Tourism Points.

If you prefer to spend time in nature over the hustle and bustle of the city, then you might enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala. With a 10% off deal for local accommodations as well, it’s hard to say no to a holiday in beautiful Kerala. The Kerala region is located on the southwestern coast of India and is home to many unique sights and experiences. 

The Kerala Backwaters

One of the coolest places in Kerala to visit is the famous backwaters. They are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that offer a unique and tranquil experience, best experienced by one of the traditional houseboats that are native to the area. There are many tours available, from short day trips to experiences that last multiple nights. The boats are all propelled by hand, no motors, so that you can enjoy the trip with the sounds of nature as your backdrop. Most tours typically serve vegetarian meals of the local cuisine as well. 

Visit Kerala’s Beaches

Being on the coast, the Kerala region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of India. A few of the more popular ones are Kovalam, Varkala, and Cherai. 

Kovalam is famous for its gorgeous blue waters and white sand, it’s a very popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and boat rides. It also boasts some stunning sunsets which are great for photographs! 

Although not typically safe for swimming due to the high surf, Varkala is best known for the red cliffs surrounding the beach. There is also a sacred spring that people make pilgrimages to in order to wash themselves of past sins. 

Cherai is located just off the coast on Vypin Island, however it can be reached by bus or car. When there you can enjoy the beach, eat at one of the local seafood restaurants, or relax with an Ayurvedic massage. 

Watch Wildlife at a Sanctuary

If you’d like to see some of the amazing wildlife that is native to the Kerala region such as elephants, tigers, and leopards then you should make a trip to one of the area’s wildlife sanctuaries. 

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to both an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve (including a few rare white tigers), as well as many endangered species of flora and fauna. The animals can be elusive, but if you go during the dry season there is a lake that they tend to visit to drink from that you can observe from a safe distance. To see the elephants, it is recommended to take the afternoon boat trip.

Silent Valley National Park is the last remaining natural rainforest in the Kerala region, and although it is home to many birds and animals (especially primates) the eco-tours are limited to flora and fauna so as not to disturb them. 

Experience true relaxation at an Ayurvedic spa

The Kerala region is renowned for its Ayurvedic medicine, and there are many wonderful spas you can visit for massage, yoga or meditation classes, as well as detoxifying treatments. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that good health is achieved by maintaining a balance between the body, mind, and spirit, and that disease is caused by imbalances in these three elements. Some of the best reviewed spas that you may want to visit are Kairali in Palakkad, Somatheeram in Kovalam, and Kalari Kovilakom in Kollengode. 

Take in a Kathakali Dance Show

Kathakali is the traditional form of dance in the Kerala region. If you haven’t heard of it before, Kathakali is a story-telling form of dance that uses colourful makeup as well as very elaborate costumes. It’s traditionally performed by an all-male cast of actors and dancers. As it’s birthplace is Kerala, you can easily find shows and performance centers all over. Ask your hotel  for some local recommendations.