Imagine swaying palm trees, crashing waves, coffee plantations, hill getaways, tranquil backwaters, rice paddies, and stunning national parks teeming with wildlife, and you’ve got Kerala.
Kerala is one of India’s more well-known states, with a lot to see and do. Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, has a lot to offer, from Ayurveda retreats and yoga centres to hill stations and tea plantations to palm-fringed beaches. Then there are the Kerala Backwaters, which provide a serene backdrop to any Kerala experience if done well.
Kochi City
Kochi / Cochin (the town’s old name) is one of Kerala’s most popular tourism spots and transport hubs, and so the starting point for many travellers in Kerala. It’s possible to spend many a day wandering the old lanes of Fort Cochin between colonial houses, organic cafes, art galleries, churches and boutiques. Note that Cochin is quite separate (it is an island) from the mainland town of Ernakulam, where all major transport arrives and departs from.
Exploring Fort Cochin – You can spend a day at Fort Cochin taking in its churches, museums and even Synagogues. As an old trading and naval outpost, over the last 600 years, Kochi has seen the arrival of many immigrants of different nationalities and religions – from Portuguese to Dutch, to British to Arabic traders. There’s an Indo-Portugese museum, a Dutch cemetery, as well as several beautiful churches to explore such as the Santa-Cruz basilica. There’s also a growing number of art galleries (often with cafe), such as the Kashi Art Gallery.
Take a day trip (or longer) to Cherai Beach – The beaches at Kochi itself are grubby (at best) but head an hour and a half or so south, and the lovely Cherai beach waits. Rent a two-wheeler and drive straight south through paddy fields, small towns, and backwater scenery. Cherai beach itself is is a pretty stretch of sand with clean water for swimming. Accommodation options nearby vary widely in quality if you want to stay longer.
The Kerala Backwaters – Kerala’s largest draw, you’ll likely be offered a backwater cruise (or two) during your time in Kochi.
Marine Drive and Boating – Marine Drive is a buzzing waterfront district known for the Marine Walkway, popular for evening strolls, and leafy Subhash Bose Park. The modern Rainbow and Kettuvallam bridges offer backwater views, and cruises leave from jetties by the water. Affluent homes and offices fill the area, and shops along Broadway sell jewellery, spices, and local fabrics. Dining ranges from upscale hotel restaurants to no-frills cafes making it one of the perfect hotspot destinations for a day out.
We have compiled and provided you with these little pieces of information in this holiday guide for Kerala that can help in making your trip to Kerala an unforgettable affair. If you want any further information for your next vacation to Kerala, get in touch with The AdvenTours and we will be happy to help you out with your Kerala tour planning.