Holidays in Kerala: Backwaters Tours

Kerala evokes many images in the mind of global travelers. But one of the most emblematic images of Kerala is manifested in the palm fringed, water hyacinth proliferated and Ketuvallams promenaded backwaters. Vast stretches of backwaters meander through Kerala with elongated networks of canals, lagoons and lakes drenched along the Malabar Coast.

Kathakali Performers - A cultural dance form in Kerala

Ensconced between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, Kerala is inherently different from what one expects from a tourist destination in India. Kerala is fondly referred to as ‘god’s own country’ and the fascinating landscape, amazing diversity, spices and flowers and liberal hospitality endorse the ancient ethos of Indian hospitality which proclaims “Atithi Devo Bhava”, literally meaning guests are to be treated as gods. 

Kerala has been voted as 50 Destinations to Visit before You Die by National Geographic Magazine and effusively justify various accolades bestowed upon her.  Blessed with natural beauty, sun kissed beaches, vast stretches of backwaters and fertile land, Kerala not only offers an array of conventional tourism opportunities in state but also happens to be the champion of green tourism in India.

Chinese Fishing Nets - A major attraction in Fort Kochi

Kerala backwaters offer one of the most enchanting ways to explore the mystique and charm of this amazing country. A ride in traditional Ketuvallams lets you discover the bucolic splendor of the countryside as you wade through the frail network of canals connecting verdant stretches of rice paddies and coconut groves. Various boat races offering a cultural slice of the region are also arranged every year at various places. The most famous backwater destinations perhaps are the Alleppey or Alappuzha, Vembanad and Kuttanad region.

A Kettuvallam plying backwaters near Alapuzza

Add to the aforementioned attributes of Kerala backwater holidays, the vibrant traditions and mouth watering cuisines. It’s really one of those places whose fond memories stay with you long after your visit. A truly unique experience of Indian holidays in this endearing paradise will leave you spellbound. With its amazing diversity, rich heritage, vibrant culture and remarkable geography, Kerala tours ensure that you get to spend the time of your life when you plan for your vacation in this “god’s own country”.

For more information regarding tours and package holidays in Kerala send your enquiries HERE

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South India: Incredible India Tours

South India is renowned all across the globe for its magnificent charm and various tourist attractions. The region is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the South, the Arabian Sea on the South-West and the Bay of Bengal on the South-East, which makes it unique from all other destinations in the world.

Kathakali Dancer: Kerala's most iconic symol and a cultural dance

Alappuzza, also known as Alleppey is a small town in Kerala. It was also described as the’ Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon. It is renowned across the world for its picturesque backwaters and beaches.  Alappuzza beach offers magnificent views of the Arabian Sea and on the other hand, backwaters are the major source of tourist attraction in Alappuzza.

Backwaters and Kettuvallams in Alappuzza

Kochi, also known as ‘Gateway of Kerala’ is located on the West coast of India by the Arabian Sea. The 2^nd largest city of Kerala, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate all the year round. This beautiful city has the spectacular Western Ghats on the East and the magnificent Arabian Sea on the West. One of the major attractions of Kochi is the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi

Kovalam, also known as ‘Paradise of the South’ is renowned across the world for its beaches. The major sources of attractions are surfing, wooden boat ride and motor boat ride. This sleepy beach burst into international scene when hippies flocked to its pristine beaches in late 70s. There’s much to do in Kovalam apart from exploring and basking in glory of this sun and sand tropical paradise. Souvenir shopping is one of the major pastimes in Kovalam from the shops located at the beaches. The eponymous lighthouse located at the southern beach is the oldest lighthouse of Kerala.

A stunning view of the Kovalam Beach

Mahabalipuram is a small and beautiful town located in Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. The town still has many magnificent and spectacular monuments, which were built between 7^th and 9^th centuries. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram also happens to designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples in Mahabalipuram were built in the era of Narasimhavarman, which showcase movement from rock cut style to structural building. The town also has two low hills, which is about 400 m above from the sea level on both sides. The larger one has 11 excavated temples, popularly known as Mandapas.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built by the British in 1908 operates its services in the state of Tamil Nadu. In 2005 the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Southern Railway operates the NMR, which earns an annual income of Rs. 4 crores by NMR only.

Great Living Chola Temples include the temples, which are the Brihadeeswara Temple, the temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple located in the South India. These temples were built at the time of Chola rule and the Brihadeeswara temple was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On the other hand, the other two temples were declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Hampi is a small and beautiful village, which is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, in the state of Karnataka. The Group of Monuments at Hampi is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vijayanagra festival, organized by the government annually in November is the major source of attraction.

Stone Chariot of Hampi after which the Golden Chariot, one of the luxury trains in India is named

Pattadakal is also a small village located in Karnataka, which lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It attracts tourists with the fascinating charm of its historic temples. It was also declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The various group of temples located at the village include Virupaksha temple, Sangameshvara, Mallikarjuna temple, Kashivisvanatha temple, etc.

There's much more to South India than this. If you need more information or details about destinations in South India, plese feel free to contact me.

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Destination Kerala: God’s Own Country

Kerala fondly referred to as “God’s own Country” is definitely worth the distinction with which it has been conferred. Tours to Kerala let you experience some of the most fond moments as well as memories of a lifetime. 

A diversity which is unique in India in terms of holiday options and a laissez-faire hospitality thanks to the colonial legacy and highest literacy rate in India, Kerala tours and vacations definitely rate as one of the best in India with fair share of beaches, hill stations, wildlife excursions and the mystique of backwater tours. Add to this a dash of Kathakali and mouth tingling cuisines, Kerala indeed is a paradisiacal country.

Kathakali dance form is iconic of Kerala culture

So what are the various options to choose from while you are planning your vacation in Kerala? Here are a few of the available options to chose from or to give a thought to, which I’d like to underscore if you are one of those enchanted with the allure of Kerala and looking forward to plan your vacations in India. Just as an afterthought: Kerala was placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime' by National Geographic Traveler in a special collectors' issue released just before the turn of the millennium.

Things to do in Kerala

• Kerala backwaters
• Kovalam beach
• Responsible Tourism

Kerala Backwaters

Meandering backwaters are vast networks of brackish lagoons, lakes and water canals draped along the scenic Malabar Coast. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of Kerala state. 

Most endearing experience is the cruise on Ketuvallams which have become USP of backwater tourism (traditional thatched grain barrages now houseboats). Partaking in the mystique of the charming surroundings characterized by rice paddy fields and coconut groves adding to the green hue of this unique ecosystem is simply paradisiacal experience.

Houseboat cruises in backwaters of Alapuzza is one of the most popular attractions and allure of Kerala tourism

Alleppey or Alappuzha as it is now known, is fondly referred to as “Venice of East” by virtue of its large network of canals and is the most popular Kerala Backwaters destination. Vembanad, the largest fresh water lake in India is another major destination and is known for green tourism initiatives. The things to do include houseboat cruises which can last as long as 2 nights, fishing with permission and boat races which are part of the vibrant culture of Kerala.

Ketuvallams traditionally used to be rice barge are the USP of backwater tourism with 2000 Ketuvallams of different categories plying the backwaters of Kerala

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Kovalam Beach

Literally meaning coconut groves by the sea, Kovalam burst into international scene with arrival of hippies in the early seventies. This once haven of budget travelers is now an exclusive destination in Kerala thanks to rapid infrastructural development to keep pace with modernity and expectations of tourists assembling to this beach paradise. 

There so much to be savored in Kovalam when it comes to ideal vacations in Kerala. Salubrious weather, palm fringed beaches and allure of romance pervading the ambience add up to a gratifying holiday experience in Kovalam. Three major beaches are the Lighthouse, Samudra and Hawah beaches.

Breathtaking panorama of the Arabian coastline at Kovalam, Kerala 

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Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism is gaining wide acceptance as one of the best ways to minimize the negative effects and maximize the negative one on the local ecosystem. Kerala has pioneered in adopting and implementing this holistic form of tourism to protect its fragile ecosystem and reap maximum benefits both for the local stakeholders and tourist traveling to select destinations in Kerala.

Kerala also has its own indigenous form of martial art — Kalarippayattu, derived from the words kalari ("place", "threshing floor", or "battlefield") and payattu ("exercise" or "practice")

Responsible tourism initiatives at destinations such as Kumarakom, Kovalam, Wayanad, Thekkady has proved that tourism could be an important socio-economic tool which could benefit key stakeholders such as local communities and cultural ethos and hospitality industry while significantly reducing carbon footprint of tourists and making them more aware of local tradition, culture and heritage.

A fisherman in Kerala

The responsible tourism activities include packages and experience beyond what is offered in conventional tour packages in Kerala. Responsible Tourism in Kerala- the first ever initiative in India produced significant outputs at destinations in terms of enhanced cultivation and community participation. These contributions are especially notable in the present scenario, were leading tourism destinations are finding it difficult to balance their growth in tourism activities and retain their tradition livelihoods, culture and heritage; most of which are undoubtedly the hallmarks of individual destinations.

Tea plantation add to the green hue of the hill station in Kerala near Munnar

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For more information about Kerala or destinations in Kerala, please feel free to contact me

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