The mesmerising Kerala has so much to offer that it is important to make sure your backpacking itinerary doesn’t miss out on the absolute best of this blessed state in the south-west region of India.
Kerala, India
As you travel through these top destinations, you will come across diverse attractions: from beaches to rolling hills, from ancient temples to rejuvenating & wellness centers, from flora and fauna sanctuaries to taking a houseboat on backwaters and lagoons, from waterfalls to adventure activities… Kerala will inspire you on every step.
While the region is welcoming throughout the year, monsoon is an off-season and a great time to expect value-for-money honeymoon packages for Kerala, India.
Must-see in God’s Own Country
1. Calicut
Beypore, an ancient port near Calicut (Kozhikode), offers a beautiful beach and a marina. Walking over ‘Pulimuttu,’ or a long stone bridge of about 2 km., makes you feel as if you are standing in the middle of the sea.
The splashing waterfall of Thusharagiri evokes the sight of a snowy mountain. Thusharagiri waterfalls is also slowly getting popularity for trekking and rock climbing activities.
The wonder of Kerala, India
2. Palakkad
Malampuzha dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala. The Western Ghats as the backdrop lends the dam a scenic appearance. A rope-way allows an aerial ride near the dam. There are amusement park, a garden, and a boating area close by.
3. Ernakulam
As you approach the Cherai beach in Ernakulam District (Cochin), you will notice beautiful lagoons. Known also as “The Princess of Arabian Sea,” the beach is one of the best beaches along the Arabian Sea.
4. Kumarakom
Due to its rich Ayurvedic heritage, Kerala has seen a tremendous rise in its popularity as a wellness destination. Kumarakom has the largest spa in southern India. Spas are lined up amidst the Kerala backwaters, or on an island in the lagoon.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is another place to get in touch with nature.
Marayoor Dolmen in India
5. Varkala
The beach at Varkala is locally called “Papanasam,” a place that cleanses away one’s sins. Some of the hotels in Varkala such as the Taj Gateway Hotel at Janardhanapuram offer various holiday packages. It is an ideal stop to unwind on the soft, white sand beach, or indulge in some fun with adventure activities, like paragliding, or late night partying.
6. Kochi
Thattekkad was the 1st bird sanctuary in Kerala, situated about 58 km from Kochi, and is part of a densely tropical forest. The sanctuary has more than three hundred species of birds apart from a rich wildlife.
7. Kovalam
It has one of the most well-known beaches in India. The bay created out of a natural elevation is ideal for bathing. There are cottages, high-end hotels, swimming pools, and yoga centers nearby.
8. Trivandrum
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a star attraction in Trivandrum for its huge, reclining idol of Lord Vishnu.
Thiruvallom backwaters is also situated near Trivandrum. Backwaters of Thiruvallom are famous for canoe rides and other watersport events. Ponmudi, or The Golden Peak, is a hill stations in Trivandrum.
Assembly in Kerala, India
Thenmala dam is another main attraction about 72 km from Trivandrum. Travelers here can enjoy swaying Rope Bridge, trekking, mountaineering, biking and boating.
Some of the other sites to see are: the Neyyar Dam, a mini wildlife sanctuary, lion safari park, deer park, a lake and a garden. A few ashrams nearby offer yoga and meditation.
Backpacking in India: Kerala
9. Bekal
Bekal is a serene village near Kasargod in the northern most part of Kerala. It has a lovely, clean beach and the Bekal Fort.
10. Malabar
Among the 108 temples established by Lord Parashurama, Rajarajeswra Temple in north Malabar is the primary Shiva temple.
Kerala offers accommodation options at many enticing beach resorts for your honeymoon. One of the resorts in Kerala which offers honeymoon packages is Vivanta by Taj – Green Cove, Kovalam. I also recommend organising your tour itinerary with a local company, there are many Kerala tour packages available.
Kerala really is a top notch spot to hit up when you go backpacking or even flashpacking in India.
Indian Rupees!