India - Kerala
Cultural sightseeing, walking, beach, backwater boat trips
Lush tropical scenery; the scent of spices, tea and flowers; colonial buildings that jostle for space with churches, synagogues, mosques and temples; golden beaches, quiet inland waterways and a backdrop of jungle-covered slopes… Kerala is not where you come for high architecture, monuments and sophisticated, Rajasthani-style luxury - but its great cultural diversity and languid pace create a unique feeling of intimacy and richness.
Kerala is all about ‘homestays’, where local families have turned their ancestral homes into upmarket b+bs or charming small hotels. These are far more interesting than the somewhat ‘samey’ mainstream hotels and allow you to experience a more authentic Kerala.
However, the choice of these homestays is crucial as, rather like the ‘heritage' properties in Northern India, only the ones that have been well thought out and are well managed can provide fantastic experiences.
Kerala works well for both families and couples, who may choose to link it with some beach time in the Maldives. Alternatively, if you have more time and yearn for those monuments and temples, we would suggest combining Kerala with neighbouring Karnataka or Tamil Nadu.
Best visited: November to March, though the coast has an extended season as it's less humid.
All itineraries are individually designed, but as a guide, we can arrange ten days in Kerala (not including flights) from £1800/ $2700 per person.
“Kerala: honeymoon heaven”
“Quite a celebrity in the Indian culinary world”
