A land that conjures serenity; a land that invokes spirituality; a symphony of rich colours and flavours – Kerala is shaped by uniqueness which is beyond its coastlines and beaches. Kerala is defined by cultural diversity, aromatic spice and tea plantations, healing Ayurveda, majestic elephants, irresistible fish curry and surreal backwaters. You have to visit God’s Own Country to experience a world that’s pure and magical.
Take a flight to Kochi. You can also opt for trains to Ernakulam Junction.
Athirappilly Falls (also known as the Niagara Falls of India)
• Recommended months to visit the falls – June to October
• You can head to the place directly from the airport since it is only 53 kms.
• Disclaimer – you have to walk a long way to reach the bottom of the falls and climbing back is even more difficult. Also, the beauty of the falls is best enjoyed from the bottom. The check post in Athirapilly, is from where you can get the ticket to enter the waterfall area.
• On the Athirapilly to Vazhachal route there is one waterfall which is pretty close - Charpa.
• Chinese fishing net that define the core of Kochi
• St. Francis Church
• Kochi Muziris Biennale - held every other year between December and March
• Cafes you can’t miss - David Hall Art Gallery, Pepper House Café and Kashi Art Gallery
• Kerala Kathakali centre - Learn the traditional kathakali dance and experience it. Other art forms that can be learned are - Kathakali, Indian classical music, Carnatic music, Hindustani music, Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kutchipudi, Kalarippayattu, Koodiyattam, Nangiar koothu, Pavakoothu
Kodanand Elephant Training Centre
You get to play with the elephants and experience hands on bathing
Kolukkumalai Mountain – watch the sunrise at the peak above the clouds
• Kolukkumalai tea estate – world’s highest organic tea plantation. Here you can learn about tea processing from the start to end.
• Enjoy the beautiful view at top station
Periyar National Park – Thekkady
• You can spot wild animals, such as – wild bison, barking deer, hornbill
• Enjoy a boat ride at this sanctuary as you soak in the natural vibes of this place – 90 minutes boat cruise
• Gavi Forest
Alleppey - 'Venice of the East'
• The tranquil backwater cruises are a once in a lifetime experience. Alappuzha is especially popular for its houseboat cruises where you can soak in nature at its finest form.
• Must visit is the Alapuzha beach and you cannot leave without flying a kite there preferably during the sunset.
• Alleppey Backwaters – This visit will be incomplete without trying the Kayak through Kerala’s famous backwaters while singing the local boat song.
• Stay at a house boat – worth spending the entire day n night in a house boat for a rejuvenating experience
Before you leave Kerala - Do not forget to pack yourself banana chips, do try the Malabar Parotta and of course the traditional sadya cannot be missed.
Take a flight back home from Trivandrum International Airport