
full of tourists and locals partying the night away.
We have already seen that
within the state of Kerala there is an abundance of things to see
and do. You may also want to explore other towns and cities close to your
resort such as:
If time permits, another
option is to take an internal flight and explore the cities of Bangalore and
Chennai (Madras). Your hotel should also be able to advise you of other
excursions run by local tour operators.
There are a number of
health risks when travelling to India so you should seek medical advice at
least three weeks before travelling. Always ensure you have comprehensive
medical cover in place before travelling.
Only drink bottled water
and avoid ice (unless it is made from bottled water). Meat and fish should be
cooked thoroughly as it can often cause food poisoning. Also avoid salads and
unpeeled fruit.
Kerala is relatively crime
free but you should always take care of your valuables especially when on the
beach or in tourist areas.
