How To Make The Most Of A Holiday In Kerala
Top 5 Things To Do In Kerala, South India's Tropical Paradise
Nov 30, 2008
Bordering on the Arabian sea and on the Western Ghats mountain range, Kerala one of South India's best holiday destinations. Most visitors come to Kerala between November and March to make the most of its tropical climate
Kerala used to be a centre for spice trade, and it still grows spices from cardamon and cinnamon to ginger and black pepper. Coconuts grow everywhere in Kerala and are a key ingredient in Keralan food.
Kerala is not just a tropical holiday heaven: it has the highest literacy rate in India (90%) and had the world's first elected Communist government in 1957. Kerala also has a large Muslim population, and only in Kerala it is still possible to see a Communist flag right next to an Islamic mosque.
Chill Out On Kerala's Beaches
Kerala's southernmost beach, Kovalam, used to be where the hippies hung out, but is now one of India's most developed beach resorts, in good and bad. Those looking for less action prefer Varkala, further north along the coast and famous for its seafood. In Northern Kerala beaches are much less developed. Whichever beach one chooses, a great seafood dinner is guaranteed.
Escape Heat To The Western Ghats
The Western Ghats are a forest-covered mountain range that separates Kerala from the neighbouring state of Karnataka. On the ghats grow coffee, tea and spices including Kerala's speciality, green cardamon. The ghats are the place to escape to when the beaches become too hot. Munnar, in the middle of Kerala's tea estates, is a popular hill station. The small towns of Kumily and Thekkady are entrances to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where walks in the forest are a good way to spot wild elephants.
Take A Boat Trip To Kerala's Backwaters
A classic way to travel in Kerala is a boat trip along its backwaters, a vast network of interconnected canals and rivers. There are private houseboats (kettuvallams or rice barges), day-long tourist cruises and public ferries, but all make their ways slowly along peaceful canals surrounded by coconut groves and rice fields. Many hotels in Kerala can also arrange a backwater boat trip.
Get A Keralan Ayurvedic Massage In Kerala
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system. While real Ayurveda is serious medical treatment, simple Ayurvedic massages are available everywhere in Kerala, from cheap but relaxing oil massages on the beach to 5-star spas dedicated to Ayurvedic treatments.
See A Kathakali Dance Performance In Kerala
Kathakali is a traditional Keralan dance form best known for its dancers' extraordinary colourful make-up and costumes. Performances are usually based on Hindu mythology. Traditional Kathakali dance dramas can continue all night, but shorter versions are provided for tourists.
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