Kerala: Beyond The Beaches

Often described as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in India. Fringed by the Arabian Sea in the west, the wonderful Western Ghats in the east and intricately networked by 44 interconnected rivers, Kerala is enchanting and offers an invigorating experience like no other.  It’s not just the amazing beaches that are a major attraction for its visitors every year. Flaunting a 100% literacy rate, world-class health care system, India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rate, the people of Kerala are the most humble warm people you’ll ever meet.

 So, what are the amazing things you could do in this wonderful Indian state?  Here are our picks!

Take a houseboat cruise in the Alleppey backwaters

Alleppey, affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the East’ has beautiful backwaters and an interesting network of canals, lakes and rivers that can take you along with the unique scenery. With over 900 kilometres of creeks, you’ll experience the most breath-taking landscapes Kerala has to offer. The best way to relish this picturesque destination is to hire a houseboat for a couple days or more. These beautiful houseboats come in various sizes going from single bedroom to upto 4 bedroom suits in different luxury levels. You need to book your stay well ahead of your time of stay to get competitive prices. Remember to make your payments using prepaid travel cards, for best forex rates.

 Relish village life for a day in Kumarakom

Want to experience the canal cruise, coir making and the toddy tapping (a local beverage made from the sap of palm trees) cultural marvel? Then we highly recommend the village tour in Kumarakom.  Here you’ll get a real understanding of what life entails in this landscape, the things that locals do, the ways that locals enjoy their hard work, as well as the traditions and culture that keeps them down to earth. Ensure you carry a multipurpose travel card that has ATM withdrawal facilities without exorbitant fees.

 Watch boat races

The boat races in the Kerala backwaters are one of the biggest sporting event in Kerala. Similar to cheering for your national football team in the stands, here you will see locals cheering up and watching the race from just any view point (sometimes even perched on a tree).Thousands congregate to watch the cultural boat races and cheer their teams to battle hard and win the medal for them.

 Spend the night in a tree house

Due to the increasing demand for eco-tourism, many popular destinations in Kerala have built tree house accommodations. It’s an original and novel experience of living up in a tree with nature’s bounty surrounding you at every corner. Depending upon the location and availability, you can book a tree house beside waterfalls or on the beach. Booking the tree houses well ahead can get you competitive prices. It’s an experience that will certainly bring you closer to nature.

Take the tea garden tour in Munnar

A trip to Kerala would be incomplete if you haven’t taken a walk in the dense green tea plantations of Munnar. Known to have some of the largest tea plantations in the world, the hills in Munnar boast of some of the oldest tea gardens in India. Take a walk in the backdrop of green valleys, high waterfalls, misty peaks and enjoy the endless harmony played by the wildlife within the surrounding forests. Don’t forget to carry home, the world famous aromatic Kerala tea and spices. They are great yummy treats, anyone can enjoy. Use a shopping prepaid card for hassle-free purchase and payments.

Bamboo rafting in Periyar

For the adventure travellers, bamboo rafting in the winding Periyar River will be an enthralling experience. Bamboo rafting usually takes up the whole day and is organised by private companies but you will have local tribal guides to navigate you through the forest streams. The Periyar is also among the most bio-diverse spots in the Western Ghats and you might be lucky enough to spot some rare wild life too.

When planning a trip to Kerala, do your research well and don’t miss out on the experiences that are unique to this part of the country and perhaps, the world. We hope you have an excellent trip filled with lots of wonderful memories!